Lake Ontario Motel & Inn has been part of the Newfane and Niagara County community for more than 30 years. What guests know today as a comfortable Western New York motel began with a much older agricultural building and a local family's idea to create lodging for travelers visiting the region.

Today, the inn is owned by Brad and Paige May, who purchased the property in July 2018 from Paige's parents, Jan and Phil Toenniessen. Paige grew up next door to the motel, and keeping the property in the family continues a connection to Newfane that reaches well beyond the guest rooms.

A Family Business with Deep Niagara County Roots

Brad and Paige are members of the Newfane Business Association and are active members of the local community. Their ownership continues the work started by Jan and Phil, lifelong Niagara County residents who helped develop the motel and were closely involved with local tourism and Lake Ontario fishing.

Phil, a Great Lakes Coast Guard Captain, was among the early charter fishing operators out of Olcott, New York. He and his son Scott hosted fishing clients for 17 years before retiring from the charter business. Phil also served with the Niagara County Charter Fishing Association and the Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Association, commonly known as LOTSA.

Jan was also active with LOTSA and served on the Niagara County Tourism Board and the Town of Newfane Tourism Committee. Their connection to tourism, fishing and the local community helped shape the motel into a practical lodging choice for anglers, families and other Western New York visitors.

From Historic Barn to Newfane Motel
Lake Ontario Motel & Inn opened for lodging in 1990, but the structure itself dates to 1910, when it was built as a barn. The neighboring farmhouse dates to 1840. Before becoming a motel, the property served several agricultural purposes, including use connected with a dairy farm, grain storage, a farm market and a horse stable.
After the surrounding farmland was sold in the late 1980s, the Toenniessen family purchased the barn and adjacent home with the goal of bringing lodging accommodations to Newfane. The interior was extensively rebuilt, a new foundation was installed under much of the structure, and new guest spaces were created.
The first three guest rooms opened in 1990, followed by three additional rooms in 1991. More second-floor rooms were completed over the next several years.

Historic Character Still Visible Today

The renovation preserved features that connect the building to its earlier life. Guests can still see original hand-hewn beams near the cathedral ceiling in the recreation area, and the sliding barn doors at the front of the building mark the barn's original entrance and remain functional.

That combination of local history and modern lodging gives the property a character that is different from a standard chain hotel. Guests stay in a building tied directly to the agricultural history of the Newfane area while enjoying practical amenities for a current-day trip.

Welcoming Western New York Travelers

Over the years, Lake Ontario Motel & Inn has welcomed fishing enthusiasts, families, vacationers, tradespeople, business travelers and visitors exploring Niagara County. Its Newfane location provides access to Lake Ontario, Eighteen Mile Creek, the Erie Canal, Niagara Falls, Lockport, Wilson and Olcott while maintaining a quiet country setting.
Learn more about our accommodations or explore things to do during your stay.
Questions about the inn or your upcoming stay? Call 716-778-5004.