Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award winner Billy Porter graced Toronto last night in celebration a new free LGBTQ+, ad-driven streaming platform, The Bow – coming soon.

The star of F/X‘s Pose, won much acclaim in the Broadway community starring on Kinky Boots and continues to thrive as a Red Carpet staple. Just this year, Porter was seen in amazing Super Bowl-set Comedy 80 FOR BRADY! 

Porter before the celebration at historic El Mocambo, says “The Bow streams queer content by queer artists, for queer people. There is a Social Media component to it. When we think of high-level queer content now, most of it is adult.  And most of it are behind pay walls.”. He adds, “When I was doing Pose, it was for my community and it was behind a paywall.  At first the people we made it for couldn’t even watch it. What I love about this idea is that not only does it allow people to create, there’s also a social media component to it. But it gives Advertisers the opportunity to step up. Not just in June, but 365 days a year.”.

While speaking to KISS 92.5′s Maurie Sherman, Porter expressed strong feelings about the SAG-AFTRA strike which has Hollywood at a standstill. “I won that company an Emmy and I’m getting six cent cheques. So yeah, I’m beyond pissed off.  Yeah I’m enraged”, he says. “I talk about the tiering. What the world needs to understand is that we’re not all Tom Cruise. Actors are blue collar workers. We have 160,000 Actors in our union. 2% of those people work regularly. 80% cannot meet the $27,000 to make their medical insurance. This is where we are. I said what I said and I mean exactly what I said. Eff them for real. This is not a game!”.

Also appearing at the affair were the likes of Matthew McLaughlin (The Bow Founder), Canada’s Next Emerging Artist Nano Talrose, Canada’s International Drag Sensation Sofonda Cox, Drag Artist Lucy Flawless, Toronto’s premier R&B Gospel Inkloosiv Voices, Actress Olunike Adeliyi (CBC’s The Porter), and Actress Rakhee Morzaria (CBC‘s Run the Burbs). 

More below:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar will be released on Netflix September 27, 2023. Today we get a first look at artwork for Venice, from this latest effort from Wes Anderson.

ABOUT:
Director: Wes Anderson
Writer: Wes Anderson
Producers: Wes Anderson, Steven Rales, Jeremy Dawson
Co-Producers: Octavia Peissel, John Peet, Alice Dawson
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dev Patel, Ben Kingsley, Richard Ayoade
Runtime: 39 mins
Logline: A beloved Roald Dahl story about a rich man who learns about a guru who can see without using his eyes and then sets out to master the skill in order to cheat at gambling.

(Photo credit: Netflix)

ROJEK is representing Canada in the nomination process for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards®, to be held on March 10, 2024. The film is directed and written by Zaynê Akyol, and produced by Audrey-Ann Dupuis-Pierre, Sylvain Corbeil, and Zaynê Akyol of Métafilms. It is being distributed in Canada by Maison 4:3 and in the United States by Icarus Films.  International sales are handled by Andana Films. 

“In what may have been Canada’s most competitive year ever, ROJEK was selected by a jury of industry peers as the film to best represent Canada in the Oscar® race,” said Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO, of Telefilm Canada. “This announcement marks the beginning of an incredible journey and a one-of-a-kind opportunity for ROJEK to reach audiences around the world and give them just a taste of the quality of filmmaking that Canada has to offer. We wish Zaynê, Metafilms, and the entire creative team all the best of luck as they move forward.”

“Being chosen to represent Canada at the Oscars® with ROJEK is a tremendous honour,” said Zaynê Akyol, director, writer, and producer. “I would like to express my deep gratitude to the pan-Canadian selection committee for this recognition. Also, a sincere thank you to my dedicated team, who continually pushed the boundaries of creativity and excellence. This moment is the fruit of our shared passion and unwavering commitment to cinema and justice.”

The documentary is told in a mix of Arabic, English, French, and Kurdish. It opened in Canadian theatres on January 20, 2023, and is available for rental on all major platforms.

ROJEK premiered at the 2022 Visions du Réel Film Festival in Nyon, Switzerland. It has screened at festivals around the world, including winning the DGC Special Jury Prize – Canadian Feature Documentary at the 2022 Hot Docs Canadian International Film Festival.

