What is Hygge?

Hygge (pronounced hyoo·guh) is defined as “the feeling of togetherness, relaxation, indulgence, presence, and comfort. The true essence of hygge is the pursuit of everyday happiness. It’s basically like a hug, just without the physical touch,” as stated by Meik Wiking. Wiking is the author of The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets To Happy Living and the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute. The word written account of “hygge” first appeared in the early 1800s derived from a Norwegian word for “well-being”. In its simplest form, hygge is the pursuit of well-being and comfort. This comes about most importantly during the winter season when you are spending more and more time at home, away from the cold outside. And for anyone suffering during this quarantine/lockdown season, hygge might be just what you need to create a welcoming space inside.

The concept of hygge has become a marketable commodity. But in its true essence, hygge is a feeling and cannot be bought. Anything you’re being sold with the title “hygge” like a hygge blanket or hygge candle is almost the antithesis of this way of being. Hygge is something you find within yourself brought about by key moods of peace and happiness. If you’re thinking you can buy it, you’ve missed the point entirely. So throughout this post remember, if you don’t have something on hand, just skip to a different part as you’re sure to find something you can create from what you already have at home.

The trend of hygge living was always something present in Scandinavian people’s hearts and minds but has caught on worldwide in the last few years. The Brits were the first ones to grasp onto this idea as a means of comfort amid Brexit’s stress as a way of soothing themselves. 

Start by Bathing in Light

One of the easiest things to do to practice Hygge living is bathing in natural light. During the winter months, natural light is hard to come by and often only lasts for a few hours. Taking time out of your day to enjoy those precious moments in the sun is super important. It’s been proven that sunlight is essential for happiness and increases your mood and also your productivity. Sunlight also helps our body produce vitamin D and supports our immune system. Many Scandinavian people will even go to “light cafes” during the winter months. Inside there are light lamps set up to mirror the effects of the sun. This is for people who cannot find time outside of their busy workdays to get out to soak under the real sun.

To have a bath in sunlight, find the place in your home, which gets the most light. Place a comfy chair or cushion in that area. Even if you have to work during these hours, you can hopefully bring your laptop with you. That way you can still work while sitting in the natural light. But your time is even better spent reading a book or just relaxing. 

To better enhance the natural light in your home, make sure to move large pieces of furniture away from the windows. This is to ensure they don’t block out any of that precious light. Open the blinds even if it means getting awkward glances from your noisy neighbours. You can also place mirrors opposite the windows, which helps reflect the light into the room.

Fill Your Space with Soft Textiles

There is nothing better to slip into to feel all warm and cozy than a beautiful, soft textile. Curling up in comfortable, quilted blanket is like that feeling of pure joy. Feel like you’ve entered a cocoon. Wool, fur, and cashmere are the best fabrics to feel like you’ve been wrapped up in a warm hug. But if you have a favourite sweater that gives you the same feeling, then go and jump right into that. Even a pair of woolly socks will warm you right up after coming in from the cold. Ask around, your grandparents especially might have an old quilted blanket they are dying to get rid of. And any warm memories which come with it are just a bonus!

Enjoy the Outdoors

There is a famous Norwegian phrase that says, “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær” which translates to “there is no bad weather, only bad clothes!” I am a colossal winter wimp and never thought I could truly enjoy being outside when it was cold out. But on my last trip to Sweden at Christmas, I was determined to embrace this idea of enjoying the outdoors. Wool and cashmere undergarments were vital in preparing for these long days outside in Stockholm’s cold, dark streets. And it was completely worth it. There were a few rare moments when I had to escape inside to a cafe, but for the most part, dressing appropriately meant I could enjoy every hour of the day and make the most of my time I had there. 

For our purposes, taking a long walk in nature is a great way to get out and see the sun. Being inside all day makes you in need of some serious fresh air. 2020 has been a year of being inside, which has proven to be very tough for our mental health and well-being. Many of us enjoyed greatly meeting up with friends for outdoor gatherings in the summer, but there is no reason not to continue this trend in the winter too. Just dress for the part, and you’ll be able to spend some quality time outside with those you love. It’s amazing how calming a walk in the woods can be to restore your sense of peace.

