For a recent birthday, my husband surprised me with a stay at the delightful Pillar and Post in Southern Ontario. Tucked into a side street in the storybook town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, the hotel had me charmed from the get-go. Part of the Vintage Hotels family, the 122-guest-room inn is housed in a historic building, offers fine dining, and has indoor and outdoor pools with major splash appeal. Plus, there’s an on-site spa and lots of nearby wineries to visit.
There are many options to stay in town, including B&Bs, but Pillar and Post was a cut above.
We arrived on a snowy afternoon, and even though it was mid-week, the reception area was bustling. “Shall I book a time for you in the 100 Fountain hot spring pool?” the desk clerk enquired. Hummmm. “I think I just want to play it by ear,” I heard myself say, thinking this was a gimmicky, expensive spa add-on.
Heading to our room, I got my first glimpse of the main indoor pool as we made our way to the elevator. Guests wrapped in fluffy white robes sat by the Jacuzzi tub at one end. I was looking forward to jumping into that hot tub. But I was a bit confused. It didn’t look like a hot spring that needed reserving, as the reception clerk had mentioned.
Suites and Rooms at the Pillar and Post
Our Premium guest room was on the third floor. Opening the door, we spied a seating area, a gas fireplace, and a luxurious, Queen-sized, four-poster bed. The décor was pure rustic chic, comfy and classy.
The Pillar and Post has a variety of rooms to choose from. Traditional rooms are smaller with one queen, one king, or two double beds. Located off a covered walkway on the street level, they are a good choice for folks who want to avoid stairs and be close to the pool and dining options.
Another option is deluxe guest rooms that feature a fireplace and a sitting area. Some have direct outdoor access. For over-the-top indulgence, there’s a Presidential Parlour Suite with two rooms, a king bed, a chaise lounge, and a gas fireplace. It also has a dining area and a wet bar. The bathroom features a soaker tub and a walk-in shower.
All rooms have premium bedding, Nespresso Mini Essenza machines, high-speed Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs.
Relax in Two Pools, a Sauna, and a Hot Tub
My afternoon plan was to check out the pool. Wrapped in a bathrobe I found in the closet, I headed down. The hot tub capacity was five, and there was only one couple immersed. We were in luck.
I sank into the frothy, steaming water and could feel the tension in my computer-hunched shoulders slipping away.
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The pool was a few degrees cooler. Plus, there was another large, heated outdoor pool, but I didn’t have the gusto to take a dip in that one. What I did take advantage of was the sauna beside the indoor pool. Much like a hammam, I created my own circuit of hot sauna, cool pool plunge, rest, and repeat (with a few more hot tub poachings included).
Dining Deluxe at the Pillar and Post
Deliciously relaxed, I was ready for dinner. The Cannery is the Pillar and Post restaurant helmed by Executive Chef Mark Longster. I loved the festive decor and fireplace. Scanning the menu, I was pleased to see local, Niagara region wines suggested as pairings with main dishes. I’d heard this was the place to indulge in red meat, which I don’t do very often. But, hey, it was my birthday, so I chose the bacon-wrapped tenderloin steak, paired with a Big Head Red from the Niagara Peninsula. The wine was a lovely offset to my rich, juicy main course. My husband enjoyed the ribeye steak, and we split a slice of maple cheesecake for dessert.
Other mains on the menu included prime rib, New York striploin, Atlantic salmon, osso bucco, roasted half hen, and vegetarian risotto.
If you are looking for lighter fare, Pillar and Post also has Vintages Wine Bar & Lounge, which serves lunch and dinner. Choices there include crab cakes, mussels, burgers, wings, and flatbreads.
Just want to lounge in your room and have a nibble? There’s room service available for an additional fee.
A breakfast buffet in the Cannery greeted us the next morning. I had a made-to-order omelet, and also on offer were waffles, French toast, pastries, fruit, and yogurt. From elegant hot serving dishes, you could also pile your plate high with bacon, sausages, and home fries.
An Outdoor Spa Oasis
Before we departed, I decided to find out what the 100 Fountain Spa was all about. Located on the inn’s lower level, I saw a 13,000-square-foot space with treatment rooms, mani-pedi stations, and a lounge. The best offering was an outdoor, heated Jacuzzi-style pool, surrounded by a rock garden and fed by a burbling fountain. Here was the outdoor hot spring pool the check-in clerk had referred to. Eureka!
It was still early, and there were only two other people soaking in the winter sunshine. I ran upstairs, put on my bathing suit, and slipped into the water for some steamy floation time.
I learned that day passes are available, with seasonal restrictions. But, overnight and spa-treatment guests receive complimentary access to the pools. The option to book a spot is good since I was told it can get quite crowded during peak hours.
The Pillar and Post also has a fitness room with treadmills, stationary bikes, and weights. Not that I graced that space on this little getaway. But good to know for future visits.
What to do Nearby the Pillar and Post
Niagara-on-the-Lake is in the heart of Ontario wine country. With more than 200 vineyards in the region, you can sip and savor in various tasting rooms or take a tour. For theatre lovers, enjoy year-round performances at three venues. Looking for some retail therapy? Check out Queen Street. The main drag is lined with tempting boutiques and restaurants. For a slow-paced tour, book with Sentineal Horse and Carriage and trot down to the waterfront, through the historic district. Nature lovers will enjoy walks by Lake Ontario or visiting Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens.
Rates at the Pillar and Post
Rates start at around $270 per room. Many packages are available that include meals and activities such as skating, wine trolley tours, and spa escapes. Parking is free, and valet service is available for a fee. Dog-friendly rooms are available, but make sure to request one when booking.
Check rates for Pillar and Post Inn & Spa online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Hotel feature by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. As always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