As the appointed non-voting chair of the committee, Telefilm Canada organizes the annual pan-Canadian Selection Committee for Canada’s submission to the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards®.

The vote was determined by a pan-Canadian committee of industry organizations and guilds, as well as filmmakers and industry professionals appointed to represent organizations. Overall, 28 films were submitted for consideration as Canada’s Choice this year. The committee met the morning of August 24 to select the film.

So far, seven countries have submitted their entries for the Best International Feature Film category. Last year, 93 countries submitted a film.

Key dates:

October 2, 2023 – Deadline for country submissions for the Best International Feature Film category
December 21, 2023 – Academy shortlist of 15 titles selected to move forward.
January 23, 2024 – Academy Award® nominations announced
March 10, 2024 – Academy Awards® ceremony

About ROJEK

Synopsis 

ROJEK encounters incarcerated members of the Islamic State from all over the world, as well as their wives detained in prison-camps, who are sharing a common dream: establishing a caliphate. Confronted with the fundamentalist beliefs of the jihadists, the film attempts to trace the beginning, the rise and fall of the Islamic State (ISIS) through their personal stories. These conversations are the thread along which the documentary evolves, as it is intertwined with various sequences depicting current, post-war Syrian Kurdistan.

ROJEK offers an intimate gaze at an unknown reality, testifying of pivotal moments experienced by the actors of this conflict. The film tackles how this ideological war is only the beginning of a new kind of threat.

Starring Paul Mescal and Saoirse Ronan, FOE will be getting a theatrical release October 13, 2023 via Prime Video Canada.

Details:
Directed by Garth Davis
Screenplay by Iain Reid, Garth Davis
Based on the book by Iain Reid
Produced by Kerry Kohansky-Roberts, p.g.a., Garth Davis, p.g.a., Emile Sherman, p.g.a., Iain Canning, p.g.a.
Executive Produced by Dawn Olmstead, David Levine, Robert Walak, Samantha Lang, Iain Reid
Starring Saoirse Ronan, Paul Mescal, and Aaron Pierre

Academy Award nominees Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal star in Foe, a haunting exploration of marriage and identity set in an uncertain world. Hen and Junior farm a secluded piece of land that has been in Junior’s family for generations, but their quiet life is thrown into turmoil when an uninvited stranger (Aaron Pierre) shows up at their door with a startling proposal. Based on best-selling author Iain Reid’s novel, directed by Garth Davis, and co-written by Davis and Reid, Foe’s mesmerizing imagery and persistent questions about the nature of humanity (and artificial humanity) bring the not-too-distant future to luminous life

Apple TV+ today debuted the trailer for the emotionally charged and dramatic third season of its award-winning and widely acclaimed hit series, “The Morning Show,” starring and executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston. The 10-episode third season of “The Morning Show” will make its highly anticipated return on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 with the first two episodes, followed by new episodes every Wednesday through November 8, 2023.

In season three of “The Morning Show,” the stakes are high as the future of the network is thrown into question and loyalties are pushed to the brink when a tech titan takes an interest in UBA. Unexpected alliances form, private truths are weaponized, and everyone is forced to confront their core values both in and out of the newsroom. Along with Witherspoon and Aniston, the star-studded season three ensemble cast is led by Billy Crudup, Mark Duplass, Nestor Carbonell, Karen Pittman, Greta Lee, Jon Hamm, Nicole Beharie, and Julianna Margulies.

The Emmy, SAG and Critics Choice Award-winning drama, which has already received an early renewal for season four, is showrun and executive produced by Charlotte Stoudt, and directed and executive produced by Mimi Leder. The series is produced by the studio Media Res, and executive produced by Michael Ellenberg through Media Res, along with Stoudt and Leder; Aniston and Kristin Hahn executive produce through Echo Films; Witherspoon executive produces alongside Lauren Neustadter for Hello Sunshine.

Fans can catch up on the complete first and second seasons of “The Morning Show,” now streaming globally on Apple TV+.

