What it's like to stay at the Frontenac Club in Kingston, Ontario

The Frontenac Club: What's the draw

There are hotels and then there's the Frontenac Club. Opened for a little over a year, this newly renovated 175-year-old heritage building (originally Upper Canada's first bank) has already achieved world-best status. The Frontenac Club has been recognized as a Traveller's Choice "Best of the Best," which places the hotel in the top 1 per cent of hotels in the world. And from the moment you arrive, you can see why. 

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The stately limestone building is tucked into a corner of a quiet residential street with both Lake Ontario and downtown Kingston just steps away. Upon your arrival, a hotel member will come out to welcome you with open arms and offer to valet your car. Inside the grand lobby, you can see remnants of the Club's storied past like an old walk-in bank safe that has been transformed into a private dining room. There are 20 residential-style rooms, each with its own unique layout, plush king-sized bed and cozy gas fireplace. 

The Frontenac Club: What's on the menu

Breakfast is included at your stay, and the best part is you don't even have to leave your bed to get it. Every evening you'll get a breakfast menu delivered to your door. Send a text to the concierge with your order in the morning and you'll be greeted with a literal silver platter of day-fuel like stuffed omelettes, perfectly executed crepes and a pot of hot coffee or tea all to yourself. 

On the main level, you'll find The Bank Gastrobar, an upscale lounge where pub snacks or a four-course chef's tasting menu await, plus craft cocktails, rare whiskies and wines. Things change with the seasons but expect bites like honey-roasted carrots with dill chevre mousse (the whipped goat's cheese of your dreams) and pan-seared bison tenderloin nestled up to creamy yellow beet risotto. 

The Frontenac Club: What else 

You can order wine to your room until late and we would 10/10 recommend going for a dip in your room's deep soaker tub with a glass of vino propped up on the bamboo bathtub tray. The spacious bathrooms are fully stocked with luxe Gilchrist & Soames hair and body products — all aboard to relaxation station. 

On warmer evenings, sit out on the main terrace next to the outdoor fireplaces and soothing waterfall or check out the sprawling rooftop with epic views of the city. The Frontenac Club is dog-friendly so your pooch can come along and feel pampered, too.

225 King St. E., Kingston, frontenacclub.com