Last year was the time to explore local. And through that exploration, you may have noticed something; we have so much to offer locally in Ontario's Southwest! This year, you should continue seeing what's available in your own backyard and we bet that these local gems will be places that you want to come back to again and again!
No matter where you live in Ontario’s Southwest, we have hotel suggestion near you so that you can indulge in local and play “tourist” in your own home.
Delta Hotels by Marriott London Armouries - London
The Delta Hotels by Marriott London Armouries, also known as “London’s Castle”, is in the heart of downtown London. The Armouries Grille is open for breakfast and the Cantata Lounge is open for dinner without you ever needing to step a foot outside of the hotel. Who doesn't love being warm and cozy while wearing fancy robes and ordering room service?
If you choose to venture outside the hotel, it is walkable from many restaurants, cafes, and shops. For example, the Morrissey House and the Early Bird are both within a 15 minute walk and sure to please any foodie.
Dundas Place is filled with local businesses that will make your time in downtown London extra special. You can satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious juices at Rebel Remedy Health Bar. Or head over to Richmond Row to grab some balloons from the Dashing Balloon Shop and a speciality coffee from the Black Walnut Bakery Café.
The PRINN - Vittoria
The PRINN is a beautiful boutique hotel in Port Rowan. The rooms are decorated with attention to detail that establishes an elegant ambiance perfectly suited for a New Year’s Eve celebration or winter escape.
The PRINN is only a 15-minute drive away from Charlotteville Brewing Company where you can enjoy a cheese plate, charcuterie board, or sandwich and a locally brewed beer.
For wine drinkers, Blueberry Hill Estates is only a ten minute drive from the PRINN. Enjoy a wine tasting or bring a bottle back to cheers to the new year in your hotel room. If your companions include non-drinkers, the Cider Keg’s non-alcoholic sparking cider is perfect to be inclusive as you cheers to the new year.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Woodstock South
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites is a beautiful hotel in the heart of Woodstock. It is within a ten-minute drive from a brewery, many restaurants, coffee shops, and skincare supplies making it an ideal location for your staycation.
Only a seven-minute drive away from your hotel is the Upper Thames Brewing Company, Oxford’s only brewery. For coffee lovers, the Early Bird Coffee is a six-minute walk away from your hotel and offers coffee tasting experiences.
You can support a local business and have a spa night of your dreams by stopping at Wild Comfort to pick up some skincare essentials. It is only a ten-minute drive from your accommodations and has online ordering, with pick-up and delivery options.
The Sixthirtynine annual Chef’s Tasting Menu is a great option for those that want to eat well on New Year’s Eve!
Best Western Plus Waterfront Hotel - Windsor
Locals looking to get away within the Windsor Essex and Pelee Island area will love the location of the Best Western Plus Waterfront Hotel. This hotel features spectacular views, and is a five-minute drive from Via Italia, Windsor’s Little Italy.
The Mezzo Ristorante & Lounge is an award-winning restaurant that you'll want to try. Or you could visit the new Erie St GastroPub that accommodates every dietary restriction and offers elevated pubfare and fusion dishes that were created with care.
There are two local breweries within a five-minute drive from your hotel, Walkerville Brewery and Chapter Two Brewing Company. With these two options, you’ll be in for high-quality and award winning beer! In fact, Walkerville Brewery won two awards at the 2021 Canadian Brewing Awards.
If you prefer to toast to the new year in your room, with a bottle of locally produced sparkling wine, pick up a bottle of Lily from Colio Winery or pick up a bottle of Lola Secco from Pelee Island Winery that is also available at the LCBO.
Hampton Inn by Hilton - Sarnia
The Hampton Inn by Hilton in Sarnia is a great choice of a hotel that is close to all of the fun!
Alton Farms Estate Winery is where you can go to enjoy a winter stroll through the winery or to cross-country ski their trails before your wine tasting.
Photo courtesy of Refined Fool's Facebook Page.
Refined Fool Brewing Co. is less than ten-minutes away from your hotel. Their new bar, “Sports” is complete with food, Refined Fool beer, and as the name would indicate, sports! Sports has cornhole, darts, pool, foosball, shuffleboard, and more for their patrons to play for free.
Clock Tower Inn - Strathroy
The Clock Tower Inn is built in a historical building yet has been renovated to meet the needs of a modern guest. The bistro is part of the inn so that guests can enjoy pizza, crab cakes, and warming soups that are perfect during the colder months.
There are so many great places to visit within walking distance from your accommodations. For the coffee lovers, Muggs Coffeebar and Clayroom is a one-minute walk away from the hotel. They have fantastic coffee, baked goods, and food. There is also a clayroom and kiln on site, so you can pick up a pottery painting kit, paint it at the inn, and bring it back to Muggs when it is ready for the kiln. Please note that the kiln takes time and you should be ready to pick up your souvenir at a later date.
The Rusty Wrench Brewing Company is also walkable from your stay. It is about a ten-minute walk and when you arrive you can enjoy locally crafted beer and some delicious food. Call ahead to learn about curbside pickup or delivery services.
Strathroy is bursting with food options fit for foodies. If you’re in the mood for authentic Portuguese food, Tia’s Place is also walkable and offers take-out and delivery so that you can enjoy your meal in your beautiful room and not worry about venturing into the cold.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Chatham
The Holiday Inn Express in Chatham is the perfect staycation destination for locals. This large hotel safe, clean, and it is a short drive away from Chatham’s downtown and other fantastic attractions.
The Chilled Cork is a five-minute drive from your hotel and always has a festive and fun menu to put you in the holiday spirit. Sons of Kent Brewing Co. is about a minute away from the Chilled Cork. Their premium beer can be brought back to the hotel with you to enjoy later. And don’t forget an Edible Fruit Arrangement from Bella Chocolatier. They can even be delivered to your hotel the day after you order them.
For wine drinkers, the Early Acres Estate Winery is only a 15 minute drive from your hotel and has award winning wines.
My Lighthouse Cottages - Dunnville
Haldimand locals looking for a peaceful NYE or winter escape should head to My Lighthouse Cottages in Dunnville. These waterfront cottages will make you feel like you’re in a winter wonderland but are close to many local attractions.
For food that's less than ten-minutes away from your stay, check out Debb's Cuisine on Queen! Or since your cottage will be equipped with a kitchen, stop by Richardson's Farm and Market to pick up some local ingredients and make your own delicious meal! You may also enjoy Bains Road Cider Company for local wines and ciders.
Inn on the Harbour - Port Stanley
The Inn on the Harbour in Port Stanley is located right on the Lake Erie harbour. This charming inn has 12 different themed rooms so that you can choose the perfect décor for your winter get-away or NYE staycation.
The above photo is from the Two Forks' Facebook page.
There are many storybook restaurant options walkable from the inn. We love the dining domes at Two Forks that make dinning an exciting experience!
If you really want to celebrate right, you should head over to Rush Creek Wines for their award winning raspberry chocolate wine. It pairs perfectly with Shaw’s limited-edition ice cream. Seriously, try it, you won’t be disappointed.
For coffee drinkers, the Village Square Coffee House’s specialty drinks are sure to make you feel warm, toasty, and ready to take on the day.
To learn more about what you can expect when exploring Ontario’s Southwest and how businesses are trying to keep you safe and following government guidelines, click here.
