OLD TOWN, NEW TAKE: 124 on Queen brings modern accommodation to Niagara-on-the-Lake

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As logic might indicate, history is on full display in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Old Town.

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Traditional inns and bed and breakfasts line the blocks on and around the Queen St. area of what’s generally viewed as one of Ontario’s most idyllic stretches of commerce.

The heritage is stunning. It’s a big part of what draws millions of visitors to the town each year.

Still, as the Victorians once said: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, now let’s watch some Netflix and crank up the AC.”

The 124 on Queen Hotel & Spa is NOTL’s new kid on the block — and it’s packing a refreshingly modern punch.

The boutique hotel recently revealed its expansion to 72 rooms, including 39 added through a new build, while introducing a spa as well as wedding and event spaces.

The amenities are brought to guests tastefully. Respect for the heritage streetscape is evident as the new project blends seamlessly with its surrounding heritage.

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The jewel is the Signature Collection at Q — a series of 30 new luxury and contemporary guestrooms that provide a modern accommodation alternative in the heart of the action on the town’s main strip.

We enjoyed our recent stay in a Signature one-bedroom suite, complete with cooktop, fridge, living room, fireplace, separate bedroom with king bed, full ensuite bathroom with double vanity, and a fantastic rainfall shower. L’Occitane toiletries, Nespresso coffee, and Nunshen tea were a welcome addition, as was the lush greenery outside our many windows.

Did we mention the suite came decked out with two big smart TVs?

“I want to live here,” said my wife, who has said similar things during stays at previous hotel properties, but this time the statement sounded especially genuine.

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The Signature wing’s blue-grey-gold colour scheme gives the rooms a regal yet relaxing vibe.

Guests can opt to enhance their stay with a visit to the Spa at Q, an 11,950-square-foot space offering various treatments and massages, and a skylit hydrotherapy circuit including hot and warm pools, sensory showers, a sauna and steam rooms. Stay tuned for a snow room, which is exactly as it sounds. The spa’s relaxation room lived up to its billing with an array of comfortable seating.

An outdoor yoga area with cabanas and reflecting ponds is among future plans.

The new wedding space can accommodate 100 guests in addition to 175 elsewhere on the property and was being put to good use with two couples tying the knot during our weekend stay.

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FOOD, WINE & FEELING FINE AT TREADWELL

Farm-to-table can at times feel like a misleading and overused term in the dining game, but it’s an entirely accurate description at Treadwell Cuisine.

The award-winning restaurant, located in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Old Town district and affiliated with the 124 on Queen Hotel & Spa, rotates its menu based on nature’s bounty and is complimented by a extensive wine program.

Guests can choose from a prix fixe, four-course dinner menu and can bolster the experience with a sommelier-led wine pairing.

We were wowed on the patio by seasonal dishes including scallop crudo, peach gazpacho, tempura-fried zucchini blossoms, slow-cooked pork belly, Ontario beef, and the best raspberry-topped pistachio tart on the planet.

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Accompanying local and international sparkling, white, red and dessert wines were expertly paired based on our selected dishes. It’s no surprise Treadwell was recently named by Wine Spectator magazine as being among the world’s best restaurants for wine.

The prix fixe adventure lasted about two-and-a-half hours and was invigorating through and through. After being holed up in the house during the pandemic and spending virtually every waking hour together, my wife and I found ourselves in somewhat unique territory on this night: Conversing freely about anything and nothing at all — for hours!

“It’s good to see people happy,” head sommelier and manager James Treadwell said, emphasizing his desire for his guests to slow down and enjoy each other’s company. “We want people to relax.”

We found ourselves back at Treadwell the next morning for a delicious brioche pain perdu breakfast, again anchored by fresh raspberries.

What stuck out to us at Treadwell was just how casual and approachable the setting was considering the sometimes daunting nature of wine pairing.

Other dining options on the 124 on Queen property include the Gate House Bistro and Starbucks. Check out the epic Budapest Bakery located within the complex and thank us later.

JUST THE DETAILS

124 on Queen Hotel & Spa: 124queen.com
Treadwell Cuisine: treadwellcuisine.com

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