Ultimate Guide
Where to stay in Huntsville Ontario
Resorts, Hotels, Motels, airbnbs, Vacation Rentals, etc
Where to stay in Huntsville Ontario very much depends on many factors. Some of which we will detail below.
Tourists visit Huntsville for a number of reasons: to hang out in the charming main street area or the waterfront docks, to take part in the many festivals across the summer, spend time at one of Huntsville many beaches, spend time boating across its many lakes, enjoying some Golf at local golf courses, visiting Screaming Heads in Burks Falls, visiting Arrowhead Provincial Park, located within city limits, where its famous trails, ice skating trail, and river beaches are well loved, visiting the world-famous Algonquin Provincial Park or simply using Huntsville as a base while exploring other destinations across Muskoka. And don’t forget Muskoka’s only Ski Hill, Hidden Valley Ski Resort.
All this has made Huntsville a major tourist destination drawing tourists from around the world.
Whatever the reason, tourists need a place to stay in Huntsville Ontario and we have compiled the ultimate list.
Where to stay in Huntsville Ontario
There are a variety of places to choose from in and around Huntsville. You can choose to stay at a resort, hotels, motels, vacation rentals, airbnbs, etc. It obviously depends on your preference, your group's needs and of course, your budget. There are advantages and disadvantages to all choices:
Resorts in Huntsville Ontario
Resort Listings:
Advantages
Staying at a resort is wonderful. You have the advantage of being in a more stylish property, you have several housing options and provides one location where you can access several services like in-house restaurants, a spa, a gym, lounging areas, etc. Resorts also tend to have several activities on site to enjoy.
Another main advantage of staying at a resort is that they can offer different accommodation packages based on a variety of activities; Spa packages, Breakfast included packages, activity packages, special holiday packages, etc. This makes it convenient to book with them and you can save some many on their regular rates.
Staying at a resort feels like you are actually away.
Disadvantages
-Resorts are typically on the pricey side. If you compare the same type of stay amongst Resorts, Hotels and Vacation Houses in Huntsville, you will find that Resorts are typically more expensive than the other options. There are exceptions, but they are usually pricier.
-Extra Fees: Although Resorts do not charge cleaning fees, they do indeed charge “Resort fees”. In fact, some charge 3 extra fees above the HST; they all charge a resort fee PER NIGHT, some charge an accommodation tax and a tax on the resort fee. Compare the final price with your other hotel or vacation rental options to see what you are actually getting and what you are paying.
-Proximity to downtown Huntsville: The resorts we highlight here are not within the downtown Huntsville core. They are situated about an 8-10 minute drive out of town.
Where to stay in Huntsville Ontario
Deerhurst Resort
1235 Deerhurst Dr, Huntsville, ON P1H 2E8, Canada
800-767-3574
https://deerhurstresort.com/
Deerhurst Resort is a renowned vacation destination nestled just outside downtown Huntsville Ontario. In fact, it is only an 8 minute drive from downtown Huntsville.
The resort boasts a rich history dating back to 1896 when it first opened its doors as a quaint lodge. Over the years, Deerhurst has evolved into a sprawling resort offering an array of amenities and activities.
Pros:
Accommodations at Deerhurst range from single rooms to spacious suites and even a handful of lakeside cottages. One of the highlights of Deerhurst Resort is that its lake side. Situated on the shores of Peninsula Lake, guests can enjoy the water views while participating in water activities in the summer such as hanging out at the beach or docks, swimming and boating, and snowshoeing in the winter.
Deerhurst resort also has a few restaurants onsite, offers a full-service spa, golf nearby and several activities for kids.
Deerhurst has a solid reputation, their staff is attentive and the landscape is picturesque, for certain. We believe Deerhurst Resort is a nice resort destination to visit while in Muskoka.
Cons:
-Deerhurst Resort does charge a nightly resort fee for guests. This resort fee gives access to certain amenities of the resort. However, there may be additional fees for other activities such as indoor play areas. Best to ask.
