My husband and I planned a Kingston staycation at The Secret Garden Inn to celebrate our wedding anniversary this year. This beautifully restored 1888 Victorian mansion sits in the heart of downtown Kingston, Ontario, just steps from the waterfront, restaurants, boutique shops, and historic sites.
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| The Secret Garden Inn |
Surrounded by lush gardens, a fountain, and even a koi pond, the inn perfectly blends old-world charm with a peaceful, romantic atmosphere, making it an ideal base for a special getaway.
When we arrived, we were greeted by a friendly hostess who offered a quick tour of the inn and kindly offered to help with our bags. Throughout our stay, staff struck a great balance between attentive and helpful without intruding so that we felt both cared for and relaxed.
Old-World Charm Meets Modern Comfort
Inside, the inn feels like stepping back in time, but with every modern comfort you’d hope for. Original architectural details and period furnishings showcase the home’s Victorian heritage, while updates like a modern ensuite bathroom and shower, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a TV with streaming options make it easy to settle in.
When you first enter the inn, you’re greeted by a grand staircase and colourful stained-glass windows that immediately set the tone for the historic charm that fills the space.
Just off the foyer are the shared sitting room and a library that invites guests to slow down and relax. With comfortable seating, a fireplace, and shelves filled with books and games, it’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a day exploring Kingston.
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| The Library |
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| The Dining Room |
Our Room
We stayed in the Bader Room at The Secret Garden Inn Kingston, one of several uniquely named and beautifully styled rooms in the mansion. The room offered the perfect mix of comfort and character, with thoughtful touches that made our stay feel special.
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| The Bader Room |
The ensuite bathroom blends modern convenience with period décor. It has a spacious shower, elegant fixtures, and everything you need to feel pampered during your stay.
A desk and a pair of cozy armchairs by the window created a lovely little nook for reading, journaling, or simply relaxing and enjoying the view. The room also comes equipped with a mini fridge & coffee machine for guests who enjoy it, adding an extra touch of convenience.
The Bader Room felt romantic and comfortable, providing a peaceful retreat after a day exploring Kingston. Every detail, from the furnishings to the small touches like robes and seating, added to the charm of our stay.
Dinner & Exploring Kingston
One of the best parts about staying at The Secret Garden Inn Kingston is its location. The inn is just a short walk from many of the city’s best restaurants, shops, and waterfront views. This makes it easy to enjoy an evening out without worrying about driving or parking. We visited on a chilly night, so we chose to drive to a nearby restaurant for dinner, but in warmer weather it would be lovely to walk downtown and take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront before returning to your cozy room for the night.
Breakfast at The Secret Garden Inn
We awoke to the delightful aroma of breakfast cooking downstairs, a lovely start to our morning. Breakfast is included with every stay, and each evening guests choose from two options (sweet or savoury) and select a preferred time for the next day. When we arrived in the bright dining room, sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Our meal began with freshly baked scones, served warm alongside tea and juice.
My husband chose the Vol-au-Vent Benedict with Smoked Salmon, while I enjoyed the Berries and Cream French Toast.
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| Vol-au-Vent Benedict with Smoked Salmon |
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| Berries and Cream French Toast |
Rather than heading home after check-out, we had the opportunity to enjoy something extra: afternoon tea, which is not included with a typical stay but is available separately or as an add-on to your stay.
Afternoon Tea in Kingston
Our host kindly offered us prosecco to start, but since we don’t drink, he brought us Italian soda instead—a thoughtful touch.
Before preparing our tea, he brought over a tray of loose-leaf tea samples for us to smell and choose from, describing each one in detail. It made the experience feel especially personal and elevated.
The presentation of the food was beautiful. Freshly baked scones, petit fours, and delicate pastries served on tiered trays handcrafted by a local blacksmith and pottery maker. Whenever possible, the food is also locally sourced, adding to the thoughtful, community-focused feel of the experience.
We enjoyed the savoury petit fours, which included delicate little sandwiches and other bites, perfect for nibbling alongside your tea. Some of our favourites were the smoked salmon with lemon cream cheese on bread and the cucumber with cream cheese, ricotta, and caper topping, finished with a cherry tomato on top.
The dessert petit fours, served with fresh berries, were delightful. We both enjoyed the cheesecake; he loved the lemon cake, and I especially enjoyed the chocolate cookie with chocolate mousse.
With an excellent selection of teas and such warm hospitality, it was a delightful way to slow down and savour the moment. Reservations are required, and whether you’re staying overnight or simply looking for afternoon tea in Kingston, it’s a treat worth booking.
Why The Secret Garden Inn Kingston Is the Perfect Getaway
Our visit to The Secret Garden Inn Kingston felt like a true getaway, from the welcoming staff to the beautifully styled rooms, every detail of the inn contributed to a sense of comfort and care.
If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or plan a weekend in Kingston, The Secret Garden Inn is a wonderful choice. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy a touch of history, and soak in the charm of downtown Kingston.
For more boutique options in Kingston, see my Kingston Boutique Hotels Roundup.
Thank you to The Secret Garden Inn for hosting us for this memorable anniversary getaway!
Beautiful pictures! Thank you for the tour
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