In the innkeeping business owners pride themselves on having repeat customers. For some of us inn goers we like to go to a 'special place' where the innkeeper welcomes us back each time, and knows our name . I like being a creature of habit as I like familiarity.
I get asked all the time - where is one of your favorite B&B’s you have ever been to?
I always dance around that question and still want to. It’s not about favorite it is about where do I feel special and comfortable. When I do go away on my own time (which isn't very often) I want certain amenities but most of all I want to relax. One of my favorite Canadian places to visit is Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. It is a fabulous town near Niagara Falls full of nearby wineries, shopping, food, golf, pubs and it is just overall one of the prettiest and charming places I have ever been to.
A few years ago I happened upon a B&B called the Georgian Residence. I fell in love with the bed and breakfast as soon as I put down my suitcase. It felt wonderful and inviting. I soon discovered it had all the things I love when I travel. The one item at the very top of my list is a wood-burning fireplace in my room. Niagara has very strict B&B by-laws and all B&Bs can only offer up to three rooms. The Georgian Residence has three and each one is a suite with its own luxurious living room, perfect as I can watch TV, have a fire on, read a magazine and drink my wine. All the rooms are appointed with every luxury and if you need something owners Katherine and Robert McEwen are happy to assist you. They are hoteliers from Scotland who came to Niagara in 2005. They renovated the 3500 sq. ft .Georgian house for five months into one of the area's most prestigious B&B destinations. Robert is a Master Plasterer and created amazing crown moldings and details throughout the house, he laughs when he says he is still renovating the right years later . Katherine decorated and appointed each of the three suites with commanding four poster beds and rich luxurious castle- style furnishings. The couches are so large and deep, you won't want to stand up!
Breakfast is a three course gourmet experience with only the best ingredients used. They are created by Katherine who is the resident chef. The property offers an in-ground pool and a lovely park-like-back yard, there is also a patio out front on the street level to sit and watch passersby. The 58 Johnson Street location is a stones' throw away from all the main street action and not to mention all the restaurants and pubs.
The Georgian Residence is rated five stars from FOBBA (Federation of Ontario Bed and Breakfast and Accommodation) This creature of habit can't wait to return and sit in front of the fire!
AFavorite Place
By Mary Hughes
Inns E-Magazine | Fall 2013 | 26