-Although the resort is investing in further expansion, recent visits and reviews have highlighted a few areas of attention. Notably the wear and tear, older building room style, maintenance and the cost of the nightly resort fee versus what you receive for it.
-The location is not within walking distance of main street Huntsville. It is an 8 minute drive though.
Please read the reviews for further insight. We believe that guest expectations are much higher for resorts compared to hotels or motels. Therefore, when these expectations are not met, guests review the resort less favourably. Especially a resort like Deerhurst, which is the priciest of all resorts, hotels in the area. It is surprising to see that their rating is 4.1 out of 5 stars.
Where to stay in Huntsville Ontario
Hidden Valley
Address: 1755 Valley Rd, Huntsville, ON P1H 1Z8, Canada
Phone: 705-789-2301
https://www.hvmuskoka.com
Hidden Valley Resort in Huntsville, Ontario, is the other resort that we are highlighting. It is down the road from Deerhurst resort, a 9 minute drive from downtown Huntsville.
Pros:
Opening its doors since 1968, Hidden valley resort is an all year round destination. In fact, one of the main draws of Hidden Valley Resort is its neighbouring ski hill. It is the only Ski Resort in Muskoka, making it quite popular as a winter destination. Many of the private vacation ski chalets around the corner from the Ski hill are rented out every winter.
During the warmer months, Hidden Valley Resort, much like Deerhurst, offer a variety of lake front and nature activities; beach, outdoor and indoor pool hiking, biking, and exploring the lakes by canoe, kayak or paddleboard. There are also several Golf courses nearby.
Hidden Valley Resort includes various amenities such as on-site dining options, a fitness center, swimming pools, and spa services.
Cons:
-Be aware that Hidden Valley Resort does charge a nightly resort fee for guests, and taxes on this resort fee. The cost of the nightly resort fee versus what you receive for it has also been an issue.
-Recent visits and many reviews have highlighted a few areas of concern. Notably the wear and tear, and overall maintenance of the facility. The resort is certainly in need of a serious investment in order to bring it to a more modern and stylish level. Right now, it is lacking in this area. The fact that they have the only ski resort in Muskoka is to their benefit in the winter. However, there are lots more options throughout the rest of the year to consider given the lack of up keep of this resort.
-The location is not within walking distance of main street Huntsville. It is a 9 minute drive though.
Please read the reviews for further insight. It is surprising to see that their rating is only 4.0 out of 5 stars. We believe that guest expectations are much higher for resorts compared to hotels or motels. Therefore, when these expectations are not met, guests review the resort less favourably.
Hotels in Huntsville Ontario
The definition of a hotel is an accommodation where you enter the rooms from the inside of the building.
Advantages
The advantage of staying in a hotel in Huntsville Ontario is a combination of price, amenities and comfort. There are some real nice places to choose in Huntsville.
Price is also an advantage. Far less expensive than Resorts and some are even nicer.
Also, most hotels in Huntsville are within a 2 to 6 drive to the downtown main street.
If the focus is just a place to sleep, and be budget friendly then hotels in Huntsville are great. Although, there are some that are quite stylish.
Disadvantages
-Location: most if not all are away from main street and are typically in a commercial zone area. Which is not pleasant when you are on vacation in a charming town like Huntsville. Most are 2-6 minute drive away. The nicer ones are too far to walk to main street.
-No Waterfront: All hotels in Huntsville are not waterfront. They are all on a main commercial street.
-Accommodation: most have smaller rooms and they can get more pricey if you are larger groups needing 2 or 3 rooms, not really comfortable to stay as a family in 2 or 3 room in small spaces with no area to all get together. Plus, adult friends typically don’t want to share the same room either.
If the focus is on space for larger groups, privacy, fully functional kitchen, proper dining areas, larger groups, your own backyard area, then Resorts and Vacation Rentals are a better option.
