Simcoe Manor
242 Simcoe St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0 Canada
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About
#65 of 127 B&Bs in Niagara-on-the-Lake
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Rooms
Value
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Gracious, friendly accommodation just 50 yds. off the main street in the "Old Town" of Niagara on the Lake with all its attractions. Spacious, elegantly decorated suites with the charm and grace typical of Old Niagara yet with all the modern conveniences (A/C, Jacuzzis, fireplaces etc.).Gourmet breakfasts amidst rich mahogany and crystal. Relax on the verandah or poolside or enjoy the view of our gardens, stately pines and creek. A short walk to theatres, shopping, restaurants, golf and the rivermouth.
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Property amenities
Air conditioning
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Luxury
Residential Neighbourhood
Location
242 Simcoe St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0 Canada
Getting there
Good for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 88 out of 100
88
Buffalo Niagara Intl Airport
45.1 km•
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Niagara Falls Intl Airport
20.3 km•
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35 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
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Detailed Reviews
I had never stayed in a B&B before so I had some reservations about staying at Simcoe Manor. However, after having spent a weekend there with friends, Simcoe Manor laid all my reservations to rest.
John and Alison are wonderful hosts. Although they were supposed to be closed, they graciously opened Simcoe Manor for us, and we felt like we were staying with friends. Prior to arriving, John contacted us and went out of his way to see if we wanted him to book any tours or needed help with anything else we were thinking of doing.
We were greeted warmly by John on arrival. He showed us around and explained everything in detail. When we mentioned we wanted to do some wine tours that afternoon, he immediately gave us some complimentary tasting vouchers and made recommendations as to what wineries he felt were worth visiting. John's pride in both the Manor and Niagara on the Lake is very evident in his animated descriptions and the enthusiasm in his voice . . . and he bears an uncanny resemblance to Ernest Hemingway!
Simcoe Manor is located very close to the downtown core and is within walking distance to many shops and restaurants. Very convenient when spending an evening out, and you have the option to walk home without any issues or concerns.
The property is absolutely gorgeous, and our only regret is that the weather was not conducive to spending anytime on the beautiful wrap-around porch. There is also a pool on the property which would be fantastic in the summer. You can imagine spending a hot day in town or at a play, and coming back to Simcoe Manor for a wonderful dip in the pool.
All the rooms are immaculate and thoughtfully furnished. We stayed in the Mauve Room which was very spacious, had a fireplace, ample seating, a very comfortable bed and a private bathroom complete with a massage tub. Everything you would want or need is provided . . . in particular, it was nice to have real wine glasses rather than plastic cups when enjoying a glass of wine.
The breakfasts made by John and Alison were ample, delicious, and home-made with fresh ingredients. The presentation was excellent. Both days we were delighted to be joined by John as he regaled us with many interesting tales of his life, and facts and stories about Niagara on the Lake.
If you are looking for a wonderful experience at a B&B in Niagara on the Lake, you should definitely give Simcoe Manor a try.
John and Alison are wonderful hosts. Although they were supposed to be closed, they graciously opened Simcoe Manor for us, and we felt like we were staying with friends. Prior to arriving, John contacted us and went out of his way to see if we wanted him to book any tours or needed help with anything else we were thinking of doing.
We were greeted warmly by John on arrival. He showed us around and explained everything in detail. When we mentioned we wanted to do some wine tours that afternoon, he immediately gave us some complimentary tasting vouchers and made recommendations as to what wineries he felt were worth visiting. John's pride in both the Manor and Niagara on the Lake is very evident in his animated descriptions and the enthusiasm in his voice . . . and he bears an uncanny resemblance to Ernest Hemingway!
Simcoe Manor is located very close to the downtown core and is within walking distance to many shops and restaurants. Very convenient when spending an evening out, and you have the option to walk home without any issues or concerns.
The property is absolutely gorgeous, and our only regret is that the weather was not conducive to spending anytime on the beautiful wrap-around porch. There is also a pool on the property which would be fantastic in the summer. You can imagine spending a hot day in town or at a play, and coming back to Simcoe Manor for a wonderful dip in the pool.
