Where to Stay in Prince Edward County: Accommodation & Area Guide

Wondering Where To Stay In Prince Edward County? Here’s Our Experience!

Heading for “The County”? Great idea! Prince Edward County is a wonderful region to explore in Ontario with lots of things to do and see. From wine tasting to checking our breweries, Sandbanks Provincial Park or just spending time in nature, there’s something for everyone.

We really love The County. Having been a few times now, we recently stayed close by at the Montrose Inn and really liked it.

That said if you’re spending a night, finding the best places to stay in Prince Edward County can be a little tough. The region isn’t huge, but the towns/wineries/attractions/best hotels tend to be spaced out quite a bit.

So, in this guide, we’ll walk you through accommodations by type and then the best areas to stay in Prince Edward County with top examples in each.

From cozy bed and breakfasts like Our Space the Perfect Place B&B to popular boutique hotels like The June Motel, you’ll find accommodations to suit different travellers from solo travellers to couples, big friend groups, and even families.

**Friendly Disclosure: We paid for the accommodation we stayed at ourselves and were not told to include it in this article.

Accommodations By Type

Before we dive in, you should know a little about the region. Prince Edward County is located between Toronto and Kingston.

It’s a great day trip from Toronto if you have a car but also makes a great Ontario weekend getaway. Technically it’s an island sitting in Lake Ontario and it’s famously known to be this beautiful rural area with shorelines, sand dunes, wineries, and more.

In recent years, the County has grown in popularity as more and more visitors check it out. More wineries and breweries are popping up as well – as are the number of shops in the main towns, like Picton.

The nice thing about The County is that there honestly is something for everyone: wine, beaches, hiking, music, food, beer, etc.

The region is packed with places to stay if you’re spending the night. However, the summer months book up fast and far in advance. So, if you know you are visiting, be sure to book early or you risk not finding a place at all.

Let’s first dive into the accommodation options in Prince Edward County by type. This way, if you know the type of accommodation you’re looking for, you can narrow down your search right now. You can also browse the lower section of this post to learn more about the towns/areas to stay in if you like!

This is also a good time to point out that you shouldn’t worry too much about what accommodations are called.

Some “inns” are actually bed and breakfasts while other qualify as hotels, some rental apartments are called “suites”, etc. Just focus on what the accommodation offers you – if it fulfils your needs, you can’t go wrong.

Hotels In Prince Edward County

Given the growing popularity of the area, there are a number of hotels in Prince Edward County. However, the hotels that exist are quite popular, well-rated, and generally located in the two bigger town centres – Picton and Wellington.

The best hotels in Prince Edward County offer a mix of amenities, such as an onsite bar and/or restaurant, bike rentals, parking, and more.

Those looking for a hotel will find a wide variety of them, too – from super simple budget hotels to rustic and/or cool boutique hotels. There are essentially no chain-brand hotels in the County but some nearby in Belleville.

⇒ Check here for hotels in Prince Edward County

So, if you want a hotel in Prince Edward County, we’ve divided up the hotels by type so you can see the ones that might align with your style/needs and budget!

Popular Hotels in Prince Edward County

While there are a number of hotels across Prince Edward County, there are a few that stand out as a top choice for those exploring the region.

Consider these great hotels in top areas across Prince Edward County:

Boutique Hotels in Prince Edward County

As the County grows in popularity, so have the number of diverse places to stay. No longer is the County served by only older style inns and bed and breakfasts – not that there is anything wrong with this! It just means there’s a better hotel offering in the region for visitors to choose from.

These days, boutique hotels are popping up in top areas (Wellington and Picton) and offering visitors a more upscale stay. Some of these hotels are trendy and even a bit quirky, while others rely on a minimalist design to make for a more relaxed setting.

If you’re looking for a boutique hotel in Prince Edward County, you have to check out some of these beautiful places to stay:

• The June Motel – A stylish hotel overlooking the area just outside Picton (Our Pick)
• The Drake Motor Inn – A colourful and vibrant hotel in Wellington
• Merrill House – A red brick house hotel with boutique decor and restaurant in Picton
• The Drake Devonshire – The super trendy hotel at the waterfront in Wellington

Bed and Breakfasts in Prince Edward County

Because the whole County is centred around finding relaxation and enjoying a slower pace, there are a number of bed and breakfasts in Prince Edward County to choose from. Seriously, there are so many traditional bed and breakfasts that you can stay at scattered all across the County.

