Harbour House Hotel
85 Melville Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0 Canada
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About
4.5
#3 of 17 hotels in Niagara-on-the-LakeLocation
Cleanliness
Service
Value
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to the top 1% of businesses across select categories.
With a design reminiscent of maritime life in the 1880's, Harbour House captures the essence of historic Niagara-on-the-Lake. Overlooking the Niagara River, Harbour House is within easy walking distance to the Shaw Festival theatres and many fine restaurants, shops and galleries. Our 31 guestrooms and suites feature king-size feather-top beds, whirlpool tubs, fireplaces and entertainment centres. Our tariffs include a European-style breakfast served in the conservatory. Harbour House is proud to be a recipient of Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice award for one of the top 25 hotels in Canada.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Bicycle rental
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Free shuttle or taxi services
Baggage storage
Concierge
Electric vehicle charging station
Car park
Wifi
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Shuttle bus service
Non-smoking hotel
24-hour front desk
Room features
Allergy-free room
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Desk
Fireplace
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Complimentary toiletries
Housekeeping
Safe
Telephone
Iron
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Hair dryer
Room types
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Marina View
Green
Languages Spoken
English, French
Location
85 Melville Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0 Canada
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 80 out of 100
80
Buffalo Niagara Intl Airport
44.3 km•
See all flights
Niagara Falls Intl Airport
19.6 km•
See all flights
Rental Cars
53 Restaurants
within 1 kilometer
Reviews
4.5
1,598 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Nestled in a prime location, Harbour House Hotel delights guests with scenic walks and proximity to local attractions. The hotel's amenities, including a praised shuttle service and a breakfast celebrated for its homemade touches, receive frequent commendations. While the cleanliness and comfort of the spacious rooms are a highlight, a few guests have noted a desire for more modern touches.
The service is generally applauded for its attentiveness, though there have been occasional lapses. Opinions on value vary, with some guests finding the experience worth the cost, especially due to the cozy, homey atmosphere that the hotel cultivates.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Cozy
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Abundant
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Detailed Reviews
Hotel's Favourite
From the moment we stepped into the hotel we were impressed.
Every staff member we dealt with was professional, friendly, and accommodating.
Our room was spotlessly clean, tastefully decorated, quiet, and very comfortable.
These are the things we expect when staying in a hotel. And this hotel delivered, well done.
But really, it was the other things that set this hotel apart from others we have stayed at.
A couple of cookies at check in, a souvenir shopping bag on the bed, wine glasses in the room, a wine and cheese reception (a nice way to meet some of the other guests), a shuttle service to the local restaurants so you can enjoy a beverage or three with supper, and a wonderful continental breakfast, among other things, made us wish we could have stayed longer.
We will be back.
Every staff member we dealt with was professional, friendly, and accommodating.
Our room was spotlessly clean, tastefully decorated, quiet, and very comfortable.
These are the things we expect when staying in a hotel. And this hotel delivered, well done.
But really, it was the other things that set this hotel apart from others we have stayed at.
A couple of cookies at check in, a souvenir shopping bag on the bed, wine glasses in the room, a wine and cheese reception (a nice way to meet some of the other guests), a shuttle service to the local restaurants so you can enjoy a beverage or three with supper, and a wonderful continental breakfast, among other things, made us wish we could have stayed longer.
We will be back.
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Date of stay: November 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jennifer Dickson, Guest Services / Front Office at Harbour House Hotel
Responded Dec 12, 2022
Thank you so very much for joining us and for taking the time to acknowledge all of our little extras that we offer to our guests, I am thrilled you enjoyed everything! I look forward to welcoming you back in the near future. Sincerely, Jennifer Dickson Guest Services Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My wife and I stayed here on a getaway weekend a few weeks ago. Upon arrival we were greeted by the very warm and friendly front desk staff. We were given the keys to our room, informed about an afternoon wine tasting reception they had at the hotel, given the passes for the wine tasting package we booked, they booked our dinner for us and sent us happily on our way.
The room was small but very cozy. Comfortable king bed, fireplace, marble shower, very clean bathroom. Was just right!
They provide a shuttle that we took to dinner, but the restaurant we went to was so close we actually didn’t need it and walked back.
The restaurant (Zees) is off site but as I said very close. The food is absolutely delicious, service and atmosphere are incredible. If you get the Niagara’s finest package at the hotel then this meal is included. Definitely worth it. The only issue I had was we were not informed until after that the steak dinner was not included in the price and we had to pay a very small surcharge for it. It was worth it and I didn’t mind paying, I just would have liked a heads up, that’s all. Everything else on the menu is included and delicious.
Nice, centrally located hotel, very relaxed atmosphere, clean comfortable rooms and good food. Definitely recommend and we will absolutely be back.
