Scotland is a place I hold dear to my heart. My mum was born in Glasgow and the culture, traditions, and rich history of the country is something I grew up with. It’s ingrained in my soul.
I have enjoyed many visits to Scotland over the years and stayed at some of the country’s most incredible hotels in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the wilds of the Scottish highlands. Though the settings are dramatically different, there is one thing that remains constant: the warm embrace of Scottish hospitality. It’s absolutely second to none. This, coupled with the country’s many rustic and romantic accommodations, is what makes for such an unforgettable travel experience.
To my delight, I’ve discovered a beautiful boutique hotel property here at home in Canada—just a 90-minute drive from Toronto—that brilliantly captures the spirit of Scottish travel, no plane trip required.
The Scotsman Hotel in Niagara-On-The-Lake was opened in 2024 by Brenda and Blair McArthur. The couple have created an indulgent experience for guests with the six-suite property housed in a historic building dating back to 1805 (it the town’s original post office) located on a quiet corner behind the town’s darling main street. Pulling up to the grand, gingersnap-toned brick building you feel as though you have arrived at a dreamy, far-away place. That transportive vibe really hits the moment you walk through The Scotsmen’s double front doors to find yourself immersed in cinematic setting inspired by all things Scottish and the country’s rich tapestry of regal hotels.
Lounge. Photo: The Scotsman Hotel
Before the McArthurs acquired the property in 2019 it was home to the Post House Inn. Transforming it into The Scotsman was a labour of love that took time and had more than a few hurdles due to the strict historic limitations of the building’s architecture which had to remain intact. The couple turned to award-winning Canadian designer Lori Morris, principle at Lori Morris Design, to help them realize the vision for their luxury property. Renowned for a style that’s at once modern and sumptuously old world, cozy yet opulent, Morris and her design team created a space that’s not just an exquisite environment, but an unforgettable moment. In my experience, the best hotels are the ones you step into and want to explore every nook and cranny, and never want to leave because you feel so at home and are so in love with the place. The Scotsman Hotel is exactly this place.
Photo: The Scotsman Hotel
I recently visited for a romantic, mid-week getaway in late autumn. Checking into The Scotsman is a serene and unhurried experience. You are met in the foyer, invited into the front sitting room to enjoy some chilled local bubbles. This is a spot you could linger in for hours to absorb its layers of textural elements: the earthen green crocodile print wallpaper, the intricate mantle and fireplace, the mix of old and new art work, the leopard print rug, pillows, and tartan accents. From here, it was up the tartan-carpeted stairs to the second floor where most of the bedrooms are, and into our home for the night: The Owners Suite.
The Owners Suite. Photo: The Scotsman Hotel
This is the biggest room at The Scotsman, and the most decadent and dramatic, starring a rich ebony palette tinged with gold and jewel tone accent shades. There’s a sitting room complete with fireplace, a collection of fashionable coffee table books on display which I enjoyed perusing over morning tea time (there is a full coffee and tea station in each suite). The bathroom had the most exquisite clawfoot bathtub which I immediately stepped into for a pre-dinner soak. Another special touch: a selection of designer fragrances, heavy on iconic Chanel scents, artfully displayed on an antique silver tray in the bedroom. I spritzed on a little Chanel No. 5 before heading out for dins which instantly made me feel the presence of my Scottish mother—this fragrance was her favourite.
Photo: The Scotsman Hotel
Every suite at The Scotsman is bespoke and offers a unique aesthetic. Some, like The Owner’s Suite, offer a darker tonal colour mix, while others, like the The Calle and The Prestonfield, offer softer, warmer palettes with antique rose shades being a particular favourite. The beauty of The Scotsman Hotel is that every room feels like a gem tucked into a very fashionable jewellery box.
Nowhere is the hotel’s use of vintage pink more heroic than in the bright and beautiful breakfast room. Rose marble pervades throughout the intimate space where guests amble into for their morning meal. In the tradition of great European hotel breakfasts, there’s an incredible spread on the kitchen island of fresh baked scones and croissants, berries, granola, and yogurt. Breakfast orders are placed the night before and you decide the time you’d like to dine.
Photo: The Scotsman Hotel
At The Scotsman, breakfast is not just a meal, it’s a ritual to be savoured. As someone who’s utterly obsessed with hotel breakfasts—particularly British inspired ones—I will say the morning meal I enjoyed here was one of the best ones of life. Chef Chris’ Scottish breakfast was the stuff of dreams and had all the proper trimmings right down to the potato scone and flat sausage (IYKYK). If only every morning could start like this.
Photo: The Scotsman Hotel
My husband and I enjoyed our breakfast tucked into a cozy banquette in the hotel’s handsome lounge area, which is full of more incredible art, sparkling chandeliers, and loads of natural light. From there you can walk out to the patio area, a serene nook tucked behind the house, perfect for reading or lounging. Exit the patio and walk just a few steps to find yourself in the heart of town; stroll just a little further down one of the charming residential side streets and find yourself lakeside.
Driving home after a blissful 24 hours in The Scotsman’s realm, we were already plotting a return. This property will sweep you away to another time and place; that’s a wonderful and most spectacular kind of magic.
