#CheckedIn: The Frontenac Club

Have you joined the Club? Six years after our first visit to the Frontenac Club, we returned to one of our favourite boutique stays in downtown Kingston. This time, we checked into the Queen’s University Suite and spent the weekend rediscovering the hotel, its fascinating history and its walkable waterfront neighbourhood.

The limestone landmark at King and William streets has lived many lives – first as a bank, then as a private club and apartment residence, and now as a beautifully restored 20-room hotel. That history is part of the experience from the moment you arrive.

The Hotel & Its History

The grey limestone landmark at King and William streets has lived many lives. It was built in 1845 as a Bank of Montreal branch, with the banking hall on the ground floor, the manager’s family living above and staff housed on the upper and lower levels. Designed by architect Edward Crane, the building reflected Kingston’s growing importance as a commercial centre.

Photo provided by Praveeni Perera

When the bank moved in 1906, the building became the Frontenac Club, a private social club for politicians, professors, military officers and business leaders. A limestone addition connected it to a neighbouring 1826 house and included a bowling alley. Sir Sandford Fleming, Alexander Graham Bell and William Lyon Mackenzie King were among its notable visitors.

After later serving as apartments and an inn, the property underwent a two-year restoration beginning in 2018 and reopened as a 20-room hotel in 2020. Original limestone now sits alongside playful artwork, contemporary lighting and sleek furnishings, giving the hotel major big-city boutique vibes without losing its character. A piece of the former bowling alley floor even lives on as a guest-lounge coffee table. We also loved the secluded courtyard and rooftop patio, with views over the water and downtown.

The Queen’s University Suite

Our home for the weekend was the Queen’s University Suite, located in the historic Bank Wing. The spacious room features a king-size bed and a glass-walled sitting area with a gas fireplace. Its wraparound windows overlook downtown and stretch toward Lake Ontario, the Royal Military College of Canada and Fort Henry. We loved having a bright place to enjoy coffee in the morning and unwind at the end of the day.

The four-piece bathroom includes a deep soaker tub and separate shower – exactly what we wanted after a day of exploring on foot. Frette linens, plush robes, Canadian-made bath amenities, a Samsung Frame TV and an in-room bar add the finishing touches. Breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking are included, making the stay feel effortless.

The Food

Dining at The Bank Gastrobar is one of the things that makes a stay here so memorable. Located in the former banking hall, the bar stands where the teller’s cage once would have been, while the original vault is now an intimate private dining room for eight. The lounge is chic and sophisticated, with handcrafted cocktails, a thoughtful wine list and a locally inspired menu of small plates and shareable dishes.

Photo provided by Praveeni Perera

On our first visit, we dined inside The Vault and enjoyed bespoke cocktails created around our preferences. This time, the included gourmet breakfast gave us a relaxed start before heading out to explore. The restaurant and patio are also open to the public, so The Bank feels like part of the city rather than simply a hotel amenity.

The Neighbourhood

One of the best things about staying at the Frontenac Club is how little you need your car. The waterfront is about a block away, while City Hall, Confederation Park and Springer Market Square are only a few minutes from the front door. We wandered through the square, browsed downtown shops and followed the water without having to think about parking.

In the opposite direction, the Great Lakes Museum and the permanently docked S.S. Keewatin are roughly a five-minute walk away. We chose the S.S. Keewatin experience, stepping aboard the Edwardian-era steamship for a fascinating look at Great Lakes passenger travel. Fort Henry is a short drive away, and Queen’s University is also within walking distance.

Kingston Brewing Company, Olivea and Wooden Heads are close by, while Pan Chancho, Chez Piggy and the restaurants along Princess and Ontario streets are also an easy stroll. Whether your plan includes cocktails at The Bank, waterfront dining or brunch at a downtown café, everything feels wonderfully close.

The Verdict

Six years after our first visit, we were every bit as impressed. The hotel still feels warm, welcoming and personal, while the Queen’s University Suite gave us a completely new way to experience it. With its fascinating history, beautiful design, excellent food and unbeatable location, the Frontenac Club is the perfect home base for a Kingston staycation. Be sure to check in when planning your next visit to the Limestone City.