Built in 1882 on the site of a previous hotel dating to 1864, it changed its name a couple of times (Long's Hotel, Arcade Hotel, The Niagara House). It was renamed with a current name after a visit of royal couple: Duke and Duchess of York - Prince and Princess of Wales (future George V and Queen Mary). Also, Queen Elizabeth II stayed at the hotel during her visit to the area in 1973.

Additions to the rear and sides of main building were added later when the hotel was purchased by the Wiens family in 1975 and extensively expanded.