Just so you know, bed and breakfasts are different than “inns” in this post as B&Bs offer exactly that – a bed and breakfast. Inns generally have a restaurant that offers the other meals, too.

Having said that, there are great B&Bs in Prince Edward County – many in old houses that add to the authenticity of a County stay. Since they are everywhere – from Picton to the lakefront – you can find a B&B in a great location for you!

When we visited Prince Edward County, we stayed in a bed and breakfast but it was just outside The County. We stayed at Montrose Inn and absolutely loved it.

The bed and breakfast was just a quick drive from The County over the Bay Bridge. We had a car and we definitely weren’t the only guests doing this!

The big, historic house was cool to stay in – with green space all around and ample parking. Our room (most rooms) came with a large veranda and patio furniture to enjoy. The hosts were friendly and the breakfast served on the front porch was excellent (it included freshly-baked muffins)!

⇒ Check Out The Montrose Inn Here

Again, please note that we paid for our stay ourselves. We weren’t invited to stay – we just booked it and we would recommend it. It even made our post on favourite bed and breakfasts in Ontario.

In any case, since there are a number of bed and breakfasts in the actual County, we’ve included a variety of the top-rated ones to get you started:

• Our Space the Perfect Place B&B – A bright country house close to the Sandbanks with pool
• Runaway Bay Guest House – A cozy B&B with super hosts in quiet Hillier
• Courthouse B&B – A simple house B&B located right in Picton
• The Empty Nest B&B – A waterfront B&B with amazing breakfast close to Carrying Place

Apartments in Prince Edward County

Although bed and breakfasts do tend to dominate the area’s accommodations, you can also find a number of apartments or “suites”. Suites or apartments make for a great base to call your home for a few days while you explore the County.

Many have kitchens/kitchenettes which allow you to save money and cook some meals yourself – making them a great option for families or for larger groups.

You can check here for great apartments/suites in Prince Edward County. Listed below are a few lovely apartments or suites in great locations. Some of these are very popular so be sure to book if they are available (and you know your travel dates):

• Owl’s Nest Suites – A rustic and cozy rental in Carrying Place (Our Pick)
• Loyalist Lofts – A simple and homely apartments in Picton
• The Village Suites – Popular apartment rentals right in Wellington
• Empire Inn and Suites – A lovely aparthotel option in quiet Bloomfield

Inns in Prince Edward County

As we stated above, there are a number of Inns in Prince Edward County. Inns are different from bed and breakfasts in the sense that they usually have more rooms and offer food (like lunch and dinner).

However, this rule isn’t perfect – and you’ll find cozy accommodations with other amenities that call themselves inns, too!

You can check below for great inns in Prince Edward County:

• The Waring House – A classic County inn with food onsite just outside of Picton
• Picton Harbour Inn – A bright inn and restaurant right at Picton Harbour
• Jackson’s Falls Country Inn – A lovely inn and restaurant a 10-minute drive from Picton

Vacation/Cottage Rentals in Prince Edward County

Slightly different than just renting an apartment/suite for a few days is the option of renting a cottage or a “holiday home” in Prince Edward County. Generally, these cottages for rent are the whole property/house and have access to water – but not always.

Also, you can find rental cottages located within resorts in the County. These cottages give you access to a resort’s amenities (like a pool). We mention booking at a resort in the next section if that’s what you are looking for.

As for cottage rentals in Prince Edward County, these properties are great for larger groups and or people wanting to stay for a week or longer (like over the summer season) so be sure to book well in advance of the summer.

You can check here for great vacation rentals in Prince Edward County. Specifically, check out these top rentals that make a great holiday home in the County!

• Twin Birch Suites and Cottages – Well-equipped cottages right at the water in Wellington! (Our Pick)
• Stone Carriage House – A clean and cozy holiday home right in Picton
• Merland Park Cottages – Rustic and simple cottages just outside Picton

Resorts in Prince Edward County

Given how popular the area is, it’s no surprise that the County is home to a number of resort-style accommodations.

Resorts in Prince Edward County are generally close to a shoreline/body of water. Resorts also offer guests access to a variety of amenities like barbecues, pools, fire pits, playgrounds, complimentary water toys (canoes, kayaks, etc), and more.

