The Briars - Jacksons Point, Ontario

moniqued8150

Vieil hotel en manque d’amour. Les installations sont désuètes. Déjeuners plus qu’ordinaires. Service absent. Le menu du souper déprimant….bref, trop cher pour une gloire du passé. La piscine intérieure est tres belle mais celle extérieure était fermée!!!

Suzanne B.

Personnel à la réception et au restaurant très gentil et professionnel

Steve B.

My wife and I have been visiting the Briars for well over 20 years. I recall the splendour and beauty of the place in the early 2000s but it’s heartbreaking to see the place today. We attended the site for lunch and to enjoy the property on a day pass just to see how things were running during the height of the summer rush. We paid $150 for the day passes and enjoyed using the pool and walking the grounds but noted that the property is in a serious state of disrepair - the roof desperately needs repairs with shingles disintegrating, and none of the stunning gardens of previous years. Lunch was unfortunately very disappointing and nowhere close to the attention to detail we’ve experienced in previous years. The server in the Drinkwaters lounge was pleasant and attentive but the food took over 30 minutes to arrive. We were looking to order desert as well but decided against it due to the extended wait for the entrees. It wasn’t busy in the lounge either, I think there was one other table occupied and the had already finished their meals. The property was largely empty as well which surprised us considering this was a mid summer weekend when you would expect it to be high season busy. Again, the whole experience was sad. I don’t think any of this is the result of the staff as everyone we met was attentive and very pleasant. I just think the property is likely operating on a shoestring budget under the new owners who don’t seem to want to invest in the property at all and are likely only holding it for its future real estate investment potential. This place is a ghost of its former grandeur and a heart breaking example of the twilight era of a once great resort.

Glenn B.

Great Staff & Food, But Needs Attention to Detail

We chose The Briars for a short summer getaway, hoping for a more upscale experience. The resort has charm and a unique history, and check-in was smooth. However, getting to our room involved navigating several stairs and doors before reaching the elevator—not ideal but understandable for an older property.

Our room was clean and generally nice, but had a few letdowns: a large carpet stain, a mismatched and wobbly toilet seat, no toilet paper holder, and no hand soap. Small things, but noticeable for a resort at this price point.

The outdoor pool was closed, the indoor pool was ice cold, and the hot tub was out of order. The games room was also underwhelming—missing basic items like a pool cue rake, shuffleboard sand, and even cards for cribbage.

That said, the staff were fantastic and the food was excellent. We also found out from another couple that there was a “stay two nights, get the third free” deal—something we weren’t told about during booking.

I wanted 3.5 stars but that’s not an option!

Danielle P.

We received a stay as a wedding present for the Briars resort and spa only to end up being so underwhelmed and disappointed in what we showed up to. What was once clearly a beautiful resort was now a rundown poorly maintained “resort”. A lot of things were simply out of order and falsely advertised. The building looked nothing like what you see online as the photos are very outdated.

The whole grounds was not up kept with weeds in the tennis court and volleyball court. The waterfront beach was no beach just rocks and a small dock with a foul smell. Barely any staff on site more of a this is what you get help yourself. The games room was outdated with the games available barely in working condition. They also advertised 24/7 golf simulator online that actually still wasn’t even close to being available to guests to book.

Everything they advertised just wasn’t up to par or didn’t happen like the 8pm fire. The resort honestly seems like it’s on its last legs and is extremely overpriced for what it is including the restaurant. My husbands steak was also undercooked. We tried ordering various different meals only to find out they were no longer available but still on the menu and wasn’t communicated prior to.

We wanted to go to the spa as it was advertised as being opened 7 days a week. First we were told there was no longer an RMT and then couples massages are advertised but there there is only one staff so it’s actually not possible ? Again poor advertising. We go to try and book an experience in the spa anyways and was told it’s actually closed for the day and it was also closed on arrival the day prior. So really there is no spa feel to the whole place.

We were so disappointed we ended up checking out early before our stay was up as there was absolutely nothing to do. I went to speak to the supervisor gently about our stay who then was really dismissive and finished with the complimentary amenities are as such so whether they’re working or not doesn’t affect your stay because you’re not paying for them. Although they add to the overall experience that was disappointing to hear and extremely poor customer service. At the end of our stay we were also quoted about $250 more than what we originally booked to our surprise. That had to be quickly rectified. In all, it seems like the Briars is going down hill and likely on the verge of closing so I’d choose somewhere else for your stay or pray that management changes and someone cares about this place to fix it.

Valerie H.

We love The Briars and all the history that resides there! We have stayed there 3 times in the past year. Unfortunately, we have found the rooms need more attention to keep up to the standards of a high-end hotel and resort.

For instance, on two occasions, had silver fish bugs in our bathroom (bathtub and sink area). This last visit, we had a room with a shower that barely worked, a stained carpet, and limited coffee pods (both were unfortunately, decaf as well).

The reception team is sometimes absent and not always helpful. When we asked for a future credit for the breakfast that we did not realize was part of our room package, they said it wasn't possible. No other options were provided to us and that felt disappointing. I felt the receptionist could have put something on our file for our next booking, for a complimentary appetizer or bottle of wine for our room to compensate for this.

The servers in the restaurants are fantastic (mother/daughter team!) and they really make us feel welcome!

Not sure why reservations in the restaurant at night are so important especially when it wasn't full.

Tara O.

We just held our wedding at the Brairs on 05.25.2025 and it was fabulous! The staff really went above and beyond to ensure our wedding went as planned. The food was Devine, the location was absolutely beautiful and the grounds were filled with freshly bloomed spring flowers. Rooms were super cute and vintage, very much what we wanted, a Bridgenton Wedding and that's exactly what we had! Thank you to Danielle and Richelle and the rest of the staff for making our dream wedding come true! We can't wait to be back!

Maria H.

I always love staying at this wonderful spot! The grounds, the beach, the lovely staff… I would say my only issue was that the spa does not seem to be at the level it once was. We couldn’t get any services (massages or pedicures) as their staffing is minimal. My mother and I had to book something at a spa in Jackson’s Point.