Windermere House: Your Dream Windermere (ON) Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups and welcome to the gloriously messy review of Windermere House! I'm talking honest-to-goodness, warts-and-all, did-I-leave-my-toothbrush-at-home kind of review. Forget those sterile travel brochures; this is real life, people. And Windermere House…well, let’s just say it's a whole experience.
Windermere House: My Dream Windermere (ON) Escape…Sort Of. (But Mostly Amazing!)
First things first, location, location, location. Windermere's stunning. And Windermere House? It's there. Right on the lake, basking in the glory of Muskoka. Seriously, the view? Jaw-dropping. Okay, now that we've addressed the obvious, let's get into the nitty-gritty, because trust me, I’ve got opinions.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Trying Hard!)
Okay, full disclosure, I didn't personally need all the accessibility bells and whistles. But I did check things out. The website hints at "facilities for disabled guests", which, you know, is vague. The elevator is a definite plus. However, getting around everywhere might be a challenge – it's a classic Muskoka charmer, and charm sometimes trumps perfect accessibility. Car park [on-site] is convenient.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe (Especially Post-Pandemic)
This is where Windermere House shines. I was SO impressed with their COVID protocols. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Double check. I’m talking serious attention to detail. And, the individually-wrapped food options were a nice touch. The presence of hand sanitizer everywhere made me feel at ease. Seriously, big kudos to the staff on this one. I actually relaxed, which, as a germaphobe, is saying something.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (and Cocktails!)
Okay, let’s talk food, because a vacation without good food is just…well, not a vacation, is it? The restaurant, with its stunning view (see, I told you!), offers a buffet in restaurant for breakfast. But let's be real, who doesn't love a good Western breakfast? The restaurants are fantastic, and the poolside bar is a must. If you're feeling fancy, there is A la carte in restaurant, but if you’re like me and prefer more casual dining. The bar had a great ambiance and the happy hour was, well, happy! The international cuisine in restaurant was excellent too. My only tiny gripe? The desserts in restaurant could have been a tad more decadent.
Let’s Talk About the Pool with a View, Shall We? (Because I Spent Half My Trip There)
Okay, this is where Windermere House really won me over. The Swimming pool [outdoor]? Gorgeous. But. The pool with view? Spectacular. I spent hours just floating, staring at the lake, feeling the sun, and sipping a cocktail, and let me tell you, it was pure bliss. Pure. Bliss. Also, if you have a penchant for relaxation, the spa/sauna is your mecca. It offers a great way to end your day.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Beyond the Pool (If You Must)
Honestly, I could have happily stayed in the pool all day. But you know, exploring is what you must do. There's a Fitness center (I peeked in, looked incredibly intimidating), and a Gym/fitness (didn't try, maybe next time). You might also want a massage. There is also a sauna and a steamroom.
The Room: My Little Lakeside Nest (Almost Perfect)
My room? Delightful. Wi-Fi [free] (thank goodness!). And air conditioning in all rooms, a must in a Canadian summer. The bed? So comfy! I especially loved the bathrobes, though I would have preferred a bigger shower. I loved having a coffee/tea maker in my room, meaning I could enjoy it with my complimentary tea. Otherwise – a desk, a mirror, slippers, and all the other necessary comforts in place. The window that opens was a nice touch, and it let in the fresh lake air.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They've got the basics down pat. Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, and a concierge (super helpful for restaurant recommendations). They've even thought of a convenience store. The elevator was a blessing with luggage.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun
I didn't bring any kids, but it was clear this place caters well to families. I saw a babysitting service mentioned.
Final Verdict: Should you book? Absolutely!
Windermere House isn’t perfect. But it's got that special something, that Muskoka magic. It's a place to relax, to rejuvenate, and to reconnect with yourself (or with your loved ones). The staff are friendly, the location is unbeatable.
Here's My Honest "Pros and Cons" List:
- Pros: Stunning views, fantastic pool, top-notch cleanliness and safety, delicious food, friendly staff, comfortable rooms. The general vibe is relaxed and welcoming.
- Cons: Accessibility might be a slight issue for some, and those desserts could use a little oomph.
My Recommendation: Treat yourself. Book that escape. You deserve it.
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Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Windermere (ON) Getaway Awaits at Windermere House!
Tired of the everyday? Ready for a true Canadian escape? Look no further than Windermere House, your idyllic retreat in the heart of Muskoka! Immerse yourself in breathtaking lake views, unwind by our stunning outdoor pool, and experience a level of comfort and service that sets us apart.
Why Choose Windermere House?
- Unmatched Serenity: Wake up to the tranquil beauty of Lake Rosseau. Breathe in the fresh air, and let your worries melt away.
- Unforgettable Experiences: Indulge in culinary delights at our restaurants, sip cocktails poolside, and explore the stunning Muskoka scenery.
