How Accommodating: My Picks for the Top Diggs

24 August 2009 by Victoria Revay

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If there was one thing Carolyne and I both agreed on (I think), it was about our choices for our favourite hotels, B&Bs and boutique hotels across Canada. We both enjoyed having a giant comfortable bed, a great bathroom with awesome bath products, and loved it when there was a dose of character involved. If you think like we do, then I’m sure you’ll have a great stay at any of the following lodging abodes during your next x-Canada journey.

St. John’s, Newfoundland: The Ryan Mansion

How about about staying in a place that boasts the following: a connection to the Titanic, it’s a National Historic Site and a Five-Star Canada Select property, it only has six guest rooms– because it’s that exclusive– marble tubs, heated marble floors, plasma TV’s everywhere, L’Occitane en Provence bath products, and personal breakfast service. Everything is opulent: Italian linens, fine art, embellished woodwork. Luxurious, purr…

Toronto, Ontario: The Drake Hotel

Oh, T.O. In this case, I have to admit that you are all that and the hype is real. I’m a believer in the coolness this former railway guesthouse and now uber-funky hotel. Sell it to me again! The hotel is an art exhibit that has come to life. The see-through showers with Malin + Goetz products, the high-tech toys and their hand made dolls (?) say, "Hello, you are in the house of greatness now." The open-air bar also lights up the night sky with Toronto’s finest stars that come to play there. Hi'ya..

Kingston, Ontario: Frontenac Club Inn

Once a bank serving Upper and Lower Canada’s elite, this limestone stunner is now banking on its five-star reputation as a top bed and breakfast that anyone into B&B must-see. A winding staircase takes you up-and-up to one of eight rooms named after original patrons of the “club.” For me, the homemade breakfast was insanely delicious, while the matching floral-and-vase arrangements were a delight to see.

Churchill, Manitoba: The Lazy Bear Lodge

In polar bear country, this charming lodge is all you need to keep the bears out and the warmth in. The handcrafted log cabin is an instant feeling of Christmas, adventure and high-end lodging all rolled into one. The entire place smells like a cozy fireplace in the middle of winter and the rooms are tidy. The Lazy Bear Café is gourmet: Choose Caribou Pepper Steak, Wild Arctic Char or Muskox Rouladen.

Ottawa, Ontario: Fairmont Chateau Laurier (Gold Level)

Not that the rest of the levels aren’t nice, but I saw Peter Mansbridge walking to breakfast on our floor and that is a big deal. (The complementary afternoon appetizer-and-wine service is also a great bonus.) The rooms are pristine with all the extras including gold-leaf bath salts, the most plush and oversized king bed I have ever plunged into, and an impeccable concierge service. Hail to Sir Laurier.

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