Where to stay in Huntsville Ontario
Home2 Suites
by Hilton
159 Howland Drive Huntsville, Ontario P1H 2P7 Canada
1-800-997-4058
Home2 Suites by Hilton is a hotel located in Huntsville, Ontario. It one of the new hotels in the area and is quite stylish.
Amenities:
Each room at the Home2 Suites by Hilton Huntsville features a fully equipped kitchenette, including a fridge, microwave, and dishwasher. The hotel also provides free hot breakfast, free parking, and free WiFi for guests. Guests have access to an indoor pool and fitness center during their stay. The indoor pool even has an accessible lift.
Location: In a commercial area, next Walmart, Dollar tree, Loblaws, East Side Marios, Bulkbarn.
Pros: Stylish, new, well kept, rooms have kitchenettes, there’s free breakfast and their indoor pool is actually welcoming.
Cons: Too far to walk to main street. Only a 5 minute drive though. Location is in a commercial area.
- Please read the reviews for further insight. Their rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
- Home2 Suites Google Reviews
Where to stay in Huntsville Ontario
Best Western
Huntsville, Ontario
86 Howland Dr, Huntsville, ON P1H 2P9, Canada
705-788-3345
Amenities:
Best Western Muskoka Inn is a hotel located in Huntsville, Ontario. It offers amenities such as an indoor pool, complimentary breakfast, fitness centre and free WiFi.
Location: In a commercial area, next Walmart, Dollar tree, Loblaws, East Side Marios, Bulkbarn.
Cons: Too far to walk to main street. Only a 5 minute drive though. Location is in a commercial area.
- Please read the reviews for further insight. Their rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
- Their Google Reviews
Where to stay in Huntsville Ontario
Holiday Inn Express
Huntsville, Ontario
Address: 100 Howland Dr, Huntsville, ON P1H 2P9, Canada
Phone: 705-788-9500
Amenities:
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Huntsville – Muskoka is also situated in the same area as the Hilton and Best western hotels; situated where Highway 11 and Highway 60 meet.
Amenities:
The holiday Inn Express in Huntsville offers an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, Continental Breakfast included and free WiFi.
Location: In a commercial area, next Walmart, Dollar tree, Loblaws, East Side Marios, Bulkbarn.
Cons: Their pool feels as if you are swimming in an enclosed basement. Not the most stylish and seems like an afterthought. Too far to walk to main street. Only a 5 minute drive though. Location is in a commercial area.
- Please read the reviews for further insight. Their rating is 4.4 out of 5 stars.
- Their Google Reviews
Where to stay in Huntsville Ontario
Motel 6
Huntsville Ontario
Address: 70 Howland Dr, Huntsville, ON P1H 2P9, Canada
Phone: 705-787-0118
Motel 6 in Huntsville Ontario is also situated in the same area as the Hilton, Best western and Holiday Inn hotels; situated where Highway 11 and Highway 60 meet.
Amenities:
Motel 6 Huntsville is a budget hotel. It offers basic amenities but does have 24-hour front desk service and an indoor pool.
Location: In a commercial area, next Walmart, Dollar tree, Loblaws, East Side Marios, Bulkbarn.
Cons: Their pool is small and feels as if you are in a large bathtub. Seems like an afterthought. Basic lobby, small rooms, the room decor is not modern. Hotel requires more maintenance. Too far to walk to main street. Only a 5 minute drive though. Location is in a commercial area.
- Please read the reviews for further insight. Their rating is 3.8 out of 5 stars.
- Their Google Reviews
Where to stay in Huntsville Ontario
Red Maple Inn
Huntsville Ontario
225 Main Street West, Huntsville, ON P1H 1Y1 CA
(705) 789-5504
Red Maple Inn in Huntsville Ontario is situated on the west side of Main street Huntsville in a commercial zoning area.
Amenities:
The Red Maple Inn is a budget hotel. It offers basic amenities.
Location: In a commercial zoning area on the west side of Main street Huntsville.
Pros: Budget hotel.
