Pillar and Post Inn & Spa — Attraction in Niagara-on-the-Lake

I stayed in a suite with three friends this past Saturday, May 3rd, on a quick getaway to celebrate two of their birthdays. We booked a package that included a suite (1 king bed in a separate room, plus a sofa bed in the living space), as well as dinner and breakfast at the hotel's restaurant, The Cannery. We planned for two of us to share the king, one would sleep on the sofa bed, and one would bring an air mattress or get a cot.

Starting with the positive, the restaurant, especially for dinner, was incredible. It was a three-course dinner, which included an appetizer, a main, and a dessert. All four of us absolutely loved our meals, and the portions were more than enough. Our server was excellent, and the food and drinks were amazing. The shrimp cocktail was delicious, and all of our steaks were cooked really well (and the sides were excellent). I can't recommend it enough. The breakfast was buffet style, which included your standard options (sausage, bacon, waffles, French toast, fruit, pastries) plus an omelet station and some other options. It was good.

We made use of the pool, hot tub, and sauna while we were there. It was very crowded, especially the indoor pool room, as the weather wasn't great. The crowds were understandable since it was the weekend. Personally, I'd recommend going on less busy days if you don't want to share the pool or hot tub with a lot of other people. The outdoor pool was lovely - heated to mid-90's, which was great, especially since it was cool and a bit rainy outside. Given the weather, there were only one or two other small groups in there with us. We also used the outdoor hot spring (you have to sign up for a time slot, as it is part of the spa), which was also very nice and surrounded by trees and plants.

The room is unfortunately where our stay was less enjoyable. When my friend booked our package, she told them there were four adults that would be staying there. We had originally planned to book two separate rooms, but when that wasn't available, they suggested the suite, highlighting that there was a queen sized sofa bed that two of us could share. We know sofa beds are generally not that comfortable, but figured that it's a nice hotel (with prices to match) and only one night, so how bad could it be?

First, this is a heritage hotel, and it is very outdated, as many reviews have said. I appreciate that most of the furniture has that aged, vintage look, but that does not mean that you can skimp on comfort. The sofa bed mattress was about 3 inches thick, and probably 30 or 40 years old. Lying on it felt like someone had placed a quilt over all of the wires and bars that make up the mattress support. It was unbearable. My friend who got the cot said it wasn't much better. I placed the thick blanket from the closet over the mattress for extra cushioning, and laid there for an hour but could not fall asleep due to pain. Finally I got up and put the bed back in the couch and just slept on the couch itself. This was also super uncomfortable - first, the cushions are shot, so it was very hard. I had to put a pillow behind my back for support. Also, it's not long enough for adult to lie on, so when I woke up, my neck was completely stiff from the angle it was on against the sofa arm.

I'm shocked that a reputable hotel would encourage guests to rely on this furniture for sleeping. I paid almost $350 (as did my friend on the cot) to sleep in a bed that was criminally uncomfortable. In the middle of the night, I considered sleeping in our car, it was so bad. I had to warn others who may plan to go to this hotel that under no circumstances should you stay here if anyone in your party will need to use the sofa bed in your room - it's not worth it. It's been 3 days since I was there and my neck is still stiff. Our friends who shared the bed said they were comfortable, for what it's worth. But if you need to make use of a full suite for sleeping, I recommend just going to the restaurant for a great dinner, and...

