The Rosseau JW Marriott Resort & Spa

We decided to check out the JW Marriott Hotel and Spa on Lake Rosseau this March Break after it was recommended by my in-laws, who went last March Break and swore by the experience. We were sold based on their description and were able to convince our friends and their family to also book and accompany us on our Muskoka adventure. In total, there were 4 adults and 5 kids ranging in age from 5-15 years old, spread out between 2 rooms. Our family of 4 got the Studio King, which included a king sized bed and a pull out and a small kitchenette with a great view over looking the lake. Our friends, with their 3 boys, got a 1 Bedroom just down the hall from our room, which was much larger and with a bigger kitchen. For three nights (Tuesday to Thursday), plus 3 buffet breakfasts and 3 buffet dinners in the Cottages restaurant, it costs us just over $1300 - a steal in comparison to what we would have paid had we gone down south for the break. Prior to our arrival, we signed the kids up for a number of activities the Marriott had scheduled throughout the week. We arrived on Tuesday afternoon and were welcomed by a smiling elderly doorman who got us to pull our trucks right up to the front and was quick to grab us luggage carts to help us unload. Considering we were only going to be there for 4 days and three nights, it looked like we had packed as though we were going to be gone for several weeks and we seemingly brought everything, including the kitchen sink. We had several bags, in addition to our regular luggage, that contained our outdoor winter gear, boots, skates, hockey equipment plus coolers and grocery bags loaded with snacks and other delectable delights to eat for our lunches over the course of the week. We lucked out as the drive from the GTA was relatively quick and painless. It was a sunny day with temps hovering above zero. Once getting off the highway, our GPS took us through the town of Minett. Winter had done a number on the roads and they were filled with deep potholes and missing huge chunks of asphalt in places where you could surely bottom out your vehicle if not careful. The hotel itself, sits on top of an elevation at the end of a long winding road, and looms over the surrounding forest and lake like a shining white beacon. It is a beautiful, magnificent property in the heart of cottage country. The reception was very warm right from the get go. The staff plied is with bottled water and cups of warm apple cider and a genuine greeting. Although we had arrived an hour before the actual check in time, we had no issues getting our rooms and the front desk did everything they could to accommodate us and make sure our two families were on the same floor just down the hall from one another. There were no line ups at reception and while there were a number of guests coming and going in the lobby, it never felt over crowded or exceptionally busy. After dropping off our bags in our rooms and settling in, we went to explore what the hotel had to offer. We quickly found the pool on the mezzanine level next to the spa. While busy, it was never crowded. We have had the misfortune of being at Plunge up at Blue Mountain and have been practically shoulder to shoulder with other swimmers, which can be likened to the Ganges River during a Hindu holy festival, and never once was the hotel pool anywhere near as busy. The pool is is an indoor/outdoor pool and you can actually swim under the open sky regardless if it is -10 degrees (which we did at night!). The kids had a great time running out of the pool and jumping into the snow banks and then into the nearby hot tub and the then back into the pool. Pretty sure that’s a pretty good recipe for getting sick, but hey, we are on vacation! We did get a chance to go snow shoeing and explore more of the property and surrounding area. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t hold up and it ended up raining our last two days, ruling out anymore outdoor activities. The rink was un-skateable and was actually shut down and we didn’t even get a chance to bake s’mores on an open fire even though we were given a welcome s’mores package upon check in. We did get to do a lot of activities inside though and we all had a great time playing laser tag in one of the big banquet rooms one afternoon. There was also a bouncy castle/obstacle course which the kids went crazy on as well. Other activities including cookie decorating, candy kebab making and a science north exhibit that had a bunch of educational toys to keep the little ones busy for hours. We spent a lot of time lounging in either of the two game rooms. In the lower one, there is a ping pong table, a pool table, foosball and a pong type video game which our little ones were fascinated by. Adjacent to the reception area is a beautiful sitting area with leather chairs surrounding a giant fireplace. There is also a pool table and several chess/checker tables there as well. Our group hung out there most evenings munching on snacks and sipping some beverages, watching the hockey game or basketball game while playing various board games with our two families and other guests who ended up joining in on the fun in front of a roaring fire. Definitely one of the more memorable experiences of our vacation for sure! Meals were fantastic and each night there was a different theme. We really enjoyed the Asian night where they had a fresh pho station. The next evening they had a prime rib oven roast on a carving station! Breakfast was the same everyday but they did have two egg stations where you could get your eggs how you liked in addition to the regular breakfast fare. All of the waiters were extremely attentive and friendly without being overbearing or intrusive. Overall a great time and would definitely do it again! With Muskoka being a relatively short 2.5 hr drive from the city, it’s convenient and close. Only real complaint is the ignorance of some of the other guests but that’s not on the hotel and the Marriott can’t be held responsible for stupid people. While I have been to Muskoka many times, this was our first during the winter and hopefully will not be our last! Read less

Just finishing a 3 night stay with my family . Middle of March break. Wonderful property. Many activities. My husband and daughter enjoyed the snowshoeing. Fabulous to swim from the inside to the outside pool. So much fun doing that in the winter. The outdoor hot tub was a blast. Tried both the Muskoka Chophouse and Teca, found both to be very good. Lakes was also good. Enjoyed the big bar in the lobby as well. Every evening there was live entertainment in the lobby which was really nice. We were actually upgraded from a large 700 foot accessible room (I am temporarily in a wheelchair) square foot room to a one bed room suite. Beautiful with a nice kitchen and great bathroom. Our daughter very much enjoyed the soaker tub. Too bad the rooms balcony was closed for the season. I know it is winter and cold, but it would have been nice to have the option take in the view from there. We used the spa for a mother/daughter manicure. Wonderful treatment and service. The service every where was very friendly and always with a smile. The only negative comment that we have is that this place is a bit on the expensive side. The restaurants are a bit pricey. Although having a kitchen in each room allows these costs to be mitigated. The restaurants and bar could have a few cheaper wine options. Again you can bring your own supplies for your room. But it is lovely to have a drink in the lobby/bar area. We have decided to come back next summer and check out what this lovely place has to offer in warmer weather. Read less

We normally head south for March Break but thought we would try something different this year. This place is quite the place to visit. From being welcomed with hot apple cider to swimming in the indoor/outdoor pool, my kids we very impressed. We loved the snowshoeing and pancake breakfast cooked 9ver the fire. Lots of daily activities to keep you busy and even more cozy places just to hang out if you are wanting to just take it easy. Staff were great and always wanting to help. The rooms are equipped with a small kitchenette to allow you to make meals and reduce the cost ( everything is expensive here) but you can easily make it easy on the pocketbook if you pack properly and make a few meals yourself. We may just have to come back in the summer to see what else this place has to offer Read less