All the rooms are immaculate and thoughtfully furnished. We stayed in the Mauve Room which was very spacious, had a fireplace, ample seating, a very comfortable bed and a private bathroom complete with a massage tub. Everything you would want or need is provided . . . in particular, it was nice to have real wine glasses rather than plastic cups when enjoying a glass of wine.
The breakfasts made by John and Alison were ample, delicious, and home-made with fresh ingredients. The presentation was excellent. Both days we were delighted to be joined by John as he regaled us with many interesting tales of his life, and facts and stories about Niagara on the Lake.
If you are looking for a wonderful experience at a B&B in Niagara on the Lake, you should definitely give Simcoe Manor a try.
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Date of stay: October 2014Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A stay at the gracious Simcoe Manor is a time you will long remember after you have left. The accomodations are absolutely gorgeous. The rooms are very spacious and immaculate. The sumptuous breakfasts are one of the highlights. Your hostess' John and Vera will do everything to make you feel welcome and pampered. John has gone out of his way numerous times to find information for us and is always available with advise to ensure our visit is perfect. We have stayed here two years in a row and have our next visit already booked. The location of this gracious manor is only a block off the main street of Niagara which makes is perfect for shopping and exploring the town. If you come to this little piece of paradise known as Niagara be sure to stay at the Simcoe Manor. I assure you it will be one of the best places you have ever visited. Places like Simcoe Manor are a rare find and if you have the chance you should plan a visit to this wonderful place.
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Date of stay: August 2006Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Check-in / front desk
Service
Business service (e.g., internet access)
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
For the past five years, we and another couple have spent Labor Day weekend at The Shaw Festival, staying at Simcoe Manor. This delightful B and B is located in "downtown" Niagara - on -the -Lake, within an easy walking distance of all three theatres.
You might wonder what draws us back to Simcoe Manor? We enjoy the spacious rooms, each with a view of lovely gardens. The location of the Manor, adjacent to the activity of Queen Street, yet one block away, assures that there is peace and quiet. when one gets "home." Of course thick carpeting throughout the bedrooms and hallways means that one does not hear one's neighbors, either. Not being those who like to sleep the morning away, having breakfast served at 9:00 is a perfect way for us to have the rest of the morning to explore the area before an afternoon matinee. John, the innkeeper, is very knowledgeable about what there is to do in this part of Ontario; he has a large collection of current maps and on several occasions has made last minute telephone calls for us which have resulted in lunch and dinner reservations over a busy weekend. Over the years, we have taken many of his suggestions about which wines to try and which wineries to visit. We have yet to be disappointed. His wife Vera prepares excellent breakfasts, ulitizing local seasonal fruit. Our visits always occur during peach season. Vera is more than willing to adjust her offerings although I can't imagine not starting the day with her quiche or French toast.
Simcoe Manor attracts a most interesting and diverse group of guests. We have had very stimulating breakfast conversations as well as the opportunity to compare opinions about the various plays we all have seen - or are about to see.
We have already booked for 2007.
You might wonder what draws us back to Simcoe Manor? We enjoy the spacious rooms, each with a view of lovely gardens. The location of the Manor, adjacent to the activity of Queen Street, yet one block away, assures that there is peace and quiet. when one gets "home." Of course thick carpeting throughout the bedrooms and hallways means that one does not hear one's neighbors, either. Not being those who like to sleep the morning away, having breakfast served at 9:00 is a perfect way for us to have the rest of the morning to explore the area before an afternoon matinee. John, the innkeeper, is very knowledgeable about what there is to do in this part of Ontario; he has a large collection of current maps and on several occasions has made last minute telephone calls for us which have resulted in lunch and dinner reservations over a busy weekend. Over the years, we have taken many of his suggestions about which wines to try and which wineries to visit. We have yet to be disappointed. His wife Vera prepares excellent breakfasts, ulitizing local seasonal fruit. Our visits always occur during peach season. Vera is more than willing to adjust her offerings although I can't imagine not starting the day with her quiche or French toast.
Simcoe Manor attracts a most interesting and diverse group of guests. We have had very stimulating breakfast conversations as well as the opportunity to compare opinions about the various plays we all have seen - or are about to see.
