40th Birthday
 

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.

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....

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?...

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/

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.?

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.

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

I don't have any specific recommendations, though.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. : )

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

Just to let you know The Tragically Hip is doing an open air concert in the Commons in Niagara on the Lake on Saturday June 30th.

The Charles Inn is lovely.

Hi,

I have until Friday to decide whether I want to stay at The Harbour House Hotel or Charles Inn. I think it's down to these two. I don't have much time to review all of the other properties so decided to make this easier for myself and decide between these two lovely properties. I contacted St. Anne's but they have no special promotions for July/August however their special rate during this time is $319/pp and includes $100 spa credit, breakfast, dinner, tea & treats, and use of facilities. They are no spots available at Dorset Manor according to the person I spoke to today.

I am going to review everything and decide what I really want in each package. The Charles Inn has another price quoted on their own website for the 'No Boys Allowed' package. It's actually cheaper than the price I quoted above however, the spa treatment is $100. That's fine b/c if I buy anything above, then I will pay for it.

http://www.niagarasfinest.com/proper...sinn/packages/

The reviews are positive for both places. I haven't sat down to compare prices on paper but will soon and let you know what I decide.

P.S. The Charles Inn messaged me with the following information:

For the date requested 6 rooms are available- July 1-3, 2012- 2 nights.

“No Boys Allowed- 2 Night’s Package”
Two Night’s accommodations with continental breakfast both mornings, one three-course a la carte dinner for two, $200 Spa voucher towards treatment at Shaw Spa, Two Icewine martinis, Spa Gift.

Midweek prices quoted as follows:
Superior room- $900.50 CAD plus taxes & service charges=$1,047.76 CAD
Deluxe room- $798.50 CAD plus taxes & service charges=$926.73 CAD

# 2—The Onigahara Room – (Deluxe Room)
Queen-size bed, glass-enclosed multi-head shower, heated bathroom floor, central A/C, view of Queen St., 2nd floor.

# 6—The Magnolia Room – (Deluxe Room)
Queen-size bed, glass-enclosed multi-head shower, heated bathroom floor, central A/C, view of golf course, 2nd floor, private screened verandah.

# 7—The Safari Loft – (Superior Room)
King-size bed, gas fireplace, sitting area with pull-out day-bed, large soaker-tub with separate small shower, A/C, 3rd floor.

# 8—The Daisy Room – (Deluxe Room)
Queen-size bed, glass-enclosed multi-head shower, heated bathroom floor, A/C, main floor, access to private balcony.

# 9—The Library Room – (Deluxe Room)
King-size bed, jet air tub with a rainforest shower in tub, heated bathroom floor, A/C, main floor.

#10—The Renoir Room – (Deluxe Room)
Queen-size bed, jet air tub with a rainforest shower in tub, heated bathroom floor, A/C, windows on three sides of room, 2nd floor.

All rooms include a wonderful plated continental breakfast. Rates are based on double occupancy and 13% HST tax is additional.

It doesn't look like the package at The Charles Inn is more expensive although it has the $200 spa credit.

For those of you who stayed at The Charles Inn, which room did you stay in?

Thanks.

I did a breakdown of the two places that I am considering so that I could see which one is cheaper but also help me make a decision.

The Harbour House Hotel:
$763.93 includes taxes & gratuities, 2 nights accommodations, breakfast each morning, one-3 course meal at The Charles Inn, $25 spa credit and tour/tasting @ Peller Estates.

$763.93/2 = $381.96/per person

$381.96/2 nights = $190.98/night

Included app. costs:
$25 dinner
$15 breakfast (x2)
$25 spa credit (but won't cover much)
$20-25 wine tour
Total: $90

$190.98 - $90 = $100.98/night


The Charles Inn:
$926.73 includes includes taxes & gratuities, 2 nights accommodations, breakfast each morning, one-3 course meal at The Charles Inn, $200 spa voucher at Shaw Spa, two icewine martinis, spa gift.

$926.73/2 = $463.36/per person

$463.36/2 nights = $231.68/night

1st night:
$231.68 (minus costs)

Included app. costs:
$100 spa credit
$25 dinner
$10 breakfast
$5 drink
Total: $140

$231.68 - $140 = $91.68/night

2nd night:
$231.68 (minus costs)

Included app. costs:
$100 spa credit
$10 breakfast
$5-10 gift
Total: $120

$231.68 - $120 = $111.68

I think that I am leaning more towards The Charles Inn b/c of the spa treatments however you can also add on to the spa credit with The Harbour House Hotel and spend as little or as much as you want. The wine tour is included and that would be nice too.

