Just when you thought you’d reached the end of Ontario’s staycation road, a fabulous hotel reveals the type of elegant expansion you can’t ignore. Located in the heart of indefatigably charming Niagara-On-The-Lake, 124 Queen Hotel & Spa is the type of arresting destination that will have you falling in love with staycations once again.
Originally opened in 2011, 124 Queen Hotel & Spa has always offered elegant accommodations in the heart of Niagara-On-The-Lake. A boutique hotel, the property comprises modern, upscale rooms and villas in heritage buildings located in NOTL’s downtown. “We live here, we’re a part of the community, and we care deeply about our town,” said co-owner David Jones in a press release, explaining that part of the hotel’s inherent appeal is its connection to the history and beauty of its surroundings.
Still, Jones and partner Nick Capasso always dreamt of something bigger; a hotel that included more rooms, event spaces, outdoor spaces, restaurants and the type of spa that turns a stay into a wellness vacation. Though the team was met with inevitable pandemic delays, they’ve recently revealed the end result and a new era for 124 Queen Hotel & Spa.
Situated in six adjacent buildings, the hotel’s rooms were designed to respect the streetscape of the town, according to the team. “When our guests arrive,” says general manager Eric Quesnel, “they will discover something authentic with a true sense of place. All our rooms are different but the attention to detail is consistent throughout.” With 39 new guest rooms, the hotel now boasts a total of 72. Awash in a cool colour scheme of blues and greys, with modern décor and touches, each one of the hotel’s spacious rooms is a calming escape after a day of sightseeing. New rooms -- dubbed the Signature Collection at Q -- feature upgrades befitting any glamorous getaway, from in-room Nespresso machines and Stearns & Foster luxury mattresses, to nunshen Tea and more.
Though the theatre, shops and abundance of wineries will beckon guests, to stay at 124 Queen Hotel without visiting its new spa would be a major misstep. At 12,000 square feet, it’s safe to assume that few, if any, features were omitted. Part of the original vision for the hotel, the spa “features a rejuvenating water therapy circuit and luxurious treatment options,” explains Quesnel. If you long to unwind in hot and cold pools, saunas, steam rooms, sensory experience showers -- even a snow room -- The Spa at Q is for you.
In addition, the spa offers “a full range of aesthetic services featuring holistic beauty products -- some of which will only be offered at our spa,” adds Quesnel. Despite seeming to already have it all, there are plans to expand the spa further with an outdoor yoga area, spa cabanas and reflecting pools.
Once you’ve reached peak relaxation, you’ll want to revive with a gorgeous meal at one of the hotel’s eateries. The hotel has partnered with Treadwell Cuisine, which also oversees the food and beverage at The Gate House, another hotel restaurant and event space. Operated in Niagara-On-The-Lake since 2013, Treadwell Cuisine is a seasonal, farm-to-table spot where chef Stephen Treadwell highlights the beauty of regional cuisine. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, guests will swoon over the menu of simply stunning dishes. Lunchtime favourites include a lobster club on duck fat fried sourdough and chardonnay-steamed P.E.I. mussels, with standouts such as terrine of Quebec foie gras and Upper Canada ricotta gnocchi wowing guests on the dinnertime prix fixe menu. “Now with the expansion of the property, we will be adding additional seating under new outdoor awnings,” says chef Treadwell. A popular spot on NOTL’s main drag, Treadwell now has ample room to accommodate even more hungry diners.
As part of the expansion, 124 Queen Hotel & Spa is also debuting an outdoor garden event space, underground parking and Starbucks on property, with a lobby bar set to open soon.
"We set out to create a place where people can make memories -- weddings, family weekends, escapes with friends, and more,” says co-owner Jones. “This is a unique town that blends cultural events with fine food and historic beauty. We’re proud to open our doors and look forward to welcoming the world to 124 on Queen and Niagara-on-the-Lake.” With a property like this, situated in a spot that’s renowned for its beauty, theatres, wineries and cuisine, it’s safe to assume that the world will soon be knocking at 124 Queen Hotel & Spa’s front door.