In its first season, “The Morning Show” landed an Emmy Award for Crudup’s performance as ‘Cory Ellison,’ in addition to a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series for Aniston’s powerful performance as ‘Alex Levy.’ Director Mimi Leder has been honoured with an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series nomination for helming the season one finale. The debut season of the series also landed a Critics Choice Award, and received nominations from the Television Critics Association for Outstanding New Program and a TV Choice Award for Best New Drama.

The second season of “The Morning Show” received Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, Reese Witherspoon; Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, Billy Crudup, who also won the award for season one; and, Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series, Marcia Gay Harden.

Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favourite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 373 wins and 1,551 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”

Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $8.99 per month with a seven-day free trial.

Time and again, the Honda Accord has proven to be a favourite of mine. It balances sophistication, practicality and performance so beautifully, a perfect pairing for an annual Summer tradition of mine, the Queen’s Plate. With King Charles’ coronation recently, the most historic horse race in North America was re-branded the King’s Plate this year. This marks the first time the race has been run under the name since 1951. The affair is a $1 million race, restricted to three-year-old horses foaled in Canada, but for some it is a celebration of fashion, with guests donning their very best for a fabulous reason to party!

The race was won this year by PARAMOUNT PRINCE, who is co-owned by Michael Langlois and Hollywood giant Gary Barber, who flew in for a very successful day which saw him win another feature race on the card, the Soaring Free Stakes, with GOLD CANARY. Jockey Patrick Husbands piloted to score, defeating stablemate ELYSIAN FIELD, a filly going up against the boys. Like the flashy and speedy Radiant Red Metallic 2023 Honda Accord EX I test drove for the day, Paramount Prince also is what you call “red” in colour, being of chestnut colouring just like Secretariat. In fact, that legend’s nickname was “Big Red”!

Interest in Horse Racing is peaking once again and there’s proof in numbers. Not only did the King’s Plate sell-out completely, wagering also hit record numbers with $18.1 million bet that day alone!

I initially was given the opportunity to test drive the 2023 Honda Accord EX a couple weeks back for a road trip. After experiencing an “emissions system problem” message (below), I had brought it into Formula Honda in Scarborough, who were amazing to give it a look and a system reset and it turned out everything was fine. When experiencing this error, the car will cap at a certain speed with a reduction in power, and it directs you to visit a dealer. This admittedly was concerning but after a check-through by trusted hands, I was assured the car was as good as new! The error message never resurfaced. Giving it a second go, I was thrilled how true to form it is with what I love about Accords. Sleek, fuel effiicient and just all-around a car I would want to drive every day!

Going over specifications, the Accord EX is powered by a 1.5-litre, 16-valve, Direct Injection, DOHC, VTEC turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It operates at 192 @ 6000 rpm horsepower, has idle stop and Eco Assist, which are a better alternative for both the environment and the wallet. Running on Regular Unleaded fuel (also with capless fuelling) it will have you second-guessing if it’s even on because it is so quiet! If you’re looking to save a bit on gas, this is your car with a Highway, City and Combined Fuel Economy of 8.6/6.4/7.3L per 100 km.

Because looks do matter when it comes to cars, the Accord EX comes with small subtle flourishes that elevate it. It has body-coloured door handles, heated power door mirrors (which fold) and a shark fin antenna. The EX is blessed with a one-touch power moonroof including a tilt feature. Proximity Entry makes it super-easy for you and we are all for no more fumbling for keys!

Honda has a way of understanding the passenger experience so well and the EX‘s dual-zone automatic climate control with air-filtration system, gets it just right. While I like it freezing cold, my Mom for example doesn’t, and that’s fine because you can have it both ways with the EX! Everybody wins.

The Driver has much flexibility with with 8-way power adjustment, including 2-way power lumbar support. The front passenger’s seat gets 4-way manual adjustment. There’s an adjustment for everyone’s comfort levels and mobility.

The marriage of phone and car is a sacred union, whether we are navigating Google Maps, streaming Spotify and receiving urgent messages on the EX’s 7″ touchscreen display. Connecting was a cinch with HandsFreeLink™-bilingual Bluetooth® wireless mobile phone interface. The EX is powered by a Bose 8-speaker Audio System, perfect for Audiophiles. Above this, the EX has steering wheel-mounted controls (cruise control, audio, telephone, Driver Information Interface) for ease of navigating while you’re busy driving.

Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines are the new norm, making parking or reversing so easy and eliminating anxieties about this. What was life actually like before cars had cameras?

The EX is packed with Active Safety features including 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Auto high beam; Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS®); Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system; Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system; Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS); Blind Spot Information (BSI) system; Rear Cross Traffic Monitor system; Traffic Jam Assist; Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system; Traffic sign recognition (HS); and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) with Traction Control. All needed for those months we get great and not-so-predictable weather!

Passive Safety also is a focal point. 3-point front seat belts with automatic tensioning system; Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure reducing shock and impact in the event of a collision; Childproof rear door locks i-SRS airbag system (front); Front knee airbags; Rear side airbags; HondaLink™ Assist; Automatic Emergency Response System; Side curtain airbags with rollover sensor system; and SmartVent™ side airbags are there to protect you and your loved ones. Also, the EX comes with a Security System and Find My Car/Vehicle Locator features for added piece of mind.

In all, a real gem, reinforcing why exactly test-driving the Accord is always a joy. The 2023 Honda Accord EX starts at $31,000 CAN.

Our King’s Plate experience highlights:

The 2023 Honda Accord EX starts at $31,000 CAN.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Honda HR-Vs and Road Trips. Name me a better pairing! We haven’t really been able to have much of a Summer admittedly. All we’ve done is grieve and ignore Spam Calls on our phone it felt like. So this was our last hurrah before being inundated with what looks to be a busy Fall ahead.

For our road trip to Saratoga, we actually were planning originally for a Sedan, but as it turned out, the 2023 Honda HR-V EX-L was just meant to be our partner. And everything was so much better because of it. Whether it be its outstanding fuel economy, spaciousness or just the sheer feeling of security and comfort it gave me and my passengers, it really isn’t tough finding reasons to love about it! So many amazing memories created in this SUV for all reasons and seasons!

The HR-V EX-L is powered 16-Valve DOHC VTEC® engine and operating with 158 @ 6500 rpm horsepower, it commands the road with a great presence. Others certainly take notice when you pull-up in an HR-V. It comes with among others, an ECON Mode and its fuel economy tallies-in at 9.4 L/100km highway and 7.8 L/100km in the city. It runs on Regular Unleaded fuel and it all begins with a push-button start. Venturing to the U.S., it was a huge treat seeing their comparably lower fuel prices. I just couldn’t stop filling-up every chance I got!

We are all about the entertainment options as these comprise a big part of our daily drives. The HR-V is at the tip of your fingers with a 7-Inch Driver Information Interface Screen. While it already comes with a litany of charging port options for driver and passenger, its Wireless Phone Charger (Qi-Compatible) makes things easier, although a vertical phone placement while charging would make it a bit easier, especially for navigation purposes since the HR-V doesn’t have the Google Maps feature enabled yet on its menu options. We are a fan of its 180-Watt Audio System with 6 Speakers and the ease of connectnig via Bluetooth.

We love its user sensibilities, equipped with an Automatic Climate Control System and the Driver’s Seat comes with 8-way power adjustment. Though it doesn’t have seat coolers which would be handy in the Summer, it certainly does have heated seating which will be a real MVP in the coming cooler months. Things like Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock make life just that little bit easier, getting rid of that additionl worry should you forgot to lock your doors.

The HR-V is concerned with the passenger experience as much as it is the Driver. It comes with second-row reading lights and of course, many USB ports because we all love to stay connected. Seating is very cozy and beanie can vouch for this as she napped comfortably at the back the whole drive! And how cute we’d get Rear Seat Reminder alerts that she was in the back every time we were about to get out of the HR-V!

Style and details are important as well and the HR-V comes with a rear roofline spoiler. It has a distinctive fin-type roof-mounted antenna, plus body-colured door handles. The HR-V we test drove was in Crystal Black Pearl and its rear privacy glass, helped elevate its appearance with an elegant black-on-black. It also comes with a spectacular moonroof and proudly shows off its 17-inch machine-finished alloy wheels with shark-gray inserts.