I know that I have been sharing a lot here but I would appreciate some help in making a decision with regards to which hotel to choose.

Thanks again.

$25 for dinner at the Charles is a bit low... more like $50

Wine tours are available at all of the wineries for $5 to $10 and that charge basically covers your samples... Peller does not make wine at their site, but the tour allows you into their beautiful barrel cellar... Hillebrand and Inniskillin have more involved tours if you want to see behind the scenes...

In regards to the Hotel, both properties are owned by the same hotel group so service should be similar... both are small Inns, Charles is a converted mansion at one end of the village on the Golf course... Harbour is a bit more contemporary located near the Marina and water and is a short walk to the main village (3 short blocks through the neighbourhood)

They use the same Spa and offer shuttle service

Charles seems like a better deal if you can pamper yourself up to the limit... and if you do Harbour, $25 in Spa covers very little so you will have to reach for more $$$$

Also as an added adventure, consider the Whirlpool Jet Boats which dock near the Harbour... it will be the highlight of your birthday visit!!! www.whirlpooljet.com

Is $50/person or for two? I was estimating $25/person although I would bring that number up to $30/person. I guess I don't eat that much and for drinks, I would probably order a glass of wine. My friend and I would probably not share a bottle of wine as we both don't drink that much. I guess the meals are more expensive than typical restaurants?

I have to say that I like the contemporary look of Harbour and the rooms seem to be a nice size. Plus, it's a king size bed. Charles Inn is nice as well but I read some reviews that make me hesitant. I read that some of the rooms are on the smaller size (depending which room you get) and you can hear the people on different floors and in the kitchen. However, these were only mentioned by a few reviewers. Also, the pkg. includes queen size bed - not king.

I am debating whether it would be cheaper to book the hotel room separately via booking.com or one of those sits, with breakfast included, and book the spa separately?

I haven't heard back from my friend and I'm a little worried. I would feel more comfortable knowing she's okay with this but I guess until I decide what I want to do, I try and not get too stressed about it although I am hoping that she is still interested in going. I have until tomorrow to decide for the premium room at the Harbour although I prefer the spa pkg. at the Charles Inn.

Thanks for your input.

Hello,

I received a message from the hotel suggesting some other packages that I may be interested in as they have more of a spa feature. Two of them are more expensive than the original package I was considering. I would like to get some feedback with regards to whether the prices are reasonable considering what's included.

I appreciate hearing back from you. Thanks.


Just Us Gals Getaway Package in a Premium Room = $1277.17
*Two nights of accommodation with early check in based on availability
*Full European Breakfast for two each morning
*Two three course a-la-carte dinners for two at Zees Grill and Charles Inn Dining Room
*Shaw Spa Goodie Bag
*Two $100 Shaw Spa vouchers for use toward the treatments of your choice at The Shaw Spa
** Passes to Peller Estates Winery “Chicks & Chocolate” food and wine pairing seminar

A Taste of the Good Life Package in a Premium Room = $1176.50
*Two nights of accommodation
*Full European Breakfast for two each morning
*Bottle of VQA wine in room upon arrival
*$100 Shaw Spa Credit
*3 Course a la carte dinner for two with wine pairings at the Charles Inn
*Two Harbour House bathrobes

Spa & Wellness Package in a Premium Room = $930.89
*Two nights of accommodation
*Full European Breakfast for two each morning
*One three course a-la-carte dinner for two at either the Charles Inn or Zees Grill
*One $200.00 Shaw Spa Credit to be used toward the treatments of your choice

All rates given include tax & service charges.

I would consider the Spa and wellness... they will let you use a bathrobe while at the Spa... good luck

I ended up going with the Spa & Wellness pkg. However, my friend informed me that she is not a spa person and doesn't want to spend the money on spa treatments. I was a bit disappointed as I wanted to do this as well and still considered sticking with this pkg. but I don't want to have $200 worth of treatments for myself. I thought about it but check in is at 3pm on the day of arrival and we are only there for 2 nights so I would need to do one treatment on the first day and one on the second, which would be fine but I would also like to see some of NOTL and my friend would like to do a wine tour. I know that it's my birthday but when you are traveling with someone else, I'm realizing that I can't expect the other person to do something that I would like to do. So, I'm considering changing to the Niagara's Best Dinner pkg. which includes two breakfasts, one dinner at the Charles Inn, $25 Shaw Spa credit for one (not much to play around with here so I will have to pay at least $100 to make use of this credit, although I'm still paying for it in the end), and a tour and tasting for two at Peller Estates Winery. The cost is $763.39. Since my friend is not interested in the spa portion of this trip, would I deduct the $25 from her portion of the trip or just divide the $763.39 between the two of us and let it be. I'm not sure what to do.
Thanks.