Bring the Outside In

While wandering outside on one of your walks, take some time to forage for evergreens. Bringing the outdoors inside fills the air with fresh scents and creates a welcoming environment. We crave the outdoors as humans, but in the winter not even the best winter coat will keep us warm forever. Try to find pine cones, textured wooden branches, ivy and even fir needles to bring inside. With these you can create a little swag or bouquet, making your home feel like a small indoor oasis.

Care for some House Plants

Caring for house plants has been one of the most outstanding achievements of my 2020 year. It’s amazing how you come to love them like they are an extension of your home. A famous NASA study recommended having one air-filtering plant for every 100 sq ft in the house. This was said to improve not only the air quality in the home but also your health.

Instead of just going out to buy some plants, find that one friend we all have has a green thumb. You can always ask them to make a cutting from one of their larger plants. Not only is this free, but it’s also a great way to connect with people through their love of plants. They can provide endless advice on how to care for the plant. Plus, it’s like a relative to theirs and makes you feel like you have a connection between both households. The best plants for air purifications are Devil’s Ivy, Dwarf Date Palm, Philodendron, Rubber plants, Boston Fern, Areca palms, Snake Plant/Mother-in-Law’s Tongue and Aloe Vera.

Light a Fire

Since ancient times, the hearth has been one of the most primitive of human comforts. It is where people would go to escape the cold, cook and gather when it got dark. There is something about sitting around the warm glow of the fire, listening to the crackle and pop of the wood that makes you feel comforted in some primal way. If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace in the home, this is the time to enjoy it.

If you don’t, even a fake fireplace will give you a much similar effect, minus the smell. I have the smallest little portable fireplace heater, and it’s incredible how when I bring it into the room, everything just immediately feels that much cozier! If you have a fake fireplace, add some real wood as decoration to bring those scents of fresh-cut wood into the home. Even a few scavenged branches from the forest stacked in a box really make the house feel homey.

Surround Your Home in Candlelight

If you don’t have a real or fake fireplace and don’t plan on buying anything new, you’d be amazed how candlelight provides such a similar experience. Danes are said to burn more candles per year than anywhere else in the world. Apparently, they are responsible for burning 3.5kg of candles a year! But there clearly is a reason as to why…

Candles are another great way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. When I was in Sweden, it was amazing how walking into anyone’s home; everyone would go about lighting all their candles as soon as they got inside. Like it was just an instinct. Restaurants and hotels were covered in candles; hidden away in the darkest corner; you’d still find a candle gently burning.

The best candles to burn in the home are made of soy and beeswax instead of paraffin. Paraffin releases toxins into the air, which is pretty much the opposite of what we are trying to achieve. Soy and beeswax also burn for much longer. If you have small children and are afraid of the fire hazard, small battery-operated candles are surprisingly realistic and make a very similar impact on the room’s atmosphere.

Spread Essential Oils

Scents are tied to our emotions. Releasing some of these scents into the air can trigger your memories as well as relax you into a place of calm. To spread essential oils around your home you can always use an essential oil diffuser. But if you don’t already own an essential oil diffuser, there are so many creative DIY methods of infusing essential oils into the air.

The best oil for calmness is lavender. If you have insomnia, try chamomile and sandalwood. For anxiety, try sage. During these depressive COVID times, a little bit of peppermint or jasmine will lift your mood. To relax, try cinnamon or to boost your energy, add in some citrus and rosemary!

Soak Your Stress Away at Bathtime

Another great place to use essential oils without buying a diffuser is inside the bath. For me, bathtime is the absolute epitome of hygge living. I turn off all the lights and burn some candles. I use rose oil for a luxurious smell that fills the room. Epsom salts added to the water relaxed tense muscles, and you seem to melt into the water. Put on some soothing music to allow yourself to disconnect and be in your own body.