I stayed here over the Christmas holidays with my family. We had stayed in 2019 and had a grand time. From the front desk to restaurant to attendants, the staff here are excellent- always very friendly and accommodating. We had the epic Christmas Day brunch at the Cannery restaurant (one of the highest rated in NOTL) which has a wide selection of delicious and well-presented foods. They go all-out. Large groups are fine - reserve for this since it’s very popular! There is also a casual hunting-themed bar with a nice menu. It’s rather loud. The hotel provided tickets for a couple free drinks. The hotel is really beautifully decorated for Christmas! There is a park across the street which was all lit up, and has an ice skating rink and bar. You can rent skates. There are fire pits to hang out and even a sleigh with a huge tree for photos. Nice. There is a heated outdoor pool with a few more fire/seating areas, an indoor pool and hot tub too. Sometimes busy, sometimes you might have it all to yourself. I had a body wrap spa treatment and tried the grotto- a larger hot tub with a small waterfall. There is a quiet room as well, with a variety of teas. Many services are available but it’s wise to reserve ahead. A nice fluffy bathrobe and slippers are in your room. Big towels are by each pool. Amazing. This is a very nice vintage hotel, however, it is showing some age and there is room for improvements. Our premium room was huge, with a sofa bed - which had not been made up (no problem, resolved right away) but apparently very uncomfortable (not surprised) and cushions were sagging when closed. One of my jobs was in the furniture industry and I would say it needs to be replaced. The hairdryer was a cheap Conair which was super hot and weak. Please update! There is a Nespresso machine but the cups are ridiculously small -three sips maybe- and the handle tiny/hard to hold too. No tea? We asked for a kettle - provided quickly, no complaints (we had our own tea) but seems odd not to have in the room. No refrigerator either! Pretty standard in most hotels of this calibre. Since we were there 3 nights, it would’ve been nice, especially if you had a bottle of wine, or leftovers from a meal out. The area is known for wine and food. We also had a towel with a hole/frayed. Just being picky, but the art beside my bed was an image of guns. I get the Fort George reference but maybe something more pleasant? The turn down service includes a rose, which is thoughtful, but maybe keep that as a request and use that budget to amend some of these other practical things? Our room was very quiet. My aunt’s room had a dog staying next door. My cousin’s family had a nice time. Wheelchair accessible- not sure about showers since we had a tub; there is a grab bar. There is an elevator for the restaurant. A few dedicated handicapped spots and valet parking available. My experience at the hotel was great overall, and thank you to the staff. The hotel is under 2km from the main street, so it’s walkable, but no sidewalks. Easy to find parking close by. About 30m to Niagara Falls along the Parkway, which is a wonderful...

My husband and I just returned from a one-night stay at the Pillar & Post, and we cannot stop blabbing about how AMAZING it was !! To start, they have nearby (across the road) free parking for all guests. Upon our arrival into the hotel we were greeted by the shuttle driver who advised that if we needed to head into Niagara-on-the-Lake that he could take us and bring us back whenever. Checking-in, we were then greeted by an extremely welcoming host who advised us that we had been upgraded to the Presidential Suite. My husband and I have never been that lucky couple to experience a free upgrade - so this was a GREAT start to our getaway. We were given a map of the resort and advised of when things were open and closed until.

Heading up to our room, which was easy to find, we walked past the outdoor and indoor pool. Hotel hallways were extremely clean.

Our room was #359 - double doors facing the elevator! We were giddy with excitement opening the doors to our suite. Wow!! It did not disappoint. We had our own bar, dining room, living room, separate bedroom and 2 bathrooms. Absolute luxury!! The suite was incredibly clean! AC in the main living area and bedroom were both running, which made the temperature very comfortable.

Upon entering our suite, I received a text message from our virtual concierge that advised if we needed anything during our stay to just ask/text. The televisions, which turned on, even greeted us with our names! Nice little personal touch.

We headed down to the outdoor pool, as the weather was beautiful. We showed our key card for entry, grabbed two towels and found two front row loungers poolside. Within a few minutes of sitting, we were greeted by our poolside waiter who brought us over water and advised if we wanted anything to drink or eat to raise our lounger flag and he would come by immediately to take our order. Well we didn't waste any time on that! Two espresso martinis please!!

The package we chose for our stay included a three-course dinner at The Cannery, which was located in the lobby. Again, greeted by the amazing restaurant host and seated at a very intimate table. Our waitress, Kristy, was extremely welcoming and friendly. Dinner was fantastic. Food portions were very fair. Menu options were fairly limited, but this ensured that what you were getting on your plate was truly extraordinary and delicious!

After dinner we walked through the Pillar & Post gardens, which is located across the hotel. Beautiful gardens to be visited in the day and in the evening! Extremely romantic vibe in the evening with all the lights.

After our walk, we went to the hotel bar and had a couple more espresso martinis before heading back to our room for a snooze.

Waking up in the morning, we both debating just staying in the room and hopefully no one would notice. It was very sad to check-out! Needless to say, we will 100% return to the Pillar & Post. Beyond fabulous stay. True luxury!!

I highly would recommend staying at this vintage hotel. You will not be...