If you’re planning a visit to Niagara, you’ll quickly find yourself overwhelmed with hotel options—and it’s easy to see why! Niagara Falls is a breathtaking destination year-round, especially in the spring and summer. If you’re looking for a luxurious yet intimate experience on the Canadian side of the falls, Sterling Inn & Spa should be at the top of your list. This hidden gem, originally built in 1925 as the Borden Creamery (with elements like the iconic cement milk bottle paying homage to its past today), has earned its spot as the top-rated hotel in Niagara Falls on TripAdvisor, year after year. I recently had the pleasure of staying here for a one-night getaway (my first visit to Niagara Falls), and it exceeded all my expectations. Located just a short walk from the falls, this boutique hotel offers the perfect blend of comfort, luxury, and personalized service. It’s a perfect escape for couples or anyone looking to unwind in style. In this detailed Sterling Inn & Spa review, we’ll dive into the hotel’s amenities, dining options, spa experience, and the overall ambiance that make it one of the top-rated destinations in Niagara Falls.
Disclosure: This stay at Sterling Inn & Spa was gifted. As always, all opinions and experiences shared are entirely my own.
Location: The Perfect Base for Exploring Niagara Falls
Sterling Inn & Spa is located at 5195 Magdalen Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2G 3S6, Canada, just a short 10-minute walk from the iconic Niagara Falls. I loved how easy it was to stroll from the hotel to Clifton Hill, just 5 minutes away, or to the falls, which took only 10 minutes. From there, you can either enjoy the falls or hop on a WeGo bus to visit nearby attractions like the Aero Car or the Power Station. Its central location made it the perfect base for exploring everything Niagara Falls has to offer.
Check-In Process
After a busy morning exploring the falls, we arrived at the hotel for 4PM Check In and were immediately greeted by the iconic milk bottle that stands proudly at the entrance which was such a cool tribute to the building’s fascinating history as a creamery. There was plenty of parking available, and we were lucky to snag a spot right outside reception. The lobby was modern and welcoming, with a coffee/ tea refreshment area and lounge that added a nice touch of comfort. Checking in was seamless, and the friendly receptionist confirmed our stay details, including our dinner reservation at AG Inspired Cuisine (more on that later). We were also advised that check out was at 12pm the next day – which we loved how late it was compared to other hotels that might offer 10am/ 11am check out. We were then handed our room keys and made our way to our suite, super excited to see our room and unwind!
Accommodation: Elegance and Comfort at Its Best
Our room at the Sterling Inn & Spa honestly blew us away. This boutique hotel has 41 uniquely styled rooms, and ours felt like a private little retreat. As soon as we walked in, we were surprised by how spacious it was—and then immediately impressed by the thoughtful touches. Jazz music was softly playing, rose petals were sprinkled across the bed, candles were set out, and two towel swans sat neatly on top of the huge four-poster bed, complete with plush bathrobes. It felt like a scene out of a rom-com.
The bathroom was one of the biggest I’ve ever seen in a hotel room. We had the option to choose a jetted tub or a steam shower when booking and went with the tub. After exploring Niagara Falls all day, sinking into the warm bubbles in the jacuzzi with a glass of wine felt like the ultimate way to unwind. It’s one of those things that really made the trip feel special.
There were also plenty of white fluffy towels, slippers, and extras like makeup remover wipes, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion. The rain shower was equally impressive and separate from the tub, with a spacious washroom tucked beside it.
There was a whole sitting area in the room too, with a leather couch, table, and a large desk that would be great if you needed to get some work done (though we definitely didn’t).
A fireplace added the perfect cozy touch, and there was a minibar, mini fridge, and even a little kitchenette area. There was tons of storage space too, including a wardrobe and large dresser.
About five minutes after we arrived, the front desk gave us a quick call to make sure everything was good with the room. It was a small gesture, but one that stuck with us! Overall, we were amazed at the stunning & spacious room!
