Hotel Kenney Rideau, a waterside resort at Jones Falls on the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal, traces its roots to an 1888 structure built by Thomas Kenney after an earlier inn burned. Today it offers 25 seasonal accommodations, waterside dining at Jeff’s Patio, and dockage for canal travellers. This review draws on property records, booking platforms, and guest reviews to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
Last checked: 2026-06-13
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Property name: Hotel Kenney Rideau · Location: Jones Falls, Rideau Lakes, Ontario, Canada · Year opened: 1877 · Number of rooms: 25 · Key features: Seasonal dining, dockage, weddings, gatherings, vintage Canadiana waterside resort · Official site: hotelkenneyrideau.com
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-13.
Sources reviewed: official property website, KAYAK listing, TripAdvisor reviews, Expedia listing, Wikipedia, Township of Rideau Lakes, Visit Amazing Places (Frontenac Arch Biosphere).
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification beyond listed sources.
Snapshot: Hotel Kenney Rideau at a Glance
- Original inn built 1849 by Bernard O’Neal; current building constructed 1888 by Thomas Kenney (Township of Rideau Lakes).
- At the base of Lock 42 on the Rideau Canal, Jones Falls, Ontario (Hotel Kenney Rideau official site).
- 25 air-conditioned rooms with coffee/tea makers and blackout drapes (KAYAK).
- Jeff’s Waterside Patio serves seasonal Canadiana fare; day dockage and overnight mooring available (Hotel Kenney Rideau official site).
| Property name | Hotel Kenney Rideau |
|---|---|
| Location | Jones Falls, Rideau Lakes, Ontario, Canada |
| Year opened (current building) | 1888 |
| Number of rooms | 25 |
| Key features | Seasonal dining, dockage, weddings, gatherings, vintage Canadiana waterside resort |
| Official site | hotelkenneyrideau.com |
What is the history of Hotel Kenney?
The story of Hotel Kenney begins with the original inn at Jones Falls, built in 1849 by Bernard O’Neal, as recorded by the Township of Rideau Lakes. That first structure was destroyed by fire, and Thomas Kenney erected the present building in 1888, featuring the balconies and open railings characteristic of turn-of-the-century resort architecture on the Rideau Canal.
Parks Canada notes that the hotel was originally built as a fishing lodge during the era of excursion steamers on the waterway. For many years the Kenney family owned the property, until it was sold at auction in 2008 to Franklin Folts, a clothing store owner from Martha’s Vineyard, according to Wikipedia.
The property operates seasonally, typically from early May to late October, aligning with the navigation season of the Rideau Canal. Under current ownership, it continues as a seasonal resort under the name Hotel Kenney Rideau, promoting “vintage Canadiana waterside resort” branding on its Instagram.
What do Hotel Kenney Rideau reviews say?
TripAdvisor ratings
On TripAdvisor, the property holds a 4.0 out of 5 rating from more than 40 reviews. Guests frequently highlight the scenic setting at Jones Falls and the historic lodge atmosphere.
Guest highlights
Positive reviews on Expedia describe it as a “hidden gem” with picturesque surroundings, comfortable accommodations, and notably strong dinner quality. One TripAdvisor reviewer after the change of ownership praised the new proprietors as “wonderful” and mentioned the hotel’s dog.
Common criticisms
Several reviews note that some rooms feel dated relative to the natural setting. Breakfast timing has also drawn occasional criticism. These complaints appear in multiple review platforms, but they do not dominate the overall sentiment.
What is on the Hotel Kenney menu?
Seasonal dining options
The property’s official website promotes Jeff’s Waterside Patio, a seasonal dining venue with set opening days and hours. In the evenings, the restaurant offers curated dining separate from the patio menu.
Dining at Jones Falls
The menu highlights Canadiana fare — dishes that reflect the region’s culinary traditions — served waterside with views of the locks. Specific menu items are not published online, but the emphasis is on locally inspired, seasonal ingredients.
Can you hold a wedding at Hotel Kenney?
Wedding packages
Hotel Kenney Rideau actively markets itself as a wedding venue. The official site lists “weddings and gatherings” as a core service, leveraging the waterside views at the base of Lock 42.
Venue capacity
The multi-building property can accommodate wedding parties within its 25 rooms and event spaces. Specific capacity numbers are not stated online, but the setting is intimate and suited to smaller to medium-sized celebrations.
Booking information
Interested couples are directed to contact the resort directly via the official website for packages and availability. No pricing for weddings is disclosed on public sites.
