Escape to Paradise: Lakeview Motel & Cottage Awaits in Kincardine!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the slightly chaotic, but hopefully helpful, review of Escape to Paradise: Lakeview Motel & Cottage Awaits in Kincardine! This place… well, let's just say it's an experience. And I'm here to tell you all about it, warts and all. Think of this review as a slightly crazed friend regaling you with stories over a particularly strong cup of coffee.
First, the Essentials (aka the 'Gotta Know' Stuff):
Accessibility: Okay, so this is where things get… nuanced. The website says they have facilities for disabled guests. I'm not going to lie, I didn't personally test this out extensively, so it would be best to ring them before booking. Honestly, the best things is to just double-check if you need it, because 'facilities' can sometimes be a bit… vague.
Internet: Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms! YES! Finally, a motel that understands the digital age. That's the kind of thing that makes my heart sing. Also, Internet access – LAN, if you're into that old-school wired vibe. Gotta be honest; I just used the Wi-Fi. And it was mostly reliable.
Cleanliness and Safety: Alright, this is seriously important these days. Here’s what I observed:
- They're all about the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Staff trained in safety protocol. I definitely witnessed staff members cleaning, and the place seemed… well, clean. It smelled fresh, which, let's be honest, is a huge win for a motel.
- Hand sanitizer was readily available.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was encouraged.
- They also had Individually-wrapped food options.
- Sterilizing equipment was also visible.
- They also had a Doctor/nurse on call
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Okay, here's where things get… interesting. Kincadine isn’t exactly a culinary mecca, so going in, I had modest expectations.
- So, Restaurants are in the vicinity, though not on-site. This is worth noting.
- There's a Coffee shop. This is a lifesaver for a caffeine addict like myself.
- There's a Snack bar. Essential when you've been hitting the beach all day.
- Room service [24-hour]: This is awesome. Just… don't expect Michelin-star quality. It's more like, "pizza delivered to your door at 3 AM" kind of awesome. You might need to call, it has been a while, but there may be 24 hour service.
- Breakfast service: Breakfast is a solid "get-in-and-get-out" type of situation. The staff does an excellent job, but it's not going to blow your mind.
- A la carte in restaurant.
- Alternative meal arrangement.
- Asian breakfast.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant.
- Bar.
- Bottle of water.
- Breakfast [buffet].
- Buffet in restaurant.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant.
- Desserts in restaurant.
- Happy hour.
- International cuisine in restaurant.
- Poolside bar, I didn't use, but it looked inviting.
- Salad in restaurant.
- Soup in restaurant.
- Vegetarian restaurant.
- Western breakfast.
- Western cuisine in restaurant.
Services and Conveniences:
- Air conditioning in public area.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events.
- Business facilities.
- Cash withdrawal.
- Concierge, though no one was at the desk when I got there.
- Contactless check-in/out.
- Convenience store.
- Currency exchange.
- Daily housekeeping.
- Doorman.
- Dry cleaning.
- Elevator.
- Essential condiments.
- Facilities for disabled guests.
- Food delivery.
- Gift/souvenir shop.
- Indoor venue for special events.
- Invoice provided.
- Ironing service.
- Laundry service.
- Luggage storage.
- Meeting/banquet facilities.
- Meetings.
- Meeting stationery.
- On-site event hosting.
- Outdoor venue for special events.
- Projector/LED display.
- Safety deposit boxes.
- Seminars.
- Shrine.
- Smoking area.
- Terrace.
- Wi-Fi for special events.
- Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids: I didn’t bring my kids, but it seemed Family/child friendly.
- Babysitting service, though I can't vouch for quality.
- Kids facilities.
- Kids meal.
Access, Safety, and Security:
- CCTV in common areas.
- CCTV outside property.
- Check-in/out [express].
- Check-in/out [private].
- The Front desk [24-hour] part is legit. I saw them around the clock.
- Smoke alarms.
- Exterior corridor.
- Fire extinguisher.
- Hotel chain.
- Non-smoking rooms.
- Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed.
- Proposal spot, well, maybe.
