Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach
Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach
16 Government Road, Grand Bend, Lambton Shores, Ontario N0M 1T0 Canada
Full view
View all photos(109)109
Room & Suite (44)
Pool & Beach (10)
View prices for your travel dates
Contact accommodation for availability.
There are similar hotels available.
View allDid you already book this hotel?
About
4.5
#1 of 1 cottage in Grand BendLocation
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Join us at the Beach! A Perfect Get Away for Families and Couples.Welcome to the ONLY Specialty Motel located ON the Beach in Grand Bend.Relax on our terraced front lawn in one of our colourful signature lawn chairs, look out over the sparkling waters of Lake Huron to capture the beauty of our world class sunsets. It’s a short stroll to Main Street for shopping, dining, entertainment and those summer must haves, ice cream and fries. After your day of Fun, return to ‘Our Peaceful Slice’ of exciting Grand Bend. 16 Unique, Clean & Comfortable units, all with refrigerators, air conditioning and DVD players. Children under 15 stay free Monday to Thursday up to 2 in a double room. Pets accepted for a small fee. Open May through mid October.Kristie, Dave and Our Friendly Staff are here to make your stay an enjoyable one and invite you home year after year to your Beach House.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Beach
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Room features
Air conditioning
Fireplace
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Sofa bed
Bath / shower
Private balcony
Seating area
Separate living room
Sofa
Private bathrooms
Kitchenette
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
Kitchenware
Flatscreen TV
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Languages Spoken
English, French
Location
16 Government Road, Grand Bend, Lambton Shores, Ontario N0M 1T0 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: 74 out of 100
74
12 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
102Reviews4Q+A38Room tips
Reviews
Traveller rating
- 78
- 20
- 1
- 1
- 2
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Detailed Reviews
It was exactly as expected. Wasn't sure about this one until I read the reviews prior to booking. It was one of the more expensive hotels in our Ontario road trip, but you pay for location, directly across the beach.
The room was small, but it fit a Queen size bed, mini fridge and desk, had a great balcony and looks right out onto the beach (over the parking lot), crazy busy location, but really interesting people watching.
The balcony has two bar high chairs and a nice ridge for your drinks so you can relax and enjoy the beautiful sunset. We actually ate our take out dinner on the balcony, very nice.
We stayed in room #11, nice and bright. Yes small, but we expected that. Very clean, very nice folks at reception and also did well with managing COVID. Had complimentary (very good) coffee in the morning went down for seconds!
The hotel is right in the heart of Grand Bend so we were able to walk over to Growling Gator for our take out (went there twice, food was really good).
Room was $220 after tax for one night, but good experience.
Grand Bend itself experience is like March Break in Florida. We stayed one night and had a beach day (too busy for us) and head off to our next destination.
I would recommend Bonnie Doone, oh yes it was nice to sit out on the Muskoka Chairs on the front lawn and enjoy a beverage and watch all of the people, very nice!
The room was small, but it fit a Queen size bed, mini fridge and desk, had a great balcony and looks right out onto the beach (over the parking lot), crazy busy location, but really interesting people watching.
The balcony has two bar high chairs and a nice ridge for your drinks so you can relax and enjoy the beautiful sunset. We actually ate our take out dinner on the balcony, very nice.
We stayed in room #11, nice and bright. Yes small, but we expected that. Very clean, very nice folks at reception and also did well with managing COVID. Had complimentary (very good) coffee in the morning went down for seconds!
The hotel is right in the heart of Grand Bend so we were able to walk over to Growling Gator for our take out (went there twice, food was really good).
Room was $220 after tax for one night, but good experience.
Grand Bend itself experience is like March Break in Florida. We stayed one night and had a beach day (too busy for us) and head off to our next destination.
I would recommend Bonnie Doone, oh yes it was nice to sit out on the Muskoka Chairs on the front lawn and enjoy a beverage and watch all of the people, very nice!
