1942 Queens St E: Decision Review
This property, located at 1942 Queens St E in Toronto’s eastern Beach neighbourhood, offers student housing in a mixed-use building with a bar and café on the ground floor. The monthly rent for 2026–2027 ranges from CAD 1,250 to CAD 1,450 (indicative — confirm with the operator). The unit types available are non-ensuite (shared bathroom) and apartment (private bathroom and kitchen). With a Google rating of 4.2 from 443 reviews, it has a mix of positive and critical feedback. Below is a factual breakdown to help you decide if this residence fits your needs.
Who This Residence Suits
- Students who enjoy social amenities on-site – The building contains a bar and a café. A review by Amy Thompson (5 stars) notes: “There’s a bar AND a cafe below, which was perfect for a quick beer before check-in and for morning coffee.” If you like having food and drink options steps from your door, this could be convenient.
- Couples or pairs sharing a room – Amy Thompson’s review also mentions she stayed with her boyfriend in a “deluxe queen private room.” The property offers apartment-style units that can accommodate two people, though you should confirm any additional charges with the operator.
- Students who need a short lease (minimum 6 months) – The minimum lease term is 6 months, which is shorter than many purpose-built student residences that require 12-month contracts. This suits co-op terms, exchange semesters, or shorter academic programs.
- Those who prioritise workspace – The property includes a “Workstation” tag, suggesting there are study areas or desks in the units or common areas. This is useful for students who need a quiet place to study without leaving the building.
- Residents who want laundry and Wi-Fi included – Both laundry facility and Wi-Fi are listed as available amenities. Confirming any extra costs (e.g., for laundry) is recommended.
Who This Residence Does Not Suit
- Local GTA residents – A review by Rebecca Gillis (1 star) states she was “met with an unwelcome, and no acceptions for local residents (anyone who lives in the GTA).” If you already live in the Greater Toronto Area, you may be denied booking. The operator seems to prioritise out-of-town guests or students. Verify this policy before applying.
- Students expecting a smooth check-in process – While Amy Thompson found check-in “super easy,” Chanel Vautour (2 stars) had a negative experience: “my reservation accidentally got set for the day before. When I arrived, they told me l’d be charged for the missed night because they ‘held the bed’.” If you are prone to booking errors or need flexibility, the cancellation/rescheduling policy may be strict.
- Those who need a private ensuite – The “non_ensuite” option means you share a bathroom with other residents. If you require a private bathroom, choose the apartment type, which comes with its own facilities. Confirm the exact layout with the operator.
- Budget-conscious students – The city’s starting price for student housing is CAD 150 per week (indicative — confirm with the operator). That works out to roughly CAD 600 per month. 1942 Queens St E starts at CAD 1,250 per month, which is about CAD 312 per week. While the property offers more amenities and larger spaces, it sits well above the cheapest options in Toronto. Students on a tight budget may find more affordable rooms in shared houses or university-owned residences.
What Residents Actually Say (Quoted Reviews)
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Amy Thompson (5 stars): “My boyfriend and I stayed here earlier this week for a show. We got the deluxe queen private room. I can honestly say this hostel will be hard to top! There’s a bar AND a cafe below, which was perfect for a quick beer before check-in and for morning coffee. Check-in was super easy. The room was wonderful! Super spaciou” – Note the positive experience, though the review is from a guest, not a long-term student resident. The property is listed as student housing, but some units may operate more like a hostel; clarify with the operator if you expect a full residential lease.
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Chanel Vautour (2 stars): “I was really looking forward to staying here, but my experience went downhill right from check in. While booking online, my reservation accidentally got set for the day before. When I arrived, they told me l’d be charged for the missed night because they ‘held the bed,’ even though the six bed dorm I stayed in only had” – This highlights a strict no-show policy. Students booking online must double-check dates. The operator may charge for a night even if the room was not fully occupied. Read the terms carefully.
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Rebecca Gillis (1 star): “I needed a room for 1 night to go to a sunrise ceremony I’m the area, which is at sunrise obviously. I have no vehicle so I thought to myself, rent a room locally for me and my daughter, however I was met with an unwelcome, and no acceptions for local residents (anyone who lives in the GTA). Just thought that those of ” – The policy against GTA residents is clear. If you have a Toronto address or your emergency contact is in the GTA, you may be turned away. The property appears to target non-local students or travellers.
Price Positioning vs. City Starting Price
Toronto’s student housing market has a wide price range. The lowest advertised price in the city for a bed in a shared room (often with many roommates) is around CAD 150 per week (indicative — confirm with the operator). That translates to roughly CAD 600 per month for a basic room. 1942 Queens St E’s monthly range of CAD 1,250–1,450 is 2–2.4 times that entry level. Considering the location (Beach neighbourhood, which is generally more residential and quieter than the downtown core), the on-site facilities, and the private room options, the price is mid-to-high for student housing. If you want a private room with a bar/café below and a short walk to the beach, the premium may be worth it. If you are fine with a dormitory-style room further from campus, you can find cheaper alternatives.
Room-Type Guidance
- Non-ensuite: Shared bathroom. Typically lower cost within the range. Best for students who don’t mind sharing facilities and prefer to keep rent on the lower end of CAD 1,250. Check how many people share the bathroom and whether it is mixed-gender.
- Apartment: Private bathroom and kitchen. Higher cost, likely near CAD 1,450. Suitable for couples or those who want full privacy. The apartment may include a separate living area; confirm the exact unit layout.
Both types appear to include access to the bar/café, laundry, Wi-Fi, and a workstation. The “not_available” tag suggests that some unit types or dates may be sold out; inquire early.
Booking Timing
Given the “not_available” tag in the data and the strict local-resident policy, it is prudent to start your search 6–8 months before your intended move-in date for 2026 or 2027. The property has a 6-month minimum lease, so you can secure a room for a shorter term than many other residences. However, because of the mixed review history and the policy against GTA residents, you should contact the operator well in advance to confirm availability and get booking terms in writing. Avoid last-minute arrangements to prevent the date-error issue mentioned in reviews.
FAQ
Is this property close to the University of Toronto?
The address is eastern Toronto (Beach area), which is not walkable to the University of Toronto’s St. George campus downtown. Public transit via bus and streetcar takes approximately 40–60 minutes. The property is more suitable for students who prefer a quieter neighbourhood and don’t mind commuting, or those studying at satellite campuses (e.g., U of T Scarborough, which is closer). Confirm your commute time using the city’s transit app.
What is the lease length and what are the payment terms?
The minimum lease is 6 months. The monthly rent ranges from CAD 1,250 to CAD 1,450 (indicative). A security deposit is not listed in the data; ask the operator if one is required. The property may charge for missed nights or early termination. Get all fees in writing.
Can I cancel or change my reservation?
Based on Chanel Vautour’s 2-star review, the operator does not appear to forgive booking date errors. They charged her for a night that was “held” even though the dorm had availability. You should ask about the cancellation, rescheduling, and refund policy before signing any agreement.
Sources & data date
This decision review is based on data provided by the housing platform as of July 2026. All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator. Google rating: 4.2 from 443 reviews (data retrieved 2026-07). Reviews quoted verbatim from Google.
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