It’s wonderful to see the revitalization of downtowns across North America. In Newmarket, Ontario, the central core got a boost from the opening of a brand new boutique hotel, The Postmark. It’s aptly named it is housed in a historic building from 1914 that once served as the area’s main post office. The gorgeous structure has benefited from careful repurposing at the hands of Archive Hospitality, which was also responsible for the creation of Toronto’s Gladstone House and The Broadview Hotel. Those projects also gave old buildings new life, transforming them into vibrant meeting spaces for guests and the local community.

STREET CRED: IT’S ALL ABOUT LOCATION

Located less than an hour’s drive from Toronto, Newmarket is a growing city, thanks to an influx of businesses. Despite the newness of it all, its downtown feels like a quaint small town with historic buildings that now house a craft brewery, cute bars, vintage shops and gourmet food boutiques. The Postmark is situated smack dab in the center of it all, which gives guests plenty of options for eating, drinking and shopping.

WHO HANGS HERE: IS THIS HOTEL FOR YOU?

During my visit, the hotel was humming with activity. Everyone was curious about this new place that was years in the making. There were couples, locals, out-of-town guests and foodies looking to see what the fuss was about. Though families are welcome, its sophisticated décor and focus on fine dining seems to cater more to grown-ups.

THE STRAIGHT GOODS: WHAT’S IN THE ROOM?

With 55 rooms over three floors, the hotel has opted to go heavy on creating unique spaces for its guests. The rooms range from small and cozy (about 215 sq. ft.) to spacious (up to 527 sq. ft.) with oversized windows. My suite with a king-sized bed had plenty of room for my husband and I. It had an upholstered bench and a table, ideal for in-room, pre-dinner cocktails and catching up on emails. It had tea- and coffee-making facilities and a kitchenette equipped with fridge, microwave and sink, plus plates and cutlery – perfect for takeout meals and making a light breakfast. The bed was super comfy. The linens and pillow-top mattress were of excellent quality. My husband’s turning and flopping around didn’t disturb me one bit. The room also had a smart TV, Consonant Skin+Care toiletries, a Canadian company, and blackout curtains that really blocked out the light – a welcome perk for someone like me who enjoys a pitch-black room for sleeping.

GOOD EATS: COCKTAILS AND CUISINE

Guests have options here. The Lobby at the Postmark Hotel has an invited lounge vibe where you can linger over a coffee, a cocktail or breakfast. It also serves lunch in the light-filled space. A small patio is a welcome spot to soak up the sun on a warm day.

The jewel in the crown is Overlea, a gorgeous rooftop restaurant with a wraparound terrace and sky-high ceilings, perfect for taking in the views of historic Main Street. The fine-dining venue, focused on Canadian cuisine, is led by executive chef Jon Turner (ex-Fairmont Royal York) and his team.

Our dinner began with heirloom baby beets with dill, yogurt, pistachio dukkha and blueberry, as well as Hamachi crudo with an orange infused sauce that left me yearning for a spoon to scrape up every drop. For mains, we opted for the seared halibut and Ontario sirloin. Both were beautifully cooked and the portions were generous – so much so we got to-go boxes to enjoy at-home the next day. Drink options are ample. The wine list is exhaustive, but our server was spot on with her recommendations. The room is noisy when full, which delights some diners and tires others. Go early if you prefer the quiet or adjourn to one of the outdoor firepits to enjoy dessert or post-dinner aperitif.

BRAGGING RIGHTS: WHAT ELSE HAS IT GOT?

It’s got style and plenty of it. A lot of time and care has gone into design and it shows. There are plenty of welcoming nooks where you can enjoy a drink or get down to work. The bar and reception desk share space in the lobby, which gives it a warm, intimate feeling. Large windows make these bright happy places where you want to hang out.

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS: WHAT STOOD OUT?

Throughout the hotel, the artwork begs you to stop and look. There were plenty of postage-themed works, coupled with original pieces by local area artists. It was fun roaming through the hallways just to see the art.

PARTING SHOT: IF WE COULD CHANGE ONE THING

The hotel has made many efforts to be sustainable, beyond repurposing a historic building and perhaps sparing it from demolition. Rooms have refillable carafes available, so guests can forego plastic water bottles and bathroom amenities come in large sizes to reduce plastic consumption. However, there was a misstep. The bar served cocktails with plastic straws. It’s a small thing but it didn’t feel consistent with the green initiatives seen throughout the property. Fortunately, it’s an easy fix for the management to make.

We found rooms starting at CAD$167.

Photos courtesy of The Postmark Hotel