THE TEA COSY Bed & Breakfast (License No: 040-2020) — Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake

DO NOT BOOK HERE, please read this review. I have never left a bad review, but I have never been verbally berated/abused as badly as I was by Pran (the owner).

TL;DR: They cancelled on me 3 days before my best friend's wedding where I was meant to stay 3 nights on the basis that I was unable to provide a firm 1hr check-in window 3 days in advance. I explained that I had to help with wedding activities and might need flexibility to check in, only needed a place to rest my head (waiving any food/welcome treats) and the owner felt this demonstrated a blatant disrespect for their “house rules” and that we would be bad guests. Not only did he cancel on me, he spent 15 straight minutes YELLING at me on the phone in a downright abusive tone which is what led me to write this review, not the cancellation itself.

To book they send you a questionnaire and "house rules" to accept. The rules state that you need to provide a 1hr check-in window 2 days before arrival. Pran began calling me on July 1st (6 days before my check-in date). I didn’t answer as I didn't recognize the number. He kept calling and on July 3rd he texted me to request our 1hr check-in window and ask if we were "still coming". I responded to the text, explained that I would not be able to provide a 1hr window at this time, that I would be arriving in NOTL around 11:30-12, and asked if I could provide a firmer window on the day of.

Pran immediately called me and my mistake was picking up. Before I could say a word he launched into how my response made it clear that I was going to be "one of those people who books with them because of the good price and then blatantly disregards house rules and disrespects his home", and "didn't I read the rules?!", and that "this isn't a hotel I can't wait around for you all day, we have our own activities to arrange". When I tried apologizing, he kept YELLING over me to "read what I wrote and accepted". I pulled up the email which clearly states they require a 1hr check-in window TWO days in advance, not the 6 days Pran has been harassing me (this conversation itself happening 3 days in advance). I then tried to offer having my husband check in without me, as he would have more flexibility and allow me to give Pran a firm 1hr window by the “deadline.” I offered to pay in full now to appease any concern about us not showing (they only take cash). But Pran kept cutting me off, raising his voice and completely ignoring every offer to cooperate I was making. He said that even these suggestions clearly showed “we would not be the kind of people" he wants staying in his home. Part of me is suspicious that he was looking for an excuse to cancel so he could re-sell the room at a higher rate given the summer demand, as he had clearly made up his mind despite my offers to try and cooperate.

I want to emphasize that I have NEVER in my life been spoken to in such an abusive and berating manner. Perhaps because I am young and female he felt comfortable speaking to me in this way. Pran kept repeating he’d be cancelling on me. I finally said that after this call I would not feel safe or comfortable staying with him either, and accepted his last minute cancellation. I also said "I'm sorry, but I’m going to have to leave a Google review about this experience, I've never been treated so disrespectfully or had a worse experience booking a room in my life". He responded by saying "a threat to leave a bad Google review isn't an apology". Well, yes, I spent 15 mins trying to actually apologize/work with you (not that asking for flexibility should warrant an apology by a paying guest). Please believe me, whatever he responds to this review with (because he responds to all reviews), please believe how truly inappropriate and awful this experience was. I hung up the phone shaking for a good 30 mins and my husband was in shock. We both wish we had recorded the phone call...

Wish I read negative reviews before booking here. Owners walked back on our reservation after giving us our reservation details, because they’re not able to offer the flexibility to accommodate us (around 10pm check-in & 9:30am breakfast). I communicated our situation over the phone, and the owner never raised any questions/issues about it during the conversation.

There’re 56 clauses you must agree in the details. 50% of reservation if cancelling within 30days/1month. 100% if cancelling 1/2month. 20/56 clauses or 35.7% are House Rules. A number of them are very odd, like, can’t have any make-up or dirt on towels/bed linens. Can’t leave towels on the floor or anywhere but the washroom hangers. They take personal offence if you don’t show up for breakfast(you paid for) if you didn’t tell them in advance. Can’t open windows without asking first. Can’t leave used glasses/beer cans etc. anywhere on the property, other than the appropriate recycle/garbage bin. You must leave common space as you found it - you’re not paying to use these spaces. You have no access to the kitchen, but you also can’t use kettle to boil hot water to make food-beverages in your room. Not kids/disabled friendly. Can’t have friends visit (not staying overnight) you at this accommodation.

So, what am I paying for? Just bed and food? I can go to western for $140/night for two in one room, with complimentary breakfast, and do all the above. Yes it’s not a hotel, but with $200/night, it should be better! It should be a home away from home. Except this home has a parent who can’t agree with each other, emotional/sensitive, controlling, and take everything you do personally. Originally we’re going to tolerate them for just a night ($25 more for just one night), but now I feel lucky not get to stay here, and never will.

They don’t post these “rules” anywhere; I wonder why. To save everybody’s time, just post them out in the open so people can decide...

Sept 2025 We stayed 3 nights in the Earl Grey Suite at the Tea Cosy Bed & Breakfast in Niagara-on-the-Lake. A family member recommended it, and it worked out great. We couldn’t have been happier! Our suite (up a short flight of stairs) was bright and beautifully decorated, with a spacious bedroom and sitting room plus a large en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower. A dresser, lots of closet space & a comfortable king size bed all made for a lovely respite at the end of our busy days! There was also a communal sitting room with a mini fridge and coffee maker for guests to use. The B&B has a great quiet location with parking and a beautiful yard with outdoor seating that guests can also use. It was close to the theatres, downtown restaurants, wineries and more. Our hosts provided an excellent breakfast with tea, coffee, juice & many varieties of homemade jams & muffins. Also included was an excellent selection of meats, cheeses, bread, bagels, cereal, yogurt, and fresh fruit. All enjoyed with lively and pleasant conversation around the table. Pran provided all the relevant information that we needed to make our stay comfortable and stress free while keeping us chuckling with his dry sense of humour. Kads is an expert crafter who makes cute hand made coasters, coffee carafe covers & crocheted egg cup cozies. Wonderful conversation starters at breakfast! Pran and Kads were friendly, welcoming hosts who made us feel at home. We would highly recommend the Tea Cosy Bed & Breakfast for anyone visiting...