The room was small but very cozy. Comfortable king bed, fireplace, marble shower, very clean bathroom. Was just right!
They provide a shuttle that we took to dinner, but the restaurant we went to was so close we actually didn’t need it and walked back.
The restaurant (Zees) is off site but as I said very close. The food is absolutely delicious, service and atmosphere are incredible. If you get the Niagara’s finest package at the hotel then this meal is included. Definitely worth it. The only issue I had was we were not informed until after that the steak dinner was not included in the price and we had to pay a very small surcharge for it. It was worth it and I didn’t mind paying, I just would have liked a heads up, that’s all. Everything else on the menu is included and delicious.
Nice, centrally located hotel, very relaxed atmosphere, clean comfortable rooms and good food. Definitely recommend and we will absolutely be back.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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We had heard about the Harbour House from friends but this is the first time we were able to stay there. What a lovely visit! I think it was one of the most comfortable mattresses ever! The bedding was clean and soft too.
The room was decorated in a nautical theme. There was even an espresso machine in our room. There was a wine and cheese welcome hour, with wines from local wineries and homemade cheese spreads.
The breakfast was included which was a nice surprise. The breakfast itself was delicious with fresh croissants, an almost Spanish tortilla casserole, fruit and breads. I appreciated the choice of yogurts which included a plain, unsweetened one. The service was personal and welcoming from the minute we arrived!
The location is great too! You are just a few blocks from the center of town and next to the lakeshore. The fort is nearby with ice skating too! We would definitely chose the Harbour House Hotel again!
The room was decorated in a nautical theme. There was even an espresso machine in our room. There was a wine and cheese welcome hour, with wines from local wineries and homemade cheese spreads.
The breakfast was included which was a nice surprise. The breakfast itself was delicious with fresh croissants, an almost Spanish tortilla casserole, fruit and breads. I appreciated the choice of yogurts which included a plain, unsweetened one. The service was personal and welcoming from the minute we arrived!
The location is great too! You are just a few blocks from the center of town and next to the lakeshore. The fort is nearby with ice skating too! We would definitely chose the Harbour House Hotel again!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jennifer Dickson, Guest Services / Front Office at Harbour House Hotel
Responded Mar 16, 2020
Thank you "TS157" for taking the time to write such a lovely review! I am thrilled that you enjoyed all we have to offer and we look forward to welcoming you back! Sincerely, Jennifer Dickson Guest Services Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Harbour House’s charming exterior hides significant issues within. Our room was spacious enough, but the furniture was scratched and looked like it hadn’t been replaced in at least a decade. The bathroom was dark and dated, with terrible lighting, no electrical outlet to plug in a hair dryer or night light, and water that either took ages to get hot or immediately scalded. We were told that the room would not be cleaned during our stay, but that if we needed anything we should ask—except when we requested an extra hand towel, we were told it wouldn’t be available until the evening, and it never actually arrived. (And why couldn’t the rooms be cleaned every day? Staffing shortage? Covid precautions? There was no explanation for the reduction in service, and certainly no adjustment to the room rate.) The breakfast buffet was just so-so, and the wine and cheese tasting was a joke: tiny pours of mediocre wine served with a plate of Ritz crackers and a dish of bright orange cheese spread. Overall, the website depicts a very different hotel from the one we found, and the room rates are way too high for the level of service. Would not stay here again.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jamie Drummond, General Manager at Harbour House Hotel
Responded Oct 5, 2022
Thank you for your feedback, and we certainly take our guests comments and look to improve as we continue to adapt to the new style of doing business.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was our second stay at the Harbour House Hotel in NOTL. We're locals but like to stay in local hotels from time to time. Harbour House is the perfect place to stay while in NOTL. The welcome and service from the staff is friendly & efficient, the site is very clean and well appointed, and the decor is a nautical them without being at all kitschy. The room was large, comfortable and beautifully prepared for our stay. Everything you could wish for was there: fireplace, jacuzzi, flat-screen TV, even a yoga mat for those so inclined. Although there is no dinner restaurant on site there is a shuttle service available to other properties in the chain nearby. The breakfast room is bright and airy, the food is wonderful and the staff is efficient and pleasant. A total of four staff seen to handle guests' requests at breakfast which is quite unusual in my experience for a room this size. Overally, you won't regret your stay at Harbour House Hotel!
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Date of stay: February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jennifer D, Front Office Manager at Harbour House Hotel
Responded Feb 19, 2020
Thank you "finemusicman" for choosing Harbour House as your home away from home! I am glad to hear that you enjoy all the features of our property as well as the complimentary dinner shuttle. We look forward to your next getaway! Sincerely, Jennifer Dickson Guest Services Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Harbor House was more than expected. As the name suggests, it is right on the Niagara river as it enters Lake Ontario. Since it was the middle of May, most of the boats in the shipyard were still on land. That actually was one of the features we enjoyed. We stayed in a room with a French balcony which meant we could open both doors and watch the many owners preparing for the summer season. We purchased a bottle of wine and fresh cheese from town and enjoyed a few days there...just relaxing. The room had a gas fireplace and a jacuzzi tub as well.
