Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington
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Summary of reviewsThe Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington is highly regarded for its prime location, offering stunning views of Lake Ontario, Spencer Smith Park and its proximity to the vibrant downtown area filled with shops, restaurants and cafes. Guests appreciate the ease of access to both the city center and serene lakeshore promenades, making it an ideal spot for leisurely walks and exploring local attractions.
While the breakfast offering is convenient and features a variety of options, it garnered mixed reviews. Guests enjoyed the scenic terrace views and found some items tasty and plentiful. However, there were frequent complaints about the limited, basic selections, pre-packaged food and cramped dining space, which occasionally led to discomfort and long wait times.
Dinner at the hotel's restaurant also received mixed feedback. Many guests praised the excellent food quality and the convenience of on-site dining, enjoying the variety and scenic views. However, some raised concerns about the service during busy periods, noise from night-time transformations into a nightclub and the high costs of basic meals.
The hotel's rooms are generally seen as clean and spacious with modern amenities and comfortable furnishings. The picturesque views from the rooms add a pleasant touch to the stay. Nevertheless, complaints about outdated fixtures, insufficient soundproofing and occasional maintenance issues suggest room for improvement.
The hotel's overall cleanliness is commendable with many guests finding the spaces to be exceptionally clean and well-maintained. However, inconsistencies in housekeeping services and specific cleanliness lapses in certain areas were noted.
The staff at the Waterfront Hotel receive mostly positive reviews. They are often described as friendly, helpful and efficient, playing a crucial role in enhancing the guest experience. A few negative encounters were mentioned but did not overshadow the generally positive sentiment towards the staff.
Free Wi-Fi at the hotel has mixed reviews with some guests praising its speed and reliability, while others experienced connectivity issues and found the process of obtaining the Wi-Fi password cumbersome.
The gym and pool facilities are generally appreciated with the gym being well-maintained and adequately equipped. The pool is praised for its cleanliness and pleasant ambiance, despite occasional issues with temperature, maintenance and availability of towels.
Beds are mostly comfortable, contributing to a good night's sleep for many guests, though some pointed out issues with mattress quality and bedding cleanliness.
Overall, the Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington aligns with its three-star rating, providing a solid and acceptable lodging experience. While it has areas that need improvement, particularly in the dining and room maintenance aspects, the superb location and generally positive guest services make it an attractive choice for visitors.
Categories
While the breakfast offering is convenient and features a variety of options, it garnered mixed reviews. Guests enjoyed the scenic terrace views and found some items tasty and plentiful. However, there were frequent complaints about the limited, basic selections, pre-packaged food and cramped dining space, which occasionally led to discomfort and long wait times.
Dinner at the hotel's restaurant also received mixed feedback. Many guests praised the excellent food quality and the convenience of on-site dining, enjoying the variety and scenic views. However, some raised concerns about the service during busy periods, noise from night-time transformations into a nightclub and the high costs of basic meals.
The hotel's rooms are generally seen as clean and spacious with modern amenities and comfortable furnishings. The picturesque views from the rooms add a pleasant touch to the stay. Nevertheless, complaints about outdated fixtures, insufficient soundproofing and occasional maintenance issues suggest room for improvement.
The hotel's overall cleanliness is commendable with many guests finding the spaces to be exceptionally clean and well-maintained. However, inconsistencies in housekeeping services and specific cleanliness lapses in certain areas were noted.
The staff at the Waterfront Hotel receive mostly positive reviews. They are often described as friendly, helpful and efficient, playing a crucial role in enhancing the guest experience. A few negative encounters were mentioned but did not overshadow the generally positive sentiment towards the staff.
Free Wi-Fi at the hotel has mixed reviews with some guests praising its speed and reliability, while others experienced connectivity issues and found the process of obtaining the Wi-Fi password cumbersome.
The gym and pool facilities are generally appreciated with the gym being well-maintained and adequately equipped. The pool is praised for its cleanliness and pleasant ambiance, despite occasional issues with temperature, maintenance and availability of towels.