Resorts are great for families with kids who want their own cottage/rental space but have the option to partake in other activities to make their stay in the County perfect. So, check out these resorts in the County:

• Isaiah Tubbs Resort – A full resort experience at the West Lake close to Sandbanks (Our Pick)
• Sandbanks Summer Village – Rental cottages and more at the East Lake near Cherry Valley
• Lake on the Mountain Resort – A classic resort with cabins, dining, and a brewery down the road!
• Cherry Beach Resort – A cottage resort also located on the East Lake near Cherry Valley

By Town/Area

Alright, so now that we have gone over the accommodations by type in Prince Edward County, it’s time to go over the best areas to stay in Prince Edward County.

Remember: most of the accommodations are clustered around Picton, Wellington, and near Sandbanks BUT you will find accommodations all over the County.

We will start by telling you about the area, what you can find there, and what kind of traveller it might be a good fit for. Then, we’ll dive into a handful of great accommodation choices for you to look at.

If you say “screw it, I’m ready” and you aren’t too picky about style, budget, or location, then you can always get started now. Have a look at our top accommodation picks in each of the areas listed below in this post!

One last thing to remember: many of the accommodations operate in the summer season – roughly May to the end of October.

Some specialize in winter visits but definitely not all of them (especially the cottage rentals/resorts). So be sure to check if the place is even taking bookings for your dates!

If you’re ready, let’s dive into basically all of the best areas to stay in Prince Edward County!

Picton – For A Central Location

If you want to stay in the more central area of Prince Edward County, then you should be looking at Picton. Picton is the largest town in the area and has become a bit of a magnet for things in the region.

Many people travelling to The County stop in Picton because the main road from all three main ways into the County (Highway 49, 62, and 33 from east to West, respectively) converge in Picton. This makes the town a busy spot in the summertime and a great place for a supply stop.

That said, there are a number of restaurants, shops and stores, breweries and cafes, and other small attractions to check out in Picton.

When we visited Picton, we went to Beacon Bike + Brew for a coffee, but there’s also the Regent Theatre, 555 Brewing, and more places to check out!

For these reasons, Picton is a popular place to stay because you are a quick drive to basically anywhere in the region – wineries, breweries, Sandbanks, Lake on the Mountain Park and other conservation areas, etc.

There’s also a marina in Picton Harbour (part of Picton Bay) which allows for boating access, too.

⇒ Check Here For Accommodations in Picton, Ontario

Below you’ll find some great accommodations in Picton. As we mentioned, there are plenty of properties in Picton to suit all styles – but be sure to book ahead because the best places book up for the busy summer season. If something you like is free for your dates, snatch it up!

Courthouse B&B – Check Now

• Style: A Homely and Simple B&B
• Price Range: Upper Budget
• Location: A quick walk to the heart of Picton – by the Courthouse!
• Featured Amenities: Covered porch, great breakfast included, air conditioning

The June Motel – Check Now

• Style: A Trendy and Cool Boutique Hotel
• Price Range: Mid-Range
• Location: A quick drive from Picton closer to Glenora (Lake on the Mountain)
• Featured Amenities: Free parking, bar onsite, terrace, and lake views

Stone Carriage House – Check Now

• Style: A Cozy and Charming Vacation House
• Price Range: Upper Budget
• Location: Right off the main street in Picton – walkable to everything!
• Featured Amenities: Full kitchen, free parking, BBQ access

Loyalist Lofts Apartments – Check Now

• Style: Simple and Lovely Apartments
• Price Range: Mid-Range
• Location: In a quiet neighbourhood just one street from the main street in Picton
• Featured Amenities: Full kitchen, parking included, incredible location

Merrill House – Check Now

• Style: A Beautiful and Trendy Boutique Inn/Hotel
• Price Range: Mid-Range
• Location: Close to Picton Harbour, a very short walk to central Picton
• Featured Amenities: Bar/restaurants onsite, great breakfast, parking, green outdoor space

Wellington – For Waterfront

If you want to have amenities close by and stay close to the water, then Wellington is likely for you.

Slightly smaller than Picton but still buzzing with activity, Wellington is a historic little town right on the water of Lake Ontario and the top end of West Lake.

Wellington is also popular to stay in because you are a quick drive to Sandbanks – and it’s easy to get to because Highway 33 runs right through it.

You can find a bunch of things to check out like Midtown Brewing Company, Wellington Beach, The Old Greenhouse Ice Cream Shop, a number of art galleries, Wellington Heritage Museum, and more!

