85 Melville Street, Box 760, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada | (888) 635-3814
Located in a quiet, central waterside location
Walking distance to shops and restaurants on Queen Street
Quaint, upscale rooms with nautical touches; some have river views
All rooms have gas fireplaces, and most have whirlpool tubs
Free daily wine tasting
Free hot, made-to-order breakfast
Free Wi-Fi and free parking
Guests can use fitness centers at sister properties
Fewer amenities than larger chain hotels
No restaurant or fitness center on-site
For guests who love the charm of a bed and breakfast, but want privacy and an upscale feel, the quiet Harbour House Hotel delivers. The large, contemporary rooms have nautical-inspired touches (the hotel is dubbed Harbour House, after all), and are a good value considering their quality. The hotel's location right on the harbor, just steps away from the Niagara River, gives guests easy access to the quiet waterfront while still being within walking distance of the shops and restaurants on Queen Street. Those looking to visit the falls, however, should note that they are a half-hour drive away.
Scene
Bright and contemporary waterfront boutique
The entrance to this property is surrounded by a leafy garden, and leads to a warm, modern lobby that feels more like a tidy living room than a hotel reception area. Decorated in stark whites and deep woods with pops of color, the main room has a small reception desk, comfortable seating, games, books, movies, and a public computer. Doorways lead to the conservatory where a free daily breakfast is served, and another door leads out to a small patio and garden, with benches where guests can relax among the flowers.
Location
Close to the water in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and a half-hour drive to the falls
Just across the street from the marina and the Niagara River, the Harbour House Hotel is tucked into a corner of a quiet neighborhood in the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and at first glance it looks like just another large house. The area is beautiful and calm, with greenery and gardens surrounding both the hotel and nearby buildings. It's short walk to the marina and about a 10-minute walk to Queen Street, the main tourist section of town that’s full of shops, restaurants, and activities. Other nearby attractions include Fort George, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club, a small park, and a number of wineries. It's a half-hour drive to Niagara Falls.
Rooms
Bright, contemporary, and clean, with a touch of whimsy
The rooms at the Harbour House Hotel are clean, fresh, and welcoming and have quaint contemporary furnishings. Decorated in neutral tones, each room has its own unique style, but also includes a wide variety of amenities, as well as quirky touches such as rubber duckies in the tubs and mooing cow alarm clocks. Touches such as mounted model sailboats and a model lighthouse above the fireplace point to the waterfront location. Beds are plush, with pillow-top mattresses, down duvets, and 300-thread-count sheets. Most rooms come with separate whirlpool tubs and showers, and all come with gas fireplaces, DVD players (loaner DVDs are available), and coffeemakers. Suites include additional luxuries such as bathroom TVs, extra-large whirlpool tubs, and surround-sound systems. Some rooms have Juliette balconies and marina views.
Features
A handful of thoughtful extras
Although the lovely rooms and excellent location are the hotel's biggest draws, there are a number of extra perks, including free Wi-Fi, free parking, and a free hot buffet breakfast with items to order. The hotel also hosts a daily afternoon wine tasting featuring wines from around the region, and there's a free evening shuttle that runs to the town center and nearby attractions. While the Harbour House does not have a restaurant, spa, or fitness center on-site, guests have access to the fitness centers and other amenities at the hotel’s sister properties, the Shaw Club Hotel & Spa and the Charles Inn.