We don’t remember what it was like to drive without the convenience of a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera.… and we’re not about to walk down memory lane! Dynamic Guidelines on the camera make parallel parking and reversing much less daunting a task!

In terms of Active Safety features, the HR-V is armed with Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control; Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS); Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); Forward Collision Warning (FCW); Lane Departure Warning (LDW); Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) and more. The Honda Sensing® feature enables Drivers to detect and take action to avoid situations such as one-car accidents, collisions, pedestrian injuries, and missed road signs.  We appreciate Traffic Jam Assist, its Blind Spot Information System (BSI) with Cross Traffic Monitor and its Traffic Sign Recognition System, which was super-handy travelling on roads and highways we weren’t too familiar with on our trip.

Passive Safety features here are abundant also, including Enhanced Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure – a design that uses a network of front frame structures to absorb and deflect the energy from a frontal collision. The Driver and Front Passenger are protected by: Front Side Airbags, Advanced Front Airbags (SRS); Knee Airbags (SRS), Advanced Front Airbags (SRS); Rear Outboard Passenger’s Side Airbags; plus Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor. Honda is pulling-out all the stops to protect us and it is exemplary.

We had the most spectacular adventure in the 2023 Honda HR-V EX-L. A reel of highlights!

So many awesome memories made!

While it might not have some of the bells and whistles that are available in some of the newer Sedans from Honda, the HR-V had us feeling secure and protected on our drives and for this reason alone we would be willing to make that compromise!

The 2023 Honda HR-V EX-L starts at $39,263.10 CAN.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The Hazelton Hotel, the only Forbes Five Star independent boutique hotel in Canada located in the heart of Yorkville, today unveiled plans to rename their state-of-the-art screening room as the Norman Jewison Cinema in celebration of the iconic Canadian filmmaker. Since opening its doors in 2007, the hotel has been a hub for the film and entertainment industry. With recent renovations and new DCP projection capabilities, the hotel remains the premier destination for exceptional cinematic experiences and events.

Today, The Hazelton Hotel confirms their continued commitment to cinematic arts and is honoured to recognize director Norman Jewison, whose films (which include Moonstruck, Jesus Christ Superstar, Fiddler on the Roof and In The Heat of the Night) have collectively received 46 nominations and won 12 Academy Awards®. The Norman Jewison Cinema aims to celebrate his many contributions to the film industry, including founding the Canadian Film Centre in 1988.

“I am pleased to have this beautiful cinema at The Hazelton Hotel in Toronto named in my honour. There is nothing better than watching a film on the big screen! I’d like to thank everyone at The Hazelton Hotel for this generous tribute” said Norman Jewison of the recognition.

The Norman Jewison Cinema will be officially unveiled on Monday, September 11 during the Toronto International Film Festival when The Hazelton Hotel hosts an exclusive
private event. The hotel anticipates high-profile guests from the global film and entertainment industry and previous collaborators of Jewison’s to be in attendance.

“Norman is a national treasure that has always made Canada his home and yet had global success as one of the great directors of all time. He is beyond an inspiration and mentor
that has inspired some of the most iconic cinematic storytelling” says filmmaker Barry Avrich who facilitated the theatre naming.

The Norman Jewison Cinema will be officially unveiled on Monday, September 11 during the Toronto International Film Festival when The Hazelton Hotel hosts an exclusive
private event. The hotel anticipates high-profile guests from the global film and entertainment industry and previous collaborators of Jewison’s to be in attendance.

“Norman is a national treasure that has always made Canada his home and yet had global success as one of the great directors of all time. He is beyond an inspiration and mentor
that has inspired some of the most iconic cinematic storytelling” says filmmaker Barry Avrich who facilitated the theatre naming.

20th Century Studios Canada x Mr. Will want to give readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of A HAUNTING IN VENICE.

Screenings take place as follows on Thursday, September 7, 2023:

TORONTO

Varsity Theatre

7:00PM

VANCOUVER

Fifth Avenue

7:00PM

Synopsis:

“A Haunting in Venice” is set in eerie, post-World War II Venice on All Hallows’ Eve and is a terrifying mystery featuring the return of the celebrated sleuth, Hercule Poirot. Now retired and living in self-imposed exile in the world’s most glamorous city, Poirot reluctantly attends a séance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. When one of the guests is murdered, the detective is thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets.