Beds are mostly comfortable, contributing to a good night's sleep for many guests, though some pointed out issues with mattress quality and bedding cleanliness.
Overall, the Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington aligns with its three-star rating, providing a solid and acceptable lodging experience. While it has areas that need improvement, particularly in the dining and room maintenance aspects, the superb location and generally positive guest services make it an attractive choice for visitors.
Dog Friendly Hotel
This hotel welcomes two pets up to 60 lbs in designated rooms for an additional fee of CA$25 per pet, per night. Pet-friendly rooms are located on the lower levels. The hotel provides a doggie welcome bag with waste bags and treats. There is a park for pet relief directly next to the property, and waste bags are provided. Well-behaved pets may be left unattended in rooms.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
This hotel features an indoor pool and offers beautiful waterfront views. It provides a convenient location in downtown Burlington.
Heated Pool Indoor Pool
3-Star Hotel
This hotel offers a great location in downtown Burlington with lake views. Though specific details are not available, waterfront hotels typically offer enhanced amenities and a focus on scenic views.
Hotel with Indoor Pool
This hotel features a heated indoor pool with scenic lake views, providing a pleasant swimming environment. Guests can also enjoy a Jacuzzi or spa tub facility.
Hotel near Golf Courses
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Gym
Hotel with Heated Pool
Guest Reviews
The Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington consistently receives high praise for its superb location. Guests love its proximity to Lake Ontario with the hotel offering breathtaking views of the lake, Spencer Smith Park and nearby piers. The convenience of being within walking distance to an array of shops, restaurants and cafes in downtown Burlington enhances the appeal. Reviewers highlight its central location, making it easy to access various attractions, parks and the GO train station.
The scenic waterfront trail and the hotel's close vicinity to the charming downtown area contribute to its favorable reviews. Visitors appreciate the ease of access to both the bustling city center and serene lakeshore promenades. Many note the ideal location for leisurely walks, exploring local eateries and enjoying the picturesque landscape.
Despite some mentions of the rooms being a bit outdated, the positive feedback overwhelmingly focuses on the hotel's prime spot by the water. This perfect setting offers stunning lake views that are particularly appreciated during events and special occasions. Overall, the Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington stands out for its phenomenal location that combines natural beauty with urban convenience.
The breakfast experience at the Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington presents a mixed bag of feedback from guests. On the positive side, many reviews appreciated the variety offered, noting the presence of hot options, gluten-free choices and the fact that breakfast is included. The complimentary breakfast was often seen as convenient with particularly favorable remarks about its plentiful and delicious nature. The view from the breakfast terrace overlooking the water was highlighted as a delightful aspect and some found the grab-and-go style breakfast to be super convenient, especially during busy mornings.
However, there were several points of criticism. Many guests found the breakfast offerings to be limited and basic with numerous complaints about the use of pre-packaged and microwaved food. Issues with the breakfast area being too small and cramped were frequently mentioned, causing discomfort and long wait times. Numerous reviews lamented the lack of seating and the awkwardness of having to eat in the lobby or take the food back to their rooms. The quality of the food was often described as subpar with some calling it dreadful or a joke.
Despite being a free offering, many felt that the breakfast did not meet their expectations with comments about bland or cold food, insufficient choices and a generally disappointing experience. The use of disposable cutlery and packaging was also criticized, both for its environmental impact and for diminishing the dining experience.
In summary, while some guests found the hotel's breakfast offering adequate and convenient, many others felt it fell short of expectations, suggesting room for improvement in both variety and quality, as well as in the dining setup to create a more enjoyable experience.
The Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington offers dining options that have received mixed reviews from guests. Many have praised the restaurant for its excellent food and the convenience of having a quality dining establishment on-site. Guests particularly enjoyed the variety of great food and wine options and some appreciated the view from the restaurant and the pleasant dining experience. However, a few mentioned that the restaurant's service could be improved with some describing it as terrible or unprepared for high traffic. The transformation of the bar/restaurant into a nightclub or disco later in the evening was noted with noise being a concern for some guests. Additionally, while the food was generally considered good, there were remarks about it being basic or expensive. Despite these issues, the restaurant's waterfront location and easy access were highlighted as significant positives.