Read more
Date of stay: September 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Like the lake view, second floor. Small room, but great view. #11
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 Bob Newmaster, Owner at Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach
Responded Sep 14, 2020
Thank you for taking the time to share your review for the Bonnie Doone in Grand Bend. Our team and I appreciate your kind words and look forward to the opportunity to serve you again, very soon! Wishing you well, Bob
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bonnie Doone Manor consists of an older gabled home and a somewhat larger two- storied building, standing side to side. The house is likely from the fifties or sixties and the hotel building slightly newer. There are a couple of dozen rooms ticked into nooks and corners in the two locations. The office and interiors are clean and cheerful, but dated and not accessible to anyone with mobility issues due to multiple stairs and sharp turns. Large or obese people would also have difficulty with the close dimensions of some of the rooms and showers. That said, the manor sits high on a hill directly facing the beach. From the hill, the gorgeous views dominate almost every room, with sunsets that are really remarkable. Just across the street is a delightful new playground, a bandshell, the municipal entrance to the beach, and picnic tables for comfortable takeout dining. (Don't miss the rooftop benches above the municipal facilities!) For this, the rates are about double what the hotel would be able to charge if it were located elsewhere. We knowingly paid for the location and were not sorry because we enjoyed the convenience. However,the staff were somewhat less than warm and did not wear masks, despite signage to the contrary for COVID.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: The website explains which rooms face the beach.
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.
This is our 2nd time staying at this hotel. It is right on the beach.
We somehow ended up with same room as last time, in the court, ground floor with a view of the beach.
This property has been sold since we were there 2 years ago and new owners are trying their best, especially during the covid pandemic.
Room was ready upon arrival, check in quick.
Got to the room and air conditioning was not working, hubby tried different things for 1/2 hr, then I went to front desk..
Receptionist said she would call some one. waited for about 1/2 hour,
in comes new owner, he plays with air conditioner, electrical panel and fuse box,
nothing working,so moves us to a ground floor room in back of the hotel, below ground room,
but at least air was working,
off he went, back in 1/2 hr, new to install new air conditioner, will try and have our room ready by next morning. Next morning we go for breakfast, then check in about room, won't be ready till around noon, so we wait.
Finally I go back at noon, and ask, yes its ready, we move our luggage again,
now have wasted Sunday afternoon and Monday morning, no beach time yet.
Air is working, we are moved, off to the beach.
Next 2 days at the beach.
Overall an ok stay, but no offer of discount for our troubles, when I asked, was told we were moved to more expensive room,
only upgrade to pours was a full kitchen that we did not need or book.
The location is great as we are across parking lot to the beach, but hotel is old and in need of renovations, which I have been told will be done over the winter.
our room was exactly the same as it was 2 years ago.
We may try them again next summer as you cannot beat the location and beach is great.
We somehow ended up with same room as last time, in the court, ground floor with a view of the beach.
This property has been sold since we were there 2 years ago and new owners are trying their best, especially during the covid pandemic.
Room was ready upon arrival, check in quick.
Got to the room and air conditioning was not working, hubby tried different things for 1/2 hr, then I went to front desk..
Receptionist said she would call some one. waited for about 1/2 hour,
in comes new owner, he plays with air conditioner, electrical panel and fuse box,
nothing working,so moves us to a ground floor room in back of the hotel, below ground room,
but at least air was working,
off he went, back in 1/2 hr, new to install new air conditioner, will try and have our room ready by next morning. Next morning we go for breakfast, then check in about room, won't be ready till around noon, so we wait.
Finally I go back at noon, and ask, yes its ready, we move our luggage again,
now have wasted Sunday afternoon and Monday morning, no beach time yet.
Air is working, we are moved, off to the beach.
Next 2 days at the beach.
Overall an ok stay, but no offer of discount for our troubles, when I asked, was told we were moved to more expensive room,
only upgrade to pours was a full kitchen that we did not need or book.
The location is great as we are across parking lot to the beach, but hotel is old and in need of renovations, which I have been told will be done over the winter.
our room was exactly the same as it was 2 years ago.
