Trifter

On a recent visit to Niagara Falls, we made reservations at three well-known luxury hotels. We picked the hotels based on their famous reputations, and the fact that each has a celebrated health and wellness program. We also liked the fact that each of these inns is located in a rural setting nicely removed from the hubbub surrounding the scenic falls – but still only a short drive away. 

All three establishments proved to be exceptional retreats where one can relax and unwind in the lap of luxury after a hectic day of falls watching. 

Our first two inns were located in the lovely village of Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, Canada – often referred to as the “Prettiest town in all of Ontario”.

This early 19th century hamlet has retained its endearing charm for the better part of 200 years. Flower lined streets, horse drawn carriages, centuries old abodes, and soothing lake breezes make this the perfect spot to shop in the many individual boutiques and relax in the cozy restaurants that line the center street.  

“Located a short scenic 15 minute drive from the falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake should be on the itinerary of everyone that visits Niagara Falls – regardless of where you stay.”

 The Oban Inn 

Situated next to the lakeside 1875 Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club, the oldest existing golf course in North America, the Oban Inn is also just minutes away from the village center and renowned Shaw Festival. 

The Oban was the town’s first country inn when it was established in 1824. Remodeled a few short years ago, the Oban’s new design takes into account the old surroundings and significance of this historical area. Walking up the flowered path to the inn’s entrance, you instinctively know you are in for an exceptionally pleasant experience. 

Recipient of the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award, the Oban features 26 charming and elegant guestrooms complete with down comforters, sixteen-inch pillow top mattresses, and an excellent gourmet restaurant specializing in seasonal ingredients from local farms.  

The pièce de résistance is the tranquil, full service spa dedicated to the health, well-being, and vitality of its discerning guests – many of whom have been coming back to the Oban for decades. There is also a state-of-the art exercise room with a view of the English garden, outdoor spring, and infinity lap pool. 

Breakfast in the sunny morning room is akin to dining in a quiet country cottage, and is a fitting ending to a most satisfying hotel and spa experience.  

The Prince of Wales Hotel 

 Our second stopover took us just a few blocks away from the Oban Inn and directly to the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The best-known luxury hotel in the area, the sophisticated Prince of Wales has been providing fashionable rooms and service to discriminating travelers since 1864.  

The Prince is a large hotel with 110 guestrooms and suites, but the atmosphere is that of a much more intimate Victorian retreat. 

The historic Prince has been named the 2009 Best Hotel in Ontario by Travel + Leisure Magazine. Like the neighboring Oban Inn, it is also an AAA Four Diamond Award hotel. 

The Prince of Wales is home to the recently renovated Secret Garden Spa, which offers traditional massage, hydrotherapy, and aesthetics treatments, as well as what they described as Asian inspired “Specialtea” treatments that contain polyphenols – an ingredient that is beneficial to good health and well-being.

Following is a picture of the Prince of Wales spa pool - 

Impeccable food quality and service are absolute givens at the Prince of Wales Four Diamond Escabeche Restaurant. Contemporary dining is set in classical elegance, and the Niagara region’s bold flavors and ingredients are showcased in a European culinary style that is sure to please the fussiest palate.   

A note about the famous Shaw Festival   

 The goal of the internationally acclaimed Shaw Festival is to produce the dramatic works of George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries. The Shaw Festival produces a dozen plays each year, and gives 800 performances to a combined audience of about 300,000 patrons in an April to November season. 

Now the centerpiece of regional culture, the Shaw Festival entertains in four distinct theaters in the center of Niagara-on-the-Lake – all within walking distance of each other. If you cherish excellent live theater, do not miss the Shaw Festival when you visit the area. 

Barton Hill Hotel and Spa 

We crossed the Lewiston Bridge and re-entered the United States to complete the last visit in our luxury hotel and spa trilogy.  

Like Niagara-on-the-Lake, the quaint hamlet of Lewiston, New York is located just 15 minutes from the spectacular falls. Also like Niagara-on-the-Lake, it offers chic boutiques and trendy restaurants, and is a delightful oasis in our busy world. 

The Barton Hill Hoteloverlooks the Niagara Gorge and is located where the town of Lewiston meets the Niagara River – very near Lake Ontario. The Barton opened in October 2007, and it is already considered the region’s premier resort hotel featuring 72 large guestrooms, suites, and luxury accommodations. The riverside setting is peaceful and serene, helping to make the Barton Hill Spa the perfect place to de-stress the mind and detoxify the body. 

Check-in at the Barton Hill is unique in that there is no front desk. When you enter the hotel through the large French doors, you are immediately fixed in the center of a welcoming and spacious gathering room. There are three concierge desks to your immediate right. Registration is an easy and pleasant process of sitting at one of the desks and going over your Barton agenda with a knowledgeable member of the hotel staff. Unusual – and effective.  

An extra bonus at the Barton is the short drive to the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, a huge shopping mecca, which is visited annually by thousands of bargain hunters from around the world.  

The next time you choose Niagara Falls New York, or Niagara Falls Ontario for your vacation, try one of the above hotels and spas. Each is elegant and memorable, and will add to the pleasure and relaxation of a holiday away from stress. 

To get more information about any of the hotels or attractions in this article, just click on their blue-font titles. 

(NOTE: If you plan to cross the United States/Canadian border, you need to know that the crossing rules changed in June 2009)