The rooms at the Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington receive mixed reviews from guests, though many highlight the positive aspects of their stay. A recurring theme is that rooms are clean and spacious, providing guests with ample comfort whether they opt for park or lake views. Many guests appreciated the modernized and well-equipped facilities, citing comfortable beds and pleasant decor. Spaciousness was another plus, particularly in rooms featuring large bathrooms and seating areas and several reviews mention rooms being cozy and well-organized.
However, the hotel struggles with some recurring issues. Many rooms are found lacking in soundproofing with noise from adjacent rooms, hallways and external sources like nearby bars being a frequent complaint. The rooms also appear somewhat outdated, especially those on the first floor or basement and some guests pointed out that appliances like refrigerators and air conditioning units were either malfunctioning or not working efficiently. Instances of broken blinds, fixtures and occasional cleanliness oversights were noted by several guests.
Ventilation issues were also a concern, as was the lack of functional thermostats in some rooms. Despite a general trend towards modern amenities, the need for renovations and repairs in certain areas of the hotel was well-documented. In a few cases, amenities like room service didn’t meet expectations and some guests faced problems with toiletries and utilities during their stay. Despite these setbacks, the hotel's ideal location and wonderful views often helped to buffer the negative aspects of these room experiences.
The beds at Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington receive mixed reviews from guests, though generally leaning towards a positive experience. Most guests found the beds to be comfortable with phrases like "very comfortable bed," "comfortable beds," and "beds were quite comfortable" appearing frequently. There are mentions of beds being "nice" and "comfy," providing a good night's sleep.
However, some guests reported issues, such as beds dipping in the middle, being too soft or too hard and squeaky. A few reviews noted that the bed sheets weren't always clean and that some bedding felt uncomfortable or smelled old. There were also remarks about pillow quality with some finding them too thick or square in shape.
In summary, while the majority of guests found the beds at the hotel comfortable and conducive to a restful sleep, a noticeable number of reviews pointed out that there is room for improvement in terms of mattress quality and bedding cleanliness.
Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington has received a mix of feedback from guests regarding its cleanliness. On the positive side, many reviewers found the rooms and hotel spaces to be exceptionally clean with phrases like very clean, super clean and impeccably clean frequently mentioned. Guests appreciated the clean and comfy ambiance of the spacious rooms, which were also noted to be beautifully decorated with modern and bright elements in the bathrooms. The hotel's pool and jacuzzi areas received favorable mentions for being well cleaned and many found the general environment tidy and organized.
However, there were also some concerns about cleanliness inconsistencies. Some guests pointed out specific issues such as crumbs on the floor, stained carpets and occasional debris in hallways. A few mentioned that housekeeping services could be more consistent with some guests reporting that rooms were not cleaned even upon request. There were also instances of specific areas, such as bathrooms and hotel basements, not being up to expectations.
Overall, while many guests found the Waterfront Hotel to be clean and comfortable with a welcoming atmosphere, there are noted areas where the hotel could improve its standards and consistency in housekeeping.
The reviews for the staff at Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington reflect a generally positive experience. The staff is frequently described as friendly, helpful and responsive with several mentions of their pleasant behavior and outstanding customer service. Guests specifically noted the efficiency of the check-in and check-out processes and the exceptional assistance provided by the front desk personnel, including individuals like Laura and Andrew, who were particularly praised for their helpfulness and welcoming demeanor.
The service at the hotel restaurant also received high marks for its outstanding quality. Housekeeping staff were commended for being pleasant and accommodating, despite some issues related to general staffing shortages. These shortages occasionally resulted in lapses like closed bathrooms or missed housekeeping services, yet the staff’s effort to mitigate guest inconveniences was apparent.
While most reviews speak highly of the staff’s professionalism and friendliness, there are a few criticisms regarding certain staff members being unhelpful or unfriendly. Some guests mentioned encountering issues with the concierge service at night or with specific front desk personnel. Despite these critiques, the overall sentiment towards the staff remains significantly positive, emphasizing their important role in enhancing the guest experience at the hotel.
The Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington has received mixed reviews regarding its WiFi services from its guests. Guests appreciated that, when functional, the internet was stable and fast, making the online experience enjoyable. Some mentioned that the WiFi was good, decent and up to the mark, while others found it very powerful and notably fast.
However, a number of patrons experienced various issues with connectivity. Some found the WiFi to be patchy, inconsistent or spotty, leading to moments of frustration. There were also instances where the internet connection was completely down or not working well, forcing guests to contact off-site providers for assistance. The process of obtaining the WiFi password was cumbersome for a few guests, who mentioned having to repeatedly call the reception.
Improvement areas noted by reviewers included better WiFi service and reception enhancements. There were also concerns about a lack of accessible adapter plugs and phone charger options in the rooms, adding to the inconvenience. For a comprehensive online experience, guests suggest the hotel work on addressing these connectivity and accessibility issues.
The gym at the Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington receives mixed reviews but generally positive feedback. Many guests appreciate that the gym is well-kept and is equipped with well-maintained equipment, making it a pleasant experience for fitness enthusiasts. The gym is described as decently equipped with a variety of gym equipment, including a treadmill. The signs indicate it is available 24 hours, which adds convenience for guests. However, there are some negative points noted, such as missing weights, non-functional equipment and occasional closure of the gym. Despite these issues, the overall sentiment suggests that the gym is a positive feature of the hotel, contributing to a good stay for those who use it.
The Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington boasts a temperature-controlled swimming pool that is frequently praised for being clean, well-maintained and offering a pleasant addition to guests' stays. The pool also has a nice view and provides good value for the experience. Guests consistently appreciated that the pool was a nice size and well-kept. Despite this, some reviews highlight issues such as the pool being cold, closed for repairs or out of service at times. Additionally, several guests noted that the pool area can sometimes be untidy or in need of renovation with specific complaints about strong pool chemicals and a lack of available towels. The absence of an operational hot tub and the overall need for better maintenance were also mentioned. Nonetheless, when functional, the pool and gym areas were found to be pleasant and the pool's cleanliness was a recurring compliment among travelers.
The Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington is characterized by its fitting three-star rating, offering a fair yet unspectacular experience. Guests found the accommodations and amenities aligned with their expectations for a three-star establishment. The location provides good value for money, making it a suitable choice for those seeking mid-priced lodging.
Rooms are adequate and comfortable, although some are limited in space. The overall quality is average with satisfactory facilities but nothing luxurious. Breakfast options are basic but adequate for this type of hotel.
There were, however, a few areas noted for improvement. Some guests experienced issues with the fitness area, a lack of fresh towels and limited room servicing due to a strike. Despite these problems, maintenance staff were generally helpful, though their assistance was inconsistent.
In summary, the Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington delivers a reliable, three-star experience with decent value, though it leaves room for some enhancements to meet guests' expectations fully.
The Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington appears to offer a range of accessibility features suited for guests with disabilities, based on guest reviews. The hotel provides wheelchair accessible rooms and showers with easy access through ramps, making navigation simple. The fitness room is also designed to be wheelchair accessible. Many guests noted the hotel's excellent location, which is conveniently close to a bus stop and public parking, although some found access to the parking lot challenging and spaces for accessible parking permits limited.
Despite the overall accessibility, there are some areas needing improvement. Handrails in the bathrooms were mentioned as not being sturdy and access to the pool was difficult due to stairs. Additionally, some guests felt the hotel could better support wheelchair users. Other noted challenges included the absence of an alarm clock and powdered milk for coffee in the rooms.
The hotel's pet-friendly policy and accommodating staff were appreciated. While there is a need for some enhancements, it remains a largely accessible option for travelers with disabilities, offering easy entry to rooms and amenities.
