Bentley's Inn is a downtown Stratford inn at 99 Ontario Street, and its location is its strongest card: the Avon Theatre and City Hall are about two minutes away on foot, the Tom Patterson Theatre about six and the Studio Theatre about five. The rooms are mostly bi-level lofts, with a sleeping area above and a sitting area below, and there is an Executive Loft with two king beds for groups or families who want more space. Rooms have fireplaces, TVs with cable, a refrigerator, a microwave and a coffee and tea maker, and the bathrooms have showers and free toiletries. Downstairs there is a restaurant and bar with an outdoor patio, which is convenient after an evening show or on a cold day when you would rather not go out again. Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and housekeeping come with the room, and the property is smoke-free. It is the kind of place that suits a theatre weekend, a couple's getaway or a small group that wants to leave the car parked and walk to everything.
Location and getting around
Ontario Street runs through the centre of downtown, and Bentley's Inn sits close to the middle of it, a short stroll from shops, cafes, the Chocolate Trail and Bacon and Ale Trail stops and many of Stratford's restaurants. The Festival Theatre is about a 15-minute walk away, so you can reach every stage on foot, and the walk to the Festival Theatre by the river is pleasant before a matinee. Because most visitors can park once and not drive again, the inn works well for guests who want a car-free stay.
The rooms and the feel
The lofts give the rooms a different layout from the usual hotel box, with more floor area and a separate sleeping space, and the fireplaces add a cosy touch in autumn and winter. The mood is that of a comfortable inn rather than a boutique or a large chain hotel, so expect a practical, friendly stay with a restaurant on hand and straightforward rooms. Layouts vary between room types, so check which configuration suits your party when you book, and ask about stairs if mobility is a concern, because lofts have internal steps.
Who it suits and what to know: choose it for couples, theatre-goers and small groups who value being close to the Avon Theatre and the restaurants. Check-in runs from 2 pm to midnight and after-hours check-in is not available, so tell the inn if you will arrive late. Check-out is at 11 am. Parking is free, and guests describe an enclosed garage across the street.
Pets are not allowed. Rates rise in the summer theatre season, so book early for weekends from June to September, and confirm what your rate includes, since breakfast is not guaranteed. In the quiet months the inn is an easy base for the trails, the gallery and the farmers' market.
Why stay here
- ✓Bi-level loft rooms
- ✓Fireplaces in rooms
- ✓On-site restaurant and bar
- ✓Outdoor patio
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Free parking
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker
Good questions
How far is Bentley's Inn from the theatres?+
About two minutes on foot from the Avon Theatre, around five to the Studio Theatre, six to the Tom Patterson Theatre and roughly 15 to the Festival Theatre.
Does the inn have parking?+
Yes, self-parking is free, and guests describe an enclosed garage across the street.
Is there a restaurant?+
Yes, there is an on-site restaurant and bar with an outdoor patio. Confirm whether breakfast is included in your rate.