Cons: Very basic hotel. Basic lobby, basic services and the reviews are not very good. Too far to walk to the downtown core of main street. Only a 3 minute drive though. Location is in a commercial area.
- Please read the reviews for further insight. Their rating is 2.6 out of 5 stars.
- Their Google Reviews
Where to stay in Huntsville Ontario
Econolodge
Huntsville Ontario
The Econolodge Hotel in Huntsville Ontario is a basic hotel situated on the west side of Main street Huntsville.
Amenities:
The Econolodge is a budget hotel but does provide some standard amenities such as basic breakfast, free coffee, bus parking.
Location: In a commercial zoning area on the west side of Main street Huntsville.
Pros: Budget hotel. Closer to the downtown core
Cons: Basic hotel. Room decor, lobby and dining areas needs updates. Still too far to walk to the downtown core of main street. Only a 2 minute drive though. Location is in a commercial area.
- Please read the reviews for further insight. Their rating is 3.8 out of 5 stars.
- Their Google Reviews
Where to stay in Huntsville Ontario
Comfort Inn
Huntsville Ontario
The Comfort Inn in Huntsville Ontario is a basic hotel/motel situated on the east side of Main street Huntsville.
Amenities:
The Comfort Inn provides a welcoming product at a budget price. It does have standard amenities and includes a hot basic breakfast, free coffee, bus parking.
Location: In a Residential zoning area on the east side of Huntsville.
Pros: Budget hotel. Comfortable, Nice Lobby, decent reviews, free hot breakfast a definite plus. Closer to downtown core and other retail areas.
Cons: Room decor may need updating. Its still a basic hotel/motel and that brings in certain elements, as does other budget hotels. Still too far to walk to the downtown core of main street. Only a 1 minute drive though. Location is in a Retail zone.
- Please read the reviews for further insight. Their rating is 4.1 out of 5 stars.
- Their Google Reviews
Motels in Huntsville Ontario
The definition of a motel is an accommodation where you enter the rooms from the outside of the building.
Motel Listings:
Advantages
The advantage of staying in a motel in Huntsville Ontario is almost always about price. There are typically no amenities in motels. Price and convenience are the only advantages. It is the least expensive type of hard sheltered accommodation.
Also, all the main motels in Huntsville are within a 2 to 3 drive to the downtown main street.
If the focus is just a place to sleep, and be budget friendly then motels in Huntsville are great. Some are actually better than certain hotels in the area.
Disadvantages
-No Waterfront: All motels in Huntsville are not waterfront. They are all on a main commercial street.
-Accommodation: most have smaller rooms and are not appropriate for larger groups.
Where to stay in Huntsville Ontario
Skyland Motel
208 Main Street West, Huntsville. Ontario. P1H 1Y1
705-789-4424
Please read the reviews for further insight. Their rating is 4.0 out of 5 stars.
Where to stay in Huntsville Ontario
Knights Inn Motel
69 Main St. W., Huntsville, ON P1H 1W9
705-789-4414
Please read the reviews for further insight. Their rating is 3.9 out of 5 stars.
Where to stay in Huntsville Ontario
Huntsville Inn Motel
19 King William St, Huntsville, ON P1H 1G6
705-789-4431
Visit their Google Info Page/
Please read the reviews for further insight. Their rating is 3.9 out of 5 stars.
Where to stay in Huntsville Ontario
Rodeway Inn Motel
23 King William St, Huntsville, ON P1H 1G4
705-789-7871
Please read the reviews for further insight. Their rating is 4.0 out of 5 stars.
Where to stay in Huntsville Ontario
Rainbow Inn Motel
32 King William St, Huntsville, ON P1H 1G5, Canada
705-789-5514
http://rainbowinn.ca/
Please read the reviews for further insight. Their rating is 4.0 out of 5 stars.
Vacation Rentals, Cottages, airbnb in Huntsville Ontario
Privately owned properties that you rent directly from the owner, from a rental agency or through rental sites like airbnb, vrbo, etc.
