Sheraton Gateway: Wellness at Pearson Airport

It’s important to stay healthy during a trip. And there’s one airport hotel I discovered that truly commits to wellness—layering it into design, sleep, dining, and even the way you move through the building. Look no further than YYZ, Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, and focus your attention on the Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport.

Not only is this prized property the ultimate in convenience—it is, after all, the only hotel connected to Terminal 3. But, moreover, the hotel is full of wellness options within Canada’s busiest aviation hub, which handles tens of millions of passengers annually. That scale matters.

So does the ability to step off a flight and into a space that prioritizes calm, comfort, and circadian recovery. So much so that even if you can’t spend the night, there’s a room category for that. It’s called the Guestroom Day Pass—a clever solution for travelers caught between time zones, delays, or long layovers who need a proper reset: a shower, a nap, a quiet place to recalibrate.

On a recent international flight that had us up at the crack of dawn, I wasn’t taking chances–missing flights or navigating pre-dawn highways into the airport’s orbit.  Normally, I would brave the black indigo sky and arrive at the airport in the wee hours, but this time, I had a plus one: my sister-in-law, traveling in from out of town.

The plan is simple. Book a night at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport. I do so for a couple of reasons. This hotel continues to stack up accolades, including recognition from the World Travel Awards, where it has been named among Canada’s leading airport hotels. The trophies are not tucked away—they’re ideally positioned in the lobby, a subtle signal that this is no ordinary airside stay.

The other reason? I want to understand what makes this Canada’s leading airport—consistently ranked among North America’s best for connectivity and passenger experience.  

Here’s the hotel scoop.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

The only in-terminal Toronto airport hotel with direct access to Terminal 3, this landmark address is accessible to Terminal 1 via a reliable, frequently running rapid light rail system. For folks heading downtown, the Union Pearson Express—Toronto’s dedicated airport rail link—connects travelers to historic Union Station in approximately 25 minutes.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The Sheraton Gateway Hotel underwent a major refurbishment in 2021, and the results show. Guests enter via a sleek glass bridge from Terminal 3, or ascend from the parking structure into a lobby that hums with energy. There’s a buzz in the air. Future guests cue to check in, air crew shuffles in, and there’s a group of families corralling strollers and baggage carts off to their adventure.

The design leans into a modern cosmo vibe. There are clean lines, natural materials, and a palette that soothes rather than overstimulates. To one side of the check-in, a layered lounge unfolds—part living room, part library. Sculptural shelving displays curated books, objects, and greenery. Succulents and vases soften the edges. Travelers sink into upholstered seating, scrolling, sipping, decompressing. The architecture invites pause, an intentional counterpoint to the kinetic energy of the terminal beyond.

SHERATON GATEWAY HOTEL  HIGHLIGHTS

Wellness reveals itself in thoughtful increments throughout the property.

The Collaborative Sheraton Studios—private, tech-enabled meeting spaces—offer a quiet refuge for small groups or solo work sessions. They’re designed for comfort and focus, with ergonomic seating and integrated technology that supports productivity without overwhelming.

Then there are the day-use options. The Guestroom Day Pass and Club Lounge Day Pass transform idle airport hours into restorative intervals. Instead of pacing terminals, travelers retreat into climate-controlled calm—where hydration, nourishment, and rest are within arm’s reach.

And for physical renewal? A 24-hour heated indoor pool, whirlpool, and fully equipped fitness centre—including a Peloton studio—deliver a complete wellness circuit. Whether it’s a pre-flight swim to loosen travel-weary muscles or a late-night spin session to shake off jet lag, the hotel meets you where you are.

ROOM PLUSES

I upgraded to the Sheraton Club Lounge Access. Room 832 on the Club Level morphs into our airport hotel sanctuary. The first thing I notice: silence. The windows are engineered with enhanced acoustic insulation, effectively muting the constant choreography of takeoffs and landings. Yet visually, the runway is right there—a theatre of motion. Planes taxi, lift, descend. It’s mesmerizing. “Kids would love this,” laughs Bev. “It’s built-in entertainment.”

Design details lean into calm. Muted tones of natural wood, copper accents, and sky-blue hues echo the horizon. Textures—leather headboards, patterned wall coverings, soft textiles—add depth without clutter.

ROOM INCLUSIONS

Inclusions elevate the stay: high-speed Wi-Fi, breakfast buffet, all-day refreshments, and evening hors d’oeuvres in the Club Lounge. Even the in-room coffee program nods to comfort, with Starbucks coffee and espresso-based options ready at the touch of a button.

And then—the bed. Sheraton’s signature sleep system delivers exactly what it promises: a plush pillow-top mattress, cloud-like duvet, and pillows that cradle rather than collapse. It’s engineered for deep rest. Add blackout curtains and a controlled room temperature, and you slip into sleep almost instantly—no small feat before an early departure.

We request a wake-up call—a feature I still value as a reliable backup. It’s handled seamlessly.

The bathroom continues the wellness narrative. Marble finishes, a walk-in shower and tub combination, and thoughtful amenities—robes, slippers, hair nets—create a spa-like environment.

HOTEL PERKS

Across the hotel, micro-environments invite you to slow down. The Phone Booth is one such space—a glass-enclosed nook with a vintage photograph of Old Toronto, a counter, and a comfortable seat. It’s designed for privacy, for quiet calls, for a moment of solitude in an otherwise connected world.

Circulation areas are wide, intuitive, and uncluttered. Lighting is warm, never harsh. Even these architectural choices contribute to a broader wellness ethos: reduce sensory overload, enhance ease of movement, and create pockets of calm.

EATS

Dining centres around &More by Sheraton, the hotel’s signature restaurant and bar. But with Club Lounge access, we opt for a more private experience—ordering from the &More menu and dining in a space that feels like an elevated living room.

Shelves lined with books, curated décor, and plush seating create an atmosphere that encourages lingering. We settle into oversized chairs—our own little cocoon within the lounge—and let the world fade out.

The menu reflects Toronto’s diversity. From the “Taste of Canada” section (yes, poutine makes an appearance) to globally inspired shareables and pizzas, there’s a range without excess.

We go straight for the Tuna Poke Bowl. It arrives vibrant and layered: sashimi-grade yellowfin tuna atop marinated mushrooms, creamy avocado, pickled onions, cucumber, pineapple salsa, and a spicy aioli—all resting on jasmine rice with seaweed salad. It’s fresh, balanced, and deeply satisfying. One word: yum.

Cocktails lean creative—Runway Caesar, Find Your Zen, Garden Party Dome—while non-alcoholic options like the Cucumber Spritz and Sunshine Fix cater to mindful drinkers. Hydration, flavor, and choice equal wellness in liquid form.

Need more wellness perks? There’s a 24-hour heated pool, whirlpool, and fitness centre with a Peloton studio. WE found accessing the pool a tad funny as we had to stroll past the reservations desk, catering to a line-up of guests waiting to check in. If you’re okay clad in a bathrobe or your pool garb, passing by in your complimentary slippers, great!

FINAL IMPRESSIONS

Award-winning and beautifully reimagined, this in-terminal retreat invites deep, uninterrupted sleep from the moment your head hits the cloud-like pillow.
Wellness flows through every detail—design, dining, and downtime—leaving you restored, reset, and fully recharged.
You wake invigorated and fly forward feeling your absolute best.

Check rates for Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda, or Hotels.com.

PHOTOS: Ilona Kauremszky 

 Hotel-Scoop Columnist Ilona Kauremszky stayed at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport as a media guest.