just use the credit yourself and tell her the $12.50 is her b-day gift to you...



also... why don't you just book a room and do your own dinners, tour, and spa... then you are each paying your own way...

just use the credit yourself and tell her the $12.50 is her b-day gift to you...
...sounds good especially after spending so much time trying to organize it and then finding out that she doesn't want to do spa treatments. I didn't think it would be this complicated or difficult to book something. I hope the actual trip goes smoother and is enjoyable.

I thought that it would be cheaper to do a pkg. but it looks like it might be a bit cheaper to book it separately. I checked out booking.com (having to use different dates) and the cost for 2 nights was $269 with breakfast included (not including taxes and other charges), which would be about $294.55/per person.

Correction - the $269 ($294.55 with taxes) is for 1 night. Otherwise, it would have been an AWESOME deal for 2 nights and cheaper to book it separately. The pkg. rate is $763.39/2 persons = $381.69/2 nights = $190.85/night.

Sorry for going on about this. I'm starting to feel a bit frustrated. I think it would have been easier to go solo or with my sister!lol. Don't get me wrong. I'm looking forward to going away with my friend but I thought it would be much easier to plan something for two people.

Hi Isabella! I am back on your thread so you can ask me what you want here!

Book 2 nights... room only with B-fast

wine tours are $10 each (with samples)

There are a dozens of great restaurants... all prices... and a late lunch could be better than a pricey dinner..

wander the village, side trip to the Falls, get some bikes, have a picnic, shop in the boutiques, grab some theatre tix... you really sound like you and your friend don't fit into a package...

gary22 - I looked at expedia and booking.com and for one night, a room would be $310 that's with taxes/charges. This includes breakfast but it would cost more to book the room separately. However, I understand what you are saying b/c I can see that my friend is not on the same page with me. My friend sent me a message today telling me to be mindful of her budget as she didn't want to overspend, and doesn't want to go over $370. She left it up to me to decide on planning it and deciding on the pkg. I spent most of the day today looking at different prices but they were generally the same - $269 + taxes/charges = $310. I went to hotels.com, booking.com, and expedia.ca. If I go with the Niagara's Best Dinner pkg, it's $381.96 for 2 nights ($190.98/night), which includes breakfast, 1 dinner and wine tour. I know that the wine tour and dinner can be booked separately but as I mentioned above, booking the room separately, seems to cost more. Gary, did you find rooms at a cheaper rate? I can always call the hotel and ask what the price/night is and explain my situation. I'm trying not to get frustrated but I am. I have been keeping mindful of my friend's budget; it's not like I would expect someone to spend a lot of money to go away with me but I have been doing my best to research the best deal that I can possibly get. I almost wish that I asked my two sisters to go instead b/c this wouldn't have been as much of an issue. However, I already asked my friend so I need to figure something out. I will let her know what the rates are per night via expedia, booking.com and hotels.com so that she understands the cost without the pkg. features. Initially, she agreed to the Niagara's Best Dinner pkg. so I will remind her of this and she what she says.

I thought about going to the theatre but considering her budget, and the room rates, I don't know if we would be able to now.

Thank you again for your help.

Hi jamierin, thanks for your message. I wanted to ask you if I you did a pkg. deal when you went to Harbour House Hotel or did you book separately. If so, who did you book through and do you remember how much you paid?

Thanks.

I just want to mention that my friend initially agreed to the Niagara's Best Dinner Pkg. for $381.96 and seemed excited to do it even though it was a bit over her budget.

Oops! I apologize for repeating myself in my last post. It's late and didn't realize that I had already mentioned it. I'm getting upset by all of this and I shouldn't but I'm frustrated. I just want my 40th to be smooth b/c my 30th wasn't and it's a big deal for me even though for many people, birthdays are just another day.
I'm going to try and not think about it right now and just let it be until tomorrow.

Hi Isabella,

I booked directly with the hotel each time that we stayed. I can't remember the cost but it was 4 of us and we had 2 connecting rooms each time. I recall it being something like $800 for the 2 rooms for 2 nights.

We did not do a package, although I think that breakfast is always included and it is substantial and delicious. The last time that we stayed there was about 4 years ago, so the prices have probably crept up since then.