Staycation is taking on a whole new meaning thanks to a small – but bustling – Ontario town. Tucked roughly an hour west of Toronto, Port Dover boasts an adorable bookstore, a massive and perfectly shocked cheese shop, a locally owned bakery, a motorcycle festival, and a dreamy little beach. And, in the middle of it all is a hidden gem: Norfolk County’s first and only luxury boutique hotel located in Port Dover: The Dover George.
Take a look inside The Dover George in Port Dover
Stepping into the Dover George is like stepping into your dream home. A warm entry area is adorned with unique art and wooden pieces and leads into a living room area with a desk feature, a vintage telephone and other knick knacks. It faces a living room that feels both cottage-like and modern without feeling like it’s trying too hard, with chairs around a warm fireplace. It offers an immediate contrast to the bustle of Toronto, allowing you to immediately relax, but doesn’t fall short on the trendy, appealing decor.
Each of the boutique hotel’s four rooms is unique, with the penthouse offering a massive washroom with a soaker tub bathtub, a rainfall shower, a fireplace, and a swinging chair. No detail is spared, either: for example, the penthouse’s restroom mirror was custom-designed by the Dover George owners to fold in and out of an angled wall. There are also robes and slippers laid out for guests to use, and a gorgeous outdoor space in the back of the house for those who want to have a morning coffee basking in the sunlight.
The attention to detail seeps into every corner of the space, as local businesses take the spotlight often, from the locally-produced aromatic amenities to the curated knick knacks to the cheese boards, wines and more offered by The Dover Cheese Shop, Crappy Wine, bread from The Good Bread Company, and more. There’s even a breakfast in the morning with locally sourced ingredients and homemade yogurt parfaits.
Owners Michael and Helene took a 150-year-old residential home and spent five years giving it a new life, transforming it into the luxurious, thoughtful space it is. And, to pay homage to the Port Dover community, the duo partners with chefs from all over the GTA – a late May version brings Thrive Norfolk to The Dover George for a multi-course blind menu. Other notable visitors have included Tracy Winkworth and more local talent.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet weekend spent hiking, a unique, intimate culinary experience, or a place to rest your head while visiting Port Dover’s motorcycle rally, The Dover George is sure to provide a luxurious – but not pretentious – experience that’s nothing short of magical.