The reviews for the heated pool at the Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington highlight a mixed yet generally positive experience. Guests often praise the pool for being heated and maintaining a warm temperature, which many found enjoyable and comforting. The pool's facilities are described as clean and when functional, it appears to be a standout feature offering a pleasant environment. However, there are consistent reports of the pool being unavailable or under construction, which has led to disappointment for some visitors. Additionally, the hot tub has been frequently closed, further adding to the inconvenience during certain stays. Despite occasional maintenance issues, the hotel's effort to provide a warm and inviting swimming experience is appreciated by guests.
The indoor pool at the Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington offers mixed experiences for its guests. While the pool is generally described as clean and large, certain conditions have detracted from some stays, such as closures that have disappointed visitors looking forward to a swim or a soak in the hot tub. Among the positive aspects, guests have noted that the pool works well and can be a pleasant addition to the hotel’s offerings when it's open. However, there are mentions of the pool being cold at times and maintenance issues, such as paint peeling from the whirlpool. It appears that ensuring consistent operation and addressing maintenance concerns could greatly enhance the overall experience of the indoor pool for future guests.
The Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington receives positive feedback for its dog-friendly facilities and services. Guests appreciate the pet-friendly environment with many highlighting the hotel's welcoming attitude towards small dogs. The hotel provides dog-friendly areas and rooms, making it easy for guests to bring their pets along for their stay. Features such as doggie bags, a pet-friendly courtyard and even dedicated dog cleaning services add to the convenience. The nearby dog park is also a popular amenity, allowing pets to enjoy some outdoor time.
However, the hotel does have certain restrictions, such as dogs not being allowed in the backyard and there are charges for bringing pets, typically around $15. Some guests did note occasional issues, including pet hair on the sofas, animal smells in certain rooms and disturbances from barking dogs early in the morning. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment reflects a pet-friendly establishment that goes the extra mile to accommodate furry friends, even with special touches like setting aside cheese treats for puppies.
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Location
The scenic waterfront trail and the hotel's close vicinity to the charming downtown area contribute to its favorable reviews. Visitors appreciate the ease of access to both the bustling city center and serene lakeshore promenades. Many note the ideal location for leisurely walks, exploring local eateries and enjoying the picturesque landscape.
Despite some mentions of the rooms being a bit outdated, the positive feedback overwhelmingly focuses on the hotel's prime spot by the water. This perfect setting offers stunning lake views that are particularly appreciated during events and special occasions. Overall, the Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington stands out for its phenomenal location that combines natural beauty with urban convenience.
Breakfast
However, there were several points of criticism. Many guests found the breakfast offerings to be limited and basic with numerous complaints about the use of pre-packaged and microwaved food. Issues with the breakfast area being too small and cramped were frequently mentioned, causing discomfort and long wait times. Numerous reviews lamented the lack of seating and the awkwardness of having to eat in the lobby or take the food back to their rooms. The quality of the food was often described as subpar with some calling it dreadful or a joke.
Despite being a free offering, many felt that the breakfast did not meet their expectations with comments about bland or cold food, insufficient choices and a generally disappointing experience. The use of disposable cutlery and packaging was also criticized, both for its environmental impact and for diminishing the dining experience.
In summary, while some guests found the hotel's breakfast offering adequate and convenient, many others felt it fell short of expectations, suggesting room for improvement in both variety and quality, as well as in the dining setup to create a more enjoyable experience.
Dinner
Rooms
However, the hotel struggles with some recurring issues. Many rooms are found lacking in soundproofing with noise from adjacent rooms, hallways and external sources like nearby bars being a frequent complaint. The rooms also appear somewhat outdated, especially those on the first floor or basement and some guests pointed out that appliances like refrigerators and air conditioning units were either malfunctioning or not working efficiently. Instances of broken blinds, fixtures and occasional cleanliness oversights were noted by several guests.
Ventilation issues were also a concern, as was the lack of functional thermostats in some rooms. Despite a general trend towards modern amenities, the need for renovations and repairs in certain areas of the hotel was well-documented. In a few cases, amenities like room service didn’t meet expectations and some guests faced problems with toiletries and utilities during their stay. Despite these setbacks, the hotel's ideal location and wonderful views often helped to buffer the negative aspects of these room experiences.