There are other restaurants, but check out North Docks Kitchen + Drinks for a summer meal or a beer. Eric has been and really liked it!

⇒ Check Here For Accommodations in Wellington, Ontario

Below you’ll find some of the best accommodations in Wellington. Keep in mind that Wellington is a popular spot (the waterfront, beach, brewery, etc) so places book up in advance of the busy summer season.

As with Picton, our advice is to book ahead and if something you like is free for your dates, snatch it up!

Newsroom Suites – Check Now

• Style: A Small and Charming Guesthouse/Hotel
• Price Range: Upper Budget
• Location: Steps from the heart of Wellington, close to the waterfront
• Featured Amenities: Free parking, basic kitchenettes, air conditioning

The Lakeside – Check Now

• Style: A Chic and Cozy Inn (with glamping tents available)
• Price Range: Upper Mid-Range
• Location: Right on the main road in Wellington with waterfront access
• Featured Amenities: Huge waterfront green space, pool, fire pits, snacks onsite

The Village Suites – Check Now

• Style: Nice and Comfortable Apartments
• Price Range: Lower Mid-Range
• Location: Steps from the main intersection of Wellington
• Featured Amenities: Kitchenettes in apartments, free parking onsite

Twin Birch Suites and Cottages – Check Now

• Style: Fun and Functional Waterfront Cottages
• Price Range: Varies – check date
• Location: Close to the water, a short walk to Wellington Beach
• Featured Amenities: Some cottages with lake views, kitchens, and/or patios

The Drake Devonshire – Check Now

• Style: A Hip and Trendy Hotel
• Price Range: Luxury
• Location: Right on the waterfront, steps from the heart of Wellington
• Featured Amenities: Private beach area, top onsite restaurant/bar, free bikes, parking onsite

Bloomfield – For a Tiny Village

If you want to stay close to the main centres but still get a bit of peace and quiet, then you should check out Bloomfield.

This small historic village (basically a handful of houses) is right on the main road (Highway 62/33) through the County. The area is generally quieter which some people like for their stay in the County!

The nice thing about Bloomfield is that you are just a quick drive from Picton and Wellington and the main wineries or breweries – but you still have a top restaurant or two by you (Agrarian Bistro).

Barley Days Brewery is just down the road while Matron Fine Beer is a hip brewery you can even walk to!

⇒ Check Here For Accommodations in Bloomfield

Below you’ll find some great accommodations in Bloomfield. Beyond the few below, there are some other smaller B&Bs that don’t have a great web presence. So, you can always check them out by calling if you’re interested/in the area!

Empire Inn and Suites – Check Now

• Style: Modern and Cozy Self-catered Apartments
• Price Range: Mid-Range
• Location: Right off the main road in the heart of Bloomfield
• Featured Amenities: Suites with kitchens, onsite parking, outdoor sitting area, BBQ access

Isaiah Tubbs Resort – Check Now

• Style: A Classic and Rustic Resort
• Price Range: Upper Mid-Range
• Location: Right on the shores of West Lake – very close to Sandbanks
• Featured Amenities: Pool, private beach, onsite restaurant/bar, and more

We would also suggest checking out Angeline’s Inn because it’s highly rated and has a number of rooms/cabins with differing decor and a great onsite restaurant.

Carrying Place – For Quieter Stays

If you need to make a quick escape from the County through Trenton to the Highway (401) but still want to stay IN the County, then check out Carrying Place.

Because of its location in the northwest of The County, this very small community is considered a “gateway” in and out of the area. The area got its name because it was a portaging route to the Bay of Quinte by Canadian Indigenous Peoples.

Today, at the actual main intersection of the community you’ll find a handful of food stops for ice cream, a diner, and of course, George’s Fish & Chips!

⇒ Check Here For Accommodations in Carrying Place

Below you’ll find some awesome accommodations in/close to Carrying Place.

Keep in mind the area isn’t huge so there aren’t a ton of options – but you’re still in The County and can drive anywhere easily AND drive to leave the County super easily as well when you go to head home!

