Researching accommodations in Paris, Ontario often leads to the historic Arlington Hotel, a heritage property that has welcomed guests for over 170 years (HistoricPlaces.ca). This guide delivers verified facts about the hotel and the town’s lodging options, separating documented history from local legend.
Last checked: 2026-07-01
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Hotel name: Arlington Hotel · Address: 106 Grand River Street N, Paris, Ontario N3L 2M5 · Year built: Early 1850s · Known for: Al Capone’s rumored stay, historic charm, river views
How we researched this guide
Last checked: 2026-07-01.
Sources reviewed: official hotel website, HistoricPlaces.ca, Wikipedia, Booking.com, Trip.com, Kayak, Encyclopedia of Arkansas, The Gangster Museum of America, West of the City magazine, Carmens Group press release.
We did not conduct an on‑site visit, interview staff, or perform independent price verification.
Arlington Hotel at a glance
- Designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act in 1990 (HistoricPlaces.ca)
- Built early 1850s as Bradford House by O.B. Bradford (Wikipedia)
- 106 Grand River Street North, overlooking the Grand River in downtown Paris (Arlington Hotel official site)
- Acquired by Carmens Group in November 2022 (Carmens Group news release)
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hotel name | Arlington Hotel (BW Signature Collection) |
| Address | 106 Grand River Street N, Paris, Ontario N3L 2M5 |
| Year built | Early 1850s (circa 1850) |
| Known for | Historic charm, river views, 24 author‑themed suites, rumored Al Capone association (unconfirmed) |
Are there any hotels in Paris, Ontario?
Yes. Travel search engine Kayak lists 16 lodging options in Paris, Ontario, with nightly rates ranging from C$67 to C$176 or more. The most prominent among them is the Arlington Hotel, a four‑storey stucco and yellow‑brick building that has operated continuously since the 1850s. Other accommodations include motels, inns, and vacation rentals, but the Arlington remains the only heritage‑designated hotel in the town core.
Because the Arlington Hotel is the sole property with a detailed public history and consistent review profile, it dominates search results for anyone researching a Paris Ontario hotel.
The bottom line: Paris offers a handful of basic motels and a single historic boutique hotel — the Arlington — which serves as the anchor for visitors seeking character and convenience.
What is Paris, Ontario famous for?
Beyond its name, Paris, Ontario is known for its scenic Grand River setting, a downtown of 19th‑century architecture, and the Arlington Hotel — a property whose story includes a potential link to prohibition‑era lore. The hotel itself sits on the northwest corner of Grand River Street North and William Street, a location that HistoricPlaces.ca describes as “reminiscent of the Château style” and integral to the town’s early commercial fabric (HistoricPlaces.ca).
The town has also served as a filming location. In 2025 the Arlington Hotel was featured in the reality TV series Drag Brunch Saved My Life, according to Wikipedia.
What this means: Paris, Ontario’s fame rests on a compact historic downtown, a heritage hotel with a colourful backstory, and occasional pop‑culture appearances — not on the gangster tales often attached to it.
Did Al Capone stay at the Arlington Hotel?
This is perhaps the most persistent question about the Arlington Hotel in Paris, Ontario. The short answer: there is no verified evidence that Al Capone ever stayed here.
The confusion likely arises from a namesake property — the Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The Encyclopedia of Arkansas records that Capone regularly booked the entire fourth floor of that hotel during the 1920s and 1930s, with Room 443 as his favourite suite. The Gangster Museum of America confirms Capone’s connection to the Arkansas Arlington, which opened in its current form on New Year’s Day 1925.
By contrast, no historical record — neither the Heritage Register listing nor any ownership timeline — links Capone to the Paris, Ontario property. Local lore and some travel blogs suggest a possible visit (Lady’s Travel Blog), but these claims lack primary source support.
The implication: The Al Capone story attached to this Arlington Hotel is almost certainly a case of mistaken identity. Travelers should treat the gangster tale as folklore, not established history.
Is it worth visiting Paris, Ontario?
For travellers interested in heritage, a riverfront downtown, and a quiet alternative to larger Ontario destinations, Paris delivers. The Arlington Hotel anchors the experience with its 24 theme suites — each named after a writer or scientist such as Ernest Hemingway, Jane Austen, or Albert Einstein — and its in‑house restaurant, which reviewers on Booking.com describe as offering “great breakfast options with vegan milk.”
Guest reviews across platforms (Trip.com, Booking.com) consistently praise the hotel’s boutique character and attentive service. The town itself provides a compact walkable core and scenic views of the Grand River.
The trade‑off: Paris, Ontario suits a short, relaxed stay. It lacks the nightlife and attractions of larger cities, but its historic hotel and setting make it a satisfying destination for history buffs and couples looking for a quiet escape.
Best for segments
The Arlington Hotel appeals to different traveller types in distinct ways:
- Couples: The themed suites and riverside location create a romantic atmosphere. Several reviews mention it as a weekend getaway spot.
- History enthusiasts: Over 170 years of continuous operation, an Ontario Heritage designation, and a detailed ownership timeline make it a living museum.
- Budget‑conscious travellers: With rates starting around C$67 per night (Kayak data), it competes favourably with chain hotels while offering more character.
- Ghost hunters: Local lore — though unverified — includes reports of phantom footsteps and a woman sighted on the fourth floor (Lady’s Travel Blog). Note: these claims have no official confirmation.
Pricing overview
According to Kayak, nightly rates for hotels in Paris, Ontario range from C$67 to C$176 or more. The Arlington Hotel falls in the mid‑to‑upper end of this range, reflecting its boutique positioning and heritage appeal. Exact rates vary by season, room type, and advance booking. For the most current prices, check the hotel’s booking page or a hotel aggregator.
Location and getting there
The Arlington Hotel sits at 106 Grand River Street North, directly across from the Grand River and within walking distance of downtown Paris shops and cafes. It is approximately a one‑hour drive west of Toronto via Highway 401 and Highway 24/403. The address places guests at the centre of the historic district, with the Dominion Telegraph Event Centre adjacent.
Our pick: Arlington Hotel
For first‑time visitors to Paris, Ontario, the Arlington Hotel is the most compelling lodging choice. Its heritage status, river views, themed suites, and event space make it suitable for history buffs, couples, and solo travellers alike. While no single hotel suits every traveller, the Arlington combines character, convenience, and a storybook backdrop that elevates any stay in this small town.
arlingtonhotel.com, booking.com, westofthecity.com, justonepassport.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the Arlington Hotel’s address?
106 Grand River Street North, Paris, Ontario N3L 2M5, Canada.
Does the Arlington Hotel have a restaurant?
Yes. The hotel operates a restaurant on site; guest reviews on Booking.com and Trip.com mention a full breakfast with vegan options served until 10 a.m.
Does the Arlington Hotel offer wedding services?
Yes. The hotel includes the Dominion Telegraph Event Centre, which hosts weddings and other celebrations. Carmens Group notes this as part of their acquisition in 2022.
What is the history of the Arlington Hotel?
Built around 1850 as the Bradford House, it was renamed the Arlington Hotel by the Ealand family in the late 1800s. It operated continuously for over 150 years and was designated an Ontario Heritage Site in 1990.
Does the Arlington Hotel have a bar?
Yes. According to Carmens Group, the hotel features an art‑deco‑inspired bar and its original stone wine cellar.
Related readings: James Bay Inn Hotel & Suites: History, Ghosts & Reviews – another historic Canadian hotel with layered stories. Also see The Grand Hotel Nanaimo: Reviews, History & Policies for a comparison of heritage accommodations.