We may try them again next summer as you cannot beat the location and beach is great.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: some rooms have a view, great sunsets
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 Bob Newmaster, Owner at Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach
Responded Aug 12, 2020
It was great to have you back. I apologize for the a/c issue, which we replaced as soon as possible. We anticipate renovations over the winter to make your next stay as enjoyable as we can.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
If you are planning to travel to grand bend..DO NOT stay here! The place is called a "manor" for a reason. It is terribly outdated and smells very musty. They charge you a ridiculous amount of money but do not offer any amenities to justify the price gauge. The location is nice because its across from the beach but that is the ONLY thing positive that I can actually say about this place. The rooms are so small, it is actuslly creepy and everything is just old. The owners have not put any money into this place. The receptionist is so rude and does not make you feel welcome at all. We would NEVER stay here again.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
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 Bob Newmaster, Owner at Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach
Responded Aug 12, 2020
Thank you for your input. I'm glad you enjoyed our location and private parking adjacent to the beach. We are proud of being the only hotel with an uninterrupted lake view . Some rooms are smaller than others but we do offer rooms with complete kitchens and will accommodate up to 6 guests.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I'm disappointed in your response Bob. We paid a great deal of $$ for less than a five day stay and you totally ignored my concerns in my previous review. Please don't deflect by bringing up the view only as that has nothing to do with the lack of comfort we experienced at your establishment.
"Response from Bob Newmaster, Owner at Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach
Thank you for your review. I'm glad you enjoyed our location and easy access to the beach.
Yes, the sunsets are spectacular and I'm happy you were able to experience their beauty.
Bob"
Here is my original review and I think you should invest in upgrading that room. I can still smell the mustiness of damp carpet and years of repainted refurbished furniture in my nostrils:
"I'm giving this place a 3* due to the beautiful view and close proximity to the beach and marvellous sunsets.I think the entire basement is due for renos as the smell of damp, mildew and mustiness from the carpets cannot be masked by carpet powder or even professionally steamed cleaned. Please also stock up on further kitchen items ie (whisks, large cutting board, and skillets). Maybe a new stove with a fan to air out steam from cooking. And it was also disappointing that bbqing is not allowed. I don't like being in the kitchen all the time when on vacation.That's my two cents worth. Sorry, but for the amount of $$ spent here I expected a fresher smelling room and better lighting in the kitchen."
"Response from Bob Newmaster, Owner at Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach
Thank you for your review. I'm glad you enjoyed our location and easy access to the beach.
Yes, the sunsets are spectacular and I'm happy you were able to experience their beauty.
Bob"
Here is my original review and I think you should invest in upgrading that room. I can still smell the mustiness of damp carpet and years of repainted refurbished furniture in my nostrils:
"I'm giving this place a 3* due to the beautiful view and close proximity to the beach and marvellous sunsets.I think the entire basement is due for renos as the smell of damp, mildew and mustiness from the carpets cannot be masked by carpet powder or even professionally steamed cleaned. Please also stock up on further kitchen items ie (whisks, large cutting board, and skillets). Maybe a new stove with a fan to air out steam from cooking. And it was also disappointing that bbqing is not allowed. I don't like being in the kitchen all the time when on vacation.That's my two cents worth. Sorry, but for the amount of $$ spent here I expected a fresher smelling room and better lighting in the kitchen."
Read more
Date of stay: August 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Do not stay in basement room. The odour of mustiness and dampness from old furniture and carpet...
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.
After a day at the lake enjoying the sunset at BDM is an excellent call. BOB was an amazing host, the room if you can pick number #20 is definitely the best pick, corner unit with walk out to your own lawn lazy chairs with a outstanding view. 2 full queen beds, fully equipped kitchen, full size fridge, toasters, coffe maker, plus 2 single beds on a Solarium with air conditioning also with lake views. Really clean and luxurious.
Definitely will be back.
Silvio n monik
Definitely will be back.
Silvio n monik
Read more
Date of stay: June 2021Trip 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 Bob Newmaster, Owner at Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach
Responded Jun 7, 2021
Silvio, glad you enjoyed your stay at Bonnie Doone Manor Hotel on the beach, hope to see you again soon.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
These accommodations are located in the most perfect location!
Second year staying here and it was even better than the first.
Just like last year, our room was meticulously clean. The housekeeping staff do a great job.
We travelled with our 18 year old son, who also enjoyed the visit as much as last year.
Our favorite activity....glass of wine on the beautiful Muskoka chairs out front, watching the beach, lake, people and sunset. Loved the morning swims in the lake before anyone else made it to the beach.
Parking right our front is super convenient. We keep all of our beach equipment in our trunk. So we can leave our room and just grab it and go set up for a day at the beach.
Thank you to everyone at the Bonnie Doone.
Look forward to seeing you and our stay next year.
:-)
Second year staying here and it was even better than the first.
Just like last year, our room was meticulously clean. The housekeeping staff do a great job.
We travelled with our 18 year old son, who also enjoyed the visit as much as last year.