Owl’s Nest Suites – Check Now

• Style: Stylish Farmhouse Suites
• Price Range: Upper Budget
• Location: Very much in the quiet country, 5-minute drive from Carrying Place
• Featured Amenities: Kitchenettes, walking trails, lovely host

The Empty Nest B & B – Check Now

• Style: A Clean and Comfortable B&B
• Price Range: Mid-Range
• Location: Right on the water, close to the north edge of the County (+ Highway 401)
• Featured Amenities: Great host, good breakfast included, water views

Cherry Valley – For Sandbanks/Camping

If you’re heading for Prince Edward County with family or looking for a longer-term rental, then you should check out the area called Cherry Valley. Located just a 10/15 minute drive to Picton, this area is known for its high concentration of waterfront rental cottages and resorts.

The nice thing about staying here is that you are close to the water and relatively close to Sandbanks Provincial Park. We wrote a detailed guide on everything you need to know about visiting Sandbanks.

This makes the area great for campgrounds, too. The closest water is called East Lake – which is different from West Lake (which is closer to Wellington) – and these lakes are both separate from Lake Ontario!

There isn’t much to the actual “centre” of Cherry Valley – just a few shops like a general store and an antique shop. Still, it’s a good area to be close to the water in a cottage and you’re never more than a quick drive from the rest of The County.

⇒ Check Here For Accommodations in Cherry Valley

Below you’ll find some great accommodations in the Cherry Valley area. While many of them are campground/resort-based, there are also some bed and breakfasts or other rentals scattered throughout.

Sandbanks Summer Village – Check Now

• Style: Waterfront Rental Cottage Resort
• Price Range: Varies – check site for details
• Location: Right on the water at East Lake
• Featured Amenities: Outdoor pool, gym, sports courts, and more

AWAY in the County Bed & Breakfast – Check Now

• Style: A Chic and Bright Bed and Breakfast
• Price Range: Mid-Range
• Location: Close to the water at East Lake
• Featured Amenities: Breakfast and terrace to enjoy

Cherry Beach Resort – Check Now

• Style: Family-style Cottage Resort
• Price Range: Varies – check site for details
• Location: At Flakes Cove right on East Lake
• Featured Amenities: Private beach, pool, picnic areas, and more

Belleville – For Passing Through

One of the other areas you might consider staying in is just outside of the actual County. Close by, there are a number of towns with Belleville being the one that is most directly linked to the County (and with a direct road to Picton).

You’d consider staying in Belleville for a number of reasons: accommodations are booked up on the island, you have a car and want easier access to both the County AND Highway 401, or because you find a place that you like located there.

When we visited the County most recently, we booked late and so we ended up staying just outside Belleville at the Montrose Inn (but we’re so glad we found it after all). You can also explore Belleville – there are a few things to do and there’s a nice big waterfront area.

That said, closer to highway 401 are a number of chain hotels for commuters heading for Kingston, Montreal, etc.

Belleville itself is a larger town with a small downtown but there are still a number of places to stay that will serve you right. Just know that if you stay in Belleville, you’ll need a car to then access the County during the day!

⇒ Check Here For Accommodations in Belleville

Below you’ll find some great accommodations in/near to Belleville. Remember: this isn’t IN Prince Edward County but will work for those travelling by car.

Montrose Inn – Check Now

• Style: A Historic and Quaint B&B
• Price Range: Upper Budget
• Location: Right on the water overlooking PEC – a quick drive to the Bay Bridge into the County.
• Featured Amenities: Free parking, super nice hosts, yummy breakfast included!

Place Victoria Place Bed & Breakfast – Check Now

• Style: A Cozy and Simple B&B
• Price Range: Budget
• Location: Right in the heart Belleville close to downtown
• Featured Amenities: Parking onsite, outdoor deck, nice host, good breakfast

Hotel Ramada by Wyndham Belleville Harbourview – Check Now

• Style: A Classic and Traditional Hotel
• Price Range: Budget
• Location: Right on the waterfront, close to the bridge into the County
• Featured Amenities: Parking, pool, balconies for each room, pet-friendly, great breakfast

Related Articles

If you’re looking for more posts on visiting Prince Edward County, here are a few more to help you plan:

• Great Wineries in Prince Edward County
• Things to See, Do, and Try in Prince Edward County
• Awesome Cideries and Breweries in Prince Edward County

And there you have it – a rundown of where to stay in Prince Edward County! While some areas are more popular than others, picking a place to stay really comes down to what kind of Prince Edward County experience you are looking for.

Different properties and areas will appeal to different travel groups – but we’re confident that you can find something that fits your style and needs!

As always, Keep Exploring, eh?
-E&L

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