With its attractive yellow brickwork and elaborate cornice, this was one of the region’s finest hotels when it opened in the 1890s. Today, after extensive renovations, it is certainly one of the most comfortable, providing you don’t mind taking the stairs—renovations did not include adding an elevator to the three-storey inn. The original front desk, oak staircase, third-floor skylight, high ceilings and pine floors are among many architectural details left in place. All 14 spacious guest rooms are furnished with Victorian furniture and fine antiques, such as the matching Eastlake walnut bed and dresser set and marble-topped sewing table in Room 207. All but two rooms offer gas fireplaces. White ceramic tiles and pedestal sinks in the bathrooms are in keeping with the period decor, as are the black and white photos of 19th-century Waterloo hanging in the hallways. Televisions, mini-fridges and high-speed wireless Internet make the inn popular with both business and leisure travellers. Continental and full breakfasts are served in the stylish Symposium Café, and fine dining in Hannah’s Bella Bistro, both adjoining the hotel.