If you’re into face masks, this is a great time to use one as the warm steam from the water opens up your pores. This will allow the mask’s moisturizing properties to go deeper into the skin. Bring up your favourite book and use this time to get off your phone and to get back into reading. A lovely herbal tea paired alongside the bath is the icing on the cake!

Find Your Warm Textures

When it’s cold inside, we seek out beautiful, warm textures. This is a time to perhaps redecorate your home by moving around objects you might already have. Surfaces like wood, rattan, pottery, white porcelain and anything made of natural materials help strengthen that connection to the outside world.

Don’t Dress to Impress

Do you have a tattered old pair of pants which you’d never be caught dead wearing in public but are your ABSOLUTE favourite pair? Slipping into them brings about the immediate feeling of comfort. Well, these old pants are the definition of hygge. The Danes even have a word for them. They are called “Hyggebukser” aka comfortable pants. If you’ve ever needed an excuse not to throw out that time-worn favourite piece of clothing, then this is the thing for you! Snuggle up inside those comfy pants, warm socks and an oversized sweater. With you hygge look completed, curl up in front of the fire for some Netflix and chill.

Eat for Your Soul

Hygge eating is meant not just to indulge but also to enrich your soul and warm your heart. Some people take this as unhealthy eating, but in reality, hygge eating is more about hearty foods like stews, hot chocolate and porridge.

This Betty Crocker winter stew has been something I’ve been making ever since I learned how to cook. It’s simple and hearty and always warms me up in the winter. It reminds me of being a youngster and eating my mother’s food or remembering that the first time I made it myself. Food is an excellent trigger for happy memories, so if you have a favourite meal that gives you that sense of familial comfort, this is a great excuse to cook it!

I hope that you learned a little more about Hygge and why this great style of living is something you should incorporate into your life this winter. Hopefully, you’ve realized that hygge is more about a sense of well-being, a presence in yourself, rather than something you can buy. It’s more about using what you already have to create the optimal environment for coziness and contentment!

Let me know if the comments what is your favourite way to get cozy during the winter months or if you’ve used any of these pieces of advice in your own life!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post How to Create a Hygge-Inspired Home this Winter first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. It's really not that cold!
2. The Lack of Tourists
3. About That Smell…
4. Accommodation & Airfare are Cheaper!
5. Use Those Savings for Something Special
6. Most Big Ticket Attractions are Inside
7. Embrace Cafe Culture
8. Discover Covered Passages
9. Skip the Noisy Construction
10. You Avoid Smokers
11. People Are Just Nicer
12. The Christmas Markets!
13. Christmas Lights & Decor
14. Winter Sales
15. Winter Fashion
16. Festival of Lights
17. Vin Chaud
18. Parisian Hot Chocolate
19. Roasted Chesnuts
20. Winter Comfort Food
21. Winter is Easy in Disneyland Paris
22. Cheaper Prices on Famous Entertainment

It’s really not that cold!

If you’re from a colder climate (like me – I’m from Canada), the winters in Paris are laughable. It seldom gets below 35°F or 2°C. Check the chart below for winter temperature predictions for Paris. For those of you from warmer climates, you might find this temperature a little chilly. But just make that an excuse to buy yourself a cute new winter wardrobe. Make being out in the cold something fun instead of something frustrating. In November and December, there is actually more rain than snow, so be sure to bring along a good umbrella. In January and February, there is more snow which creates a gorgeous white dusting across the city! There is honestly something so beautiful about the snowfall and especially when it’s across a town as beautiful as Paris!

The Lack of Tourists

If you’ve ever been to Paris in the summer or even the spring these days, you’ll see the telltale lines which seem to sweep all around the city. Paris is filled to bursting and getting into your favourite restaurant or museum always entails a lengthy wait. But in the wintertime, the tourists, scared of the “cold” stay away. And I’ll take it. And you will too! In the winter you can walk down famous streets and find them almost empty. That crowd around the Mona Lisa, maybe won’t disappear but it will be much less intense. Overall, the wintertime brings this peaceful atmosphere to a city which often gets a bad reputation as being rude, crowded and smelly!

