Sapience Retreat & Apothecary

It was a super classic home that was renovated, everything reminded me of the 60s and 70s, everything was clean, everywhere was clean, the host was respectful; we had a great breakfast with great hospitality.

There was no elevator, so we had to take our luggage up old, high stairs, which was a bit difficult. There was no AC, but as the weather got cooler at night, the room temperature was OK. The other thing missing was the electric kettle, which I expected to be on the second floor (where our room was), as I had to come down to the ground floor three times just for boiled water!

The location was ok. About a mile to the town and about .5 miles to the lake. My wife and I like to walk a lot and that we did so no issue. The owners were very nice and the place was very clean and unique in decorating circa 1900,s look. Unfortunately we missed one breakfast but the one we had was superb with different fresh breads and croissants, fresh fruit,cheeses and OJ to start off with unique teas and coffees. . This was followed by banana bread French toast topped off with maple syrup. A big wow. We ate with a nice couple from Scotland. Higly recommended. Thank you!

The hosts pay great detail to make this an excellent B&B. The breakfast was delicious and was different each morning. The house is beautifully decorated with interesting antiques. And the bedroom and bathroom were a good size, with a cozy common sitting area. Location is very central to wineries in the area and a short drive to downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Nothing.

Très bon emplacement, à Niagara on the Lake qui est une petite ville très charmante. C'est proche des Niagara Falls, mais on échappe totalement à la cohue touristique. Notre hôte était particulièrement attentionné, et nous a donné beaucoup de conseils pour des visites ou des restaurants. Le petit déjeuner était délicieux, très bien présenté. Ce séjour fut un vrai plaisir, très ressourçant !

The breakfast was amazing! Delicious and the presentation was beautiful!

Quiet, short distance to town & sites. The food was amazing. All the staff were extremely helpful.

The room was very clean but could use a sprucing up. It’s showing its age.

L'acceuil et la gentillesse de l'hôte David

rien . Tout était selon nos attentes

Good breakfast and location

The smell of the house

Sehr sympathischer Gastgeber, der uns neben guten Tipps für die Falls oder zum Essen gehen, jeden Morgen ein anderes, sehr leckeres Frühstück servierte, dass wir gemeinsam mit den anderen vier Gästen am großen Tisch einnahmen. Liegt am Rande der Stadt, wir haben das Auto genutzt, wenn wir abends essen gingen. Guter Ausgangspunkt um die Falls zu sehen. Es war ein schöner Aufenthalt dort.

Our host David takes tremendous pride and effort to ensure your stay is perfect in every way. Our room and ensuite were appointed with everything we could want. His culinary skills for breakfast was amazing, delicious and just WOW.

I’m extremely happy that I made the decision booking our stays with this amazing B&B at Gatekeeper’s Retreat!!! This is the best B&B experience I have ever!!! Thank you Dave & Jason for the top notch hospitality, everything’s excellent, what a wonderful house and neighbourhood in the gorgeous Niagara-On-The-Lake! The breakfast they offered was truly a highlight of our stays, gourmet and delicious homemade food, very creative!! The location is great, quiet neighbourhood with short driving distance to the historic district. Thank you for everything!!

One of the nicest places we have stayed in. Beautifully decorated, incredibly clean and superb communal spaces. Breakfasts on both days were amazing - wonderful local produce and ingredients superbly cooked. Rarely do you find a proper cup of tea outside the UK but there was an amazing choice of tea served in a tea pot and china cup! We even had homemade cookies left in our bed one night. David was so welcoming and made our stay very special. This is a wonderful place to stay and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Nothing - all fantastic.

The property is beautifully decorated and well cared for. The breakfasts were

Beautiful bed and breakfast a short walk from the centre of Niagara on the Lake, with exceptional hosting by David and Jason. Our room was the size of an apartment and super comfy and relaxing. Breakfast was very tasty with a different surprise main dish each morning. Really happy we chose this place for our 2 night stay.

Nothing.

Amazing stay - we had the bigger room which is in the basement and felt like we had an entire house to ourselves. The furniture is beautiful. The breakfast was amazing - every morning we had a selection of local cheeses, jams and breads, fresh fruit, and a main dish that the owner cooked for us. The owner is a herbalist and has two large shelves of leaves, roots, flowers etc to make tea - this was an incredible experience as well. Well located. Would stay here again in my next visit to Niagara on the lake!

