Best Airbnb: Huntsville, Ontario
Hotel vs. Airbnb. Do you struggle with what option to go with, or do you have a strong preference? Honestly, I go back and forth!
I love hotels for the amenities and dedicated housekeepers. For the wonderful staff that help me with my on the ground planning. And, it’s just easy! But, just when I think I’ve decided I’m a hotel person…I find an Airbnb that blows me away.
I wanted to start the Best Airbnb series because I want Wander. Ramble. Roam. to be a resource for everyone. So, if you’re a hotel lover or a big fan of the sharing economy…you’ve found the right place to be!
The Property
I stayed in a wonderful historic building during my Weekend in Huntsville, Ontario. The Wilgress is a property that was founded in 1897 and is located right in the heart of downtown historic Huntsville.
There’s free parking on site, so don’t worry about where you’re going to have to keep your car. Your apartment is on the ground floor and the owner lives on the top floor. Contactless check-in is available.
The space is HUGE. And absolutely beautiful. Wood floors, exposed brick walls, and an industrial kitchen that will make you feel like a real chef. Even more importantly than the beautifully designed space is the comfort of this place! From the couches to the king sized bed, everything feels like it was made for you.
It would appear the property used to be a cafe and wine bar. Remnants of those businesses are still kept in tact, which I thought was a really special touch.
In addition to the spacious and comfortable inside space, you have a large outdoor patio with a small cafe dining set and a full size BBQ grill.
The Location
I mentioned The Wilgress is in the downtown historic center of Huntsville. What I haven’t mentioned yet…That photo at the top of this post? That’s basically your view from the property. (I did walk right across the street to get the picture though.) The Wilgress is directly across the street from the river and you can enjoy a beautiful sunset right from the comfort of your patio. Maybe while enjoying something you made on the BBQ?
Being right in town also means that breweries, restaurants, and local shopping are all within mere steps of your front door. I love a property where I can leave the car parked and find everything I need within walking distance.
Amenities
You will find bars of soap in the shower and by the sink, but there was no shampoo or conditioner. Normally this doesn’t really bother me at an Airbnb, but I think everything else about the property had set the bar super high, so it stood out to me.
Now, TO BE FAIR. This could all be due to COVID-19. Many hotels and Airbnbs are, correctly, removing high touch, unnecessary items. However, all I can share here is my own experience.
The towels and linens were all plush and soft. I even had an abundance of towels! I swear, almost every Airbnb I stay at is super stingy with the towels. A girl needs more than one! This was not a problem at The Wilgress.
We found a bottle of sparkling water in the kitchen, which was a nice touch. The kitchen was also well stocked with everything we needed for preparing and eating meals at the property.
COVID Consciousness
Because we’re living in 2020, I wanted to include this section in my accommodations reviews for the foreseeable future.
Traveling right now brings extra anxiety with health concerns, and I know you want to be as conscious as you can when it comes to your safety. I was told by the owner of The Wilgress when we stayed (in early June 2020) that the cleaners have ramped up their sanitization routine to ensure everything is cleaned to the highest standards. As I mentioned, you are able to check-in on your own, so you won’t come into contact with another person. Additionally, I was told the owner leaves the property empty for 4 days between guests, just to be extra cautious of anything that could have escaped the sanitization protocols.
Knowing all this information, I felt perfectly safe staying at this property for a weekend getaway. As always though, use your own best judgement during this unprecedented time!
Overall, I give The Wilgress my highest recommendation, and Huntsville, too, for that matter! Click here if you’re ready to book your stay at The Wilgress. You won’t be disappointed!
A Weekend in Huntsville, Ontario
