A new chapter in Niagara-on-the-Lake hospitality begins with the opening of The Clayfield, a 102-room boutique hotel in the heart of Niagara wine country. The Clayfield joins The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, a global collection of over 50 one-of-a-kind luxury hotels celebrated for their distinctive character and individuality.

Now open and accepting reservations, The Clayfield brings together striking architecture, destination dining and wellness rooted in clay and wine culture, with every aspect of the hotel drawing inspiration from Niagara. More than a place to stay, The Clayfield gives visitors new reasons to stay longer and return throughout the year.

Two Complementary Visions

For David Feldberg, founder of Stratus Vineyards, the idea took shape after opening the winery, where design and hospitality became as much a part of the visitor experience as the wines themselves. He imagined creating a hotel guided by the same philosophy while providing guests another way to immerse themselves in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

At the same time, John Hawley and his family were completing an award-winning New Urban neighbourhood with a village centre now known as Clayfield Commons. When Hawley and Feldberg met in 2019, they quickly discovered how closely their ideas aligned, despite originating from opposite sides of the road. Their shared values and passion for excellence, creativity and design created an ideal blend. Together, they could realize their respective visions while creating something greater than either could have achieved alone. The Clayfield is the architectural centrepiece of Clayfield Commons, and is one of the most significant additions to the town in years.  

Inspired by Niagara

Designed by Montreal-based Sid Lee Architecture, The Clayfield commands attention with its sculptural form and sweeping curves, which draw inspiration from the escarpment. Slender vertical timber elements echo the orderly rows of neighbouring vineyards. The outcome feels both unexpectedly novel and firmly connected to its setting.

Rather than relying on traditional wine country motifs, the design interprets Niagara through material, light, landscape and craftsmanship. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the surrounding vineyards, gardens and changing skies into the hotel. Warm oak, natural stone and woven textiles create interiors that are richly layered, tactile and welcoming

Stay, Savour and Unwind

Dining and social spaces extend throughout the hotel, including The Rooftop at The Clayfield, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s first rooftop patio. Cocktails and small plates are served against a backdrop of surrounding vineyards.

The Clayfield’s culinary offering is anchored by Terrain, the hotel’s signature restaurant from The Ascari Group, led by Executive Chef Joel LaBute. With a distinctly Niagara expression of food and wine, it draws  inspiration from the farms, orchards and vineyards that surround it. Seasonal, ingredient-driven menus will put the region’s bounty at the forefront, complemented by an exceptional wine program celebrating local producers. Poised to become a destination in its own right, Terrain is designed to appeal to locals and visitors alike by bringing an exciting new dining experience to wine country.

The Clayfield’s 102 guestrooms and suites include 42 residential-style accommodations designed for extended stays, with spacious layouts, kitchenettes and separate living areas. At The Spa at The Clayfield, wellness is shaped by the winemaking tradition of assemblage. Rituals bring together clay, botanicals, therapeutic touch, and advanced skincare expertise. 

For meetings and events, more than 5,400 square feet of flexible space encompasses an elegant ballroom with state-of-the-art audiovisual capabilities, accommodating everything from intimate executive gatherings and private dinners to larger meetings and celebrations.

The Vision for Clayfield Commons

Clayfield Commons brings together an existing grocer, bank, drug store and medical centre with a growing collection of independent retailers, makers and creators, restaurants, a café and neighbourhood services surrounding a landscaped public green.

The vision has always been to showcase the character and creativity of Niagara entrepreneurs, with businesses including The Garrison House Restaurant, LoveBee Natural Products, The Organic House Chocolate Co., Bloom & Co., Handmade Presence, Southern + Bel Restaurant, and Oliv Tasting Room, alongside the long-running weekly much-loved seasonal Farmers’ Market. Together, with more to come, they create a vibrant new place to shop, dine, gather and explore Niagara.

“We saw a unique opportunity to create a special place that celebrates the abundant creativity of Niagara-on-the-Lake and becomes part of the everyday life of residents, while giving visitors a fresh way to enjoy all that our wonderful community has to offer,” says Hawley.

A New Reason to Experience Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Clayfield welcomes guests as Niagara enters one of its most beautiful seasons, with harvest and fall giving way to the year-round experiences that increasingly define the region. To celebrate its opening, The Clayfield is introducing exclusive offers for stays through April 2027. Learn more here.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist based in Toronto with a focus on tourism, lifestyle, entertainment and community issues. He has written several travel articles and has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He’s willing to take on any assignments of interest, attend parties with free booze, listen to rants, and travel the world in search of the great unknown. He’s eager to discover the new, remember the past, and look into the future.