What is Drake Devonshire?

Drake Devonshire is a Selected hotel located in Wellington ON, Canada. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does Drake Devonshire have?

Drake Devonshire has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is Drake Devonshire located?

Drake Devonshire is located in Wellington ON, Canada, in the North America region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book Drake Devonshire?

You can view more details and booking information for Drake Devonshire through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

Drake Devonshire | Selected in Wellington ON, Canada

Name: Drake Devonshire
Address: Wellington ON, North America, Canada
Rating: 4.5

The Drake Devonshire, nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Ontario in Wellington, Prince Edward County, Canada, is celebrated as a Michelin Key Selected property, offering a unique blend of contemporary design, artistic flair, and rustic charm. It stands out as an "ideal retreat" in Ontario's wine country, drawing a sociable crowd to its thoughtfully curated spaces.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Drake Devonshire is largely positive, often described as a "stylish," "boutique," and "luxury" hotel. Guests frequently commend its beautiful location, distinct design, and excellent dining. On booking platforms, it generally receives good to superb ratings, with an average score of 7.6 ("Rated good"). However, feedback regarding value for money and service can be mixed.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the Drake Devonshire:

Location & Design: The hotel's setting directly on Lake Ontario is a major draw, described as "beautiful," "amazing," and "fantastic". The design, a conversion of a 19th-century foundry into a contemporary farmhouse-cottage, is rich with personality, featuring contemporary artworks, "funky room decor," and an "architecturally stunning dining room".
Amenities: The property offers a wealth of amenities designed for relaxation and engagement. These include a communal living room, a lakeside fire pit perfect for s'mores, a barn-like Pavilion for events and performances, and a games room equipped with ping-pong and foosball. Outdoor amenities feature an outdoor terrace, a sauna, pickleball and boules courts, and direct beach access with loungers. The hotel also provides bike rentals, in-room spa services, an inspiring art walk, and even a unique "Drake vending machine." It is also pet-friendly, accommodating dogs for a fee.

3. Room Quality

The Drake Devonshire offers 11 individually designed hotel rooms and two suites in the main building, along with additional rooms at the Drake Motor Inn. The rooms blend vintage and country-cottage aesthetics with modern comforts and original artwork. Most rooms are described as "spacious and airy," though the "Stargazer Crash Pad" is noted for being tiny with only a skylight for a window. Standard room amenities include flat-screen TVs, Bose docking stations, laptop-sized safes, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Bathrooms feature marble finishes, Malin and Goetz bath products, and cozy sweatshirt-style robes. Guests appreciate thoughtful touches like a choice of pillows (soft, medium, firm) and nightly turndown service with chocolates and a weather forecast. Some rooms boast breathtaking lake views or private terraces.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's restaurant receives high praise, particularly for its "superb" setting with captivating views of Lake Ontario. The dining experience emphasizes seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with Chef Amanda collaborating closely with local farmers, foragers, and artisans to create innovative dishes that reflect the region's bounty. The menu covers breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner, and weekend brunch. Popular offerings include seasonal plates like lime and chili-redolent Ontario perch, gourmet burgers, classic eggs benedict, and even chili rellenos. The beverage program includes creative cocktails and a wine list showcasing local Prince Edward County selections, often with a sommelier available to guide choices. Many consider the food to be "upscale comfort food with an extra rustic touch."

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff is somewhat varied. Many guests highlight the staff as "beyond friendly and helpful," "attentive," and "extraordinary." The team is often successful in providing an "exceptional experience" to guests. However, some guests have commented that staff "weren't the most hospitable" given the price point of the hotel, suggesting room for improvement. Employee reviews, while outside of typical guest feedback, indicate that management can be perceived as inconsistent, with some employees citing a lack of thorough training, long hours, and a stressful work environment.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Drake Devonshire enjoys a prime location in Wellington, Prince Edward County, directly on the northern shores of Lake Ontario. This makes it an ideal base for exploring "The County," known for its wineries, cideries, breweries, and charming villages. The hotel is conveniently within walking distance of local restaurants, art galleries, shops, the farmers market, Wellington Beach, and the scenic Millennium Trail. Sandbanks Provincial Park, famous for its dunes, is also a short distance away. The hotel is approximately a 2.5-hour drive east of Toronto. Complimentary self-parking is available for guests.

7. Value & Pricing

The Drake Devonshire is generally positioned as an upscale property. Standard double room rates can range from CAD$339 to $399, with some recent prices found around $209.57 to $211.21 CAD per night for two adults. Average prices reported over a two-week period indicate weeknights at C$506 and weekend nights at C$347. Pricing is seasonal, with March typically being the cheapest month and August the most expensive. While many appreciate the quality and experience, some guests have noted that the price can be "a bit high," reflected in a "Value for money" score that sometimes lags behind other categories.

8. Common Complaints

Despite its many positive attributes, a few recurring criticisms emerge:

Noise: Some guests have reported issues with soundproofing, experiencing noise from music on the property until late at night and early morning activities.
Room Discrepancies: There have been instances where guests felt misled when booking, particularly regarding the distinction between rooms in the main hotel and those at the Drake Motor Inn across the road. Some Motor Inn rooms are smaller and may face a parking lot rather than the desirable lake view, leading to disappointment.
Bed Comfort: A few reviews mention beds being "extremely soft," causing discomfort or pain for some guests.
Cleaning Issues: Isolated reports of cleaning issues, such as previous trash in bins, visible hair, or dusty sheets, have been noted, primarily concerning the Motor Inn rooms.
Internet Service: Some guests have experienced subpar internet service in the area, leading to connectivity issues.
Dining Rigidity: The restaurant has received criticism for its inability to accommodate certain dietary restrictions, such as celiac guests, or to allow outside food, which some found unaccommodating.
Minor Room Amenities: A few guests have wished for additional amenities in rooms, such as a mini-fridge or more cups in the washroom.