The hotel itself has the best staff, both friendly and professional. I stupidly left my cell phone charger at home, and they were able to lend me one, life-saver!
There is a welcome sampling of homemade cheese ball and wine each night from 4-5:00. The breakfast featured a cold plate and a warm addition like strawberry French toast. Very delicious. There is a shuttle starting at 5:00 to take you into town and also to pick you up. We used the shuttle a few times and also walked into town a 10-15 minute walk in a well appointed neighborhood.
To top it all off the Festival Theater was 3 blocks away!
We are already planning our next visit.
The hotel itself has the best staff, both friendly and professional. I stupidly left my cell phone charger at home, and they were able to lend me one, life-saver!
There is a welcome sampling of homemade cheese ball and wine each night from 4-5:00. The breakfast featured a cold plate and a warm addition like strawberry French toast. Very delicious. There is a shuttle starting at 5:00 to take you into town and also to pick you up. We used the shuttle a few times and also walked into town a 10-15 minute walk in a well appointed neighborhood.
To top it all off the Festival Theater was 3 blocks away!
We are already planning our next visit.
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Date of stay: May 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Ask for a room with a French balcony
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jennifer Dickson, Guest Services / Front Office at Harbour House Hotel
Responded Jul 1, 2022
Thank you for choosing Harbour House Hotel as your first getaway! I am thrilled you enjoyed everything and we look forward to welcoming you back. Sincerely, Jennifer Dickson Guest Services Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A traditional hotel; some nice decor, some quite old fashioned. Rooms could do with a refresh and better lighting. Toiletries poor (no shower gel).
Pleased to be able to access room immediately on (early) arrival.
Reception not particularly helpful - before arrival offered only an expensive limousine recommendation for transport, and after checking out they couldn’t provide us with any wifi service to enable us to arrange transport back to the airport.
Breakfast a simple buffet, not great.
Location about 10 mins walk to town, by the harbour (which is gated so no public access) and close to lakeside paths.
Best service was the evening shuttle to/from local restaurants, provided by Alison who was the most friendly and helpful of the hotel staff.
Pleased to be able to access room immediately on (early) arrival.
Reception not particularly helpful - before arrival offered only an expensive limousine recommendation for transport, and after checking out they couldn’t provide us with any wifi service to enable us to arrange transport back to the airport.
Breakfast a simple buffet, not great.
Location about 10 mins walk to town, by the harbour (which is gated so no public access) and close to lakeside paths.
Best service was the evening shuttle to/from local restaurants, provided by Alison who was the most friendly and helpful of the hotel staff.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jennifer Dickson, Guest Services / Front Office at Harbour House Hotel
Responded Sep 4, 2022
Thank you for joining us while you were visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake and for taking the time to highlight Alyson! I am very sorry to hear that you were able to walk through the Niagara-on-the-Lake Sailing Club, unfortunately it is a member only area, however, there are kilometers of beautiful paved trails that run along the Niagara River which is just steps away from us. We too wish that Niagara-on-the-Lake offered more in ways of public transit from the airport. I hope you had a safe travels home and would love to welcome you back should you be travelling to this area in the future. Sincerely, Jennifer Dickson Guest Services Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My partner and I spent two nights in what we thought was going to be a luxurious room at $1200 for two nights and we sure were disappointed. The room needed a total renovation, the carpet was disgusting, there were heavy cobwebs behind the old tattered lampshades, the wood was chipped off the chair, the knob to turn the bathroom faucet on kept breaking off…..the list could go on. The breakfast was a sad affair and the staff cleaning the rooms wore their masks around their necks the whole time we were there. Oh, and the elevator doors were filthy and the flooring chipped and dirty, The only saving grace was the lovely woman working at reception. We will never stay here or recommend it to anyone ever. Feel totally cheated.
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Date of stay: August 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We’ve stayed here before and will again. It is always clean and welcoming and the breakfasts are quite good. They have a lovely potted cheese, crackers, and wine reception in the evening. They also have a very good shuttle service from 4 pm-11 (10 on Sundays) to take you to and from dinners so you’re not drinking and driving .... this is wine country.
There are two BUTs and both are related to the same issue. Loading and unloading luggage into the hotel. They only have 1 luggage cart for the whole hotel and if it hasn’t been left in the parking area or the lobby, you’re running around the 3-story hotel looking for it. Also, there isn’t a ramp on the curb leading to the door by the loading bay so you’re hauling the cart over the curb. That’s a nuisance.
