Lakeside Motel blends mid-century roots with modern ease in Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County has built its reputation on reinvention, but some places stand out by knowing exactly what they are, and Lakeside Motel is one of them.

Set along the shoreline of Lake Ontario, the motel offers a calm, pared-back stay that balances mid-century roots with a modern sense of ease. Originally built during the era when roadside motels defined summer travel, the property has been thoughtfully refreshed without losing its identity.

For owner Renda Abdo, the connection was immediate.

“Honestly, it all came down to the view,” Abdo said. “That was the moment I knew this place was something special, the kind of view you don’t have to sell, because it does all the talking.”

From there, the focus became how to elevate the experience without erasing the motel’s character.

“Keeping the motel roots felt important because there’s something charming about that classic, low-key setting,” Abdo said. “The challenge was turning it into a space that still felt approachable, but also had this bigger, more exciting energy to it. We wanted to keep the simplicity, but layer in design, atmosphere, and moments that make the whole place feel a little grand without losing its soul.”

That philosophy carries through the design. Rooms favour light, clean lines and comfort over excess. Large windows draw the lake indoors, quietly shaping the pace of each stay.

The balance was deliberate.

“Lakeside has also always had this effortless, cool vibe with the pool, the music, and the energy that comes from people actually having fun. It was about being cool and stylish without trying too hard, functional and comfortable without drifting into curl-up-and-hide-away territory,” Abdo said. “We wanted people to feel like they can slow down without going into full hibernation mode.”

That balance defines the guest experience.

“I hope guests feel like they’ve stepped into their own little world for a bit,” Abdo said. “There’s energy here, but also ease. The pool scene, the music, the food, the people-watching give the place a pulse. At the same time, being by the water naturally slows you down.”

Rather than switching off completely, the goal is finding a rhythm that feels right.

“It’s that sweet spot where you can have fun, feel inspired, maybe meet a few new faces, and still walk away feeling like you actually unwound,” Abdo said.

Within the broader County travel landscape, Lakeside Motel is meant to complement what already exists.

“Prince Edward County has this incredible mix of wineries, food, nature, and creativity,” Abdo said. “We never wanted to compete with that. The goal was to respect the classic County experience while offering something a little different and exciting.”

The result is a property that blends social energy with a sense of place, pairing poolside activity and shared spaces with the slower pace that defines the County.

Once guests settle in, that balance becomes clear, whether relaxing poolside or in cabanas set near the water, well suited for lingering with a drink and taking in the view.

“People usually realize pretty quickly that Lakeside is kind of its own little universe,” Abdo said. “If you want to spend the day by the pool, snack, sip, swim, repeat, you can. With a full restaurant and bar on-site, everything you need is right here.”

At the same time, the motel works as a natural home base.

“You can head out, explore the County, visit a winery, grab a coffee, then wander back to Lakeside like it’s home,” Abdo said. “Guests love that they can move between adventure and downtime, knowing there’s always good food, good energy, and that lake view waiting when they return.”

What else to do and see nearby

Lakeside Motel is well-positioned for exploring Prince Edward County without long drives.

Nearby Wellington offers cafés, bakeries, and casual dining, along with access to wineries and cideries throughout the region. Sandbanks Provincial Park is close by for beach walks and seasonal swims, while cycling routes wind through vineyards, farmland, and lake views. Arts and culture make it easy to fill an afternoon, or to do nothing at all.

Abdo recommends a mix of classic and creative County stops, including Norman Hardie, Sandbanks Winery, Karlo Estates, Parsons Brewing Company, County Creative Co., and Base31, offering visitors a well-rounded snapshot of what makes the region distinctive.