Advantages
-you can choose a rental that focuses on your group’s specific needs. Do you need a full kitchen, a hot tub, an outdoor space, a campfire, dining table, by a lake, right in Downtown within walking distance to restaurants in Huntsville or next to a Beach or right next to the Hidden Valley ski hill? Whatever the need, you are sure to find something.
-Some are also far more stylish than any resort or hotel.
-And of course, they are more private, the whole property is all yours.
-Also, if you are a larger group requiring multiple rooms, a Vacation rental is far more comfortable, private and less expensive than any alternative. In fact, it may be the only option.
-A vacation rental is actually your only choice if you want to stay within a 5 minute walking distance of the downtown main street of Huntsville.
Disadvantages
-some rentals have questionable quality so always choose the ones with the best ratings and the ones that actually have a fully licensed rental from the town of Huntsville.
-Vacation rentals can also get quite pricey after you add on all extra fees. Unlike resorts or hotels, most vacation rentals charge a cleaning fee. Although resorts do have extra resort fees as well. (they don’t have to charge those)
-In the winter: being at the lake cottage in the summer or fall is great, but if you rent a lake front cottage in the winter, may we strongly suggest that it is one that is on or very close to municipal roads so the snow can be removed more quickly. Too many people have gotten stuck for a couple of days when a severe snow storm hits and they can’t get out of the driveway on their lake front cottage that is deeper in the woods than other rentals.
Where to stay in Huntsville Ontario
Vacation Rental Websites
These are sites where you make payment directly on the site, you can read reviews and where they typically have the most inventory of properties to choose from. For airbnb and VRBO, you pay the website. For Cottages in Canada, you contact the owner and arrange payments. For a selection of non-waterfront properties, for instance, staying in downtown Huntsville, airbnb has the most inventory.
Tip: It is always best to rent from those with the highest ratings. Huntsville also mandates that vacation rentals have a license to operate. Make sure your rental has one. Some of the listings on airbnb and vrbo also have their own direct booking site. Contact the owner to save on fees, especially if booking 3 days or longer.
Where to stay in Huntsville Ontario
Rentals on Facebook
There are several groups that can be found on Facebook that have a decent inventory of vacation rentals to select from. You will be able to save the most with this selection because many do not charge taxes. The majority are waterfront properties. The following show consistent quality.
Tip: The majority of rentals are booked in January and February for the summer season. So get a hold of the owners as early as you can.
Where to stay in Huntsville Ontario
Rental Agencies
These are brokers or agencies that represent the vacation properties. They have a decent selection and typically manage the entire process for the owner. So you will be dealing with the agency and not the owners. On some of the more standard agency sites, you can find pricing that is actually reasonable.
Here is a selection of the more popular ones with a selection of properties around Huntsville.
Luxury Accommodations in huntsville ontario
The following sites are where you will find the most inventory of high end places to stay in and around Huntsville.
The majority of high end properties are waterfront properties.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of the accommodations type you wish, the Huntsville area has plenty choose from.
Here are some final tips:
- Always compare based on the final price you are paying including taxes and all fees and not the basic advertised price.
- Want to stay in downtown Huntsville, within walking distance of everything? Your only choice is a vacation rental on airbnb or vrbo.
- Want a waterfront property? Your only choice is a private vacation rental.
- A nicer place to stay? We recommend Deerhurst Resort, Home2 Suites by Hilton Hotel, or Vacation rentals.
- Can't miss hotel? Our recommendation is Home2 Suites by Hilton or the Best Western.
- Want a luxury stay? Our recommendation is Jane's Cottages agency or airbnb and vrbo.
Here is a summary of where to stay in Huntsville on a map
Finally, if you are partial to staying in a nice Vacation rental in downtown Huntsville within walking distance to main street restaurants, waterfront docks, the summit centre, etc may we then suggest and proudly plug the Muskoka Vacation House, right in downtown Huntsville.
Enjoy Huntsville!