This is a very nice hotel but placing a ramp by the door leading from the parking area, and adding another luggage cart would be thoughtful and handy touches. If the hotel doesn’t want to redo the curb, a small wooden ramp would suffice.
There are two BUTs and both are related to the same issue. Loading and unloading luggage into the hotel. They only have 1 luggage cart for the whole hotel and if it hasn’t been left in the parking area or the lobby, you’re running around the 3-story hotel looking for it. Also, there isn’t a ramp on the curb leading to the door by the loading bay so you’re hauling the cart over the curb. That’s a nuisance.
This is a very nice hotel but placing a ramp by the door leading from the parking area, and adding another luggage cart would be thoughtful and handy touches. If the hotel doesn’t want to redo the curb, a small wooden ramp would suffice.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jennifer D, Front Office Manager at Harbour House Hotel
Responded Feb 5, 2020
Thank you "Ykcat1" for joining us again at Harbour House! I am very sorry to hear that the luggage cart was in use at the time of your arrival. We are always more than happy to help assist. We do have a ramp in the parking garage located by the stairs for easy access to the elevator, I am sorry if it was not well displayed. Thank you again and we look forward to welcoming you back. Sincerely, Jennifer Dickson Guest Services Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
It pains me to write this review, because I know what a superior facility The Harbour House has been. We have stayed at Harbour House many, many times and always loved our stays, however, I am afraid it has seen better days. This place needs an injection of money to give it a total refresh. I am writing this review from the perspective that I know how it was to what it is today. In the past the daily afternoon wine and cheese was in the lobby with lots of cheese, crackers and wine. This has now been reduced to a small styrofoam container with 8 crackers, 2 scoops of soft cheese, a few grapes, and 2 glasses of wine on the day you arrive (not daily, only on the day you arrive). Granted Covid has forced them to change protocols, however, this seemed cheap and extreme. The carpets need updating and/or cleaning, the rooms are acceptable, but not like the past. The rooms need a refresh, the towels are hard and scratchy, the carpets old and worn, Breakfast is fine, nothing wrong with it, but again not like the past where a full buffet is laid out. The staff is terrific, always hustling and positive despite the new standards. I am not sure we will return, time will tell which is sad since we have stayed there at least 6 times. Hopefully there are future plans to help get the Harbour House back to its previous glory because it is a beautiful facility and the perfect location.
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Date of stay: November 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jennifer Dickson, Guest Services / Front Office at Harbour House Hotel
Responded Dec 6, 2021
Thank you for staying with us and I am very sorry that this visit did not live up to your previous stay. Unfortunately COVID has forced our hand in how we do our offerings. I absolutely agree with you, styrofoam containers are not my first, or even fourth choice, however, product availability is an ongoing challenge in the food industry. Our potted cheese is made directly here in house and has been a long-standing favourite, often guests ask for the recipe! We can't wait to be able to invite our guests to socialize unmasked in our lobby again during our wine and cheese hour. We hope to have an opportunity to welcome you back,
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No pool or microwave but a refrigerator
So very sorry for the delay! Niagara is about half and hour from Harbour House.
You have posted a question in a public forum regarding travellers opinions about the Harbour House Hotel.
You would have been better off erecting a billboard with your question, along the Gardner Expressway, in an attempt to contact Mara.
Try clicking on Mara's profile and then the private message link to send her a message, in the hope that she might even see it, let a lone respond to it.
I’m not sure - it would be best to contact the Hotel itself
"Grab a few snacks and drinks from Loblaws to keep in the rooms. for late night snacking . There is no bar or restaurant at the hotel. "Read full review
"If driving an EV, let them know ahead of time so that they can reserve the charging station for you."Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
C$364 - C$460 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
harbour hotel
LOCATION
CanadaOntarioNiagara-on-the-Lake
NUMBER OF ROOMS
31
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Harbour House Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Harbour House Hotel?
Nearby attractions include BeauChapeau Hat Shop (0.6 km), Niagara on the Lake Heritage District (0.5 km), and Old Fort Niagara (0.8 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Harbour House Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at Harbour House Hotel?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a desk.
What food & drink options are available at Harbour House Hotel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and free instant coffee during their stay.
Is parking available at Harbour House Hotel?
Yes, free parking, a parking garage, and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Harbour House Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Tiara Restaurant, Masaki Sushi, and Il Gelato di Carlotta.
Is Harbour House Hotel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.8 km away from the centre of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Are pets allowed at Harbour House Hotel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Harbour House Hotel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and French.
Are there any historical sites close to Harbour House Hotel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Old Fort Niagara (0.8 km), Fort George National Historic Site of Canada (0.5 km), and McFarland House (2.6 km).
Does Harbour House Hotel have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the harbour view available here.