Photo courtesy The Barracks Inn
Updated April 19, 2024 / Commissions may be earned from LuxuryOntario‘s affiliate partner links
Known affectionately by locals as “The Hammer” for its once having been the center of Canada’s steel-making industry, the city of Hamilton has done an incredible job of re-inventing itself. Like the Northern Ontario city of Sudbury, Hamilton has transformed itself from a place of dirty industry to one of scenic green spaces.
Many of Hamilton’s former industrial sites are now home to cultural and historic attractions that now celebrate the city’s rich past, including must-visits like the Museum of Steam and Technology and the warship HMCS Haida on the city’s rejuvenated waterfront. Popular historic sites like Dundurn Castle are also worth including on your Hamilton itinerary, especially if you opt for a guided tour of this most romantic of grand mansions.
And for those looking to visit Hamilton, numerous first-rate luxury accommodations have sprung up to capitalize on this increased demand for great places to stay.
From intimate boutique inns to modern hotels with all the mod-cons, these Hamilton hotels boast options suited to every taste and need, each adding its unique flavour to the city’s accommodation scene. Find out more by reading through our list of the best luxury hotels in Hamilton, Canada.
The Best Luxury Hotels in Hamilton
The Barracks Inn, Ancaster
Located in the Greater Hamilton community of Ancaster and an easy 15-minute drive from the city’s top attractions, The Barracks Inn is perfect for a romantic getaway. One of our favourite boutique hotels in Ontario, this charming 4-star hotel is set in a former military barracks built in 1820 and exquisitely blends historical charm with modern elegance.
Each of its 18 guest suites is uniquely decorated, with high ceilings, exposed stone walls, and plush furnishings. In-room amenities include sumptuous bedding, spa-inspired bathrooms with rain showers, fine linens, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Concierge services are available, including assistance with everything from dinner reservations at nearby restaurants to recommendations for local excursions. There’s also a charming courtyard that’s perfect for outdoor relaxation.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest info and rates, as well as to make reservations, visit The Barracks Inn.
C Hotel By Carmen’s, BW Premier Collection
A member of the Best Western Premier Collection, the 4-star C Hotel By Carmen’s is well-known in Hamilton for its exceptional hospitality and service. The rooms here all feature modern décor with warm tones and plush furnishings, including comfortable beds with premium linens.
Standard in-room features include LCD TVs, iPod docking stations, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, as well as mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers. Our favourite accommodations here, the larger suites come with whirlpool tubs and electric fireplaces, adding an extra touch of comfort and coziness.
Baci Ristorante, the hotel’s upscale restaurant, is popular with locals, so be sure to reserve a table if you’re planning on dining. It’s certainly worth it as the restaurant uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create delectable Italian dishes. Other amenities include event spaces, a fitness center, and a great rooftop terrace. You’ll also find yourself located close to an array of fun things to do in Hamilton, including playing a round of golf and exploring the scenic trails of the Bruce Trail and Niagara Escarpment.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest info and rates, as well as to make reservations, visit C Hotel by Carmen’s
Sheraton Hamilton Hotel
Although a 3-star property, the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel delivers a solid, modest-luxury guest experience. The rooms and suites here are thoughtfully designed, featuring sleek, modern furniture. Try to elevate the experience by booking an upper-level unit with views over Lake Ontario. Standard room features include large-screen TVs, work desks, and high-speed internet access.
Hotel amenities include a heated indoor pool, as well as a well-equipped fitness center with state-of-the-art cardiovascular machines and weights. There’s also an on-site restaurant along with a lounge offering a more casual atmosphere for cocktails and light bites.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest info and rates, as well as to make reservations, visit Sheraton Hamilton Hotel.
Staybridge Suites Hamilton – Downtown
Its downtown location makes Staybridge Suites Hamilton another 3-star property worth considering. As part of the IHG brand, you know you can count on a quality guest experience, with spacious, contemporary-designed accommodations with full kitchens that include a stove, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher. A mix of studio and one-bedroom suites are available, all featuring comfortable living areas, ergonomic workspaces, and complimentary high-speed internet.
A complimentary breakfast buffet is provided, and evening social receptions offer a good excuse to meet other travellers. On-site amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor pool, plus a business center and meeting spaces. Additionally, the hotel offers an on-site self-service laundry facility.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest info and rates, as well as to make reservations, visit
Sandman Hotel Hamilton
While a little further from the city’s downtown core than some of the other properties on this list of the best luxury hotels in Hamilton, The Sandman is worth considering if you’re planning an overnight stay. Just off the Queen Elizabeth Way highway and close to the waterfront and Hamilton Beach, this new-ish 3-star property opened in 2018 and has proven equally popular with business travellers as it has tourists.
Accommodations at the Sandman Hotel Hamilton are designed with a contemporary flair and a focus on comfort. You can choose from a variety of room types, including standard rooms, suites, and even family suites with kitchen facilities for longer stays. Each room is furnished with plush, comfortable beds with premium bedding, ensuring a good night’s sleep. Standard in-room features include flat-screen TVs with cable, complimentary Wi-Fi, and work desks, while some of the larger suites come with sitting areas and pull-out sofas.
On-site amenities include an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and two popular restaurant chains, including a Moxie’s Grill & Bar. Meeting and conference facilities are also available.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest info and rates, as well as to make reservations, visit The Sandman Hotel Hamilton.
The Pearle Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection, Burlington
Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Hamilton, the 4-star Pearle Hotel & Spa in Burlington is certainly worth considering when it comes time to choose a luxury place to stay in and around Hamilton. Part of the prestigious Autograph Collection, The Pearle offers a lovely lakeside setting with quality accommodations designed with a pleasant palette of colours and textures.
The best rooms and suites boast views over Lake Ontario and are outfitted with plush bedding, smart TVs, and spa-like bathrooms featuring rain showers and artisanal bath products. Hotel amenities include a full-service spa offering massages and beauty treatments, a state-of-the-art fitness center and an indoor pool.
The Pearle’s amenities extend to the culinary offerings at the Isabelle Restaurant, a restaurant I enjoyed for its Mediterranean ambience. This top-notch fine dining experience does a great job of showcasing the region’s local produce with its seasonally inspired dishes. It does get busy though so be sure to reserve a table. If you’re looking for a quick bite, Pearle’s Café is open for Breakfast and lunch and offers a variety of baked goods, salads, and sandwiches.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest info and rates, as well as to make reservations, visit The Pearle Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection.
The Casablanca Hotel, Grimsby
A 30-minute drive east of Hamilton, The Casablanca Hotel is located near Grimsby and offers up a quality escape with a touch of charm. Designed to evoke the essence of the Moroccan city it’s named after, guest accommodations here are designed with neutral tones and feature plush bedding with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Our favourites are the larger suites that come with whirlpool tubs and scenic views of Lake Ontario.
The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving a variety of dishes in a dining room that, with its arches and warm tones, hints at Moroccan aesthetics while providing great views of the lake. Need to unwind? Check out the hotel’s spa which provides a selection of rejuvenating services from massages to beauty treatments.
Other amenities include a well-equipped fitness center plus meeting rooms and event spaces suitable for conferences, weddings, and special events. The Casablanca Hotel also provides easy access to local vineyards, boutique shopping, and the natural beauty of the Niagara Escarpment, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the region’s attractions.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest info and rates, as well as to make reservations, visit The Casablanca Hotel
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Bryan Dearsley is a luxury lifestyles writer and Co-Founder of Riley and LuxuryOntario and is proud to call Ontario, “home.”