We have already booked for 2007.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The manor itself was lovely, however the host John ruined our experience. He did this by being overbearing, controlling and intrusive. One of the two breakfasts were below average due to the fact that he was frustrated with us as guests and was vindictive. He literally served us half a grapefruit and old muffins. We were a large group and he thought we were too independent in not taking his advice. Don't go here! There are lots of other lovely and beautiful choices in NOTL.
!
!
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Date of stay: May 2013Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
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Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We agree with the comments provided by "Nice room But-." We had the experience of having to remove our shoes to check-in and keep them off throughout our long weekend stay. No slippers were provided and our socks were black on the bottom after a few hours. Our room was in the basement (the "bowels") of the building. Consequently, every flush and every shower announced itself beginning at sunup. Needless to say, sleeping late was not possible. The living room was out of bounds (no food or drink allowed). The front entrance was not accessible short of a fire emergency. Alison and Tanya were lovely. John, however, was obnoxious. We would never stay at Simcoe Manor again.
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Date of stay: September 2012Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Do not take a room in the basement.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We arrived at Simcoe Manor 1 week after John had buried his wife Vera.
We were obviously very sympathetic but felt that we should have been told about this as it did affect our stay.
Breakfast was taken at the Golf Club nearby and John was understandably quite vague at times. A slightly odd thing was that he used the funeral flowers to 'brighten up the house'!
I think it would have been better if he had given us the option of cancelling.
I'm sure when Vera was alive this was a lovely place to stay but at the moment I could not recommend it as the cost is not justified by the current service.
We were obviously very sympathetic but felt that we should have been told about this as it did affect our stay.
Breakfast was taken at the Golf Club nearby and John was understandably quite vague at times. A slightly odd thing was that he used the funeral flowers to 'brighten up the house'!
I think it would have been better if he had given us the option of cancelling.
I'm sure when Vera was alive this was a lovely place to stay but at the moment I could not recommend it as the cost is not justified by the current service.
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Date of stay: July 2007Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Check-in / front desk
Service
Business service (e.g., internet access)
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have never written a bad review before -- but seeing others' comments, we realize our experience was not unusual - so here goes: The room was nice (Green Room) and spacious and clean. The town is lovely, the theater was fabulous, beautiful countryside. The pool at the B&B was quite dirty as was the pool furniture and apparently, judging from others' comments, it has been this way for years.
Alison, one of the proprietors, was extremely kind and sweet. However, John, the other proprietor, was anything but sweet. It started with his insistence that I listen as he yelled driving instructions over the phone when we called to simply let him know we would be a few minutes later than our original arrival time. During our stay, he had a condescending tone and attitude about where we ate, what we ate, that we didn't know what a good restaurant was, that our theater choice was ill-considered and "would be depressing" even though he had not seen the play as of yet, and that my husband was being ridiculous to heed his doctor's advice to stay away from grapefruit while on certain medications. For some reason, John made several negative comparisons between American and Canadian foods. We are not defensive about America or American foods, but why did he need to make such points repeatedly?
One night, I had a extremely painful migraine headache and was not able to make it to breakfast. My husband went downstairs to make our excuses and John made it quite clear in his tone that he was not pleased but would "figure out something." Alison sweetly brought up a breakfast tray and showed concern for my well being and offered to bring my husband a tray also so he could stay with me. While my husband waited for the other tray, he unintentionally overheard John emphatically tell Alison that he would not allow a tray upstairs the next morning.
When we did make it to breakfast the next morning, the negative comparisons continued. We do believe he means well, and likely fancies himself quite the friendly gregarious expert host. Trouble is, what he thinks is gregarious, actually many times comes across as unwelcoming, condescending, and offensive.
We have been to many bed and breakfasts, stayed in many places in Canada and Europe - we live in NYC, we know what good food is, we are aware of good theater and know how to recognize hospitable behavior. We've never experienced this from a proprietor before. We will not return.
Alison, one of the proprietors, was extremely kind and sweet. However, John, the other proprietor, was anything but sweet. It started with his insistence that I listen as he yelled driving instructions over the phone when we called to simply let him know we would be a few minutes later than our original arrival time. During our stay, he had a condescending tone and attitude about where we ate, what we ate, that we didn't know what a good restaurant was, that our theater choice was ill-considered and "would be depressing" even though he had not seen the play as of yet, and that my husband was being ridiculous to heed his doctor's advice to stay away from grapefruit while on certain medications. For some reason, John made several negative comparisons between American and Canadian foods. We are not defensive about America or American foods, but why did he need to make such points repeatedly?