- Uncompromising Comfort: Relax in luxurious rooms with Free Wi-Fi to keep you connected with your nearest and dearest.
- Unbelievable Cleanliness: We’ve implemented enhanced sanitation protocols to ensure the health and safety of every guest.
- Breathtaking pool with a view!
Book Now and Enjoy:
- Breathtaking Lake views
- High-Speed Free Wi-Fi
- Daily Housekeeping
- Close to many things to do!
Don't miss out on your Windermere dream! Visit our website or call us today to book your unforgettable escape at Windermere House.
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Seattle Airport's BEST-KEPT Secret? This Hotel Will SHOCK You!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a Windermere House adventure! Forget perfectly curated Instagram feeds, this is the REAL DEAL. Prepare for some serious chaos, questionable decisions, and hopefully, some genuine moments of joy.
Windermere House: My Very Messy Itinerary (and Probably Yours Too)
Day 1: Arrival and "Lake-Side Bliss" (or Utter Meltdown)
- 1:00 PM: Land in Toronto. Ugh. The airport. A monument to human inefficiency and overpriced coffee. Luckily, I pre-booked a taxi, which, after a frantic phone call when the driver wasn't there, finally arrived. (Pro-tip: ALWAYS double-check you're in the right spot. I may or may not have stood at the wrong gate for a solid 20 minutes, contemplating a career change. Perhaps a hermit? Sounds appealing right now.)
- 3:00 PM: Car. Road trip vibes are kicking in! We hit the road towards Windermere. Music playlist: a carefully constructed masterpiece of 80s power ballads and questionable pop. (Don't judge my guilty pleasures!)
- 6:00 PM: ARRIVAL AT WINDEMERE HOUSE. Okay, breathe. It's postcard-perfect. The lake! The white Adirondack chairs! I get a surge of actual happiness, like a genuine, sunshine-y feeling. And then…reality sets in. We are probably hungry and still frazzled from airports.
- 6:30 PM: Check-in and room reconnaissance. (Side note: My luggage? MIA. Apparently, Air Canada and the concept of "luggage delivery" are still strangers. Deep breaths, deep breaths). My room? Decent! Lake view? Yes! Do I immediately try to nap? Absolutely.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at Rosseau Grill. The food. Okay, let’s be absolutely honest, the food! I ordered the catch of the day, but let's just say the "presentation" left something to desire. But the view… oh, that view. It's the kind of thing that makes you momentarily forget your luggage is probably vacationing in Iceland.
- 9:00 PM: My first Windermere House beverage (a gin and tonic). Lake side bliss. (Or, the beginning of what could be a night of questionable decisions).
Day 2: Muskoka Mettle and Boat Misadventures
- 8:00 AM: Wake up with my luggage now missing. Breakfast with a view: Pancakes. I might overeat. I will regret this in about an hour. Coffee fixes everything, or rather, makes me think it fixes everything.
- 9:00 AM: Boat tour! (Yes, I booked this. Yes, I’m already regretting it). I get out of the boat, realize I have a terrible fear of water. So I did not stay very long.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the pub. Excellent selection of beers. And a burger which was better then I thought.
- 2:00 PM: Hikes? I attempt to hike. I get really overwhelmed by the scenery. And then I start to cry.
- 4:00 PM: Drinks at the bar. The bartender reminds me of someone I had a crush on in High School. My inner teenager now is thriving.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner! More of the same, with a side of, "Did anyone else order food?" Dinner was good, and I'm not sure what I'm more happy or sad about.
- 9:00 PM: Stargazing. Now that was the highlight. I am going to keep doing this.
Day 3: Lake Life and Lessons Learned (Maybe)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. The pancakes, again. This time, fully embracing the carbs. No regrets…yet.
- 9:00 AM: Kayaking? Canoeing? I'm going with "contemplating the lake from a safe, dry distance." I watch others kayak. Mostly, I watch them fall in. I laugh.
- 12:00 PM: Pack. This is more emotional than it should be. I have to go soon. Sad face.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch and checkout. Another burger. It was a good one.
- 3:00 PM: Head back to airport.
- End
My Overall Feelings:
Windermere House is a beautiful place. It's a place that can be both overwhelming and incredibly relaxing. A spot to hide or a place to party. I was probably at both. This trip? Well, it was a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable fashion choices (I blame the luggage situation), and a whole lot of caffeine. Would I do it again? Absolutely. Because even with the chaos, there were moments of pure, unadulterated joy. And sometimes, that's all you need.
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Windermere House: Seriously, Your Dream Escape Just Called…And It's Waiting! (Sort Of)
Okay, spill it. What's the big deal about Windermere House *really*? Is it worth the hype?
