Isabella36

Hi,
I will be celebrating my 40th birthday this Canada's Day and would like to do something special. Originally, I had planned to go to Italy this summer with my mom. Unfortunately, our plans fell through so we won't be going this year although I'm considering going solo at the end of August for a few weeks. I have been trying to think about what else I would like to do and have been considering a weekend spa getaway with a friend or two. I have been St. Anne's Spa in Grafton and enjoyed it but thought about trying something new. I thought about going to Niagara-on-the-Lake and would like to know if there are any special places that anyone can recommend for a fun and relaxing weekend getaway.

I'm still trying to decide if I want just a spa weekend or a combination (if I decide to go to NOTL) or go back to St. Anne's - spa, yoga classes and meals included. I was thinking that if I'm visiting NOTL, I would also like to visit the town since it's been at least 5 years since I have been there. I thought about visiting a winery and enjoying some of the quaint shops - perhaps on one of the days when I'm not enjoying the spa or splitting up the day. I'm thinking of staying for 2 nights/3 days.

Thanks.

Nancyyy

First of all, a very happy birthday in advance. well, I will suggest you that you should go for an outing, more precisely to a vacation tour. If you are having enough o time, and if your pocket permits you,I will sugest you to go to Prince Edward Island.Green pastures and the distinct red-soil cliffs make Prince Edward Island a great destination for travellers who are just looking for some relaxation or a fun day at the beach. Take a car to get around, the island is not big so you could see everything in a day.You will remember it through out your life....

garyt22

budget plays an important role in the recommendation of hotel and spa properties... is this an open wallet, all out trip or a budget watcher?...

johnnyomalley

Pillar and Post is lovely. It's just a couple of blocks off the main street and they have a spa. The Shaw Festival will be running, you could take in a play. There are winery tours you can book.

http://www.vintage-hotels.com/pillarandpost/default.htm
http://www.shawfest.com/playbill/

eliztravels

I can't recommend any specific places in Niagara on the Lake as it years since I've been there, but I think it has the perfect atmosphere for an indulgent weekend.

kodi

I agree with Eliztravels. I think NOTL would give you a bit of everything. I can't recommend any specific place either, although I did stay at Queens' Landing one year. It was over the Christmas holidays, so we wanted it to be special.. similar to what you are trying to do. It was wonderful. We did a bit of shopping, and poking around the town. You could investigate doing a wine tour. And then for sure find out where there is a display of fireworks for Canada Day. It would be a spectacular ending . There could also be festivities during the day at Niagara Falls and at NOTL .

Happy Birthday Isabella. I'm sure you will have a great time, not matter what you decide.

garyt22

The Prince of Wales is a top choice that shuttles you to the Pillor and Post Spa... The Pillor and Post is the spa site and you could stay there also... the third hotel in that group is the Queens Landing... www.vintage-hotels.com

The Oban Inn and Spa for a smaller lodging English style

the Shaw Club Inn and Spa is a newer hippster property

The White Oaks resort and Spa... outside the village too far away...

There is also a full Spa at the Niagara fallsview Casino and Resort but that is in the Falls...

all are nice...

jamierin

The Harbour House is beautiful. I have been there 3 times and it was excellent each time. Their sister property (mentioned in one of the posts above - Shaw Club) has a spa beside it.

http://www.niagarasfinest.com/properties/harbourhouse/

Be sure to eat a meal at Stone Road Grille and/or the Charles Inn while you are there. Both really good.

Isabella36

Hi,
Thank you everyone for your responses. I appreciate your input. I checked out many of the hotels that have been mentioned here and like several of them including Harbour House, The Pillar and Post and the Shaw Club.

This is not an open wallet however I do want to treat myself for my 40th but want it to be affordable. I'm a single income earner so I want to be careful.

I haven't stayed at any hotels on NOTL but read that it can be expensive. I looked into the Harbour House from June 30-July 2 but they are sold out on June 30 but have availability from July 1-2 for $763.39 ($381.69/person) including all taxes & gratuities. It seems a little steep but it does include breakfast and dinner. However, I paid almost this much at St. Anne's and it included meals, and spa treatments ($100 spa credit). I'm not sure how my friend would feel about paying this much especially since I wanted to stay for 2 nights.

I regret not planning this sooner but I didn't know what I wanted to do until a few weeks ago. I'm noticing that many dates are booked especially June 30 and I would rather go a day before and then enjoy the day of my birthday (July 1) rather than drive to the destination on my actual birthday. No biggie, but it also means asking my friend to take a day off from work if we go from July 1-3.

I have been looking at booking.com, expedia and hotels.ca but rates seem to be consistent - some quite high. I wish I could afford some of these prices. I wish I had a wealthy significant other who surprised me with this type of gift! lol. I'm not sure what to do. I also need to consider what my friend would be willing to pay. Sometimes I think I should just go back to St. Anne's but I'm going to keep researching the hotels on NOTL and figure out costs. I really like The Harbour House and the other 2 that I mentioned. It's my type of atmosphere - cozy, nice colours, and furniture.

