Kingston’s compact historic core, Lake Ontario waterfront, and film‑TV landmarks make it a compelling stop for travellers heading between Toronto and Montreal. With 76 hotels and places to stay listed on Booking.com, the choice can feel overwhelming. This guide compares the city’s top options — from waterfront Marriott properties to budget motels — using real guest reviews and dynamic pricing data from Kayak, Booking.com, and Hotels.com, so you can pick the right match for your trip.
Last checked: 2026-08-09
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Number of hotels listed: 76 · Lowest nightly rate (2-star): €71 · Waterfront hotel example: Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront (Marriott) · Downtown hotel example: Holiday Inn Kingston-Waterfront (IHG) · Parking cost (downtown hotel): 30 CAD/day · Pet fee (example): 60 CAD/night
How we researched this guide
Last checked: 2026-08-09.
Sources reviewed: official property websites (Marriott, IHG, Hilton), TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Kayak, Hotels.com, Expedia, Yelp.
We did not conduct on‑site visits, staff interviews, or independent price verification beyond the listed aggregator rates. Review data spans 2023–2025.
Kingston at a glance: hotel options & key facts
- From €84/night on Kayak Kayak
- From €117/night on Kayak
- From €71/night (2‑star) on Kayak
What needs verifying
Roughly 99 hotels are listed on TripAdvisor TripAdvisor, though this count is based on community-reported listings and may fluctuate with property updates.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total hotels listed | 76 on Booking.com, ~99 on TripAdvisor |
| Lowest nightly rate (2‑star) | €71 |
| Waterfront hotel example | Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront (Marriott) – typical 4‑star rate >€120 |
| Downtown hotel example | Holiday Inn Kingston‑Waterfront (IHG) – 3‑star, from €95 |
| Parking cost (downtown hotel) | 30 CAD/day at Holiday Inn; ~20 CAD/night at Confederation Place Hotel |
| Pet fee (example) | 60 CAD/night at Holiday Inn Kingston‑Waterfront |
Is Kingston, Ontario worth visiting?
Yes — and the numbers back it up. More than 13,000 hotel reviews on TripAdvisor alone suggest a destination that consistently draws travellers who care enough to rate their stay. The downtown core is compact and walkable, with restaurants, historic sites, and waterfront parks all within a 15‑minute stroll. TripAdvisor lists Kingston with over 99 hotels, meaning there’s accommodation for nearly every budget.
Walkability and attractions
Kingston’s historic downtown is laid out on a grid pattern, making it easy to explore on foot. Confederation Park, the waterfront boardwalk, and the Kingston Penitentiary (a famous former prison) are all within a 10‑minute walk of the major hotels. The city is also a filming location for period productions, which adds to its character.
Things to do in Kingston
Top attractions include the Kingston Penitentiary tours, Bellevue House National Historic Site, the Fort Henry National Historic Site, and the waterfront dining along Ontario Street. Boat cruises of the Thousand Islands depart from the downtown marina.
How far is Kingston from Toronto?
Kingston sits about 290 km east of Toronto — a drive of 2.5 to 3 hours via Highway 401, depending on traffic. The same distance applies from Montreal, making Kingston a convenient halfway point. Google Maps confirms the driving time.
Driving distance and time
From Toronto, you’ll follow the 401 east for roughly 2.5 hours in good conditions. From Montreal, it’s about 2 hours 45 minutes. The route is straightforward and well‑served by rest stops.
Alternative transportation
VIA Rail runs frequent trains between Toronto and Kingston (approx. 2 hours), and between Montreal and Kingston (approx. 1.5 hours). Bus services also connect the city.
What is famous in Kingston, Ontario?
Kingston is best known for its historic role as the first capital of the Province of Canada (1841–1844) and for the Kingston Penitentiary, a maximum‑security prison that operated from 1835 to 2013. The penitentiary is now a popular tourist attraction, offering guided tours of its cell blocks and grounds.
Kingston Penitentiary
The “Pen” is famous for its imposing limestone architecture and for holding some of Canada’s most notorious inmates. It has also been used as a filming location for productions such as Murdoch Mysteries and The Handmaid’s Tale. Official Kingston Pen tours run from May to October.