The best at Niagara on the Lake

Nothing

David was such a wonderful host and knows so much about the area. I will be booking with him again 100%

No complaints.

We had a lovely stay.

Exceptional hosts. Beautiful house with lovely antiques. Complimentary drinks, treats and coffee. The breakfasts were locally sourced and wonderful.

David and Jason were great hosts. Highly recommend this BnB. Accommodations were excellent along with great breakfasts.

We stayed at Gatekeeper's Retreat for our anniversary and enjoyed everything! We've told family and friends all about our great experience there and recommended to everyone. The reason why we picked the B&B was because the room looked beautiful and spacious, and also we resonated with the passion the owner, David, has about the breakfast food, using local ingredients and free-range eggs, which we do too, and that he can accommodate food preferences (in our case, gluten-free meal). We stayed in The Hermitage room. Very spacious - it has a entry way with a piano, spacious bathroom, living room with a fire place, dining room with a doorway to the back yard, coffee counter with a mini fridge, and bedroom - all to yourself! All the furniture look elegant, antique, and cohesive. We were able to relax in the room very well. The common library was cool too. We loved the breakfast. It started with a fruit platter, slices of bread, and various kinds of cheese and jam from local shops and followed by the warm meal of the day. We also enjoyed the beautiful table setting and presentation on the plates in the common dining room. All the guests in the B&B will have breakfast together at one dining table. It was a fun and unique experience for us to make new friends and enjoy the meal together with them! Also, David's huge stash of loose leaf tea was so fun to explore! We also enjoyed our morning walk in the subdivision to the lake Ontario and looking at cute houses in the area.

Excellent service et super petit déjeuner avec une table parfaitement préparée. Notre chambre et notre salle de bain étaient aussi agréables et spacieuses. Nous y retournerons!

Beautifully furnished. Jason was the perfect host and his breakfasts were 5 star!! Only negative was downtown metered parking which is out of his control. 😉

Clean, tidy and beautifully appointed. Food was phenomenal, loved the tea nook. David was a gracious and personable host, gave great suggestions and recommendations. Location was quiet and very picturesque, and easy walk to downtown.

What a pleasure staying here was! When we arrived David showed us around and each part was so well decorated. Then there was the surprise of the little speakeasy bar that was downstairs, it was so cool we spent a bit of time on both nights down there. David told us that he used to be a set designer and you can see he has a real talent for it! Our room on the first floor was a good size and had a very comfortable bed, so we had a great night's sleep on both nights. For the first day, we were out before the 9am breakfast, so David prepared us some pastries and muffins that we could grab and go, and they were delicious. On the second morning, we had breakfast with the other guests and that was great - the food was delicious and the company was fun. I would have no hesitation recommending this guest house at all!

I wouldn't say it's a big negative, but the walk into town is around 25-30 minutes. This didn't bother us, it would've just been nice to be closer on the way home from the restaurants and wine tasting!!

The breakfasts were a masterful display of culinary delight (excellent). Coffee was very good and hot. Our room and bathroom was very spacious . Great little spots to retreat to from the outdoor seating area, the upstairs library and the intimate lounge down below. All our needs were taken care of by the owners. They have put a lot of time into making their guests feel right at home! Location is good. Great stay.

Beautiful place to stay. Was made to feel right at home. David was a wonderful host. Would definitely go back. 😊

What a wonderful stay! David made us feel very welcome. His breakfasts were well thought, delicious, and the presentation was lovely. Our suite was spotless! We look forward to a return visit.

The house was tastefully decorated with perfectly selected antiques. The room was extremely clean. A full breakfast is tastefully presented, and the food is delicious. The hosts are accommodating and helpful making sure your every need was met.

The shower was adequate, but the bathroom was extremely clean.

Beautiful home in a well kept neighborhood. The home was set up perfectly for a B&B. Our host was amazing!

Cleanliness and details

Amazing place!

The breakfast was amazing. Always starting with local cheeses and jams, bread, tea and coffee. Then a lovely hot breakfast always different but always delicious. French toast one day, an egg and mushroom skillet the next etc. Extremely welcoming, friendly and accommodating. The whole house is a furnished in a 1920-30's style including the speakeasy in the basement. I was warned by the host this experience would ruin our expectations of other bed and breakfasts. And I have to say David... You were right!! Thank you for helping make out getaway special.

Nothing

A most enjoyable stay. The host was wonderfully welcoming and the breakfasts were superb.

