SIAM Workshop on Validating Computing, May 23-25, 2002, Westin Harbour Castle Hotel, Toronto, Canada

Hotel Information

Location | Identification/Currency Exchanges | Goods/Services Tax | Shipments | Reservations | Deposit | Cancellations | Check-in/out | Parking | Hotel Room-Sharing | Climate | Fax/E-mail | Tourist Info | Phone Messages


Location

Westin Harbour Castle Hotel
1 Harbour Square
Toronto, Ontario M5J 1A6, Canada
416-869-1600 Direct Telephone
416-361-7448 Fax Reservation
800-WESTIN-1Toll Free (US and Canada Only)
www.westin.com

Note: To enter Canada, you must provide proof of citizenship. Accepted forms of ID include a birth certificate and photo ID or a valid passport.

Toronto is Canada’s largest and most diverse city, home to over 100 cultures. The Westin Harbour Castle Hotel lies in the very heart of Toronto, on the shores of Lake Ontario. The Westin Harbour Castle allows guests to relax in luxury and comfort, offering a wide selection of on-site dining and friendly service.

The hotel is located just minutes from Toronto’s business center and is only a short walk from major attractions such as the Air Canada Centre, the SkyDome, and the CN Tower, as well as the Theatre District. Dining options include 24 hour room service, a Lobby Lounge, the Mizzen Restaurant, Toula Toronto and the Chartroom Restaurant. An indoor pool, a fitness facility and a whirlpool/hot tub are also provided for Westin Harbour Castle guests.

Identification and Currency Exchange

Citizens and legal residents of the U.S. do not need passports, but they are preferred. Native-born U.S. citizens should have a birth or voter’s certificate showing citizenship and photo identification. Naturalized citizens need a naturalization certificate or other evidence of citizenship. Permanent residents (non-U.S. citizens) need their alien registration cards.

Attendees coming from countries other than the United States may require a visa to enter Canada. When making your travel plans, be sure to consult with the Canadian Consulate or Embassy in your country to determine whether a visa is required.

Every 30 days, returning US residents are allowed to take back $400 (retail value) worth of duty free merchandise provided they have been out of the US for 48 hours.

US funds can be changed into Canadian funds at any bank or exchange house; some identification may be required. Most places accept American currency, but banks and exchange houses give the best exchange rate. Other foreign currency needs to be changed at "special exchange house" located at the airport and train station. Ask your hotel concierge for other locations. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

Goods and Services Tax

The goods and services tax (GST) is a 7% tax that is charged on most goods and services sold or provided in Canada. Foreign visitors to Canada can apply for a rebate on the GST paid on accommodations (up to 30 nights per visit) and on goods purchased in Canada and subsequently exported within 60 days of purchase. We will supply all registered meeting attendees with information regarding the "Tax Refund For Visitors" program.

Shipment of Workshop Material

The service of a customs brokerage firm is strongly recommended for all shipments originating outside of Canada. This will eliminate the possibility of materials being held at the border by Canada Customs due to improper or insufficient documentation resulting in these same materials arriving too late or not at all to the hotel. Mendelssohn has been appointed as "official customs broker." Please contact the Toronto Mendelssohn office directly at the following phone numbers to assist you with your customs needs.

Do not ask SIAM. Please go directly to our Canadian contact.

Reservations

SIAM is holding a block of rooms at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. These rooms are being held on a first-come first-served basis at the following discounted rates:

Reservation deadline – Thursday, April 18, 2002

Room Rates: Single/Double:$146.00 USD
All rates are subject to prevailing state and local occupancy taxes.

These rooms will be held for SIAM’s exclusive use until Thursday, April 18, 2002 only. Please be aware that SIAM’s room block fills quickly, so we suggest you make your hotel and travel plans early. Reservations made after April 18, 2002 will depend on availability and the above rates may not be in effect.

We urge you to make your reservations immediately as we expect a large turnout for this meeting. Fax (416-361-7448) or mail the Hotel Reservation Form directly to the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. You may also make your reservation by phone (800-WESTIN-1or 416-869-1600). When making your reservation by phone, be certain to identify yourself as an attendee of the SIAM Workshop on Validated Computing to receive the discounted rate. Remember to get your confirmation number! Your support in staying at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel helps keep SIAM meeting costs down, which directly affects you as a member.

Deposit

Westin Harbour Castle Hotel requires a deposit equivalent to one night's room rate to guarantee your reservation. The hotel accepts American Express, Mastercard, VISA, Diners Club, Japan Credit Bureau or Discover as a form of payment. The hotel will send out written confirmations upon request.

Cancellations

If you need to change or cancel your reservation, you must contact the hotel by 5:00 PM at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled arrival in order to receive a refund of your one night's deposit.

Check In and Check Out

Check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out time is 12:00 PM.

Parking

Self-parking is available for hotel guests at approximately $9 USD per day. Valet parking is approximately $15 USD a day. Both include unlimited in and out privileges.

Hotel Room-Sharing List

A hotel room-sharing list is available for those who wish to share a room with another attendee at the conference to reduce expenses. If you are interested in finding a roommate, please fill in and submit the Hotel Room-Sharing List Form. SIAM can only give you the name of other interested attendees; it is up to you to make the arrangements.

Climate

The average May temperatures for Toronto are a high of 61° F and low of 45° F. Please remember that meeting-room temperatures and personal comfort zones vary widely. It is recommended you bring a sweater or jacket to the sessions.

Fax and E-mail Capabilities

SIAM cannot offer e-mail access for individual attendees. We suggest you bring your own laptop computer and use the telephone line in your room. If you do not have your own personal laptop computer, the hotel business office offers this service at a nominal fee.

Tourist Information

Please visit www.city.toronto.on.ca to learn more about the city of Toronto. The Westin Harbour Castle Hotel web site is www.westin.com.

Phone Messages

To reach attendees or to leave a message, call 416-869-1600. The hotel will either connect you with the SIAM registration desk or forward a message to the attendee's room.

VC02 Home VC02 Home


©2002 Society for Industrial & Applied Mathematics
Designed by Donaghy's Web Consulting
Created: 1/24/02; Last Updated: 5/13/02