Unique Places to Stay in Paris Ontario

Looking for a night away that’s anything but ordinary? Nestled along the Grand River, Paris, Ontario, is a small town but huge on charm. Paris is known for its quaint shops and unforgettable dining, but did you also know that it has some truly unique places to stay?

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Whether you dream of sleeping in a cozy riverside cabin, a historic inn, or a one-of-a-kind retreat, Paris offers unforgettable stays that go beyond the typical hotel experience. Get ready to discover the most unique places to spend the night in Paris, Ontario!

Most visitors to Paris are aware of the typical chain hotels that can be found between Paris and Brantford, but do you know that Paris offers 2 uniquely different places to stay?

In this post, I’ll outline the two most unique places to stay when you’re visiting Paris, as well as what they offer, and what the differences are. I may even offer an insider’s tip here and there 🙂 Let’s get started!

Paris, Ontario: Unique Places to Stay at a Glance

Paris is one of my favourite Ontario small towns to visit when I just want to take a short road trip. It’s also home to my daughter, son-in-law, and my dad, which makes me almost a resident, and definitely a Paris insider.

2 Unique Places to Stay in Paris, Ontario

During my many road trips to Paris, I have had the opportunity to stay at both The Mulberry House on the Grand and the Arlington Hotel. It’s fair to say that they’re both unique places to stay when visiting Paris. Do I have a favourite? You’ll just have to continue reading to find out 🙂

Arlington Hotel, Paris, Ontario

The Arlington Hotel is a historic hotel which was built in the 1850’s. It was initially known as the Bradford Hotel until 1882 when the Earland family took it over after Mr. Bradford’s death. The name was changed to the Arlington Hotel, and has continued under that name ever since.

Over the years, ownership of the hotel has changed hands many times. The hotel and the River’s Edge (formerly Dominion Telegraph Event Centre) was sold once again in 2022 and is currently owned and operated by The Carmens Group, a well-known hospitality business out of Hamilton, Ontario.

Driver’s Tip: It is said that the Arlington is haunted. Ask the front desk if they still have the printouts of all of the former happenings at the hotel. Last time I stayed, a room attendant took me into 2 of the rooms where it’s alleged that happenings occur.

Rooms, Suites and Packages

The Arlington offers visitors 23 rooms, but not with your typical fare. Each room has been uniquely designed to evoke the personality and spirit of authors and creative minds.

To enhance your over-night stay at the Arlington, there are currently several packages being offered. All are which at a reasonable price:

• Paris Pets Package – YES! Pets are now allowed!
• Charcuterie Package
• Getaway Package
• Adventure Package
• An Evening in Paris Package

In my opinion, all of the packages are priced reasonably priced, with a continental breakfast included.

The Library Bar & Restaurant

The Library Bar is the ideal sport to gather with friends and family for an evening cocktail and small bites. The atmosphere is small and cozy, making it the ideal spot to catch up on the days activities.

Sunday Brunch: Every 3rd Sunday of the month, the Arlington offers an extensive Sunday Brunch. Reservations are required!

What I Loved About The Arlington Hotel

Full disclosure! I last stayed at the Arlington for my daughter’s wedding (which was spectacular). A few months later, the new owners took over, so I can’t speak for how it is now. I sure hope it’s just as good as the staff in particular were second to none!

At the time of my stay, what I LOVED bout The Arlington Hotel:

• the uniqueness of the rooms
• the proximity to downtown
• the over the top friendliness and helpfulness of reception and other employees
• the grilled cheese I had in The Library
• the staff!

The Downside to Staying at The Arlington

The parking at the hotel is scarce. We had my daughter’s wedding at the River’s Edge and the bride, groom, and guests stayed the night at the Arlington Hotel.

At the time my daughter was in a wheelchair and was unable to walk. There weren’t enough parking spots, which made unloading difficult. There is plenty of parking around the corner, but not ideal for visitors with disabilities. Once inside the hotel, there are elevators and getting around was easy.

BOOK A STAY AT THE ARLINGTON HOTEL

The Mulberry House on the Grand: A Unique Place to Stay in Paris, Ontario

The Mulberry House on the Grand can only be described as a luxury, boutique Bed and Breakfast experience.

After raising 7 children, CC and Mike, both long-time residents of Paris, turned their home into a complete overnight getaway experience. An experience that visitors won’t soon forget!

Rooms and Packages

Visitors to The Mulberry House on the Grand will have a choice of four unique suites, which are scattered over several floors. Even though there may be other guests in the house, there’s a good chance that you’ll never see them.

Each suite has it’s own washroom and shower, as well as refrigerator and coffee maker. You won’t even have to bring your own munchies, as there are chips and peanuts, as well as water in each suite.

Guests will have their choice of hot breakfast items ordered off a menu. Believe me when I tell you that breakfast itself is the perfect reason to stay as this unique Bed and Breakfast!

Driver’s Tip: My 2 favourite suites are The Riverview Suite and The Sunroom Suite

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For guests wanting to enhance their unique stay in Paris, The Mulberry House on the Grand offers add-ons:

Romance Package: suite filled with rose petals, candles, chocolate, charcuterie for 2, and sparkling water

New Year’s Eve: bubbly, favours, and charcuterie

Tubing Experience: As The Mulberry House on the Grand is located directly on the Grand River, guest can book a tubing experience, where you will be guided down the river for some tubing fun.

Amenities Offered at The Mulberry House

There are so many amenities offered at the Mulberry House, that I’m sure I will forget some 🙂 But I’ll give it a try!

• indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna
• library
• games room
• 2 rooms for lounging with fireplaces
• bonfire upon request (sometimes with treats provided)
• snacks
• use of kitchen upon request

Driver’s Tip: As The Mulberry House is located directly on the Grand River, guests are invited to bring their own kayaks or canoes. There are also many trails nearby for bikers.

What I Loved About The Mulberry House on the Grand

Absolutely everything! I was never a huge fan of staying at a Bed and Breakfast until I discovered this hidden gem in Paris. There is just so much to love that I couldn’t list everything, but I’ll let you know what I loved most:

• the friendliness of the hosts, CC and Mike
• the little touches found in every nook and cranny
• breakfast
• bonfires and the the vast grounds for exploring

The Downside to Staying at The Mulberry House on the Grand

In my personal opinion, there really isn’t a downside to staying at the Mulberry House. However, if I had to come up with something it would be the distance to the downtown and restaurants. While you will certainly be within walking distance, if you’re lazy like me, you’ll drive, which takes about 3 minutes 🙂

BOOK A STAY AT THE MULBERRY HOUSE ON THE GRAND

Two Unique Places to Stay in Paris, Ontario

I have stayed at both the Arlington and Mulberry House two times now, and I consider them both to be unique stays in Paris, Ontario, but very different. By the way, were you able to figure out my preference between the two?

I can guarantee you that no matter what kind of getaway you’re looking for, either of these options will suit your needs. For visitors who want to experience the shops and restaurants, the Arlington would be perfect.

For visitors to Paris seeking a mixture of relaxation, adventure, and romance, the best option would be The Mulberry House on the Grand.

Either way, you can’t go wrong with these two unique places to stay on your next visit to Paris.

SAVE FOR UNIQUE PLACES TO STAY IN PARIS ONTARIO