Reuniting many of the filmmakers behind 2017’s “Murder on the Orient Express” and 2022’s “Death on the Nile,” the film is directed by Kenneth Branagh with a screenplay by Oscar® nominee Michael Green based upon Agatha Christie’s novel “Hallowe’en Party.” The producers are Kenneth Branagh, p.g.a., Judy Hofflund, p.g.a., Ridley Scott, and Simon Kinberg, with Louise Killin, James Prichard, and Mark Gordon serving as executive producers.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. In the comments there, indicate for us your City. Re-Tweet the below for an extra chance. And guess what? We’re now on Threads! You can enter there too! Be sure to follow!

Rules and regulations here.

20th Century Studios Canada release A HAUNTING IN VENICE Septemnber 15, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios Canada)

It’s been a major case of summertime blues for me. The year started pretty great, with the world finally opening up again to a semblance of what it was. Mask regulations were lifted and events are now back at full capacity. But for me personally, there have been a lot of losses of late. I lost my Dad after several bouts with his health over the past year, and some friends and heroes whom I look up to have passed as well in recent months. I was desperately in need of a recharge. While vacations don’t solve all our problems, sometimes that’s all we need to bring us that bit of light when our shine has been diminished.

Saratoga Springs, New York (nicknamed “The Spa”) has always been a happy place for me. Located in upstate New York, the city is just about seven hours from Toronto, proudly sporting its official slogan upon arrival, “Health, History and Horses”. Not to be confused with Sarasota, because many friends think I’m off to Florida when I say I’m going to this beautiful summer treasure!

Water from these Springs have diverse characteristics, healing properties and a distinct flavour. Saratoga Springs water is said to have magic healing powers that help with skin ailments, assist with digestion, and more.

It is no mystery how much I love horses and every summer for a 40-day meet, among the very best in Horse Racing congregate at charming Saratoga Race Course to enjoy the sport at its highest level. The meet draws people from all over. The venue, donning its distinctive red and white stripe motif throughout, recalls traditions of yesteryear, but with modern amenities and flourishes that have connected its spirit to a new generation of attendees who either grew up like me around the sport, or just want to come out showing off their summer’s best hats and fascinators. Once the meet ends, the city with a population of just under 30,000, goes back to its regular pace as a trendy college town. Saratoga Springs is a destination of incredible taste, refinement and sophistication that somehow manages to always feel fresh.

BOOKING.COM makes it easy – and on short notice!

Because the demand is great to be in Saratoga Springs between late July to early September, finding accommodations can be pricey and difficult. BOOKING.COM makes it super easy to filter a search on their user-friendly website and App (iPhone, iPad and Android-ready). The latter is used by over 100 million monthly active users globally. You can filter your search with the options you really want from their pool of 28 million reported listings with 30 different types of places to stay. Whether you’re looking for a villa, treehouse, cottage, or a boutique hotel, Booking.com truly has it all, everywhere. 

If, like me, you are known to travel on little notice, this can limit your options. BOOKING.COM made finding accommodations rather simple, narrowing down properties within a close driving distance to Saratoga Springs. Trust me, hotels here fill up months in advance, and sometimes I really don’t know if I’ll be travelling till much later than that. You’ll be relieved to know that on Booking.com, there often is an option for full refund before a particular date because the unavoidable happens!

I landed upon the stunning Desmond Hotel in Albany, New York, a scenic 25 minute drive away from my ultimate destination. Not only is proximity important. I come with a very specific set of requirements. When choosing a place to stay, I rely on reviews from actual people who have stayed at the property. BOOKING.COM has more than 283 million verified reviews from real guests who have stayed at each accommodation and booked through them. Based on this, I was able to filter my search to properties with a minimum “8.5” rating and up. The Desmond Hotel hit the mark.

Above this, I don’t travel without my beloved dog beanie and while searching “pet-friendly” accommodations, this requirement eliminated some wonderful establishments from consideration for me. On the flipside, it also paired me with a place that welcomed us and those who like mindedly don’t exclude our furry loved ones from our trips.