About That Smell…

One of the biggest things I hear time and time again from people on their way back from Paris is about the smell! It smells terrible, it really does. Not everywhere, of course, but Paris, as a big city, has a big garbage problem. And garbage, along with dog pee (another prevalent issue on the streets) is responsible for the horrible smell. In the summer, the heat amplifies these smells to a thousand! But in the winter, you’ll barely notice the scent. I never had this experience when in the city except perhaps for the occasional steamy grate near the metro.

Accommodation & Airfare are Cheaper!

With this lack of tourists comes cheaper accommodation and flight prices. There are almost always flight deals during the winter months to entice visitors into the city. Take them up on that offer! Except for the dates right around Christmas, you can almost ways find a significant reduction in airfare and hotels. Prices seem to begin to increase after Easter and start going down after American Thanksgiving.

Use Those Savings for Something Special

There is only one thing better than a hot bath on a cold day. A trip to the spa! There are dozens of fantastic resorts in Paris which cater to locals who want an intimate experience in those colder months. These spas come with steam rooms, swimming pools, saunas and of course, lengthy massages. It’s the perfect way to wind down (which is what a vacation is for after all) but also to warm you up from the inside out if you’ve spent an unusually chilly day outside.

Most Big Ticket Attractions are Inside

Paris truly has the best collection of museums in the world. In such a condensed space, you’ll find hundreds of different places you’ll need to visit! And the best part, they’re all inside. Going to the Louvre in summer and winter is exactly the same experience, except for the number of tourists. Notre Dame is particularly stunning in the winter before Christmas when the entirety of the nave is decorated for the holiday season.

Visiting the underground catacombs in the winter, when the chill in the air is replaced with an oddly warm underground warmth is a truly remarkable experience. Even Versaille, which boasts some of the longest lines, is a great place to visit in the winter. If you’re lucky enough to be there when it snows, you’ll be treated to one of the most unique perspectives on this illustrious palace. And the rest of the enormous tour is all inside.

Walking around the city and seeing the incredible French architecture everywhere you look is an unmissable part of the Parisian experience. But the fact that you can duck into a museum or indoor attraction every few minutes is a great relief for anyone who doesn’t like to be outside for too too long. You can’t walk very far without finding something which will catch your attention.

Embrace Cafe Culture

Another way of escape the cold, if you are getting a bit too chilly on your wanderings, is to duck into one of the many cafes which Paris is so famous for. If you’re a millennial, it seems impossible not to have escaped the lasting impression which the film ‘Amelie’ had on our young minds. Cafes in Paris are THE place to be to soak in the local ambience and sip smooth coffee. Winter means it’s ok to pack on those pounds and hide them under layers. So indulge yourself in the pastries which these cafes serve up by the dozen! Vacation is no time to retrain yourself, have a little fun and satisfy your taste buds!

Discover Covered Passages

Most Metro stations will stop off underground. Inside these little underground passageways are covered arcades and secret entrances to some top attractions. The Louvre’s default (and extremely crowded) entrance is outside near the glass pyramids. But most people don’t know it can also be accessed underground, without ever having to go outside, directly from the Metro station. And in fact, this entrance is FAR less busy since it’s not out in the open where people like to take their pictures. In addition to hidden entries, you’ll also find underground shopping centres. Paris’ covered passages were built during the early 19th century, sort of like Europe answer to North American malls. The oldest of these passages is the Passage des Panoramas which dates back to 1799! During the wintertime, the window displays are lushly styled, and at Christmas, they are a feast for the eyes!

Skip the Noisy Construction

In an old city like Paris, construction is almost constant. If you’ve ever been woken up by noisy jack-hammering on your relaxing vacation, you know how annoying this can be. But in the winter, when it’s colder, it’s much harder to do construction work, and therefore this noise is significantly reduced. If you’ve ever dreamt of visiting a specific attraction only to show up and see its covered ins scaffolding you’ll know how disappointing this can be. Sure this might be unavoidable, but in the winter you’ll have a better chance of it not being under construction.