Pros & Cons
What works
- Historic setting on the UNESCO Rideau Canal at Jones Falls
- Waterside dining on Jeff’s Patio
- Boat dockage available for canal travellers
- Free Wi-Fi and parking
- Pet-friendly (per some reviews)
What to consider
- Dated rooms in certain buildings
- Seasonal operation (May–October only)
- Limited breakfast hours noted by guests
- No full-year availability
Pricing
Based on recent booking data from KAYAK, the average weeknight rate is approximately US$184, while weekend nights average around US$288. The lowest rate recorded in the past two weeks was US$184. In Canadian dollars, prices generally start around $169 CAD per night.
Note that rates vary by season and room type. The property does not publish a standard rate card, so booking directly or through aggregators provides the best current picture.
Location & getting there
Hotel Kenney Rideau is located at 59 Kenney Road, Elgin, Ontario, K0G 1E0, at the base of Lock 42 on the Rideau Canal. The property is about 28 miles (45 km) northeast of Kingston and 38.5 miles (62 km) northwest of Ogdensburg, New York, according to KAYAK.
Access is via Kenneys Road off County Road 11 (Jones Falls Road). The surrounding Jones Falls lockstation includes a defensible stone dam, multiple locks with an 18-metre elevation change, and several 19th-century canal buildings, all maintained by Parks Canada.
Alternatives along the Rideau Canal
For travellers seeking other historic waterside stays on the Rideau Canal, properties such as the Delta Hotels by Marriott Kingston Waterfront or smaller inns in Westport and Merrickville offer different price points and service styles. The Opinicon at Chaffey’s Lock, another vintage resort, provides a similar heritage-meets-hospitality experience.
Closer to the Ottawa end of the canal, heritage hotels in Ottawa itself provide year-round options. Each alternative varies in distance from Jones Falls, so consider your itinerary when choosing.
Our recommendation
Hotel Kenney Rideau is best suited for:
- History enthusiasts who appreciate a property with a documented 1849 origin and 1888 architecture
- Wedding planners seeking an intimate, waterside venue on a UNESCO canal
- Boaters on the Rideau Canal who can tie up at the dock and enjoy on-site dining
- Couples looking for a romantic, seasonal getaway away from city noise
If you value location and heritage atmosphere over modern luxury, this resort delivers a genuine Canadiana experience.
Sample one-day itinerary at Jones Falls
Morning
Arrive at Jones Falls and park at the lot off Kenneys Road. Walk the locks and the defensible stone dam (Parks Canada staffed in season). Check into Hotel Kenney Rideau.
Afternoon
Lunch on Jeff’s Waterside Patio overlooking the canal. After lunch, take a short boat tour or kayak paddle on the Rideau (if you have your own watercraft, day dockage is available). Explore the 19th-century canal buildings.
Evening
Enjoy the curated dinner at the hotel. Spend the night in one of the 25 accommodations, with the sound of the falls in the background.
Timeline of Hotel Kenney Rideau
- 1849: Bernard O’Neal builds the original inn at Jones Falls.
- 1888: Thomas Kenney constructs the current building after fire destroys the earlier inn.
- Late 1800s–2008: The Kenney family operates the hotel; it serves as a fishing lodge for excursion steamer passengers.
- 2008: Franklin Folts purchases the property at auction.
- Present: The property operates as Hotel Kenney Rideau, a seasonal waterside resort.
Related reading: Ambassador Hotel Sudbury · Hotel Orillia Ontario
hotelkenneyrideau.com, hotelkenneyrideau.com
Frequently asked questions
Is Hotel Kenney open year-round?
No. The resort operates seasonally, typically from early May to late October. Specific opening and closing dates vary by year.
How many rooms does Hotel Kenney have?
There are 25 air-conditioned accommodations spread across multiple buildings on the property.
Does Hotel Kenney have a restaurant?
Yes. Jeff’s Waterside Patio offers seasonal dining on site, with both daytime patio service and evening curated dinners.
Is Hotel Kenney pet-friendly?
Multiple guest reviews on TripAdvisor mention bringing dogs, but the official website does not state a policy publicly.
Can I dock my boat at Hotel Kenney?
Yes. Day dockage (2-hour paid) and overnight mooring (per-foot fee) are available for boaters on the Rideau Canal.
How far is Hotel Kenney from Ottawa?
The property is about 100 km (62 miles) southwest of Ottawa, approximately a 1.5-hour drive via Highway 15.