Niagara-on-the-Lake bed breakfast. (Niagara-on-the-Lake) Ontario bed breakfasts reviewed by Janette Higgins

One of the best bed and breakfasts in Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario,
as recommended by Janette Higgins.

Toronto Area and Niagara Region

Arbourview Bed and Breakfast

Bruce and Jeanette Murdoch 84 King Street P.O. Box 135 Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON Canada, L0S 1J0
Phone: 905 468 0665
From each of the gracious suites here you'll have beautiful views over parkland and across Lake Ontario to Toronto's skyline.

Review by Janette Higgins

author of The Best Places to B&B in Ontario: A Selective Guide

Six editions of the book were published to critical and popular acclaim. Janette now publishes her B&B reviews and holiday reports online.

Though they’ve lived throughout Canada and the U.S. in anything from a renovated church in New Jersey to a bed and breakfast on BC’s Bowen Island, Arbourview Bed and Breakfast hosts Bruce and Jeanette Murdoch have returned to their Ontario roots for their newest venture; a bed and breakfast in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Through patience, persistence and not a little luck they’ve landed up in a superb location near where the Niagara River empties into Lake Ontario. Each room has views over parkland to Lake Ontario and, on a clear day, Toronto’s skyline. At the same time it’s only two blocks to downtown and not much further to the theatres. This B&B is truly in 'Old Towne' Niagara-on-the-lake.

This B&B may be high end but there’s nothing snooty about these easygoing hosts. If the rooms are ready at 1 PM you’re welcome to check in and not have to wait until the more usual 4 PM check in time. As for the rooms, they’re all on the main level with only one step up from the outside making for easy access. All are exceptionally large with comfortable seating areas and come equipped with irons and ironing boards and a refreshment area offering glassware, bar fridges, plug–in kettles and the makings for coffee and tea. TV/VCRs, robes and hairdryers are all part of the mix. Plus you have access to the Murdoch’s library of movies.

The Gardenside may well be my favourite. It’s accessed off the spacious entrance hall and is done warm shades of gold red and coral. There’s a king size bed and the en suite bathroom has a low-rim soaker tub and large shower stall. Two swivel armchairs make it easy to get just the right take on the lake view. Across the entrance hall and tucked around a corner, the Lakeside has a queen-size bed with ornate carved headboard plus a queen-size pullout suitable for one person. The seating is in an alcove with a stained glass window and another window onto the verandah with views beyond to the lake. Both rooms have electric Franlin stoves to take the chill off on cool days.

Down the hall the Riverside has a large formal gas fireplace, oriental rugs on dark hardwood floors and an air jet tub with rain shower. Its lake view is from an angle but you also get a peek at the Niagara River past homes on the shore below. The décor is an elegant mix of creamy walls, rosy red linens and three muted-green wing chairs. Costumes from various Shaw productions finish off each room with a theatrical flourish.

Next morning Bruce dons his chef’s jacket and invites you into the dining room for the 9 AM breakfast. (The late breakfast time is my only quibble but coffee and tea is provided in the hall from 8 AM onwards.) We started with juice, homemade cranberry scones with locally-made wine jellies and a fruit course of blackberries, strawberries and banana with a dollop of yogurt. My main course was an egg dish topped with asparagus and grated Swiss cheese accompanied by crisp bacon. Bruce’s other specialities include an egg souffle with feta cheese and banana crepes with Grande Marnier.

There are now quite a few Niagara-on-the-Lake B&Bs charging circa $200 a night. To win my picky vote, though, a B&B at this price level has to be truly exceptional. In my opinion Arbourview makes the grade. And besides, enquire about the tempting off-season rates and you could easily come up with a compelling excuse to do some pretty spectacular storm-watching in well-appointed comfort for much less.

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Arbourview Bed and Breakfast, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

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Website:

http://www.arbourview.com

Languages:

Season:

S or D $205-235 plus 13% HST
$25 extra for third person in Lakeside Suite
2 night minimum during high season long weekends
Enquire about long term stay and off-season rates.

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Cards:

Cash VISA MC

Restrictions:

If you book all 3 rooms, well-behaved children welcome; smoking on verandah only; no guest's pets

Facilities:

3 spacious rooms with en suite bathrooms and seating areas: 1 with king bed, low-rim soaker tub, walk-in shower stall and electric 'wood stove' heater; 1 with queen plus queen-size pullout for one person only, shower in tub and electric 'wood stove' heater; 1 with king, air jet tub with rain shower and gas fireplace.
All have iron, ironing board, hair dryer, kettle, fridge and makings for coffee/tea.
Verandah and furnished entrance foyer for guests; central air plus windows that open; wireless internet

Parking:

ample with no jockeying

Breakfast:

full

In Residence:

There are no pets in this B&B

Location:

Central Niagara-on-the-Lake close to theatres/downtown

Directions:

From the clock tower on the main street turn north onto King Street and go 2 blocks to B&B on your right.

Weather Information

Check out Janette Higgins' other site www.gardendesigncoach.com