- Room decorations.
- Safety/security feature.
- Security [24-hour].
- Soundproof rooms, were actually pretty effective.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer, but check with them.
- Bicycle parking.
- Car park [free of charge].
- Car park [on-site].
- Car power charging station.
- Taxi service.
- Valet parking.
Available in All Rooms (the Good Stuff):
- Additional toilet.
- Air conditioning.
- Alarm clock.
- Bathrobes.
- Bathroom phone.
- Bathtub.
- Blackout curtains.
- Carpeting.
- Closet.
- Coffee/tea maker.
- Complimentary tea.
- Daily housekeeping.
- Desk.
- Extra long bed.
- Free bottled water.
- Hair dryer.
- High floor.
- In-room safe box.
- Interconnecting room(s) available.
- Internet access – LAN.
- Internet access – wireless.
- Ironing facilities.
- Laptop workspace.
- Linens.
- Mini bar.
- Mirror.
- Non-smoking.
- On-demand movies.
- Private bathroom.
- Reading light.
- Refrigerator.
- Safety/security feature.
- Satellite/cable channels.
- Scale.
- Seating area.
- Separate shower/bathtub.
- Shower.
- Slippers.
- Smoke detector.
- Socket near the bed.
- Sofa.
- Soundproofing.
- Telephone.
- Toiletries.
- Towels.
- Umbrella.
- Visual alarm.
- Wake-up service.
- Wi-Fi [free].
- Window that opens.
Things to Do (and How to Relax):
Okay, this is where the "Escape to Paradise" thing starts to make sense. Honestly, Kincardine is a dream for anyone who likes
Escape to Paradise: Aarna House's Stunning Mountain & Lake Views Await!
Alright, here we go. Lakeview Motel & Cottage, Kincardine, Ontario. Let's be real. This isn't going to be a perfectly Instagrammable travel blog. This is my Kincardine experience, warts and all. Prepare for a rollercoaster.
Day 1: The Arrival, and the Dreaded Cottage Key
- 2:00 PM - Arrival at the Lakeview Motel & Cottage: Okay, so the drive was supposed to be easy. Smooth sailing. GPS said 3 hours. Lies. Absolute lies. Traffic on the 401 turned into a parking lot, and by the time I actually saw the lake, I was already hangry. The Lakeview looks… well, it looks like a classic Canadian motel. Think "cozy" meets "slightly faded charm." The view from the lobby is already fantastic, so I am excited.
- 2:15 PM - Check-in Chaos: The woman at the front desk, bless her heart, was clearly juggling about five things at once. The key, oh God, the key. It was the kind of key that looks like it unlocks a vault from the 1920s. I nearly lost it already. Mental note: tether this thing to my person.
- 2:45 PM - Cottage Reconnaissance: We scored Cottage #7. "Lakefront," the website boasted. Technically, it’s lake-adjacent. But the porch swing? Sold. The cottage itself is like stepping into a time capsule. Floral wallpaper, mismatched furniture, and that unmistakable "cottage smell" (a blend of wood, dampness, and potentially several past tenants' lives). I wouldn't have it any other way.
- 3:30 PM - Immediate, Urgent Snack Break: Crumbs of my favorite snack, because, again, I'm hungry. Settle in. Unpack the essentials: snacks, phone charger, and a book I swear I'll read. Settle in like I own the place. This place is mine.
- 4:00 PM - The Beach Beckons (Maybe): Okay, the lake is basically right there. Tempting. But first, I need to figure out this key that keeps me locked out of my humble abode!
- 4:30 PM - Key Mastery Achieved (Mostly): After a minor panic about the lock, I am now able to enter the cottage. Victory! I'M FREE.
- 5:00 PM - Kincardine Exploration: I had anticipated a calm, slow stroll. So I walked around, felt the wind, and found a local pub. The bar has a live band. I had a pint, and the band was alright. I didn't stay long.
- 7:00 PM - Cottage Dinner & Bookish Ambitions: Okay, so I had a few snacks earlier, but I am still hungry. Pasta it is. Quick, easy, and minimal cleanup. Then… book reading! I had great expectations of myself, but I couldn't keep focus, and it's now 9 PM with a full pasta belly.
