TWO NIGHTS AT THE JUNE MOTEL
Ever wondered what it's like to stay at the Netflix-famous June Motel? Here's everything you need to know before booking your dream girls' getaway!
We stayed two weeknights in early June, the last week of shoulder season, which gave us the cheapest possible rates. We lucked out with great weather, it was sunny and HOT the whole time we were there, so we made great use of the pool. Because it was early in the season, the lake was still very cold though, so no beach swimming on this trip! Also worth noting that a lot of the businesses on the main street were operating on limited hours or only open on weekends. We still found plenty to eat, drink, and do, but if you are looking at the off-season, you may want to plan accordingly.
The June Motel is a boutique hotel with only 24 rooms, so it books up far in advance. Book early to guarantee your spot! The small guest count means they are really able to cater to all their guests in an incredible way. You feel the hospitality from the moment you arrive, when you are greeted at the front desk with a complimentary glass of rosé. This warm welcome extends into the rooms, where there was a cute postcard welcoming us alongside a newsletter about the motel and surrounding area. They also encourage you to text reception with any needs or questions, which is a lovely touch-- they clearly know that a lot of their clientele is reluctant to make calls, and we really appreciated being able to shoot off questions about brunch spot recommendations and such without pausing our day.
We stayed in a double room, and there were three of us staying there. The room was very clean and comfy, and obviously impeccably decorated. It was big enough for the three of us, we weren't in each other's way at any point. There was a mini fridge that we made good use of, as well as a kettle and instant coffee/tea. They also provided a wine opener in the room, as well as very nice shampoo and conditioner. The only two things that stood out as a bit dated/out of place in the gorgeous rooms were the TVs and the hairdryers-- clearly they've been around since the motel's previous life. They were fine and functional, just not quite the same standard as everything else in the room so they stood out.
The highlight of the room is definitely the hammock. Each room has it's own on a little patio/balcony overlooking the restaurant, pool, and campfire area. I spent every morning before my pals woke up watching the motel come to life from the hammock, and it was such a peaceful way to start the day.
Each morning, the motel delivers a small breakfast to each room. With DIY oats, protein bars, and juice, the lunch boxes are another really cute touch and a great way to get around the restaurant not opening until noon. The lobby also provides a coffee, tea, and hot chocolate station every morning and evening, which we made good use of.
The restaurant, Heydays, was a real highlight for us. With retro vibes and phenomenal food, we went back again and again during our stay. I'm still dreaming of their broccoli caesar and of their malt chocolate milkshake. Mmm. Make sure to eat on their patio as well as indoors, so that you get the full experience. The decor is my exact taste, if I could make my apartment have those beachy, retro, cool vibes, I'd be very excited. They also have live music a couple of nights each week, which was delightful. You can enjoy the music even if you aren't dining at the restaurant-- they set up on the pool deck, so it provides ambiance for the whole motel.
Heydays also services the pool deck, you can order food or frozé right to your deck chair. The pool is
heated, and they have fun floaties and adorable retro sun shade umbrellas. The guest count at the motel is small enough that the pool never feels too busy, and there are enough chairs for everyone. It's a great place to soak up the sun.
The lobby of The June also acts as a wine bar, pouring glasses that you can enjoy in the very aesthetic lobby area, take back to your room, or sip by the nightly campfires. The lobby also features a small gift shop of pricey but very cute The June merchandise, and is where you can get complimentary s'mores kits to toast by the campfire.
The campfires really brought all the guests together at the end of each night. There was such a feeling of community as guests of all ages, from kids to grandparents, toasted marshmallows, mingled, sipped wine, and chatted. When we visited, there was a real mix of families, girls' trippers, and couples, and it made for a great atmosphere.
The June is located at the top of the main street in Sauble Beach. It's about a 5 minute walk to the beach, and along the way, you pass all sorts of shops, restaurants, cafés, and activities. It's worth noting that most places, when we were there, stopped serving food by 9pm, so be sure to plan for an earlier dinner.
Overall, I loved staying at The June Motel, and can't wait to go back! I also want to try their location in Prince Edward County. If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, comment below! Looking for more about Sauble Beach? Check out the highlights from my time there!
