Overview
Sandman Hotel Castlegar is located on Highway 22, two blocks from the Crowsnest Highway/Highway 3 and a 5-minute drive from downtown Castlegar. The hotel's proximity to highways may make it a good choice for those who need a place to stay for the night while passing through town.

This hotel offers 133 rooms (some of which allow smoking) over three floors. Standard rooms include a TV, a desk, an iron and ironing board, a hair dryer, a coffeemaker, air conditioning and either two double beds or a king bed. Free Wi-Fi and local calls are available in every room. Pets are allowed for an additional $10 per night.

Amenities at this hotel include an indoor pool, a hot tub, a fitness centre, meeting and banquet facilities, a business centre and free parking. Continental breakfast is available with some room rates, but is otherwise $5 per person.

Several shops and restaurants are located within 1 km of the hotel and Kootenay Crossing Mall and Kootenay Centre Cinemas are across the street. Castlegar and District Recreation and Aquatic Centre is a 2-minute drive away, while Selkirk College can be reached in under 10 minutes by car. Cascades Casino and West Kootenay Regional Airport (YCG) are both about a 5-minute drive from the hotel. Red Mountain Resort can be reached in 40 minutes by car. (All distances and travel time estimates: Google Maps)

Verified by hotel staff on January 8, 2013: 133 rooms (some allow smoking), 3 floors, pets allowed for $10 per night, continental breakfast included with some room rates and is otherwise $5 per person, no restaurant on site.

The Good
Reviews used for this analysis were mixed with positive points focused on the rooms, the staff and the location.

Although there were a few complaints that the housekeeping staff did not do a very thorough job, some guests felt that their rooms were clean and tidy. Guests also mentioned that the rooms were fairly spacious and comfortable.

The staff were complimented by many guests for being friendly and helpful.

Some guests felt the hotel offered convenient access to the highway, making it a good choice for those who were stopping for the night while passing through. Guests also appreciated that, although the downtown core was a 5-minute drive away, there was a mall, grocery store and Canadian Tire within walking distance.

The Bad
Although many of the reviews used for this analysis were positive, many were also negative and focused on the age and maintenance of the building and the freshness of the continental breakfast.

Many guests felt that the hotel was in need of updates. Some thought the beds were uncomfortable and carpets and decor were in need of upgrading. Guests noted that rooms and common areas smelled like stale cigarette smoke. Guests also complained that the exercise room was very small and that the equipment was in need of repair.

There were a number of complaints about the hotel's continental breakfast (available with some room rates or for $5 per person). Guests said that the food was previously cooked and packaged in plastic wrap, requiring many items to be reheated in the microwave. Overall, it was felt that the food was not very fresh or tasty.