You Avoid Smokers

There are lots of smokers in Paris. It’s one of those cities where this vice is still hanging on. In the summer, everyone on the street seems to have a cigarette in their hands. If you’re like me and hate the smell of this stuff, then you’ll find that in the winter, fewer people are willing to take those smoke breaks, to avoid standing out in the cold.

People Are Just Nicer

I’ve you’re a resident of a famous tourist city, anywhere in the world, you’ll know what it’s like to be invaded by hoards of tourists every summer. In Toronto, right in the centre of downtown, the streets seem to erupt with tourists. And while it’s great for the economy and brings in lots of exciting events and festivals, it means transit is more crowded, streets are filled with slow walkers (my personal bane), and pretty much everything has a line. In Paris, it’s no different, so its no surprise to find that locals are just a little bit grumpier in the summer when they can’t move about their own city.

The French already have a bad rep for being rude, so add the heat and humidity of summer on top of the crowds, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. But in the winter, people seem more relaxed. More accepting and inviting. You made an effort to come here at a time when others don’t. There appears to be a silent appreciation which they give tourists around wintertime, which I think is just peachy.

The Christmas Markets!

Despite the week of actual Christmas being pricey, the early parts of December are still pretty affordable. And with December comes Christmas markets! Europe does Christmas better than anyone else, and Christmas markets are one of the most beautiful ways to enjoy the holiday season. Wander the wooden huts of the market outdoors under the watchful eye of Paris’ splendid architecture. Visiting a Christmas market is one of the best places to do your Christmas shopping. You can find such unique treasures which your friends and family will just gush over! There are markets all over the city and even one at the base of the Eiffel Tower, what better ambience could you ask for?

Christmas Lights & Decor

Once again, this only applies if you’re visiting before, or just after Christmas, but the Christmas decorations around the city during the holidays are honestly magical. I freak out over fairy lights and Christmas trees and travelling anywhere in Europe during the holidays means this in spades!

Winter Sales

Many many people come to Paris to shop. And with good reason, Paris is the fashion captial of the world, and some of the most luxurious brands have their flagship stores here. Even if you’re not into those uber expensive brands, the dribble down effect is real, and many extremely affordable local brands also have some fantastic shops here. In the winter, there are government-mandated sales in Paris where stores cut their prices down on almost everything! This usually happens between early January and early Feb. The famous Galeries Lafayette is one of the best shopping malls to hit up to find rows and rows of deals all in one easy to find place! And the best part – it’s indoors!

Winter Fashion

Being the fashion capital of the world, means you’re going to see just how good winter can look on the French. And you might even be able to grab some of this style for yourself! Learning how to dress stylishly for the winter is a skill, and there’s nowhere better to learn that in France. Sit at your favourite cafe, and people watch. Study their looks, fabulous coats, boot and hat combinations as they walk by. You can spend an entire afternoon doing this, much better than rifling through a magazine.

Festival of Lights

From November 18th to January 19th, the Jardin des Plantes (Garden of Plants) hosts an incredible exhibition of enormous lanterns set amongst the greenery of the garden. Each one is designed to look like a different part of the ocean, which is a nice juxtaposition outdoors on land. It’s a fantastical place to explore for adults and kids alike. This exhibition is only on during the winter when the plants have all died out and yet they are interested in still getting visitors to come out to see the rest of the gardens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Vin Chaud

France is known for its wines. But what you might not know is that during the wintertime they indulge in vin chaud (hot wine). This is similar to the North American tradition of mulled wine but made in a French fashion. It’s served at most cafes and markets places and makes for the perfect drink to keep you all warm and fuzzy as the sun sets at night.

Parisian Hot Chocolate

If you’re not someone who drinks alcohol or are travelling with children, there is another traditional beverage you can’t miss, and that’s hot chocolate. While it might seem like a childish treat, Chocolat Chaud in France is rich, decadent and is made from wonderfully high-quality chocolate! It’s a fantastic treat for young and old alike. And just doesn’t take the same on a hot summer day. No, as the snow falls, there is nothing better in your hand than a cup of this creamy liquid!

