Arowhon Pines (Algonquin Park)

I must admit to being staggered to read the reviews by the 1*ers. How sad that you didn't like this wonderful hotel. It is utter bliss to be somewhere with no mobile phone reception, no TV in the room and no internet. Those are exactly the things that make Arowhon such an all-encompassing pleasure. This is the place where we come to relax and switch off from the world and take life at a slower more human pace. We get to take time to gaze at the beauty of the lake, read books, swim, walk through the woods, canoe in silence and unwind from the city. How could I complain about that? Fabulous food (and by the way the portions are huge!) and bringing your own booze is a GREAT idea. We get to drink our own really good quality wine without paying extortionate restaurant prices. The bedrooms are comfortable, simple, immaculately clean but most of all those with a view over the lake make waking up something that is a good thing rather than a struggle to force the eyes open and face the day. We have met such wide-ranging and interesting people here. It makes an evening drink on the deck something to look forward to with good conversation and varied lives to learn about. It's rare that hotels find guests coming together in such a warm, friendly and natural way. Theresa, Adam and the entire team do a wonderful job at making everyone's stay a warm, welcoming and happy one. Are we going back? You bet! Read less

We stayed here for 3 nights in September. I have to say that at first we really didn't get 'it'. We thought we were coming to a resort but once we realised it was just a beautiful place to stay and you had to organise your own activities we relaxed and loved it. The setting is absolutely stunning. The accommodation is very clean and nicely decorated. Very comfortable beds. Bathrooms were great. Amazing showers! Staff were very efficient and very unobtrusive. Food was exceptionally good. The service in the restaurant always first class. Erik is a great maitre D and he runs a very efficient slick outfit. We loved our stay here and would certainly recommend it to our friends. We are from the UK and it would have been helpful to us for one of the reception staff to explain about the area and the system of trails etc. also about the use of the facilities. I felt it was assumed we knew about the area and the facilities - which was definitely not the case. Lack of 3G and WIFI is a bit of a disadvantage but it helps you realise that we can live without it! The fact that you have to bring your own wine is another downside but as long as you're aware of it and buy in advance it is manageable. It means you can buy and enjoy lovely wine that you haven't paid the earth for in the restaurant. They're very good and open the wine and bring a wine cooler to your table. Their packed lunches are amazing too. Overall we had a fantastic 3 nights at Arowhorn and would love to return one day. Thank you! Read less

We spent 3 nights at Arowhon Pines at the beginning of October to relax at the end of our holiday. The setting on Little Joe lake is gorgeous - especially at this time of year when the trees are displaying the fall colours. Our room was cosy and clean and had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. We stayed in Sherwood, a lodge with a few bedrooms (6, I think) and a shared sitting area. You could hear a bit of noise through the bedroom walls, but everyone is asked to be considerate after 10pm and our neighbours were so it didn’t cause a problem. The food was great - lots of choice at every meal and even though we were last into the dining room for dinner every day, we still got our first choice from the menu. The packed lunches are amazing too - delicious and generous sandwiches, salads and baked goods. Service in the restaurant and at reception was friendly and attentive. We walked most of the walking trails from the lodge - they are forest trails not paths so they are more challenging than the paths in the National Park but they are all well marked. Some were easier (yellow and red) and some were more challenging (white and orange) but we enjoyed them all. We also saw a moose on one of the trails which was amazing! We also used the free canoes to explore the lakes. We had a fantastic time and left Arowhon feeling relaxed and well-fed. Read less

what can't be be said about this place!! its simply paradise in Northern Ontario, I love sitting on the veranda taht wraps around the main building and dining room, have my tea listen to loons during the day and wolves at night! What an incredible property l so much to do and see, hiking canoeing swimming driving around the park, the dining room is breathtaking no matter where you sit you re surrounded by lake! The only drawback is that it is expensive. Read less