Nicest hotel we have ever stayed at. Elegant building with numerous classy comfortable spots to eat or drink in (with beautiful views of the gorgeous scenery as you eat). - Many outdoor activities (water sports and lawn games for all ages). Beautiful lawns looking over a scenic cove, as you sit on comfy Muskoka chairs. Clean inviting pool with lots of lawn chairs and umbrellas. Sandy beach for families with young children. Lots of canoes, paddle boards, etc to use. - Many cozy sitting areas inside, including a mini library with board games and a chess set. - Rooms were very clean, maintenance and the building were kept up to date like new. - Lawns and gardens were well looked after, with beautiful vegetation and flowers everywhere. - The front reception staff were so friendly and efficient, immediately making you feel welcome, clarifying necessary room and facility information. Our favourite receptionist was fairly new, yet one of the most cheerful positive people you could encounter, named Shawn. He made you feel so welcome and special. - Cleaning staff were fast and always pleasing the guests. - Restaurant and bar staff were there to take any request in a cheerful speedy fashion. Food was delicious. Many boaters from other locations would drive up for dinner at one of the many popular quaint restaurants located at the hotel, most overlooking the manicured lawns leading to the beautiful lake. - Everywhere you look are families, romantic couples, or retired seniors all glowing with the happiness of their surroundings. It’s so contagious!

That we had to leave.

The included breakfast was amazing. We found upon arrival that there was more to do than we expected, outdoor hot tub and barrel saunas have been recently added.

It was -22 at night on the weekend that we went so space heaters were deployed in the restaurant. The food was excellent but got cold quickly as it was a little chilly in the room. The staff were friendly and helpful and went out of there way to accommodate special requests. We will definitely return.

Exceptional breakfast was offered (salmon, tuna, meats and cheeses, fruits, pastries, eggs, bacon, yogurts, juices) and thoughtfully presented. The hotel is doing a lot to recover and it shows. They've added private saunas and a hot tub. The rooms are big and dated, but the beds were comfortable and the linens were crisp and clean. The staff were lovely! I highly recommend the restaurant onsite. They had a 7 course tasting meal when we were there and my expectations were exceeded!

Very nice buffet breakfast. Great outdoor hot tub/ pool with 4 saunas.Lots of sport activities available. Free bikes, kayaks, canoes available.

The lake view was just from a small window. Other rooms had larger view. HVAC system sounds from other units were mildly annoying.

We loved everything, the vistas, the hot tubs and saunas, and the delicious breakfast. We love the vibe with the cozy fire pits and downstairs pub. The staff are all EXCELLENT.

Next time we will probably just bring our own, but my family and I had trouble sleeping on such high/fluffy/stuffed pillows. Beautiful, but impractical.

The staff were super friendly and helpful. Restaurant amazing (though expensive). Beds very comfortable. Outdoor hot tub borderline magical.

Two of the saunas were broken so hard to find a spot. Also someone got sick outside one of the saunas and it sat there a long time without being cleaned up. That's about it.

The breakfast was very good. The bed was comfy and the restaurant areas inside and out had a nice ambience. Great proximity to the lake with nice long views out to the water.

There should be another comfortable chair in the room and there could have been another painting on the wall to round out the decor.

Beautiful view! Dinner at the Rosseau was creative and delicious.

Sandy beach was very small - might not be a great place for a families with young children.

Windermere is the class of Muskoka if you're looking for a getaway at a boutique hotel. Large by that standard, it has very good facilities. A well-run restaurant with very good food, also a pub operating Thu-Sun, an integrated spa, and there's a golf course across the street. Of course you have the lake and can get out on there with hotel kayaks or rent a boat and so forth. The hotel is in an old style but due to a movie filming mishap, is new from the ground up. Which means it has the feel of a classic old place, and yet has modern amenities and structure, so the rooms are very quiet. Beds very comfortable with nice linens.

There are a few aspects around the edges that could use some love, for instance the separate stone staircase that is nearest the marina is not weeded or kept up. Things like that. Drinks took a while because the bartendar was new/training, but that's the sort of staffing issue you'll find all over these days.

Clean well appointed rooms. Public areas clean and offer great lake views. Staff pleasant and helpful. Pool was warm, hot tub perfect even with 12c temperatures during day.

Heavy duvet bedding but blanket in closet made bed comfortable.