This has to be the best place to stay in Oshawa.

I've tried the 3 main hotels and none could be described as exceptional - at best, they're OK and meet expectations. But I found this small guesthouse about 4 years ago and, given the choice, I wouldn't stay anywhere else in Oshawa.

To quote from their website...

"Emerson Manor is an elegant 1926 home located in central Oshawa. In 1997, the house was slated for demolition. At that point, former Oshawa City Councillor Robert Lutczyk purchased the house and moved it six city blocks to its new location. Most of 1998 was spent restoring and renovating."

And what a great job they did! There are 4 guest bedrooms, each offering a slightly different feel: the grandiose Red Room with its 4-poster bed (not featured on the website); the Green Room offering modern luxury - what a bathroom; the cozy Blue Room and its huge cuddle tub; and the quaint Peach Room. I've tried them all.

Robert and Michelle, the hosts, are a lovely couple, full of interesting stories and on hand to help, if required. Or if you like to keep yourself to yourself, you could be forgiven for thinking the place is deserted. The balance is just right.

One word of warning though... The hardwood stairs are very creaky so try to creep up them to avoid waking the other guests!