Alright, here's the unvarnished truth. Windermere House… it's complicated. Look, picture it: you’re in the heart of Muskoka, the air smells of pine and money (mostly money), and this grand old lady of a hotel is perched right on the lake. *The* lake. Windermere Lake. Is it hype? Yeah, probably a little. But is it *worth* it? That depends. If you’re looking for perfectly polished, robotic service, go elsewhere. If you want charm, history, and a truly *Muskoka* experience, then yes. Absolutely. Just be prepared for the quirks. Like, seriously, the quirks.
I remember one time, we were trying to get a drink on the patio. It was peak season, absolutely rammed. The poor bartender – bless his cotton socks – looked like he’d seen a ghost. Took like, a solid fifteen minutes to even *make eye contact* with him. Then it’s another fifteen minutes to order! But hey, the view was killer, the sun was setting, and when those drinks finally arrived? Pure bliss. And you just… you laugh it off, you know? It’s part of the Windermere charm. A chaotic, beautiful charm.
The Rooms: Are they… antique-y or just old? And how much do I need to budget for?
Okay, the rooms. This is a big one. Forget "sterile modern hotel room"! Windermere House is not that. The word "antique-y" is *kind*. Think… vintage. Think… maybe the furniture has seen a few generations of wealthy tourists. Some rooms are stunning, with lake views that’ll make you weep (in a good way). Others… well, let's just say you'll be sharing a view of the parking lot. And a distinct lack of plugs. Bring an extension cord.
Pricing? Ouch. Let's be honest, it's not cheap. Unless you score a deal, which is about as likely as winning the lottery. Expect to shell out a pretty penny, especially during peak season. Remember, you're paying for the location, the ambiance, and the *experience*. It's an investment in your sanity (hopefully).
The Food: Is it actually any good, or are you paying for the Instagram opportunities?
Alright, the food. Honestly? Mixed bag. The dining room is gorgeous, all dark wood and chandeliers. It *screams* special occasion. The breakfast? Pretty solid. The dinners can be… hit or miss. Sometimes they're phenomenal. Sometimes they're… adequate. The menu changes, the chefs rotate, you know the drill. Don't expect Michelin-star perfection. But you *can* expect to take a photo worthy of Instagram. And that's part of the allure, isn't it?
I remember one dinner. Ordered the steak; was perfectly cooked and lovely. The *soggy* mashed potatoes? Not so much. But the ambiance. The company (my kids at least. Teenagers... Sigh) The wine flowed. The sunset over the lake was spectacular. Did the potatoes ruin the evening? Nah. Just added a little… character.
What’s there to *do* at Windermere House? Besides, you know, look at the lake.
The lake is a *major* activity. But beyond that? It depends on what you're after. There's a small beach, swimming (cold but refreshing!), boat rentals, and of course, the iconic Windermere Cup races (if you are lucky enough to be there during them!), and the *legendary* golf course. The service there? It can be a bit of a crapshoot. But you are in Muskoka, and that's part of the *experience*.
And for me? The best thing is grabbing a book and just… *being*. Sitting on the porch, rocking in a chair, and watching the world go by. That's the Windermere magic, right there. Pure, unadulterated relaxation. Especially after a slightly overpriced but delicious cocktail (the patio bartenders are lovely, and so, so busy... but they are lovely!)
The Staff: Are they Muskoka-friendly? Do they even *care*?
The staff...oh boy. Okay, here’s the deal. You *need* to adjust your expectations. Some of the staff are absolutely *fantastic* – friendly, helpful, and genuinely trying to make your stay amazing. Others… well, let's just say they might be a bit… overwhelmed. Remember, they deal with a *lot* of demanding clientele. Patience is key. A smile and a genuine thank you go a long way. And remember, these folks are working in a seasonal environment. They're probably exhausted. If you are kind, they will be too.
One time, we had a real problem with our TV. It was an old, temperamental beast. The guy who came to fix it was clearly flustered. He mumbled something about "vintage technology" and then basically just shrugged. Later, the manager personally came to apologize, sent us champagne. It's that kind of unevenness that defines Windermere. Overall? The staff is generally really, really *trying*. They're just… human.
Is it family-friendly? Or more for the couples-with-money crowd?
Absolutely family-friendly, in a certain way. You'll see kids everywhere. The beach is great for building sandcastles. The grounds are perfect for running around. But… it's not a *kiddie* resort, if you know what I mean. There aren't a ton of structured kids' activities. It's more of a place where you can have a *nice* family vacation, as long as the kids can handle a bit of… stillness. And, let’s be real, can keep their hands off the expensive china. (Good luck with *that*.) The vibe is more relaxed, slow-paced, think more 'family picnic' than 'waterpark'. You’ll probably see a lot of families lounging around - but do be prepared for stares if your offspring is a little *too* energetic.
My Lasting Memory: The Windermere Cup Race!
I booked the trip knowing that I would be in the area, and it just so happened to coincide with the Windermere Cup Race! It was insane. We got a perfect spot, literally watchingOcean View Inn
