Merrill House

Style

Curiouser and curiouser

Setting

Peaceful Picton harbourside

Boutique Canadian hotel Merrill House is for gourmands, art aficionados and the open-minded: after all, this turreted Gothic Revival redbrick has exotic curios, a few spirits and its own ‘invisible man’ in one of the 14 uniquely decorated suites (you’ll see what we mean). It’s packed to the rafters with artefacts from afar, vintage treasures and storied knick-knacks, and even has a replica of the owner’s impeccably furnished London flat. And, while it has a wild imagination, its cosseting approach is equally well-anchored with an outdoor sauna, wine cellar and ensconcing suites.

Facilities

Chambres

14 individually-designed suites.

Checkout

11am, but flexible, subject to availability and an hourly $50 charge. Earliest check-in, 3pm.

Plus de détails

Rates include a one-hour session in the sauna. Breakfast is excluded, but a daily buffet is available for $35 each.

Also

Due to the historic nature of the building, this four-floor hotel is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. There is no lift at the property and some stairs to reach rooms are quite steep.

Hotel Closed

Merrill House closes annually for the second half of December and six weeks during January and February.

Accès internet gratuit

Service d’étage

At the Hotel

Garden with a fire pit and outdoor sauna, wine cellar, drawing room, parlour, boutique, gallery walls across each floor, and free WiFi throughout. In rooms: smart TV with Netflix and Amazon Prime, mini fridge with free soft drinks, small library, wine and water glasses, satin and plush dressing gowns, slippers, eye masks and Hydrangea House bath products.

Our Favourite Rooms

It’s hard to choose as each of the 14 suites are so unique. The Owner’s Suite – essentially a faithful recreation of the hotel owner’s wonderfully quirky London flat – is great for groups of friends, sleeping up to four. For couples, the romantic Tower Suite with its Klimt-inspired hot tub and turret setting, will suit; or the dramatic Velvet Room, if you lean that way. Those who want to embrace the hotel’s darker side should stay in the Gothic Room in the old servant’s quarters, which offers eerie thrills; or in the Future Room, where the hotel’s ‘invisible man’ can be identified by his chair and clogs stuck to the ceiling.

Spa

All guests get a one-hour session in the garden’s barrel-shaped sauna.

Packing Tips

Bring your dandiest threads and your tallest tales for gatherings around the fire pit – we’d wager your fellow guests will buy into the hotel’s fantasy too.

Also

You'll be given a 'wine passport' during your stay, which gives you access to special offerings across 16 of the region's celebrated vineyards.

Enfants

Children can stay, but the house’s winding stairways, delicate decor and insatiable wine habit make it more of an adult hideout.

Galerie

Food & Drink

Top Table

Cosy up to the wine cabinets if you want to have a nose at the hotel’s impressive collection.

Code vestimentaire

Distinguished eccentric.

Hotel Restaurant

The hotel’s dining area isn’t a restaurant of the traditional sort, instead, you’re welcome to book the space for a private dinner. Menus are helmed by head chef Michael Sullivan, whose ravishing dishes are rooted in traditional French flavours (with a little Brit influence), and come accompanied with worthy pairings, hand-picked by the hotel's wine director, Astrid Young, from its on-site cellar. Pop-up restaurants also often host events in the dining space, so keep an eye on upcoming schedules. Breakfast bites are also available from February to May and November to December; but if you're staying outside these months, you'll have to source your fuel from Picton's array of eateries.

Last Orders

Breakfast is served February to May and November to December, between 8am and 10am.

Planes

Toronto Pearson Airport is the closest, around a two-hour drive from the hotel. There are direct flights from major hubs throughout the US, Canada and Europe. Flights from further afield usually stopover in the US or Vancouver.

Trains

Belleville Station is a 30-minute drive from the hotel; trains regularly arrive here from Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

Automobiles

Petite Picton is charming for a stroll, but you’ll want to go out yonder to see the wilds surrounding Lake Ontario and sample the county’s culinary delights. You can easily acquire wheels at Toronto airport and there’s free parking at the hotel.

Worth Getting Out of Bed For

There’s plenty to do within the hotel’s boundaries, and you won’t be judged for whiling away the time admiring the artwork and artefacts, getting cosy by the fire pit in the garden, sweating out any lingering stress during a complimentary one-hour sauna session, saluting the sun from your yoga mat, or working out with free-to-borrow weights and strength bands.

If you’re heading out, your ‘wine passport’ offers exclusive deals across 16 of the region’s storied vineyards. Head north to Glenora to admire the Bay of Quinte’s striking scenery from Lake on the Mountain; or venture west to sit on the beach at Sandbanks Provincial Park, which watches over Lake Ontario. Boat tours can be arranged, too. To start your own collection of oddities, try close-to-home antique stores like City Revival, Mary Street Vintage, MacCool’s Reuse and the Local Store.

Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt

This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .