Quaint, historic and a haven for wine lovers, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a perfect weekend destination if you’re into long breakfasts, hazy afternoons, and of course reveling in all nature has to offer.
Offering an abundance of accommodations from hotels to bed and breakfasts, finding a place to stay can be an arduous task, if you consider they are 300 B&B’s in the area. To save you time, we’ve highlighted a few of our favourites.
Oban Inn
A historic property, renovated extensively in 2006, the Oban Inn is tucked away from the downtown boutiques, almost overlooking Lake Ontario. Featuring a much more modern aesthetic than what you’ll typically find in the area, all of the 26 guestrooms feature LCD plasma TV’s, BOSE sound system, luxurious robes and plush beds. On site is a full-service spa, with a state-of-the-art exercise facility, pool, steam room and outdoor hot spring. Dining-wise, the restaurant focuses on local flavours, offering a concise dinner menu with dishes like Wine Braised Lamb Shank and Icy Waters Arctic Char.
Rooms start at $260 in the summer and $150 in the winter.
obaninn.com
160 Front St., P.O. Box 94
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
1-866-359-6226
Shaw Club Hotel & Spa
Directly located across from the Shaw Festival Theatre, the Shaw Club Hotel & Spa is designed to feel like a private club (rather than your typical hotel) with sophisticated guestrooms complete with king-sized beds, Egyptian cotton linens, down pillows, an iPod docking station and plasma TV. We’re also fans of the buffet style Continental breakfast included in your room rate at the on-site restaurant Zees Grill. Also on the property is the Shaw Spa, featuring unique vinotherapy treatment, which uses antioxidants found in grape seeds and grape skins to help combat anti-aging.
Rooms start at $270 in the summer and $159 in the winter.
shawclub.com
92 Picton St., P.O. Box 642
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
1-800-511-7070
Pillar and Post
Transport yourself back in time at the Pillar and Post hotel originally built in the 1890’s as a canning factory. While the lobby and building itself have historic touches, the 122 guestrooms feature contemporary furnishings with standard hotel amenities and other touches like 300-thread count sheets, LCD TV, and daily newspaper delivery. For a casual dining experience the Cannery Restaurant serves up steaks, seafood and delicious brick oven pizzas, then take the day in poolside with a drink from the Vintages Wine Bar and Lounge. The best R&R however is definitely at the 100 Fountain Spa. Voted as the #1 Spa in North America by the Spas of America in 2010, the 13,00 square-foot interior is the perfect place to unwind. A heated indoor saltwater pool, hot spring, a fitness centre, and a plush lounge are all at your disposal.
Rooms start at $249/night.
vintage-hotels.com
48 John St., P.O. Box 1011
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
1-888-669-5566