Breakfast was exceptional!! David showed exemplary care and detail with every aspect of our stay!!! Although we weren’t able to meet Jason, we want to extend our warmest thank you to you both for a wonderful, wonderful stay!!! You made this a memorable visit for us both!!! Wishing you both a joyous Christmas and prosperous new year!!! Edward & Nicolle

spacious suite, comfortable bed, fireplace, tea and coffee station and small fridge. The breakfast was a feast and delicious

a little TLC needed in the back and front gardens. The inside more than made up for it but you do judge a book by its cover.

We really like the hospitality. Spacious room and all. Tastfull decor. Delecious breakfast. All in all a perfect B&B!!!

It is beautiful with lots of quaint unexpected furniture and pictures

the high steps at the front door

We really enjoyed our stay. The location was walkable from the lakeshore and the main street in the old town. David was a wonderful host. We had everything we needed and more. Room was spacious and comfortable with direct access to a lovely garden.

David was a great host. Breakfast was well planned, tasty and very sociable. Our room was very comfortable and we had access to tea and coffee 24 hrs. Location was perfect for a pleasant stroll into downtown and along the lake, any time of day. Highly recommend Gatekeeper’s Retreat!

Very comfortable and quaint. Breakfasts were great and included some local favorites. The milk and cookies were a nice touch. The owner was very accommodating!

Excellent host. Clearly takes a massive amount of pride in his work

The Innkeeper is wonderful! The two breakfasts were terrific. Location is also very nice for getting around.

I would offer a change of pillows, i.e. I would have the option of harder pillows. Other then that , it was great.

We had a lovely time and felt so well taken care of. Great food and hosts.

David was a fantastic host. The B&B was exceptionally clean throughout and so inviting as soon as you stepped foot inside! David welcomed us in as if we were family. With COVID we were the only couple in the house and had access to the downstairs and upstairs lounge at our will. The soft playing music throughout felt relaxing and added to the ambiance. The best part was being surprised each morning with a full homemade breakfast - it was amazing! David has the skill to create an amazing presentation, the unique dishes we felt were in a fine French restaurant , personally felt we were living the Royal lifestyle! We have been to many B&B’s- this tops them all. Please consider this place- it’s nestled just a few mins from the Old Historic Town of NOTL in a quite area -you won’t be disappointed. Merci David!! We will be back :)

Our stay was great. David was an outstanding host. Rooms were comfortable and elegantly decorated. Breakfast were out of this world. Great location, 10 minute walk to NOTL watchtower.

So much attention to detail that added to the comfort of the stay.

It was a great B&B experience. David is a wonderful host and the place is impeccable. The speak easy decor was definitely an experience and the 3 course breakfast is a great addition.

This is one of those places to whom you wish could you could give more than 5 stars. The house was a delight, the bedroom was both beautiful (4-post bed!!) and super comfortable, and David was the most incredible host, super helpful and lovely without being overbearing in anyway. The breakfast was a revelation (Sunday Crepe day!) and he was super helpful in giving ideas of where to go in Niagara on the Lake. For sure I will stay here next time I go back.

I like everything, from the warm welcome by David and the puppies! The room we stayed at (victoria room) very warm and cozy, very nice design! David really did put a lot of thought on everything. The breakfast was very lovely! The place was extremely clean! I cannot find any flaws from the place everything was perfect! Thank you David!!

Very nice, clean, comfortable, welcoming, great breakfast!

Great location in Niagara-on-the-Lake for a couples getaway.

The room was really clean and the decor was lovely

I love Panache B&B. First of all the home is easy to get to. Secondly it is so very, very clean. The proprietor, David, is most welcoming and accommodating to your needs. He has such a flair from the decorating of the rooms to his 3 course breakfasts. Most of the ingredients are locally sourced and the presentation and flavors are to die for. This B & B truly has "Panache"

I am completely satisfied. This where I will stay when in the area.

Breakfasts were excellent. Host was helpful and knowledgeable. Accommodations were excellent.

Niagara on the Lake is a beautiful community and Panache B&B is a gem. The accommodations are wonderful detailed from a bygone era. The proprietor takes great pride in his home and he should!