Beds
However, some guests reported issues, such as beds dipping in the middle, being too soft or too hard and squeaky. A few reviews noted that the bed sheets weren't always clean and that some bedding felt uncomfortable or smelled old. There were also remarks about pillow quality with some finding them too thick or square in shape.
In summary, while the majority of guests found the beds at the hotel comfortable and conducive to a restful sleep, a noticeable number of reviews pointed out that there is room for improvement in terms of mattress quality and bedding cleanliness.
Cleanliness
However, there were also some concerns about cleanliness inconsistencies. Some guests pointed out specific issues such as crumbs on the floor, stained carpets and occasional debris in hallways. A few mentioned that housekeeping services could be more consistent with some guests reporting that rooms were not cleaned even upon request. There were also instances of specific areas, such as bathrooms and hotel basements, not being up to expectations.
Overall, while many guests found the Waterfront Hotel to be clean and comfortable with a welcoming atmosphere, there are noted areas where the hotel could improve its standards and consistency in housekeeping.
Staff
The service at the hotel restaurant also received high marks for its outstanding quality. Housekeeping staff were commended for being pleasant and accommodating, despite some issues related to general staffing shortages. These shortages occasionally resulted in lapses like closed bathrooms or missed housekeeping services, yet the staff’s effort to mitigate guest inconveniences was apparent.
While most reviews speak highly of the staff’s professionalism and friendliness, there are a few criticisms regarding certain staff members being unhelpful or unfriendly. Some guests mentioned encountering issues with the concierge service at night or with specific front desk personnel. Despite these critiques, the overall sentiment towards the staff remains significantly positive, emphasizing their important role in enhancing the guest experience at the hotel.
Wi-Fi
However, a number of patrons experienced various issues with connectivity. Some found the WiFi to be patchy, inconsistent or spotty, leading to moments of frustration. There were also instances where the internet connection was completely down or not working well, forcing guests to contact off-site providers for assistance. The process of obtaining the WiFi password was cumbersome for a few guests, who mentioned having to repeatedly call the reception.
Improvement areas noted by reviewers included better WiFi service and reception enhancements. There were also concerns about a lack of accessible adapter plugs and phone charger options in the rooms, adding to the inconvenience. For a comprehensive online experience, guests suggest the hotel work on addressing these connectivity and accessibility issues.
Gym
Pool
3 Star
Rooms are adequate and comfortable, although some are limited in space. The overall quality is average with satisfactory facilities but nothing luxurious. Breakfast options are basic but adequate for this type of hotel.
There were, however, a few areas noted for improvement. Some guests experienced issues with the fitness area, a lack of fresh towels and limited room servicing due to a strike. Despite these problems, maintenance staff were generally helpful, though their assistance was inconsistent.
In summary, the Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington delivers a reliable, three-star experience with decent value, though it leaves room for some enhancements to meet guests' expectations fully.
Accessible
Despite the overall accessibility, there are some areas needing improvement. Handrails in the bathrooms were mentioned as not being sturdy and access to the pool was difficult due to stairs. Additionally, some guests felt the hotel could better support wheelchair users. Other noted challenges included the absence of an alarm clock and powdered milk for coffee in the rooms.
The hotel's pet-friendly policy and accommodating staff were appreciated. While there is a need for some enhancements, it remains a largely accessible option for travelers with disabilities, offering easy entry to rooms and amenities.
Heated Pool
Indoor Pool
Dog Friendly
However, the hotel does have certain restrictions, such as dogs not being allowed in the backyard and there are charges for bringing pets, typically around $15. Some guests did note occasional issues, including pet hair on the sofas, animal smells in certain rooms and disturbances from barking dogs early in the morning. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment reflects a pet-friendly establishment that goes the extra mile to accommodate furry friends, even with special touches like setting aside cheese treats for puppies.
Yes, Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington.
Yes, Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington.
Yes, Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington has a gym.
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