The Old House Hotel offers an exceptional experience for its guests, thanks to its prime location, high standards of cleanliness and remarkable staff. Situated near a canal, the hotel's West Coast architecture creates a warm atmosphere and its proximity to the ferry terminal and key attractions makes it an ideal choice for travelers. Guests appreciate the convenience of walking to downtown, nearby cafes and scenic riverside pathways.
The rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable, featuring full kitchens and modern amenities to cater to both short and long stays. Pet-friendly and immaculately maintained, the hotel ensures every guest feels welcome. Although the hotel does not provide breakfast, nearby cafes offer ample options. Free coffee and afternoon cookies are a delightful touch and guests consistently praise the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff with specific individuals earning special mentions for their exceptional service.
The on-site restaurant, Locals, receives high acclaim for its delicious and high-quality food, making it a standout feature of the hotel. While the restaurant is considered pricey by some, the overall dining experience is frequently deemed worth the cost.
Amenities such as the heated outdoor pool, hot tub and ample parking further enhance the appeal of the Old House Hotel. Families find it particularly accommodating with spacious rooms, kitchenette facilities and thoughtful configurations for additional guests. The hotel also caters well to families with pets, offering a relaxing environment for all.
Guests often commend the comfort of the beds, noting the quality of the pillows and bedding as contributing to a restful experience. Despite occasional minor complaints, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
In summary, the Old House Hotel excels in providing a clean, comfortable and convenient stay, bolstered by exceptional service and high-quality amenities, making it a strong choice for visitors to Vancouver Island.
Painter's Lodge, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, captivates guests with its stunning location, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and nearby islands. Nestled in a serene setting away from the hustle and bustle, this hotel is ideal for those seeking peace and natural beauty. Guests particularly appreciate the picturesque overlooks from the rooms, balconies and main reception area, alongside beautifully designed buildings and well-maintained grounds that add to its rustic yet elegant charm. The spacious rooms with large balconies and a tranquil pool further enhance the accommodation experience. Friendly and helpful staff significantly contribute to the pleasant stay, making it a unique and comfortable retreat for both relaxation and adventure.
However, the breakfast experience at the lodge presents inconsistency with some guests enjoying the simplicity and scenic views from the breakfast area, while others express dissatisfaction over poor variety and quality, including high costs and operational issues. Dinner experiences also vary with the in-house restaurant receiving mixed reviews about food quality and pricing, though the pub and its whale spotting opportunities are valued.
Rooms are lauded for being spacious and offering breathtaking views, though some aspects like outdated furniture and minor cleanliness issues require attention. Despite mixed reviews on housekeeping, the overall cleanliness is deemed acceptable by many. Beds are generally praised for their comfort, contributing to a restful stay.
The staff consistently receive commendations for their friendliness and helpfulness, despite occasional mentions of being overworked and understaffed. The outdoor pool is appreciated for its warm, enjoyable ambiance but has faced frequent closures. Finally, while the lodge holds undeniable charm and potential, guests note that significant updates and maintenance are needed to restore its former high-end status.
In summary, Painter's Lodge stands out for its magnificent location, natural beauty and warm service, presenting a compelling yet imperfect accommodation experience that with some improvements could become a top destination once again.