Photo courtesy The Walper Hotel
Updated May 10, 2024 / Commissions may be earned from LuxuryOntario‘s affiliate partner links
Dubbed the Royal City in honour of the United Kingdom’s Royal Family whose Hanoverian roots included the name “Guelf”, Guelph was founded in 1827 and certainly lives up to this lofty title. One of the prettiest cities in Ontario, this vibrant university community has made a name for its many sightseeing opportunities.
An easy 80-minute journey westward from downtown Toronto either by car or GO Train, Guelph is becoming an increasingly popular destination for those looking for fun cultural, entertainment, or outdoor experiences.
Add to this its excellent food and drink scene, and you’d do well to want to make a weekend getaway of your Guelph adventure.
To help you plan the perfect weekend break in Ontario’s Royal City, check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Guelph for tips and ideas.
The Best Luxury Hotels in Guelph
Delta Hotels by Marriott Guelph
As part of one of the world’s leading luxury hotel brands, it’s not surprising that Delta Hotels by Marriott Conference Centre tops my list of the best luxury hotels in Guelph. This plush 4-star hotel is just a five-minute drive from the Art Gallery of Guelph and McCrae House, making it an ideal choice for those wanting to explore the city’s many world-class attractions. Another plus: it’s also within a five-minute walk of the University of Guelph, making it an ideal location for parents wanting to visit their student kids!
The hotel’s rooms and suites are designed with a sleek, minimalist approach, and come equipped with high-speed internet, ergonomic workspaces, and plush bedding as standard features. On-site amenities include a restaurant serving up a fusion of local and international dishes; state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities; and a swimming pool and fitness centre.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest rates and to make reservations, visit Delta Hotels by Marriott Conference Centre
Western Hotel & Executive Suites
Located in the historic heart of Guelph, Western Hotel & Executive Suites offers an enticing mix of vintage charm and modern elegance. Housed in a beautifully restored historic hotel dating from 1881, this four-storey boutique hotel pays homage to its rich past while ensuring you’ll enjoy contemporary comforts and conveniences.
Each of the Western’s 19 suites is thoughtfully designed to exude a unique character with exposed brick walls, original wooden beams, and high ceilings. Furnishings are distinctly modern and comfortable and come in a variety of configurations. Our favourite, naturally, is the opulent two-bedroom penthouse suite which boasts plenty of additional living space.
On-site amenities include a spacious board room for business meetings and the excellent 1881 Steakhouse and Burger Bar. The hotel’s central location is an added boon, placing you close to fun things to do in Guelph including shopping and entertainment. It’s worth noting, however, that this historic building isn’t equipped with an elevator, so some stairs will need to be tackled.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest rates and to make reservations at what we consider to be one of the best luxury hotels in Guelph, visit Western Hotel & Executive Suites
Staybridge Suites Guelph
Although located on the outskirts of the city, the modest luxury of the 3-star Staybridge Suites Guelph certainly makes it worthy of consideration. Accommodations here are roomy and come equipped with full kitchens, separate workspaces, and spacious living areas, and feature warm décor with large windows letting in plenty of light.
Amenities include a daily complimentary breakfast buffet and evening social events, plus an on-site fitness center, indoor pool, and business.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest rates and to make reservations, visit Staybridge Suites Guelph
The Walper Hotel
Located a 30-minute drive west of Guelph, The Walper Hotel’s setting in the heart of downtown Kitchener makes it an ideal spot for a weekend getaway. This iconic old boutique hotel was built in 1893 and has hosted everything from politicians to celebrities and has played a central role in the town’s history and heritage.
Each of its rooms is uniquely designed and offers an eclectic mix of vintage aesthetics and contemporary comforts. Elegantly furnished with bright, modern décor, each room features unique artworks that certainly add to the allure.
The Walper boasts an array of fun food and drink experiences, too. Favourites include the classy Barrister’s Lounge, which serves an excellent breakfast; and The Lokal, one of the best cocktail bars in the region. Here and throughout the hotel you’ll be able to enjoy a fine collection of local artworks that adorn the walls and communal spaces.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest rates and to make reservations, visit The Walper Hotel.
Elora Mill Hotel & Spa
Although located 20 km northwest of downtown Guelph, the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa makes for an ideal location from which to explore the city and its surroundings. This charming 4-star property also boasts one of the most romantic locations of any Ontario boutique hotel, perched as it is alongside the Grand River in the village of Elora.
Set within a meticulously restored 19th-century mill, the Elora Mill Hotel offers rooms and suites that certainly do justice to the building’s heritage and unique character. Luxe furnishings and cutting-edge amenities are standard features, and their large windows provide lovely views of the river and the iconic Elora Gorge.
The on-site spa offers a variety of treatments inspired by nature and designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit, including facials to therapeutic massages. Dining at Elora Mill is also a treat, with the on-site restaurant serving a fusion of locally sourced ingredients in its tasty dishes.
For further details, visit https://eloramill.ca.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Guelph
As perfect a place to stay in Guelph for business travellers as it is for vacationers, the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Guelph offers a variety of quality accommodations. One of the newer locations on our list of the best (modest!) luxury hotels in Guelph, you can expect standard features such as free Wi-Fi and flat-panel TVs, as well as air conditioning, a coffeemaker, daily cleaning service, an iron and ironing board, and a microwave oven.
A complimentary buffet and hot breakfast is included with your stay, and free coffee and tea are available throughout the day. On-site amenities include parking, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a hot tub. Meeting rooms are also available for guest use.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest rates and info, and to make reservations, visit Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Guelph.
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Kim Kerr-Dearsley is a luxury lifestyles writer and Co-Founder of Riley and LuxuryOntario and is proud to call Ontario, “home.”
