Windermere House

The accommodation provides a stunning location near tourist attractions and wonderful facilities like pools, games, and a beach. Guests appreciate the clean rooms, friendly staff, and excellent breakfast options.

My family and I had the great pleasure of spending part of our summer holidays at Windermere House this July, and it was everything we hoped it would be. This historic resort, originally built in 1870, carries a rich legacy. Although it tragically burned down in 1996 during the filming of a movie, it was impressively rebuilt within a year to match the original design. Since then, it has undergone renovations multiple times. What you get is the best of both worlds: timeless charm with all the modern comforts. Staying here truly feels like stepping into a bygone era, yet nothing feels outdated or tired. Sitting out on the front lawn, it’s easy to imagine generations of guests who’ve relaxed in those same Muskoka chairs overlooking the lake for over 150 years. Our room was spacious, spotless, and very comfortable. The bathroom was modern and clean, with only two minor drawbacks: only one sink and a shower head with a rather thin stream. Still, it functioned well and didn’t detract from the overall experience. There's good, free wi-fi throughout the hotel and outside. The hotel's shared spaces, including the elegant lobby, the cozy lobby bar, the upscale Russo restaurant, and the more casual downstairs Windermere Pub, are all beautifully designed. They strike the right balance between classic country resort and stylish modern retreat. We enjoyed an exceptional dinner at Russo Restaurant; both the food and service were top-notch. The Windermere Pub offers a more relaxed and affordable option, with equally great service and a lovely outdoor patio. The lobby bar was perfect for a casual drink or light snack, echoing the resort’s old-world character with updated elegance. Breakfast was a real standout. The buffet offered an abundant spread: fresh fruit, muffins, smoked salmon, cheeses, yogurt, cold cereals, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, French toast, and delicious seasoned breakfast potatoes. It’s available from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. most days. One morning, the French toast arrived a bit late, but when it did, it was absolutely worth the wait. Throughout our stay, the staff were consistently warm, friendly, and attentive. We also spent a lot of time at the pool area, which was beautifully laid out with plenty of Muskoka chairs, loungers, and shaded spots. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time. While I didn’t try them myself, the three large barrel saunas beside the pool looked fantastic. There’s no shortage of things to do here. There's complimentary access to canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards on the lake. There’s also a tennis court, and pickleball equipment, our first time playing, and it was a blast. The basketball stand was a bit low and needed to be straightened, but otherwise, it worked well. The outdoor fire pit and seating area were terrific - very warm and cozy. One of our favourite spots was the grand outdoor veranda. Although much of it is used for restaurant seating, there are generous sections with deep, comfortable chair

Beautiful view on the lake