Roasted Chesnuts

Chestnuts have long been a staple of the Parisian winter season, and vendors can be found on nearly every street corner selling the warm, sweet treats. The chestnuts are roasted over open flames, creating a smoky fragrance that entices passerby. Taking a break from exploring the city to enjoy a handful of hot, fresh chestnuts is a timeless tradition for both Parisians and visitors alike. Whether enjoyed as a snack or paired with a warm mulled wine, winter roasted chestnuts are a true delight of the season.

Winter Comfort Food

Every country has its own way of dealing with the cold, and in France, they did it through the cusine. Winter foods in France are rich and hearty. They warm you from the inside out. They are full of fatty meats, heavy starches and sweets mixed in for good measure. Stews, cassoulets and confits are all just some of the marvellous foods you’ll find on the menu in the winter. No one would imagine serving a casserole in the heat of the summer, so getting a chance to try these fantastic meals is something you’ll only get in the winter!

Winter is Easy in Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris might not be on every traveller’s list, but if you’re a Disney-head like me, you’ll know it should be. Like almost every Disneyland in the world, one of the most significant downsides of visiting is the crowds. But in the winter, you’ll find the lines are almost twice as short as any other time in the year. And the fact that half the rides are indoors is a great incentive to ensure you’re not out in the cold all day. Around Christmastime, the entire park is decorated for the holiday season in magical baubles and sparkling garlands which just amplifies the already enchanting atmosphere.

Cheaper Prices on Famous Entertainment

With fewer tourists, come discounted ticket prices on almost everything to incentivize both locals and tourists alike to attend shows. Palais Garnier, one of the most famous architectural masterpieces in the city, hosts opera and ballet performances all year and during the wintertime, you can find tickets for a fraction of the cost. Even try to go up on the day and see what’s left, and you might find yourself with front row seats for the price of the nose bleeds. Even if you don’t know anything about the performance, being inside this historic building and seeing all its luxury and elegance is entertainment enough.

All in all, visiting in the colder winter months has so many wonderful advantages; you’ll just have to try it out for yourself to see if they stack up to any perceived negatives! What’s your favourite place to travel to in the winter? Let me know in the comments.

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post Why Visiting Paris in the Winter is the Best Time to Explore this Amazing City first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Location

The skating rink is located just off Michigan Avenue inside Millennium Park. Millennium Park is a beautiful area to visit while you’re in the city. It’s only a few blocks from the Chicago River and faces the city’s most awe-inspiring architectural masterpieces. The rink is sandwiched between Michigan Avenue’s architectural skyline and the infamous Chicago Cloud Gate or “The Bean.”

History

Millennium Park was built to celebrate the millennium (hence the name), but the construction didn’t finish until 2004. Nonetheless, despite its late bloom, the park’s beauty and almost perfect urban landscaping won over everyone.

Price

As it was New Year’s Eve, the lineup for Skate Rentals was a bit long, but we were lucky enough to get there right before the rush. Admission to the rink is free, and you can rent skates for $13–$20. You can also grab a locker to skate about on the rink without carrying all your travel gear.

The rink was amazing. The Zamboni was there just before we arrived, so the ice was nice and smooth. Although many people were there, they did a good job of staggering admission inside. So, the rink never feels too crowded. For the most part, it was an incredibly relaxing, romantic and all-around beautiful experience. Getting to hold the hand of someone you love while whizzing around on the ice is almost like flying. There’s nothing like it, especially when you take in all those gorgeous Chicago sites!

Cloud Gate

As you skate about the rink, you can gaze at you at the Cloud Gate. Take a snap to capture yourself skating around below. It’s quite a magical thing. Cloud Gate is a three-storey tall sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor. The steel shell is made out of more than 160 steel plates. Each plate is welded together and polished to give it a seamless appearance. It’s so shiny that it reflects the city around it like a mirror. And all those who step up to see it.

Streetwall

On the opposite side ofof the Bean, you can gaze at the “Streetwall” along Michigan Avenue. The streetwall comprises some of Chicago’s most interesting and historical architectural buildings. When I’m in Chicago, I am always taken aback by the Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque styles of architecture throughout the city. You can see a bit of each style along the ‘Streetwall.’

