New life

LEFT Grand Bend’s historic Colonial Hotel has been transformed into a boutique hotel with luxury suites. INSET Cozy courtyards provide alfresco spaces for relaxing and enjoying the surroundings.

A unique boutique

LUXURY HOTEL BY THE BEACH

By Janis Wallace

ondoners seeking a great

Lescape, a chance to indulge in quality time with friends and family, don't need to travel far. The newly renovated Colonial Hotel in Grand Bend offers luxury suites in five buildings, steps from the beach, shops and restaurants.

Corey Deneire, senior marketing manager for new owner Obsidian Group Inc., says the goal was to make it “a true destination for even the most discerning traveller. Colonial Hotel is a superior boutique hotel, operated by a passionate team and with a personal approach that makes every stay more exceptional than the last.”

The attention starts with a welcome from the concierge in a beautiful lobby. The design was chosen to make guests feel special. Suites offer amenities for ultimate comfort. Daily suite cleaning, replenishment of towels, toiletries and water bottles increase the pampered and protected feeling.

“All brand-new luxury suites are oneof-a-kind. However the House of the Rising Sun are accommodations you won’t want to miss,” says Deneire. “Experience everything you would in our hotel, but in the privacy of a house containing four beautiful suites, a full kitchen and dining area, living room with fireplace, laundry machines and a personal patio with fire pit. All of the things you’d want from a private cottage rental, but the features and amenities from a luxury hotel.”

Step onto the street to discover plenty of options for fun and food. Stroll the beach, enjoy the variety of activities, including unique shopping. After exploring Grand Bend, return to the Twenty Beach Club at the Colonial for gourmet entrees and cocktails with live music. Chill out by a fire pit in the courtyard to end the evening.

The Colonial Main, Main Street Suites, and House of the Rising Sun are joined by two buildings whose names reflect the past. Brenner House was the 1868 name of the hotel; Gable Suites refers to Red Gables, rental cottages converted to a tavern at one time. “All amenities inherit the original purpose of this historic site where the intent is to provide private and social spaces to guests but with luxury, quality and comfort at the forefront,” says Deneire.

“A perfect blend of boutique comfort with full-service amenities, top-notch hospitality, distinct beach vibes, this is the ultimate hotel for the modern traveller.” n