Was over a few hours, only slept a few hours.
The heater is terrible, its range is around 5 degrees, which is unacceptable.... unless you are impervious to those types of temperatures changes. I, on the other hand, require something a bit more stable, 1-2 degrees is fine, 5-6 is not. Not going to have engineering mess with it for a one night stay and 11PM at that.
First issue is chlorine smell in the lobby, I could not stay around there for more than 5 minutes without getting a headache. After 15, I wanted a Tylenol... I think this contributed to my bad night's sleep but I don't live nowhere near those conditions. I feel bad for the workers at the front desk, health and safety should do something, I never had such a strong smell of chlorine in any hotel lobby I been in; of course you know, this is very bad for you.
Secondly, the sound proofing is terrible, worst in all the Best Westerns I been to this year, I could hear a sliding door up a floor and down a few rooms... the poor sound proofing contributed to my bad sleep. Funny part is that, the curling team was quite quiet (lol) at around midnight, nothing... respects for the curling players, make hockey players seem like animals.
Thirdly, staff was ok, nothing to really shine me on, though overall not awful... maybe a tad ignorant at times... but so are many other B-grade hotels in regards to affluent guests. I think some hotels know before my arrival that I won't go back there, being a very demanding guest.
The room itself was nice, it's too bad, I did like it. I got a "balcony", in other words, a sliding door leading to outside, not sure this qualifies as a balcony but I guess patio doors is good enough to call it that. Toiletries are ok too, typical Best Western stuff, I think it was the peppermint smelling one though I do not remember. Again, portion are rather minute but still better than other properties.
That's pretty much it, I don't know how this got the "BW Plus" denomination because I been in un-denominated hotels that were a lot better than this.
I thought the food was good at the in-house restaurant, really good food, I think I would go to the restaurant before going back to that hotel.
Too bad because the hotel is very nice, quite rustic, Canadian style... too bad, the chlorine smell and bad heating system killed it for me.
Would I recommend this hotel? Nope, not to anyone... well, maybe to people I don't like but that's about it. This is where BW rewards level are radically invisible.
Would I go back to this hotel? Maybe in another dimension where it's up to my standards. Though unless they change their pool location, I doubt this would ever happen. It is definitely not worth what I paid for it but I rarely get my money's worth out of any Best Western hotels, they are cheap, this one is no different.
Ok, there was at least 1 positive, I parked right outside my door, made bringing my stuff inside my room a cinch; that was cool. I also like the location, right off the road, easy in, easy out and parking is ample. less
Customer R, Manager at Best Western Plus Norwester Hotel & Conference Centre, responded to this review
Good Day
May I first say that I thank you for complimenting our design and restaurant offerings.
I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns. As you may be aware the majority of our tripadvisor comments are very very positive so your concerns are very important to me.
My office is located in the front lobby and on occasion the chlorine smell from the pool is sometimes noticeable if it has been very busy in the pool and more chemicals have to be added. We have very strick testing rules from the Health Unit and our levels are taken hourly. We are not allowed to be over a certain level at any time so I am sure that the day you were here may have been very busy and we had just added chemicals. My front desk staff or myself have never experienced watery eyes or strong odors from the pool however I do appreciate that you may be sensitive to the chlorine and I apologize that it had this effect on you.
The second floor has balconies and I see that you were located on the main floor.
The rooms are heated with HVAC units and I apologize again if those units are within a few degrees of what they are reading.
Best Western has designated the properties with their amenity choices and it is mandatory that we carry the one designated for Plus. I agree with you whole heartedly that they are not very nice or of the proper size. I used to carry one called Pure, which I sourced out after trying over 10 different ones and it was wonderful. I have complained endlessly to change this new one but with no avail. I will definitely let them know that you were not happy with this new one as are many other of my regular guests.
Most importantly to me was the comment about our staff. As mentioned we excel in Superior Customer Care and I feel that we obviously failed you. I have posted your comments with the front desk, housekeeping and the restaurant so they are reminded how important it is to deliver on Superior Customer Care with every guest every time.
I would ask, should you have the time, to email me directly rsawchyn@bwplusnorwester.com so I may contact you directly with resolution of your issues. Your opinion is important to our success and I appreciate your comments so as to ensure customer satisfaction.
Respectfully,
Roberta Sawchyn, CHA
General Manager