Though it may not seem like it on this cold day in March, spring is just around the corner. In Muskoka, a popular tourist region in Central Ontario, some long time Port Carling businesses are undergoing a serious facelift and revitalization. The hospitality industry is changing and some successful inns are making changes to attract people looking for upscale yet affordable accommodations.



Long regarded as an unspoiled and beautiful wilderness area, sportsman's playground, and boater's paradise, the Muskoka region has developed a reputation as a place to go for a luxury vacation with superior accommodations, fine dining, and upscale amenities. However, over the last several years a new trend has developed in the Ontario resort industry; the small sized inns and resort properties that once dominated the vacation resort industry in Ontario are slowly disappearing. These inns and cottage resorts were often quite rustic with few luxuries and appealed strictly to families looking for an inexpensive vacation. As well, many long established cottage resorts have shut down. Some have been demolished making way for the construction of high-end resorts, large-scale commercial developments, and even new private waterfront homes. On the other hand, some cottage resorts have been upgraded and then marketed and sold as interval ownership timeshare-style properties. In short, there are far fewer affordable Muskoka accommodation properties available for the many vacationers who are looking for a Muskoka vacation experience that includes high-quality lodgings with all the modern conveniences and amenities at a reasonable price.

The Muskoka area is saturated with large luxury resorts, as well as very expensive private cottage properties. The problem is that not everyone can afford to stay in these high price properties or purchase a private cottage. This is why it is so nice to see the changes taking place at some of Ontario inns. The owners of some of these properties understand that there is a huge market for reasonably priced, superior Muskoka accommodations. Muskoka Ontario inns are now beginning to offer affordable accommodations to fill this niche in the market. Additionally, they are making improvements and upgrades to become well-known for cleanliness, quiet accommodations, and beautiful surroundings. These inns are seeking to provide lodgings that cater to those looking for the right balance between quality accommodations and attractive prices.

Some of these inns have changed the way that affordable accommodations are viewed by offering the affordability and amenities that many look for when planning a Muskoka family vacation, wedding, or even a weekend getaway comprised of golf, snowmobiling, or antiquing. Additionally, the inns within this region are even catering to the traveler in need of longer-term accommodations since some of these Ontario inns offer private screened decks, high speed and wireless Internet, Bell Express Satellite TV, phones with free local calls, fridges, microwaves, and 4-piece baths. Additionally, the convenience of an on-site restaurant with daily breakfast sets some of these inns apart from others.

By combining all the right ingredients, some Ontario inn owners have come up with the right balance in resort accommodations to entice today's discriminating traveller. This change has made finding an enjoyable, yet affordable Muskoka resort vacation in the beautiful village of Port Carling more achievable.