The Most Charming Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Historic Prince of Wales

Whether you’re looking for an escape from the city or looking for a picturesque place to hunker down while visiting Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake is the perfect place to go! With our wedding only six months away and planning to start to ramp up, my husband wanted to give me an extra special Valentine’s treat. He kept everything a secret (which was killing me) and only told me what to pack and how long we were to be gone. And where did we end up? Why Niagara-on-the-Lake, of course!

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.