Shaw Club Hotel

The entrance to the Shaw Club Hotel is surrounded by a colorful garden, and opens into a bright, modern lobby. Decorated in whites and deep woods, the main room has a small reception desk and seating areas. An open doorway leads to a guest lounge, with hot beverages, plenty of seating, games, videos, a television, and a computer with printer.

This intimate property has only 30 rooms, and while most are located in the main building, some are housed in an annex. These rooms are bigger and have whirlpool tubs, but a bit less impressive decor-wise. Unsurprisingly, the hotel is most popular with couples, but it certainly can accommodate families -- adjoining rooms are available and certain rooms have sofa beds.

Tucked into a quiet neighborhood just a few blocks from Queen Street, the main road in Niagara-on-the-Lake, guests are a short walk from locally owned restaurants, shops, and parks. The hotel is surrounded by gardens and trees, and is just a few blocks from the Niagara River and within walking distance of Fort George, Queens Landing, Memorial Park, and Niagara On The Lake Golf Club. The tourist area can get crowded, but this hotel is just far enough away to be calm and quiet, while still being within reasonable walking distance to nearby attractions.

With sophisticated, contemporary furnishings and luxurious extras, the rooms at the Shaw Club Hotel are clean, fresh, and welcoming. Every room features a king-size bed with feathertop mattress, down duvet, and 320-thread-count linens. Bathrooms have big, walk-in rain showers and TVs in the mirror (except in Annex Rooms); some also have whirlpool tubs. Other amenities include 42-inch plasma TVs with surround-sound systems and DVD players (the hotel offers a free DVD library). Guests can store food in the empty mini-fridges, and coffee/tea facilities are on offer.

Some rooms have additional options such as a fireplace, balcony or patio, or pull-out couch, and adjoining rooms are available. The most unusual offering might be the pet fish that the hotel loans to guests who want a little extra company in their rooms.

Although the Shaw Club Hotel doesn’t include quite as many features as some of the larger nearby chain hotels, it does have a lot to offer for a hotel of this size. The on-site restaurant, Zees Grill, includes modern indoor seating as well as a large patio that overlooks the garden. Wi-Fi and parking are free, and some rates may cover breakfast (there is a continental option as well as a pricier hot option). There's also a free shuttle services that brings guests to town and back in the evenings. Unlike competing properties, the hotel doesn't charge a resort fee to cover these extras. The fitness center is adequate, with a handful of older machines, and the spa offers a range of high-end treatments for couples and individual guests, though note that it is located down the street, not on-site.

The hotel is pet-friendly -- so much so that there are even special dog companion DVDs available in the free DVD library). Pet packages can be booked for guests who want extras such as dog beds, toys, and treats.