I will have more time tonight to check out the other properties and look at availability. Thank you again for your help.

P.S. Where do most of you book your reservations ie. through the hotel website or booking.com, expedia, etc.?

kodi

Isabella, what about a bed and breakfast? I've never stayed in one in this area, but they look lovely. And I have no idea on prices, but I can't imagine them being as steep as these prices. I know I could not afford these prices, and would want to spend my money on other things.

Good luck with your plans.

johnnyomalley

Take a look at Prince Edward County
http://prince-edward-county.com/

I don't have any specific recommendations, though.

kodi

I would go somewhere where there are beautiful fireworks for your birthday. What about Ottawa. .It will be crazy busy, but I've heard it a lot of fun on Canada Day. Maybe it's not too late to find a place.

jamierin

Hi Isabella

Check travelzoo.com for a property called the Dorset, a sister to St. Anne's in Port Hope

They have a current deal running and it may suit you.

Prince Edward County is a good idea too. This is an inn/spa in Picton. I have never been but it looks nice - http://www.claramountinn.com/

and the area is known for their nice beaches (Sandbanks) and wineries. I have stayed at the Merrill Inn there several years back and it was lovely.

Mathieu

I agree with Gary22 and Jamierin's lodging recommendations. I've stayed at a couple of them and my family has stayed at many of the others and we all enjoyed them very much.
Also, take a look at this 'Ontario's Finest Inns' link of which I think Harbour House is a member property.
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact....8HnXHoTchwI%3D

Apologies for the long link ! However I see that the group has a 'Girlfriends' special on right now. Otherwise check WagJag too for deals...

I also agree with Kodi's idea of Fireworks for your birthday, and Ottawa on Canada Day is a great place to be, both for that reason and for the very celebratory atmosphere. Treat yourself to nice lodging (Chateau Laurier, the Lord Elgin or a boutique hotel such as Arc The Hotel, etc.). You may still be able to score some good deals on Priceline or other sites (Hotel.com for example), and consider taking the train too - Via Rail often has some really good seat sales.

Going on or around July 1st works against your favour unfortunately because of the National holiday. You stand a better chance for a good deal if you can postpone it to the following weekend.

Good luck and best wishes for your birthday.

Isabella36

Hi,

Thank you for your help and recommendations. I just received an e-mail from the hotel and they clarified a few things for me with regards to prices and what's included. Here is the message:
The rate quoted is for our Two Night Snuggly Package, which is one of our Niagara’s Best Dinner packages you asked about. The rate of $763.39 including tax and service charges is based on double occupancy. This rate includes the following; two nights accommodation, breakfast each morning, a three course a la carte dinner for two at the Charles Inn, a $25 Shaw Spa credit, and a tour and tasting for two at Peller Estates Winery. The $381.69 is the weekend rate on our website, but that does not include tax and service charges; therefore the rate of $763.39 is lower. The Just Us Gals Getaway package would be a total of $1277.17 including tax and service charges. Our Midweek rates are Sunday through Thursday, therefore if you came on a Monday it would be the same rate. Currently we have one Premium Supershower Patioview room left at the rates given. We are filling us quickly due to it being a holiday, so it is recommended that you book very soon. There will be beautiful fireworks at Fort George just around the corner from us on July 1. We look forward to hearing from you!

I was able to put the room on hold for 24 hours to give me some time to shop around and see what else is available.

So, it's not for one night as I had originally thought, which is good but I still want to see what else is available. For the two nights, does this sound more resonable with what's included? I will check out the other sites that everyone has mentioned.

I'm not keen on going to Ottawa especially with the 4 hour drive. I'd rather go somewhere closer. However, thank you for the suggestion. I appreciate it.

I'm working all day today and work tonight so unfortunately, I don't have much time to search but will squeeze in as much time as I can so that I can plan a relaxing and enjoyable birthday for myself.

Thank you again everyone for your help.

Isabella36

Hi,

Thank you for your help and recommendations. I just received an e-mail from the hotel and they clarified a few things for me with regards to prices and what's included. Here is the message:
The rate quoted is for our Two Night Snuggly Package, which is one of our Niagara’s Best Dinner packages you asked about. The rate of $763.39 including tax and service charges is based on double occupancy. This rate includes the following; two nights accommodation, breakfast each morning, a three course a la carte dinner for two at the Charles Inn, a $25 Shaw Spa credit, and a tour and tasting for two at Peller Estates Winery. The $381.69 is the weekend rate on our website, but that does not include tax and service charges; therefore the rate of $763.39 is lower. The Just Us Gals Getaway package would be a total of $1277.17 including tax and service charges. Our Midweek rates are Sunday through Thursday, therefore if you came on a Monday it would be the same rate. Currently we have one Premium Supershower Patioview room left at the rates given. We are filling us quickly due to it being a holiday, so it is recommended that you book very soon. There will be beautiful fireworks at Fort George just around the corner from us on July 1. We look forward to hearing from you!

