The Best Hotels in Hamilton, Ontario

Hamilton has plenty of historic corners and you’ll get a feel for the city’s heritage with a stay at Osler House. Set on a 1.5-acre (0.6ha) property in pretty Dundas, the 19th-century B&B oozes old-world character with shuttered windows and a columned porch, antique furniture and lace table coverings. There are just three guest bedrooms, so there’s a real intimate feel as you play billiards in the tranquil evenings, or sip coffee from fine china at breakfast.

With a business centre that’s open 24-hours, Sandman is a natural pick for visitors who have come to Hamilton to work. That’s not to say it doesn’t embrace fun, too; there’s a heated indoor hot tub and pool, as well as modern rooms with stripey throws and pops of banana yellow. At this hotel in Hamilton, you’re mere moments from the lakefront and Confederation Beach Park, perfect for a sunny day’s stroll or a cooling slushie from the Sandbox Beach Bar.

History buffs will love the location – you’re walking distance from charming Ancaster Village, a historic quarter with shops, restaurants and charming buildings dating to the early 19th century. They’ll love the Barracks Inn itself, too; a homely Hamilton hotel with throw-back styles such as exposed stone walls, roaring fires, traditional patterned carpets and granite bathrooms. Couples should plump for the romantic Mason Suite, with its distressed wooden floors and heart-shaped stone embedded in the wall.

It doesn’t get much closer to epic Lake Ontario than this. Set steps from the Waterfront Trail walking path and scenic outcrop Brant Street Pier, this contemporary hotel in Hamilton puts its greatest aquatic asset front and centre. Views to the blue are everywhere – from the terraced restaurant, from the modern bedrooms, from the window-lined indoor pool. Make the most of the free breakfast buffet, fuelling up on waffles, bacon and fresh fruit.

Hamilton’s burgeoning dining scene is at your doorstep in this downtown hotel, with coffee shops, pizzerias and diners all within walking distance. But with a fair amount to entice on-site, there’s no need to rush out of the Sheraton. A window-lined indoor pool and hot tub are flooded with sunlight for morning swims; a fitness centre is on hand for afternoon workouts; the LOFT Lounge is ready for your evening nightcaps. There’s an all-day restaurant if you’re feeling really lazy.

Groups, business travellers and families will appreciate the handy amenities at the Admiral Inn – think free parking, a 24-hour convenience store for impromptu snacks and bedrooms with a mini-fridge and microwaves so you can whip up meals on the cheap. The modern bedrooms, dressed in whites and oranges, let plenty of light in, so they feel cheery even on grey days, while lounge spaces give you the opportunity to flip through a newspaper or catch up on emails.

With its location near some of Hamilton’s main thoroughfares, the Visitors Inn is a prime pick for travellers looking to spend most of their time out exploring – simply hop on the highway and away you go. When you return you’ll be welcomed by comfortable rooms with coffee makers, fridges, crisp white sheets and desk spaces, as well as a washer and dryer so you can return home with a freshly laundered kit. There’s also an on-site restaurant if you need a quick bite.