Travelling sustainably is also super important to me nowadays and with BOOKING.COM’s search filters, I was able to see that The Desmond is a “Level 1” Travel Sustainable Property. This means that they have implemented some impactful sustainability practices. Another thing we love about BOOKING.COM is that you can also look for properties with a “Travel Proud” badge, showing their commitment to understand and help overcome the challenges LGBTQ+ travellers face. We support businesses that support inclusivity and diversity.

If accessibility options are important to you, BOOKING.COM has filters for disabled guests, the ability to look for places that offer electric vehicle charging stations, and many more details that people might need at their accommodation.

THE DESMOND

While this hotel at first glance doesn’t appear to be particularly towering in the classic sense of a hotel, it is rather expansive horizontally. Each of its three floors are packed with rooms. There are in fact, 323 guest rooms, plus a litany of conference rooms, a 24/7 fitness facility, a restaurant (Mr. D’s – named after founder John K. Desmond, Jr.) and a beautiful indoor courtyard with greenery and a pond that is home to beautiful Koi fish. Though we drove in in an amazing 2023 Honda HRV supplied by Honda Canada, the hotel is literally right beside the Albany Airport and they offer shuttles to the airport for those who need it. The hotel lobby also features a monitor display showing upcoming departure times, a mindful added touch for those travellers flying.

Rooms bestow an elegant, thoughtful decor and here I had the pleasure of staying in a Double Queen Guest Room that could host four people easily. This was one of the best sleeps I’ve had in quite some time, with curtains that shut-out the light completely. beanie can vouch for this – she hogged the bed! In an effort to be eco-conscious, room refreshing can be done by request. We’re of the mindset that we don’t wash our towels and sheets daily at home, and wouldn’t expect the same on vacation at a hotel. There is an abundance of USB charging ports which is important, Wi-Fi, a large desk, an HDTV and temperature controls which I took advantage of.

Many hotels talk about being “pet-friendly”, but are they really? The Desmond has a grassy outdoor courtyard where dogs can stretch their legs and do their business, complete with thoughtful bag dispenser stations and bins ready as well. This means a lot, alleviating the stress of having to go far in an area we weren’t too familiar with. Parking is also free.

Attractions

BOOKING.COM has an ATTRACTIONS feature that offers users access to things to do in over 1,200 cities with over 39,000 curated bookable attractions and experiences, like tours, museums, activities, theme parks, rentals, and more. Though we know Saratoga Springs quite well, we know there is never a shortage of places to shop along their Broadway District, including delightful apparel shops or Saratoga Marketplace with numerous quality products from local retailers. If you love big box U.S. stores too like me, you’ll be pleased to know that there are super-sized versions of these in Saratoga Springs. And while you’re doing all this, why not take your furry loved one for a Spa Day of their own in “The Spa”?

Much of the action in this city centers around spectacular Saratoga Race Course in the summer. Last year alone, 1,075,586 fans visited over the span of their 40-day meet, enjoying horse racing at its highest level. The track is the world’s oldest major sports facility, having opened in 1863, and has seen legends gallop over its turf and dirt surfaces. The Oklahoma Training Track is open in the morning to the public to come see their favourite athletes train, with free parking during those hours. All of this is also a short walk away from the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, which opened in 1950 to commemorate those people and horses who have made a significant impact on the sport.

The meet at Saratoga Race Course includes marquee races which ultimately are precursors to deciding which athletes are crowned champions in North America at the Eclipse Awards at the culmination of the 2023 season. Important races include the Travers, Alabama, Test, Ballerina and the Whitney Stakes, all of which we were there for. The latter is a Grade I race valued at $1 million, named in honour of the influential Whitney family whom for generations had a huge impact on Saratoga, and this year was won by the striking gray horse WHITE ABARRIO ridden by unstoppable North American leading jockey, Irad Ortiz, Jr., for owners C Two Racing Stable & Antonio Pagnano and trainer Richard E. Dutrow Jr.

The heavy favourite going into the race was CODY’S WISH, owned by industry leaders Godolphin LLC and trained by iconic Bill Mott. The horse is named after a boy named Cody Dorman, who is living with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome and saw his fateful “Make-a-Wish” come true when the horse took to the boy right away. This horse has gone on to win close to $2.5 million and is widely regarded as one of the best horses in training.

The Card on Whitney Stakes day was stacked with stars and gave us the honour of seeing top three-year-old filly PRETTY MISCHIEVOUS, who won the Grade I Test Stakes. Just this past May, she won the prestigious $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks, the female companion race to the Kentucky Derby..

Last but not least, one of my favourite parts of Saratoga Springs is Beekman Street, a mecca of art, culture and food. Galleries, pubs, shops and restaurants line this charming and low key residential district if you want that downtown vibe minus all the traffic and congestion.

A full Album of photos taken at Saratoga Race Course here.

Dining

Saratoga Springs is a place of taste. Having been a few times over the years, my favourites align with those of locals. Hattie’s for Fried Chicken. Sweet Mimi’s Cafe for brunch and pastries – the Cinammon bread was recommended to me by owner Jeanette and I’m sold! The hotspots on weekends can see hour-long queues, so get there early and they offer free coffee for those in the queue. Uncommon Grounds makes a truly perfect bouncy Bagel, so we get why there are 30-minute queues. The Love & Lox is a hit. Historic Adelphi Hotel (also available as a property on BOOKING.COM) has been providing visitors top tier accommodations since 1877 and it houses some great spots to dine, like Salt & Char, plus a dog-friendly patio at Morrissey’s Lounge with its trendy menu spanning Asian, Italian and classic American. The Local Pub and Teahouse serves comforting pub fare and is very popular with locals. Their tender, melty Short Rib over mashed potatoes is perfection. Taverna Novo also provides an intimate and special experience if you love Italian. The latter two are on Beekman Street.

The food options at Saratoga Race Course are also great. They have their own Shake Shack and you absolutely must get the exclusive “Sloppy Track” milkshake. The track also has a branch of aforementioned Hattie’s, plus bars like the Easy Goer and Fourstardave, named after iconic racehorses who made their mark locally.Though we wish we got to spend more time in Albany, we were wowed by breakfast at trendy The Scene. This cafe has cocktails and coffee on its menu, plus several brunch options. Thoroughly enjoyed my Scenewich and Cinnamon Toast Latte set against an aesthetically-pleasing backdrop.

Niagara… Because why not?

With it being a seven hour drive to Saratoga Springs, it’s important to take proper breaks along the way. We chose Hilton Garden Inn which is also available via BOOKING.COM and rated a strong 8.6 as calculated by user reviews. This hotel is just minutes from the Falls and equally close to wineries in the region. In addition, it boasts a remarkable Level 3 Travel Sustainable badge, a distinction reserved only for those accommodations that have made large investments and efforts to implement impactful sustainability practices. They are also pet-friendly, with grassy areas for your pet to go and thoughtful bag dispensers for your convenience. Did I mention that beanie got a welcome bag upon arrival? It’s honestly the little touches that make you want to share your experience with others! You’re literally across the road from the Outlet Collection at Niagara, or you can save up for cross-border shopping seeing that you’re only minutes from the U.S. All this, plus free parking!

Our drive to Saratoga saw new revamped Applegreen Service Stations, which were actually quite amazing, giving us reasons to stop and recharge, and making that drive bearable! Dunkin’ Donuts, Panera, Popeyes, Shake Shacks and more, plus a chance to fill up on some reasonably priced fuel. America is so spoiled!

BOOKING.COM made it easy to plan this unforgettable trip. And they aren’t just for booking a place to stay. BOOKING.COM offers flights, car rentals, taxis, activities, all of which can be organized into one place – the BOOKING.COM app or website. No more rifling through different confirmation emails from different companies – keep your itinerary streamlined and simple. 

And with BOOKING.COM’s Rewards & Wallet feature, you can apply earned cash value to selected flight bookings, selected property bookings, any car rental bookings, any attraction bookings, any taxi bookings, and any insurance that you add to your trip through Booking.com.

Summer’s almost over. Isn’t it time you took a moment to recharge?

Grab a seat and join us on our journey to Saratoga Springs. A Reel of Highlights:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)