1 WALTON STREET, PORT HOPE, ONTARIO CANADA L1A 1M8
Hotel 905-885-2449 | Trattoria Gusto 905-885-1198 or toll free 1-800-361-1957
DINING AT THE GUSTO
The Waddell Hotel, a boutique heritage hotel in picturesque downtown Port Hope, Ontario, offers individually decorated rooms, inspired Italian cuisine, attentive service, and a riverside patio/terrace - and is just an hour east of Toronto.
Inspired Cuisine
Gusto has been awarded the Diners Choice Award by OpenTable!
This award is based on guest feedback provided from guests who book reservations through OpenTable.
Book a reservation today, and experience for yourself our award winning food, service and atmosphere.
THE WADDELL STORY
The Waddell sits nestled on the banks of the Ganaraska River in heritage-designated downtown Port Hope, Ontario. This beautifully restored historic hotel has all of the modern amenities yet still maintains its classic charm.
HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS
Built in 1845, The Waddell Hotel building has had a rich history. Sheriff Robert Waddell purchased the land from Elias Smith in 1844 and immediately sought proposals from the two leading Toronto architects of the day – John Howard (noted for building Colborne Lodge in Toronto High Park) and William Thomas who won the competition.
Thomas had recently immigrated after a successful career in England mostly as a church architect. He bid for the Nelson Monument project in London, but was unsuccessful, and shortly afterwards came to Canada. His first commission was for The Commercial Bank of the Midland District erected on Wellington Street, Toronto, in 1844.
The facade of this building has been preserved in the atrium of BCE Place in Toronto. Three commissions followed in 1845 – St. Michael’s Cathedral and St. Lawrence Hall, both in Toronto, and The Waddell building in Port Hope. Thomas went on to design over one hundred landmark buildings in Canada, many of which are still standing.
The building was designed to include a bank (The Waddell’s Bank of Montreal agency), two retail units facing Walton Street and a hotel on the upper floors. The bank faced Mill Street (where the present lobby is located) and the entrance was flanked by massive stone columns to impress patrons and project the image of a strong, reliable bank. The bank manager was housed in quarters above the bank. The hotel lobby was in a room located near the fireplace in the present dinning room. A stairway led to the hotel rooms above and access to the street was through a hallway to the center door on Walton Street. This entrance was also flanked by stone columns, albeit of less imposing nature than those of the bank. A massive bake oven was located in the basement.
The building features prominent chimneys, parapet end walls, a decorative cornice supported by brackets, and a rooftop cupola or lantern. Second storey windows have been eared architrave with a decorative cornice and the third storey windows are treated in a simpler fashion. Brickwork is of Flemish Bond design with rusticated stone quoins at the corners, one of which shows the building date of 1845. Since the intention was to add an adjacent block immediately to the west (the river was much narrower then), rafter pockets for the next building were built into the west wall. These were filled in with wood temporarily and can still be seen. James O’Neill was the most prominent retailer to occupy the premises and vestiges of his sign are visible on the west wall.
Gusto Bar
The Gusto Bar/Lounge is the perfect spot for a quiet drink or to meet up with friends or business associates. There's a variety of seating from comfy wingchairs for a romantic conversation to bar stool seating.
As part of the historic Waddell Hotel, the Gusto Bar is full of character and charm from its high ceilings, wood floors and ceiling height windows - plus you get the same great service as in the Waddell's award-winning restaurant Trattoria Gusto!
ROOMS AND SUITES
The Waddell Hotel offers spacious, luxurious rooms in a riverside heritage building in downtown Port Hope. Room features include: air conditioning, private bathrooms, complimentary high-speed internet, in-room Keurig coffee. Some rooms have fireplaces and private terraces overlooking the Ganaraska River.
Breakfast not included with room bookings.
VISIT PORT HOPE
Port Hope is a heritage community situated on the north shore of Lake Ontario in Northumberland County and offers both an urban and rural paradise with the perfect combination of heritage charm, modern vibrancy and cultural allure. The Ganaraska River runs through the heart of town past historic buildings and there are miles of waterfront trails, a sandy beach, heritage conservation district downtown, quaint villages and scenic country driving routes. The friendly people of Port Hope welcome you to come for the day or stay the night and experience the splendid amenities and events that make Port Hope your perfect place of choice to visit!
Experience Port Hope, Ontario
CONTACT US
Contact the Waddell Hotel about our services and facilities - or to make a reservation. We also love hearing from guests who have enjoyed their stay at the Waddell Hotel!
1 WALTON STREET, PORT HOPE
ONTARIO CANADA L1A 1M8
905-885-2449