Film and TV productions filmed in Kingston
Kingston’s heritage buildings and waterfront have doubled for period settings in several TV series and films. Besides the penitentiary, the downtown area has appeared in The Shape of Water (2017) and Anne with an E.
“Location isn’t everything if the room quality is sub‑par.” – a TripAdvisor reviewer on Confederation Place Hotel.
– TripAdvisor (2015–2016)
Historic downtown and waterfront
Kingston’s downtown is a National Historic District, with 19th‑century limestone buildings, the city hall, and the market square. The waterfront is lined with parks, restaurants, and hotels.
Best hotels in Kingston, Ontario
With 76+ options, the choice often comes down to location versus price. Below we compare the most popular waterfront and downtown hotels, including their ratings from Hotels.com (as of August 2025).
| Hotel | Star Rating | Price Range (per night) | Key Features | Location Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront (Marriott) | 4‑star | From €117/night | Waterfront views, indoor pool, on‑site restaurant, gym | Directly on the waterfront, steps from Confederation Park |
| Holiday Inn Kingston‑Waterfront (IHG) | 3‑star | From €95/night | Waterfront location, pet‑friendly (60 CAD/night), parking 30 CAD/day | Downtown waterfront, walkable to restaurants and shops |
| Hampton Inn by Hilton Kingston | 3‑star | From €84/night | Free breakfast, indoor pool, free parking | Near Highway 401, 5‑minute drive to downtown |
| Super 8 by Wyndham Kingston | 2‑star | From €71/night | Free breakfast, free parking, pet‑friendly | Near Highway 401, 10‑minute drive to downtown |
| Lord Nelson Motel | 2‑star | From €79/night | Budget motel, free parking, simple rooms | Princess Street, 15‑minute walk to downtown |
| Knights Inn Kingston | 2‑star | From €71/night | Budget motel, free parking, basic amenities | Near Highway 401, 10‑minute drive to downtown |
Ratings on Hotels.com for the top waterfront properties: Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront ~9.0/10, Residence Inn by Marriott Kingston Water’s Edge ~9.2/10, Hampton Inn by Hilton Kingston ~9.4/10 (based on 1,300+ reviews). Hotels.com confirms these scores.
Waterfront hotels in Kingston
The top waterfront options are the Delta Hotels by Marriott and the Holiday Inn Kingston‑Waterfront, both located on Ontario Street with direct access to the boardwalk. The Residence Inn by Marriott Kingston Water’s Edge (all‑suite) also scores highly but is slightly further east.
Downtown Kingston hotels
Downtown options include the historic Confederation Place Hotel (237 Ontario Street) and the Kingston Marriott (285 King Street East). Confederation Place is a budget‑friendly choice with a prime location, but reviews consistently note that the rooms are “dated and worn” — a trade‑off many guests accept for the price. TripAdvisor shows a mix of “excellent” and “poor” ratings.
“Would stay here again because of the value and location.” – a TripAdvisor reviewer (October 2018) on Confederation Place Hotel.
– TripAdvisor
Cheap hotels in Kingston
Budget travellers can find rates from €71/night at properties like Super 8 by Wyndham and Knights Inn. These are located near the highway, requiring a short drive to downtown. The Lord Nelson Motel on Princess Street offers a walking‑distance option for under €80/night.
Kingston hotel ontario canada reviews
Guest reviews across platforms paint a consistent picture: Kingston’s top‑rated hotels are those that combine cleanliness with friendly service. The Hampton Inn by Hilton Kingston routinely gets “exceptional” marks (9.4/10 on Hotels.com), while the Best Western Fireside Inn holds 4.5 bubbles on TripAdvisor based on over 1,500 reviews.
What guests say about top hotels
On Expedia, Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront guests praise the “modern rooms” and “great waterfront view”. Holiday Inn Kingston‑Waterfront visitors note the “convenient downtown location” and “pet‑friendly policy”. Expedia aggregates these comments.
Rating trends for Kingston hotels
Review patterns show that cleanliness and location are the most frequently mentioned factors. Budget hotels near the highway tend to score lower on “walkability” but higher on “quietness”. Waterfront properties, by contrast, sometimes receive noise complaints from street traffic. Booking.com notes noise issues at Confederation Place Hotel.
What TV shows were filmed in Ontario?
