Rutherford House B&B, Hamilton, ON
Written by: Julie Ovenell-CarterSometimes enough is enough. Sometimes I just can’t bear another cookie-cutter hotel room, no matter how comfortable its beds are (you win, Westin) or how genteel its staff (props to Shangri-La and Fairmont).
Like today, for instance. Today, I’m in Hamilton, Ontario, having flown through the night to get here in time to speak at an education conference. I actually arrived at three in the morning–more than a little frazzled after a weekend that included auditioning for the 2010 Winter Games Ceremonies, and watching my youngest graduate high school.
A bit of coddling was clearly in order, so I dug into my files and retrieved the card for Rutherford House B&B, where I’d stayed three years earlier and whose kick-ass breakfasts were reason enough to return. It’s a 10-minute walk to the convention centre, in a neighbourhood of gracious old red-brick estates.
Janis Topp, chief cook and bottle washer, didn’t hesitate for an instant when I asked if I could arrive in the middle of the night. She set up the iron and ironing board for me in advance and arranged for a late breakfast. David, her husband, offered to drive me to the conference centre so I’d have extra time to get myself together in the morning. (And I don’t doubt that should I have needed it, they would have let me use their washing machine too.)
For less than the cost of a room at the conference hotel, I got a pillowtop king bed; a cozy, quiet, light-filled room with access to a private sitting room if I wanted a change of scene; free wifi and parking; an in-suite fridge; coffee, water, and as many Hershey’s Nuggets as I could stuff into my face–which isn’t as many as you might think given the full-meal-deal breakfast that makes it easier to say no to Bad Food Choices for the rest of the day.
Consider a B&B the next time business takes you on the road in Canada. It’s the next best thing to coming home to mom…
Do you have a favourite B&B to recommend in Canada? Please share it here!
Lori
on June 9th, 2009I just stayed at a lovely B&B in Barkerville, BC. This historic town is restored from 1850s buildings and the B&B is right on the main street. Great host, delicious breakfast and fantastic setting (the host dresses in period costume, along with all other people milling around the “town”). It’s also the only place in Barkerville with wireless internet!
King House (http://www.barkerville.ca/kelly_king.htm).
Julie Ovenell-Carter
on June 9th, 2009Wow, Lori: I wonder if that’s the same building I lived in one summer in 1977 when I was a showgirl in the Barkerville summer revue? (Yes, I still have the pictures to prove it
) Is it a white, two-storey affair with a large second-floor deck facing the street? Do you have a photo you could send along? I’d love to post it!
Richard Smith
on June 9th, 2009Deborah and I stayed in the lovely White Oaks Lodge in Havelock, ON on a recent trip to the east. Half way (more or less) between Toronto and Ottawa, it is about 6km off the #7 highway and close to the picturesque Trent-Severne waterway. They have a lovely rural setting and a veritable wildlife refuge in the backyard with deer, birds, and numerous small animals all visible from the breakfast table. Our breakfast was superb and the bed (king size) comfortable. The jacuzzi tub was a nice touch in a large and well appointed bathroom. Hosts were warm and friendly. I’d definitely stay there again.
Julie Ovenell-Carter
on July 11th, 2009Lori, this is the place I lived in back in the late ’70s when I was performer in the Barkerville revue: http://www.barkerville.ca/stgeorge.htm
Trust me, it wasn’t nearly so swanky back then…!
Lori
on July 11th, 2009Ha, I did take a look through the St. George Hotel, which is down the street from King House. Very nice place! A showgirl at the Barkerville Revue, eh? Now that’s resume-worthy
Another B&B that I loved was a recent stay at the Amherst Shore Country Inn in Nova Scotia (but there were so many cute ones!). I had the best meal of my whole 8-day trip there.
Christine Hearn
on July 13th, 2009I know you said Canada, but I can’t resist recommending my favorite B&B. It’s the Harbour Lights in beautiful Marblehead, Mass., just an hour north of Boston. It’s really more like a small hotel, with a small bar for great conversation and an evening glass of wine. We were there just before the US election and had a great time translating the American political system to two Brits and a New Zealander and at the same time translating the British parliamentary system to two Americans.
Marblehead is a great town–very historic, huge harbour, and just half an hour from Salem if you are in to witches and schlock. And it’s a peaceful respite from all the tourist and shopping wonders of Boston.
Harbour Lights 781-631-2186
Julie Ovenell-Carter
on July 13th, 2009Ok, thanks Christine–but now you have to make up for it by telling us about one favourite CANADIAN B&B too!
Christine Hearn
on July 13th, 2009I would if I knew of one, but we almost never travel in Canada–except the Kitimat-Kootenays-Vancouver route. And then it’s drive, drive, drive, stop in the first dog-friendly motel we find, eat, sleep, drive, drive, drive.
Christine Hearn
on July 19th, 2009I do have a Canadian B&B!! I haven’t stayed there but Erik has and highly recommends it. It is the Minette Bay Lodge in beautiful Kitimat. It’s right on the water on Douglas Channel, beautiful house, fabulous breakfasts, very quiet and peaceful. Check out their website for all the great things to do. http://www.minettebaylodge.com
Julie Ovenell-Carter
on July 20th, 2009There now: that wasn’t so hard was it?