Day 2: Beach Bumming, Bad Weather, and Brilliant Skies
- 8:00 AM - A (Failed) Morning Run: Woke up with good intentions. Sunlight! Motivation! Then I looked out the window. Grey skies and a gentle drizzle. Nope. Back to bed.
- 10:00 AM - The Beach (Eventually): The rain cleared up (marginally), but the wind has decided to go full-blown "angry Canadian lake". I braved the beach anyway. It's beautiful. Even the grumpy water looks gorgeous. Did a walk on the beach. Took in the view.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch at the Local Diner (Highly Recommended): I'm a sucker for a classic diner. The one in town? Perfection. Greasy spoon bliss. Huge burger. Unlimited coffee. Watched some locals.
- 2:00 PM - Battling the Storm: The clouds have gone apocalyptic. Torrential downpour. Thunder. Lightning. I feel like a kid again, thrilled and slightly terrified. (It was a short trip, but it felt long).
- 3:00 PM - Cottage Hibernation: Embracing the weather. I spent the afternoon with the book. That, and the snacks and the fuzzy blanket.
- 5:00 PM - The Sunset Show: The rain stopped, and the sky exploded. Pink, orange, purple… it's so damn beautiful I nearly cry. Okay I cry a little, but shh. The lake is like a mirror reflecting the most spectacular art show I’ve ever seen.
- 7:00 PM - Cottage Dinner & Reflecting: The pasta again. Why change what has worked? Thinking about how I'll never have a view this great again. I am happy to have this experience.
- 9:00 PM - Stargazing Staredown: The sky is clear. Million, billion stars. I try to identify constellations, fail miserably, but just stare in awe.
Day 3: Farewell, Kincardine (And The Cottage Key)
- 8:00 AM - The Lake's Morning Serenade: Woke up to the sound of waves. One last look at the lake before I go.
- 9:00 AM - Final Packing… and a Search: I’ve spent the last hour trying to find my car keys. I put them "in a safe place". Now I can't remember where that place is.
- 10:00 AM - Check-out: Hand back the key. Breathe one last time.
- 10:30 AM - Kincardine Farewell: Driving away. I'm both sad to leave this "faded charm" behind and thrilled to be heading home.
- 11:00 AM - The drive home: Remembering something from the cottage makes me smile. I love my life.
Final Thoughts:
Lakeview Motel & Cottage, Kincardine. It wasn't perfect. It was a little bit messy, slightly imperfect. It was real. And honestly? I wouldn't trade it for a fancy five-star resort. I felt like I was home.
Now, time to plan the next adventure. Maybe I'll get a better lockpicking kit for the key this time. Just kidding (maybe).
Nella 2: Your Crikvenica Dream Vacation Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Lakeview Motel & Cottage - Your Kincardine Survival Guide (and Rant!)
So, is this "Paradise" thing... actually paradise? Or just a motel with a lake view?
Okay, let's be real. "Paradise" is a *strong* word. Lakeview Motel? Spot-on. Look, you're not landing in the Maldives. It's Kincardine, Ontario. Which, for Canada, is pretty darn good. The view? Spectacular, when the weather cooperates (which, let's be honest, in Ontario, is a gamble). I once spent a whole afternoon just staring at the lake, and honestly, it got me thinking about my life choices – which, admittedly, is something I do anyway, but the lake *enhanced* it, you know?
Paradise? Depends on your definition. Is escaping your screaming kids and the mountain of laundry paradise? Then, yes. Yes, it is.
What are the rooms ACTUALLY like? Because motel websites are notoriously misleading...
Alright, the rooms... they're classic motel. Don't go expecting a Ritz-Carlton. Think… clean, functional, and possibly a little bit dated. My first time, I walked in and immediately checked for bed bugs (don't judge me! It's a reflex!). Everything seemed okay, though. The beds are… beds. Not the plushest, but they do the job. The TV? Probably a tube TV, which is nostalgic, I guess, unless you're trying to watch something in HD. Don't expect any fancy coffee machines, but you can usually score some instant coffee in the lobby. The cottage? Better, a bit more space, and usually with a proper kitchen. Though, the last time I was there, the fridge sounded like a dying walrus. Seriously, terrifying. But hey, it kept my beer cold, so I wasn't complaining *too* much.