I was able to put the room on hold for 24 hours to give me some time to shop around and see what else is available.

So, it's not for one night as I had originally thought, which is good but I still want to see what else is available. For the two nights, does this sound more resonable with what's included? I will check out the other sites that everyone has mentioned.

I'm not keen on going to Ottawa especially with the 4 hour drive. I'd rather go somewhere closer. However, thank you for the suggestion. I appreciate it.

I'm working all day today and work tonight (as well as the rest of the days/nights this week - I work two jobs) so unfortunately, I don't have much time to search but will squeeze in as much time as I can so that I can plan a relaxing and enjoyable birthday for myself.

Thank you again everyone for your help.

Isabella36

Hello again,

I realized that I missed some information when quickly reading through the postings as I was reading them during my lunch. Mathieu, you mentioned "Going on or around July 1st works against your favour unfortunately because of the National holiday. You stand a better chance for a good deal if you can postpone it to the following weekend."
I can do this but I guess b/c it's my 40th and I'm usually not doing much on my birthday b/c everyone goes away (being the long weekend), I was hoping to do something for my actual 40th. However, I understand what you are saying. I will keep looking and see what I can find and compare prices for the weekend after.

I know for some people, birthdays are not a big deal but for me, they are. I read stories of husbands taking their wives away for a surprise trip or weekend getaway or girlfriends going to spa getaways and wanted to do something like this although I don't have a significant other and don't have a big group of girlfriends that are free to do this. I want to do something fun and memorable, and just enjoy whatever I do but also would like to do something for that weekend as it usually ends up being a bit stressful for me in trying to plan something b/c I find that I can't seem to get people together b/c it's the long weekend. You would think that I had plenty of invitations but I don't! lol.

Even though I still have some time, I feel like I'm rushing and stressing a bit b/c it is the long weekend and many places will be getting booked. I almost wish I had more time but I will use the time that I do have to check out the other sites everyone recommended.

Oops! I also noticed that I posted twice. Sorry about this. It was unintentional.

johnnyomalley

Isabella - I know exactly what you mean, I planned my own 40th birthday party, because I knew if I waited for my family... well I'd still be waiting.

I think the package quoted sounds like a good deal. There seems to be a lot included.

Isabella36

Thanks johnnyomalley. I smiled when I read your comment about planning your own 40th birthday b/c if you waited for your family to plan it, you would still be waiting. I can relate. I hope you had an enjoyable 40th regardless and that it was a memorable birthday.

I had some time this afternoon to look at some of the sites mentioned above. I checked out Dorset Manor through travelzoo but the travel dates Monday-Thursday, June 4-28 and Sept. 3 - Dec. 20. They don't even include the month of July! I e-mailed St. Anne's on the weekend but never heard back from them. I will have to call them tomorrow and see if they have any other specials for July.

I also checked out 'Ontario's Finest Inns' link and looked at some of the specials. The Girlfriends package "No Boys Allowed' Girls Spa Getaway at the Charles Inn from $476.75 per couple per night and includes: $200 towards services at The Shaw Spa, two Icewine cocktails, three-course a-la-carte dinner, and continental breakfast. The price does not include taxes and gratuities. Personally, I don't know if I would have $200 of spa treatments but it's already set in the cost.

I haven't had a chance to read any reviews about the Charles Inn but it sounds and looks really nice.

I haven't had a chance to check out the Inn in Prince Edward County b/c of time. However, I will have a quick look before going to bed tonight.

I have the room on hold for 24 hours at The Harbour House hotel so I need to let them know by tomorrow afternoon whether I will take it or not. I haven't heard back from my friend yet. I don't know how she feels about the cost. Hopefully I will hear back from her tomorrow.

I also thought that if I go to Dorset Manor in Port Hope, which is closer for me, my friend and I can go to see the fireworks at the Cobourg lake, assuming they have them there. It's probably not the same as NOTL or Ottawa, but I'm sure that they would be just as good.

I wish I had more time to review all of the sites that everyone suggested. There are a lot of great places to visit in Ontario. I will keep this in mind for the next time I plan a getaway.

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with trying to decide what to do. I wish I could hold onto the room for just another few days at The Harbour House hotel so that I could review the other destinations and inquire about costs before making a decision. I'm sure that everything will work out but it's stressful when you are trying to gather all of the information.

Thanks again. : )

garyt22

If it's a cost issue, take the Charles Inn package... it is a nice property in a converted mansion... $200 in Spa treatments is not that hard to use up for two people and the food is good there... Harbour House is not worth hundreds more... I woud get one night of the spa package and add another night at regular room rate... have fun