While Panache is rather unassuming on the outside when you first arrive, the inside is a totally different story. David (one of the owners) has done a terrific job decorating the inside into a 1940's style speakeasy. The rooms are very well decorated with a lot of little touches you would not expect, such as bath products made from lavender grown in the local area. The bed was very comfortable and the canopy was a nice romantic touch. The sitting room in the basement was very nice to listen to music and just relax with a glass of sherry from the decanter on the bar. The breakfast involved 3 courses - fresh fruit; bread, jam and cheeses sourced from the Niagara region; and the entree which alternated each day between sweet and savory. My wife loved the way the dining room was decorated. The owners do have two smaller dogs, but they were quiet and stayed in the owners' section of the house and were not allowed to wander around the guest areas. It is less than a 5 minute drive from the house to the Main Street / shopping area of Niagara on the Lake. We will definitely stay here again when we visit Niagara on the Lake, and are thinking of taking our two adult daughters with us the next time we come.

We stayed at Panache Bed & Breakfast for 3 nights and were sad to leave. Our host David went above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable. The rooms are beautiful and spotlessly clean. The attention to detail is fabulous and breakfast each day was different and truly the nicest I have had. During our stay we meet a Canadian couple who had returned for the third year running and it’s easy to see why. I would highly recommend.

The property as beautifully decorated. The food was delicious and very creative in its presentation. David was courteous, welcoming ans spoke french.

Best bed and breakfast we ever stayed at , warm and inviting , excellent breakfasts and David our host was amazing

I really enjoyed my stay at the Panache Bed and Breakfast. I stayed two nights. Very comfortable and clean. Host was fabulous. Breakfasts were a real treat; beautifully presented and delicious.

This is a beautiful B&B - exactly as shown in the pictures. Very comfortable, and clean! Excellent location. David made us delicious 3-course breakfasts the two mornings we were there - both AMAZING! Thank you David for a wonderful stay, we will definitely be returning!

Really enjoyed our stay in this neat little B&B. It was perfect for 2 people and central to many wineries. Would definitely visit again and recommend it as well!

Great house and host. Wonderfully prepared breakfast - private and well thought out amenities. You truly felt like you were welcome.

The Panache B&B was terrific. Three course breakfast each morning was delicious. We will definitely return.

Situated just outside of town, newer build with some ‘old world’ charm. Host was very accommodating and probably the best breakfast experience in our 12 years of retreats in the Niagara area. Rooms are clean and comfortable with pantry (coffee/tea) amenities outside of breakfast hours. Great library to sit and relax as well as a downstairs ‘self-serve lounge with music and wine. Will be booking next summer for sure. Highly recommended.

From start to finish, this bed and breakfast blew our expectations. Not a detail was spared from the quaint lounge downstairs to the small charming details in the bathroom. The three course breakfast was incredible. You can tell that the owner puts a large amount of effort into ensuring you have the best experience possible. Will be returning for sure!

David was a very generous and gracious host. We were well taken care of, with directions, recommendations, and great breakfasts.

Tastefully appointed, conveniently located, super clean, outstanding breakfast, very friendly and helpful hosts.

Excellent facilities and service. Incomparable breakfast - far exceeded our expectations. Highly recommended.

We had a great experience at Panache. Breakfast was great, the suite was wonderfully spacious and clean, and the decor was all tied together very nicely. We would definitely recommend this to anyone visiting Niagara on the Lake!

The b&b is situted a very short distance from the the centre of the old town in Niagara on the lake. The room was spacious, very clean and tastefully decorated. Stayed there for two nights and had the pleasure of two delicious breakfasts (both mornings we had a three course breakfast!!) The hosts were polite and shared some wonderful tips on what to do in town. I will definitely go back!

Loved this B & B. Great room and breakfasts. Our host was very knowledgeable about the area. Would definitely return.

Close to main street of shops etc. Very clean Lots of coffee and tea to choose from No TV in room and air conditioning a little noisy at night. Otherwise a great place.

One of the nicest experiences I have had on vacation. Very accommodating to our needs and convenient location to Niagara on the Lake.

Very nice from start to finish, excellent breakfasts. Would recommend to anyone going to Niagara on the Lake.

Couldn't find a single thing to complain about! Would never stay anywhere else if I was in the region again!

Loved staying here.. So much nicer than a hotel. Met nice folks and had a great time.

5 days at a wonderful B & B, quite peaceful location, great host.

We loved our stay at panache! The room and house were spotless and very tastefully decorated. The owner was very kind and treated us with the utmost respect. The breakfasts were first class, honestly. Nothing bad to stay at all. Well worth its value. Thank you!

From the moment I arrived I was impressed by the style, ambiance and personality of the home.