After skating up a storm, take a break and enjoy delicious dining at the Park and Grill Cafe. It is one of the greatest people-watching spots in the city, and it is perfect for relaxing while watching the skaters fly by.

The post Experience Skating in Chicago: Your Complete Guide to Millennium Park Ice Rink first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

I have never been to Niagara-on-the-Lake prior to this visit. I had passed through many times on the way to Niagara Falls but never stayed in this enchanting little town. The best place to stay is the historic Prince of Wales Hotel.

No exaggeration; this is the most beautiful hotel I have ever visited in North America. Last Fall, we stayed in a 5-star hotel in Beverly Hills, and although it was pretty posh, it was too modern for my tastes. I prefer something with a bit of history. So this hotel felt like it was MADE for me.

About the Prince of Wales Hotel

The Prince of Wales Hotel stands as a landmark in historic Niagara-on-the-Lake. It has stood in this exact spot since 1864! It is a part of a chain of hotels called Vintage Hotels. This company features some of the best-preserved hotels in Ontario, which retain their antique charm but have many modern amenities.

The name of the hole “Prince of Wales” was in honour of the 1901 Duke and Duchess of York visit. These two would later be crowned King George V and Queen Mary. Their legacy can be seen all over the hotel. Paintings of their reign are hung throughout the hallways and guest rooms. And the essence of Victorian charm covers the floors, walls and even ceilings.

Architecture

Its architectural style was that of the Second French Empire, seen most clearly in its mansard roof. Everything felt so regal. It was as if you became the same kind of royalty that his hotel was named after when you entered. Our suite was in the building the furthest away from reception, but I didn’t mind. Walking down all the corridors and exploring every little corner of this place was a treat.

Rooms and Suites

Our hotel room was the cutest little place. Even the rooms are decorated in the Victorian style with Tiffany stained glass lamps on either side of the room and paintings of young girls in frilly dresses all over the place. We even had our little fireplace, the perfect thing to curl up in front of after coming in from the cold outdoors.

The approximate room costs are as follows: Traditional Rooms: $300 CAD, Superior Rooms: $330 CAD, Deluxe Rooms: $360 CAD, Premium Rooms: $390 CAD, Suite Rooms: $440 CAD

One of my favourite things about this place was the corridor into the reception area. It was lined with replica paintings from famous Flemish painters and other grandmasters. Even the wallpaper was luxuriously embellished! The ornate frames seemed to grow and swell with overgrowth as if they were living within these walls.

Pool & Spa

After settling in, we headed off for a dip in the pool. Even the swimming area was decked out with Victorian designs. The shape of the pool reminded me of European bathhouses.

After a dip in the pool and a soak in the hot tub, we were off for our couple’s massage in their world-class spa! We changed into our robes and made our way down to the spa. We sat in lush leather chairs and sipped tea and coffee while waiting. Even the bathrooms down here were gorgeous. Delftware-inspired porcelain sinks and wall tiles sparkled, and real wooden doors with etched glass made up each stall.

Restaurant and Food

The room where we had our massage was sumptuously decorated. It was perhaps the largest room I’d ever been in for a massage, but the luxury of the place simply added to the relaxation. After our massage and little outing, we returned to the hotel for a 4-course Valentine’s Dinner. Everything was perfect, but we perhaps had the best time entertained by a couple fighting with the waiter beside us. We gave him our condolences as they were the worst kind of people, but it made for a very entertaining dinner.

After too much wine and indulgence, we went back to the room where roses and chocolate-covered strawberries were awaiting us. We ate them before the fire as night poured itself over our eyes. 

The next morning we ordered food to our room, not wanting to escape the warmth of our fireplace. I ordered a simple English breakfast with cinnamon biscuits, and Dan chowed down some peanut butter pancakes.

But like all things, there must be an ending. We begrudgingly packed up our things and headed out. It was undoubtedly the most romantic and luxurious weekend of my life – and I got to spend it with my favourite person in the world.

The post The Most Charming Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Historic Prince of Wales first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.