Ontario is a major filming hub for both Canadian and international productions. Kingston itself has been used for period pieces such as Murdoch Mysteries and The Handmaid’s Tale (the penitentiary scenes). The broader province hosts productions like Schitt’s Creek, Orphan Black, and The Boys.
Notable productions
Kingston’s limestone architecture and waterfront make it a popular stand‑in for 19th‑century settings. The Kingston Penitentiary appears in multiple shows, and the downtown area has been used for Anne with an E.
Connection to Kingston filming
Film fans often choose hotels near the penitentiary or the historic downtown when visiting Kingston. The Holiday Inn Kingston‑Waterfront and the Delta Hotels are within walking distance of many filming locations.
Best hotel for each traveller type
| Traveller type | Recommended hotel | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Families | Hampton Inn by Hilton Kingston | Free breakfast, indoor pool, free parking, suites available |
| Budget travellers | Super 8 by Wyndham Kingston / Lord Nelson Motel | Rates from €71/night, free parking, basic amenities |
| Business travellers | Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront | On‑site restaurant, gym, reliable Wi‑Fi, downtown location |
| Couples seeking waterfront views | Holiday Inn Kingston‑Waterfront or Residence Inn by Marriott Kingston Water’s Edge | Direct waterfront access, romantic boardwalk walks, higher‑end rooms |
Pricing bands: what to expect
- Budget (€71–€84/night): Super 8, Knights Inn, Lord Nelson Motel – basic rooms, often highway‑adjacent, free parking, no frills.
- Mid‑range (€84–€117/night): Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Kingston‑Waterfront – chain quality, some include breakfast, central or waterfront location.
- Premium (€117+/night): Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront, Residence Inn by Marriott Kingston Water’s Edge – full‑service, prime waterfront, on‑site dining, higher review scores.
Prices are based on Kayak averages for 2025. Peak summer weekends can push the premium band above €200/night.
Location and getting there
Kingston is located at the junction of the 401 and 15 highways, about 290 km east of Toronto. The city is served by VIA Rail (Kingston station) and a municipal bus system. The downtown core is compact and walkable, with most hotels within a 15‑minute walk of the waterfront.
Our pick: the best hotel for most visitors
For first‑time visitors, couples on a weekend trip, or business travellers needing downtown access, the Holiday Inn Kingston‑Waterfront offers the best balance of location, price, and amenities. It sits directly on the waterfront, is pet‑friendly, and has a solid 3‑star rating with rates starting around €95/night. The on‑site parking (30 CAD/day) is a minor drawback, but walkability to restaurants and attractions compensates.
If you prefer a quieter, highway‑adjacent option with a free breakfast and free parking, the Hampton Inn by Hilton Kingston is the top‑rated chain (9.4/10 on Hotels.com) and a reliable choice for families.
Related reading: Best Hotel in Kingston: Ontario vs Jamaica Top Picks · Best Hotels in London, Canada: Compare Prices & Deals
cn.tripadvisor.com, tripadvisor.com, yelp.com, holidaycheck.de, expedia.com, no.tripadvisor.com, th.tripadvisor.com
For travelers exploring other Ontario destinations, our London, Ontario hotel guide offers a comparable breakdown of accommodations and guest experiences.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kingston, Ontario walkable?
Yes, the downtown core is compact and pedestrian‑friendly. Most hotels, restaurants, and attractions are within a 15‑minute walk.
What is the best time to visit Kingston?
Summer (June–August) and early fall (September–October) offer the best weather for outdoor festivals and waterfront activities.
How many hours from Kingston to Toronto by car?
Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic on Highway 401.
What movies were filmed in Kingston, Ontario?
The Kingston Penitentiary was used in Murdoch Mysteries and The Handmaid’s Tale. The city also appeared in The Shape of Water and Anne with an E.
Why is Kingston Penitentiary famous?
It was Canada’s oldest maximum‑security prison (1835–2013) and is now a historic site and filming location.
Are there pet‑friendly hotels in Kingston?
Yes. The Holiday Inn Kingston‑Waterfront charges a pet fee of 60 CAD/night. Other chains like Super 8 also allow pets.
What is the cheapest hotel in Kingston?
Budget options from €71/night (2‑star) are available on Kayak, including Super 8 by Wyndham and Knights Inn Kingston.