Historic, charismatic, and great location. These are all attributes I look for when considering accommodation. And they also describe the best place to stay in Paris, Ontario. The Arlington Hotel. Following my quest to discover the best of Ontario, Paris was on my list of places to visit this summer. Named Canada’s prettiest town, Paris was a must visit.

But it wasn’t until I stumbled upon an image of their Hemingway Suite on Twitter that I knew I had to stay at the Arlington Hotel during my stay in Paris. And when I looked further into the hotel I learned that they’d recently done a complete overhaul of their rooms. Each room is inspired by the greatest authors in history, from Hemingway to Shelley and even Dr. Seuss.

Let me transport you to and inspire you to plan your stay in Paris, Ontario. Because here in Canada’s prettiest town is one of the coolest hotels.

Meet the Arlington Hotel

The Arlington Hotel is located in the picturesque small town of Paris, Ontario. Situated on the banks of the mighty Grand River, Paris is small but also mighty. Full of history, charming shops, and fabulous restaurants, Paris is the perfect weekend getaway. But, where should you stay?

Meet the Arlington Hotel! Perfectly located in downtown Paris. Standing 4 stories tall it dominates the northwest corner of Grand River Street North and William Street. Built in the early 1850‘s by O.B. Bradford, it was constructed in a chateau style. It was originally known as the Bradford House until Bradford‘s death in 1882 when the Ealand family took over and renamed it the Arlington. And is now an Ontario Heritage Site.

The Arlington Hotel is now a boutique hotel that combines historic charm with an imaginative literary theme. The Hotel‘s incredible restaurant follow the literary theme with its fun name, edit. Edit is an acronym for eat drink indulge together and offers amazing cuisine, with Chopped Canada winner Matt Kershaw as executive chef. Enjoy your meal in their fun and colourful dining room. Or take your drinks out on the covered patio that’s lined with grape vines.

There’s also the Library Bar, with a wall of vintage books that will excite any book nerd. And in the depths of the hotel you’ll find the 1851 Public House. This rustic bar will take you back in time with its stone walls, heavy wood accents, and even a wooden bar top dating back over 175 years. And while the Library Bar and 1851 Public House are for private parties, you should definitely take a peek! And if you’re staying during the week you can enjoy your continental breakfast in the Library Bar!

Related Post: Things to do in Brant County – From History to Hiking

Meet the Rooms of the Arlington Hotel

The beginning of 2018 saw a whole new transformation for the Arlington Hotel. Each of their 24 rooms were completely renovated, updated, and now have a distinct flair. Each room is inspired by an iconic author or creative mind. You’ll meet rooms that will make you feel as though you’re living in the pages of a classic novel, like the J.R.R. Tolkien room set like an enchanted forest from Lord of the Rings. Or the Agatha Christie room that will transport you to the Orient Express. And of course the whimsical room of Dr. Seuss that will evoke your inner child-like spirit.

The Arlington Hotel has three different tiered rooms. There are standard rooms, suites and executive suites, depending on your budget and style. All of them include your typical amenities like toiletries, flat screen TV, and free Wi-Fi, while the executive suites offer up a separate living space as well as incredible views over Paris and the Grand River.

Book Now!

Another reason why the Arlington Hotel is a great place to stay in Paris is that there is literally a room that will speak to everyone. Whether you are a fan of the classics like Mark Twain, Jane Austen, or Virginia Woolf. Or you are keen on something full of whimsy there are Lewis Carroll, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Stan Lee rooms. Looking for a darker edge? You’d love the Edgar Allan Poe or Brothers Grimm room. The thing that makes every room unique is the outstanding attention to detail. Like in the Arthur Conan Doyle room inspired by his Sherlock Holmes character with its tweed pillows, deerstalker cap, and a web of clues.

Here’s the full list of rooms: George Orwell, Leonard Cohen, Dr. Seuss, Emily Dickenson, Virginia Woolf, Monthy Python, Hunter S. Thomspon, Arthur Conan Doyle, Brothers Grimm, Albert Einstein, J.R.R. Tolkien, Agatha Christie, Maya Angelou, Mary Shelley, Sigmund Freud, Edgar Allan Poe, Stanley Kubrick, Leonardo da Vinci, Mark Twain, Lewis Carroll, Oscar Wilde, Jane Austen, Stan Lee, and Ernest Hemingway.

Related Post: Charming Ontario Small Towns You’ll Fall in Love With

My Stay – Meet the Hemingway Executive Suite

Ernest Hemingway. Author of A Moveable Feast, The Sun Also Rises, and For Whom the Bell Tolls. And one of my favourite authors! So, when I found out that I could get a taste of him close to home I was all in! I’ve walked in the footsteps of literary giants across Paris – France that is, and in particular also seek out Hemingway haunts wherever I travel. So to be staying in a Hemingway inspired room in Paris (even if it wasn’t Paris, France) was a dream!

Standing in front of that door, looking at that brass nameplate for the first time I felt chills run through me. And like any grand reveal moment I swept the door wide open! I couldn’t believe it, they aren’t joking when they call it an executive suite – it’s HUGE!

First up was the living room. I felt like I was walking into one of the safari lodges he would have stayed in. Dark walls, classic red sofa and chair, and a beautiful wood coffee table. The walls were adorned with black and white photographs of Hemingway in Africa. And to finish it off were a couple of antlers, books, and a brilliant blue globe.

I could see a hint of light peeking through the dark drapes on the other side of the room. And when I peeled them back I couldn’t believe my eyes. There was a picture perfect Juliet balcony overlooking Paris and the Grand River. What a fabulous view!

Related Post: Top UK Literary Stops for Book Lovers

After a quick look in the bathroom, with its fluffy white towels, toiletries, and another incredible map of the world, I head to the best room in the hotel! The bedroom of the Ernest Hemingway Suite was like walking into his home in Key West (at least what I imagine it would be). Clean white walls met with incredible wallpaper that resembled palm fronds and other Florida foliage. A large bed with crisp white linens. More photos of Hemingway dotted the walls. And in the corner stood a desk with a vintage typewriter.

I dreamt of staying longer than the one night. Holing myself up in the room. Sitting at that typewriter. Channel my inner Hemingway. And write the next great Canadian novel. A girl could dream, right?

The comfort and style were on point. That bed! Oh, I could hardly pull myself away from its melt-worthy duvet. And being able to wake up, make a cup of Reunion Island coffee and sit and soak it all in was a great way to start my day. And everyone I met throughout my stay, from the executive chef to the front desk staff were welcoming and kind.

I was swept off my feet. I never knew I could literally fall in love with a room. But I did. Hardcore! Everything from the colours to the photography and all of the details really made it feel true to name. I was only staying one night, but I knew I chose well. The Arlington Hotel is the best place to stay in Paris. And I knew I’d return to experience another room.

Hotel Specs

Standard rooms start at $149 per night
Suites start at $189 per night
Executive Suites start at $349 per night

BOOK YOUR STAY TODAY!

Have you ever stayed in a literary-themed hotel?

Disclaimer: I paid for my stay but was generously upgraded. As always, all opinions and thoughts are my own. This post contains affiliate links. In clicking through and purchasing from these links you will not be charged anything extra but I will receive a small commission.

Pin for later reference!