Dining at AG Inspired Cuisine: A Culinary Experience to Remember
A highlight of our stay at Sterling Inn & Spa was dinner at AG Inspired Cuisine, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant located on the lower level. Known for its farm-to-table philosophy, AG offers a refined yet approachable dining experience using fresh, seasonal ingredients—many of which are harvested from their own farm.
Roughly 90% of the ingredients are locally sourced, and the menu evolves throughout the year to reflect Niagara’s agricultural abundance. They even produce their own organic honey on-site, featured in several dishes (including the cheese plate we ordered) and available for purchase.
We had a 7 PM reservation and were warmly welcomed upon arrival. The service was lovely from start to finish, and the menu highlighted both creativity and regional flavors. Their wine list focuses heavily on Niagara’s exceptional VQA wines, making for perfect pairings throughout the meal.
To start, we enjoyed warm bread and butter with a glass of Niagara wine. Then came the beautifully plated appetizers:
- Pepper Crusted Carpaccio of Beef — served with boiled hen egg, black garlic aioli, and agrodolce.
- Maple Hot Smoked Salmon Candy — with potato rosti, herbed labneh, micro herbs, and Aleppo pepper. This was my favorite dish of the night—the flavors were rich, balanced, and unforgettable.
Appetizers at AG Inspired Cuisine
Mains:
- AAA Flank Steak “AG” — paired with smoked gouda polenta, honey walnut beets, and radicchio mushroom sauté.
- Honey Glazed Breast of Duck — served with their signature dry rub, ricotta gnocchi, and mushroom rapini fricassee.
Both mains were perfectly cooked, with accompaniments that elevated the dishes. The presentation was just as impressive. For dessert, we shared the Artisanal Farmhouse Cheese Plate, complete with marinated olives, fruit, crackers, and “Beamsville” bee pollen. After a generous meal, it was the perfect light finish – with just enough sweetness to satisfy our dessert craving. To drink, we ordered a Canadian Maple Old Fashioned and a Basil Lemonade which were both delicious.
AG Inspired Cuisine continues to earn recognition as one of Niagara’s top fine dining restaurants, recently named one of TripAdvisor’s top restaurants in Canada and one of the top date-night spots worldwide. After experiencing it ourselves, it’s easy to see why. The service was impeccable, and every detail – from the locally sourced menu to the warm, intimate ambiance- made for a sensational experience!
Breakfast in Bed
One of the highlights of our stay was the complimentary breakfast in bed. When we arrived, we found a breakfast menu waiting for us on the bed, where we could select our preferences—juices, coffee, mimosas, and extra pastries if we wanted. We also got to choose our ideal delivery time. The next morning, right on schedule, a generous tray of food arrived at our door.
It was everything we could’ve asked for: buttery pastries, creamy yogurt and granola, eggs, fresh fruit, juice (we went for the mimosas, of course), and hot coffee. It was such a relaxing and indulgent way to start the day. Being able to linger in our beautiful room and enjoy breakfast before heading out for a full day of exploring was a lovely touch. Thoughtful touches like this made the experience feel extra special—unlike any other hotel we’ve stayed at.
The Spa Experience: Unwind and Rejuvenate
The Sterling Inn & Spa also offers an on-site spa and a well-equipped fitness centre, perfect for anyone looking to relax or keep up with their wellness routine. The spa menu includes a range of treatments—massages, facials, body wraps, and scrubs—all designed to help guests unwind.Although we didn’t have time for a treatment during this stay, it’s definitely something we’d book on a future visit.
Final Thoughts: A Memorable Niagara Falls Stay
Our time at the Sterling Inn & Spa was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the warm welcome, the elegant and spacious rooms, and the attention to every small detail. The complimentary breakfast in bed, the quiet atmosphere, and the proximity to Niagara Falls made this stay convenient and memorable.Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, celebrating something special, or just need a relaxing break, the Sterling Inn & Spa strikes a great balance of comfort and understated luxury. It’s a peaceful escape just minutes from the action and a place we’d return to in a heartbeat!