One time, the shower pressure was so weak I felt like I was showering in a gentle rain. Lovely... if I was a houseplant.
Is it kid-friendly? Because the last "kid-friendly" place I stayed at was a disaster...
Kid-friendly? Ehhh… depends on the kids. There's a playground, which is a win. The beach is close by, which is another win (except for the sand – it gets *everywhere*). I saw a family with like, *five* kids there last summer, and I honestly don't know how they do it. Absolute respect. The rooms aren't soundproof, so if your kids are the type to scream at 3 AM (ask me how I know…), be prepared for some annoyed stares from your neighbors. Also, the stairs leading to some of the cottages are a bit steep, so watch out if you've got toddlers. And one more tip: pack snacks. Lots and lots of snacks. Because kids.
The Lake! What's the deal with the Lake? Swimming? Boating? Monsters? (Kidding... mostly.)
The Lake! Ah, the lifeblood of Kincardine. Swimming is a blast in the summer, although the water can be a bit chilly the early and late season. The beach is sandy, which is nice (the aforementioned sand issue notwithstanding). Boating? You can rent a kayak or canoe nearby (although I once capsized trying to look cool, so… tread carefully). Monster-wise? Well, I didn't *see* any, but the lake is vast... and sometimes, when the fog rolls in, it gets a bit… *creepy*. Seriously, bring a flashlight if you are going out at night.
One time, I swear was in the water, and something brushed against my leg. I am pretty sure it was a log, but I still had nightmares for a week. Never get over that.
Food! What's the food situation around Lakeview Motel? Need options!
Alright, food. This is important. There are restaurants in Kincardine. You have the classic: Pizza, some diner food, the usual suspects. The Fish 'n Chips are pretty good. Don't expect Michelin stars, but you won't starve. The cottages usually have kitchens, so grocery shopping is your best bet for breakfast and easy lunches. I recommend checking out the local farmers market if it's open during your visit, too. You always can take a risk and make a drive out to one of the local breweries to see what sort of food trucks they have. You will probably be drinking a lot... but hey, you're on vacation.
And trust me, pack snacks. I always find myself hangry between meals, especially if I'm attempting to relax.
Oh! And the ice cream place. DON'T skip the ice cream! You can find great Ice Cream.
What's there to do besides, you know, sit around? I get cabin fever really quickly.
Okay, the sitting-around-ness CAN get to you. Kincardine is great for just relaxing. Beach, lake, blah, blah. But, besides that? Try: Exploring the downtown – cute shops, a lighthouse. Check out the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre. Go for a walk on the trails. Sometimes, they have events during the summer, like festivals or concerts. And, if you're feeling adventurous, go for a drive along the coast! Definitely check out the Bruce Peninsula National Park, it's a bit of a drive, but the views are gorgeous. Do some hiking, get some fresh air. And, of course, there's always the option of curling up with a good book and a cold beer (or whatever your preferred beverage might be) in your room. Ah, sounds right now!
I always try and make it out to the local farmers markets. It's a nice change of pace from the usual, you know, suburban life.
My experience with the WiFi was garbage last trip... will it be better?
Okay, the WiFi. Let's address the elephant in the room. It's... not always amazing. Look, you're in a motel in a small town. Don't expect fiber optic speeds. If you *need* to be glued to your phone, prepare for some spotty service. Or, and this is the radical idea, maybe... just maybe... put the phone down for a few days? Read a *book*? Talk to the people you're with? Gasp! Anyway, it's usually good enough for basic browsing/email. If you're planning on streaming movies non-stop, you might want to bring your own hotspot, or maybe, just… *shudder*… talk to each other.
I tried to upload some photos once, and it took, like, an hour. Hotel Radar Map
