Windermere House

The hotel is a historic Muskoka resort renowned for its picturesque lakeside location and breathtaking views of Lake Rosseau, offering a truly relaxing and memorable retreat. Guests consistently praise the attentive and friendly staff, the excellent amenities including saunas and hot tubs, and the delicious food, particularly the breakfast. It's an ideal destination for couples seeking a quiet and romantic getaway, families looking for a variety of activities, and groups on corporate retreats or staycations. The property's serene atmosphere makes it perfect for those wanting to unwind and reconnect with nature. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room with a lake view for stunning vistas, and be aware that dining options might be limited during the off-season. Bringing sandals for the outdoor amenities is also a practical tip.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a wide array of facilities designed for relaxation and recreation. Guests frequently highlight the heated pool, a popular hot tub (though some note occasional issues with chlorine levels or temperature), and the unique barrel saunas with glass walls offering lake views, which are a guest favorite. A steam room and a well-equipped gym are also available for wellness. For outdoor enjoyment, there are fire pits with Muskoka chairs, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, tennis courts, pickleball, and shuffleboard. Inside, guests can find board games and a mini-library. Rooms are equipped with a mini-fridge, Nespresso machine with complimentary pods, bottled water, and bath robes. While free Wi-Fi is provided, some guests experienced issues with TV functionality. Some guests reported that certain amenities like the spa or specific saunas were unexpectedly closed for maintenance, which caused disappointment.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be spacious and clean, with many appreciating the comfortable beds and high-quality linens that ensure a restful sleep. Some rooms feature Juliette balconies or offer stunning lake views, enhanced by blackout drapes. However, feedback on room comfort is mixed. While some rooms have updated washrooms, others are described as having outdated decor or furniture, with occasional stained carpets or a damp, musty smell. Several guests reported issues such as no chairs on the balcony despite paying extra, water pressure problems in the shower, or flickering bathroom lights. Noise levels can be a concern, with reports of sounds from hallways, other rooms, or even barking dogs due to thin walls. Some minor cleanliness issues like moldy cotton balls or spiders were also noted.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet consistently receives high praise for its quality and variety, featuring fresh croissants, yogurt parfaits, sausages, bacon, eggs, potatoes, fruits, and coffee, often enjoyed with a lake view. Most guests find the pub food to be delicious, with popular items including grilled cheese, perch tacos, smash burger tacos, and pizza, served in a lively atmosphere. However, some guests found the pub food to be overpriced or noted issues like undercooked patties or soggy wings. The main restaurant offers a more upscale dining experience, with some guests enjoying tasting menus and customized meals, though it is often closed during the off-season. A few guests reported the breakfast items were not consistently warm, and a small number experienced food poisoning from the pub or breakfast. Overall, while the food quality is generally good, consistency and pricing can be points of contention.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location directly on the shores of Lake Rosseau, providing beautiful views and a peaceful, quiet atmosphere ideal for a relaxing getaway. Guests appreciate the easy access to the lake for water activities and the proximity to natural surroundings, making it perfect for walks and exploring. The property offers ample free parking, which is a significant convenience. While the immediate area around the hotel is serene, some guests noted that there are not many dining options nearby outside of the hotel's own restaurants, requiring a drive to other towns. A few guests also mentioned an uneven surface at the lobby entrance, which made unloading bags difficult during a rainstorm. Despite these minor points, the hotel's setting is widely considered a major draw.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight the warm welcome upon arrival and the quick check-in process. Many reviewers commend the staff for going above and beyond to accommodate requests, such as offering late check-out, assisting with directions, or making special arrangements for celebrations. The housekeeping team is noted for being attentive and ensuring rooms are clean. While the majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few guests reported isolated instances of staff being less responsive, particularly regarding noise complaints or issues with amenities, and some perceived a lack of communication regarding closures. Overall, the service is a standout feature, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
The hotel is a pet-friendly establishment, allowing guests to bring their furry companions, which is a significant plus for many. Guests should be aware of a resort fee, which covers access to various amenities; while some find it a good value, others feel its purpose is not always clearly explained. The property is a historical site with a classic Muskoka style, and many guests appreciate its charm and the ongoing renovations under new ownership, which have brought positive changes. However, some guests experienced disruptions due to weddings or private events, including noise and temporary closures of amenities, which were not always communicated in advance. There is a small convenience store on-site, though some items like over-the-counter medication are noted to be very expensive.