Penny’s Motel – Good Vibes for the Soul

Autumn brings the perfect time for a scenic road trip. With changing leaves and stunning views along the way, Thornbury Ontario located on the coast of Georgian Bay, is an ideal destination this season and into the winter. Here, you will find Penny’s Motel & Apres, a lovely boutique motel conveniently located steps away from beaches & trails, the quaint shops & restaurants of Thornbury, and a short drive to Blue Mountain and some of the best ski hills in Ontario.

Penny’s Motel, originally built in 1974 was purchased in 2019 by John Belknap and underwent a complete interior renovation. The thoughtfully decorated rooms each have beautiful graphic feature walls, modern, clean & comfortable furnishings, and unique accessories like retro radios with bluetooth connectivity from the motels roots in the ‘70s. As soon as you step in, you feel a warm, welcoming vibe. A full Nespresso coffee station, smart tv’s connecting you to your favorite streaming channels, and your own s’more kit complete with roasting sticks for the outdoor fire pits are among the thoughtful touches you will find upon arrival. The clean & modern bathrooms feature heated floors, gorgeous tiled walk-in showers, luxury towels and Malin + Goetz bath & body products. The attention to detail, comfort and cleanliness is remarkable.

Outside, in Penny’s courtyard you can relax and sip a cocktail or warm beverage by the fire. There are several cozy seating areas for gathering to chat and reflect on the adventures of the day. You will also find a sauna perfect for unwinding after a workout on the trails or slopes. Or, keep the party rolling on the bocce ball court!

The Best part of all is the Apres! The onsite Apres snack bar is the heartbeat of Penny’s. Their menu features snacks & shareables, gourmet sourdough crust pizzas, grazing boards, small mains and desserts, all available for room service. A full bar menu includes wine & beers, craft cocktails, mocktails and delicious espresso and coffee drinks. Worth mentioning are the featured fresh oysters and seasonal offerings. The heated patio area is comfortable & lively, offering food freshly cooked on the outdoor bbq when the weather allows, and live music adding to the incredible ambiance.


What sets Penny’s Motel apart is the remarkable on-site staff. Great care is taken in ensuring that guests feel welcome, relaxed and taken care of. You can easily send a text from your room with any questions or requests and immediately get a response. The cheerful, personalized service and knowledge for any local recommendations ensures guests have a truly memorable experience.

If you choose to venture into Thornbury to eat or shop, there are so many wonderful options to enjoy. A breakfast highlight is the Thornbury Bakery & Cafe. Here you will find delicious homemade baking and crafted coffees to go, as well as a breakfast and lunch menu to enjoy on site in this bright & sunny space. Enjoy tasty fish and chips at the Corner Cafe & Grill, and fresh Sushi to go at the highly rated Aki Sushi. And, just steps from Penny’s Motel & Apres is Thornbury Craft Cider & Beer. Check out their events page for live music offerings and retro movie nights. Also a highlight is the Apple Pie Trail; a self guided outdoor tour of apple culinary and beverage offerings in this area . You’ll learn about the abundance of apple orchards, farmers, bakers and distillers and their inspirations, while taking in the beauty of the outdoors.

If you’re considering an upcoming girls trip, an adventure away on the slopes or some much needed solo downtime, Penny’s Motel & Apres in Thornbury is the ideal destination for you. The vibe is fun, cheerful and laid back, while the accommodations and service is top notch. With so much to do including Blue Mountain Village just minutes away, this is the perfect Apres location to enjoy. Be sure to book well ahead as this truly is a destination to experience & enjoy any time of the year!

Visit: pennysmotel.ca