Our favorite activity....glass of wine on the beautiful Muskoka chairs out front, watching the beach, lake, people and sunset. Loved the morning swims in the lake before anyone else made it to the beach.
Parking right our front is super convenient. We keep all of our beach equipment in our trunk. So we can leave our room and just grab it and go set up for a day at the beach.
Thank you to everyone at the Bonnie Doone.
Look forward to seeing you and our stay next year.
:-)
Read more
Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Location
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 Bob Newmaster, Owner at Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach
Responded Jul 24, 2022
Kim: Thank you for taking the time to share a review for the Bonnie Doone in Grand Bend. Our team and I appreciate your kind words and look forward to the opportunity to serve you again, very soon! Wishing you well, Bob
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The place is dog friendly, the view is wonderful. We came for the beach, and we got it.
We stayed in room 22 which is nice in that it is large, but it is called the rec room because you are in the basement.
The decor, and whole feel of the room is an 80s rec room.
We also could hear everything above us.
The bed needs replacing.
I would come again however as it was over all a sweet spot to access all that Grand Bend has to offer.
We stayed in room 22 which is nice in that it is large, but it is called the rec room because you are in the basement.
The decor, and whole feel of the room is an 80s rec room.
We also could hear everything above us.
The bed needs replacing.
I would come again however as it was over all a sweet spot to access all that Grand Bend has to offer.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2020Trip 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 Bob Newmaster, Owner at Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach
Responded Aug 23, 2020
We appreciate your kind words and are looking forward to the opportunity to serve you again on your next trip to the Grand Bend area! Please be well until we meet again, Bob
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed in the suite for five nights and I must say if was just amazing. Our view of the river with all the boat traffic was enjoyable to watch. We went daily to the beach from our suite which about a 30 second walk. How nice that was. The suite is large with everything you need to enjoy your time there. The staff and management were very friendly and helpful with any questions we did have for them. Truly a wonderful time we had and will come back too again.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2013Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
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.
We have returned to Bonnie Doone for many many years now and wouldn't stay any where else. It's location to downtown and the beach is perfect. We come during the week to avoid the crowded weekend 'vacationers'. Every year this is the vacation we look forward to and meeting our friends there is an added bonus. We all book the same days and rooms year after year and it's so nice to reconnect with everyone in such a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. Kristi and Dave - can't say enough good things about them!! Accommodating, friendly, thoughtful. We would highly recommend trying Bonnie Doone out - even for just one night. You'll be hooked!
Note: Two children (15 & under) stay free weeknights but there is an extra charge for kids over 16. They are pet friendly ($)
Note: Two children (15 & under) stay free weeknights but there is an extra charge for kids over 16. They are pet friendly ($)
Read more
Date of stay: July 2013Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Lake view rooms are beautiful. If you are on the main floor you will definitely hear everyone...
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.
Unfortunately we are all booked for the long weekend but have availability the following week - please give us a call at 519-238-2236 and we will be more than happy to accommodate you. Thank you for thinking of us and hope to see you soon.
Please give us a call at 519-238-2236. Thank you.
Unfortunately No. Very old buildings. We have a few ground floor rooms that several of our semi mobile guest
"Do not stay in basement room. The odour of mustiness and dampness from old furniture and carpet will make your stay very uncomfortable."Read full review
"The best views of the lake are the 3 rooms on the second floor facing the lake. The Bonnie Doone website accurately describes the rooms."Read full review
…
LOCATION
CanadaOntarioLambton ShoresGrand Bend
NUMBER OF ROOMS
16
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.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingBonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach - Reviews & Photos
Frequently Asked Questions about Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach
Which popular attractions are close to Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach?
Nearby attractions include Grand Bend Beach (0.1 km), Sunset Arts Gallery (0.3 km), and Grand Bend Farmers' Market (0.5 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free parking, reduced mobility rooms, and complimentary tea.
Which room amenities are available at Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach?
Guests can enjoy complimentary tea and free instant coffee during their stay.
Is parking available at Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach?
Conveniently located restaurants include Growling Gator Bar & Grill, Midori Sushi Bar, and Hobo Piez.
Is Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.7 km away from the centre of Grand Bend.
Are pets allowed at Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and French.
Does Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the lake view available here.
Is Bonnie Doone Manor-On-The-Beach accessible?
Yes, it offers reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.