One night, I had a extremely painful migraine headache and was not able to make it to breakfast. My husband went downstairs to make our excuses and John made it quite clear in his tone that he was not pleased but would "figure out something." Alison sweetly brought up a breakfast tray and showed concern for my well being and offered to bring my husband a tray also so he could stay with me. While my husband waited for the other tray, he unintentionally overheard John emphatically tell Alison that he would not allow a tray upstairs the next morning.
When we did make it to breakfast the next morning, the negative comparisons continued. We do believe he means well, and likely fancies himself quite the friendly gregarious expert host. Trouble is, what he thinks is gregarious, actually many times comes across as unwelcoming, condescending, and offensive.
We have been to many bed and breakfasts, stayed in many places in Canada and Europe - we live in NYC, we know what good food is, we are aware of good theater and know how to recognize hospitable behavior. We've never experienced this from a proprietor before. We will not return.
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Date of stay: August 2012Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â In hot weather, the Green Room does not get very cool despite central air conditioning.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The house is magnificent but the ambiance leaves a lot to be desired. The owner insists that guests not wear shoes in the house. Must walk barefoot or with slippers which are provided. There are no common areas where guests can get together other than the formal dining room at breakfast or the outside deck. The house itself is impeccable but the grounds are not. The pool is filthy and unusable. The deck and deck furniture are less than inviting. The owner is very knowledgabe and helpful in terms of advice as to where to go and what to do. Breakfasts are very good but there are no other choices given besides what is served. There are no guest kitchen facilities so nothing available after breakfast. We found it to be not particularly user friendly but certainly clean and beautiful and a superb location. Close to all the main restaurants, theatres, shops, etc. but on a side street so quiet and secluded.
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Date of stay: July 2008Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Check-in / front desk
Service
Business service (e.g., internet access)
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had high expectation but were let down. All of the internet information regarding this property is outdated. This is no longer a B&B, and some of the amenities are no longer available. The pool is out of commission. It was a very hot summer weekend and is advertised they have AC and fan. You have no control of the climate conditions in the suite and the sitting room fan did not work. Only 2 windows had screens and unfortunately they were no where near the windowless bedroom. On the surface the place looks good but beware.
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Date of stay: August 2018Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I have been staying at Simcoe Manor for over ten Labor Day weekends, sometimes with another couple, sometimes alone. We look forward to spending time in this gracious accommodation. The rooms are lovely and immaculate. The breakfasts are fabulous and we enjoy lively conversations with other guests (some also returning many times like us). We are very fond of our host, John Gartner. He is very knowledgeable about the entire Niagara region and has recommended activities, restaurants, vineyards to visit and has also secured reservations for us. He has also recommended plays at the Shaw Festival. The Shaw was our original reason to come to N.O.T.L. This year I brought my daughter with me. She had a marvelous time and now understands why we so look forwards to our annual weekend at Simcoe Manor.
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Date of stay: August 2014Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip:Â The Mauve Room but we have dibs for Labor Day weekend
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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"We stayed in the Burgundy Suite. It is their largest suite. It was spacious, quiet, and comfortable."Read full review
"All of the five rooms in this grand house are good options. If there are two couples the ground floor Simcoe and Henley Suites give you a private entrance and shared den."Read full review
LOCATION
CanadaOntarioNiagara-on-the-Lake
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
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Frequently Asked Questions about Simcoe Manor
Which popular attractions are close to Simcoe Manor?
Nearby attractions include BeauChapeau Hat Shop (0.5 km), Cheese Secrets (0.5 km), and Royal George Theatre (0.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Simcoe Manor?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and free parking.
What are some restaurants close to Simcoe Manor?
Conveniently located restaurants include Il Gelato di Carlotta, Nina Gelateria & Pastry Shop, and Budapest Bakeshop.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Simcoe Manor?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Is Simcoe Manor located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.4 km away from the centre of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Are there any historical sites close to Simcoe Manor?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Old Fort Niagara (1.3 km), Fort George National Historic Site of Canada (1.5 km), and McFarland House (3.1 km).