OverviewLocated in the Nor'Wester Mountain area, on the outskirts of Thunder Bay (about a 22-minute drive to downtown Thunder Bay), this hotel with is popular with guests who seek resort-style accommodation in a natural setting, or are in need of accommodation with conference/event facilities on site.
All of the 91 rooms at this hotel are smoke-free and have free Wi-Fi, a coffeemaker, a hair dryer and an iron and an ironing board. Guests can choose between standard rooms (king, queen or double beds), or more spacious suites (which have a microwave and a mini-fridge). Some suites also have a jacuzzi and/or a fireplace. Pets are permitted for a cost of $20/night.
Guests can dine on site at the Rock Garden Cafe and Bar, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. There are not many dining options in the immediate area, and guests should expect about a 10-minute drive to dine off site. On-site amenities include free parking, an indoor pool, a hot tub and a gym. Guests can make use of the hotel's complimentary airport shuttle.
This hotel is located in the mountains and has both downhill skiing (Loch Lomond Ski Area is a 6-minute drive) and cross country skiing (Kamview Nordic Centre is a 3-minute walk) nearby. This hotel is about a 15-minute drive to Fort William Historical Park (a re-creation of the days of the North West Company and the Canadian fur trader), while Lakehead University is about a 19-minute drive away. For air travellers, Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) is about a 12-minute drive (10 km) from this hotel. (All distances and travel time estimates: Google Maps)
Confirmed with a front desk agent: Wi-Fi, parking and shuttle (call date: September 19, 2012).
The GoodAmong the reviews used for this analysis, guests praised this hotel, and were particularly enthusiastic about its general appearance, the quality of the food and service at the on-site restaurant.
A number of guests really enjoyed the on-site restaurant, and a few guests commented on specific menu items and dishes. Guests remarked on how accommodating the kitchen was around specific dining requests. Good servers were mentioned by name.
Guests commented favourably on the appearance of the hotel, saying that the building, grounds, common areas and rooms were all well maintained. Rooms were clean and comfortable, and a number of guests liked the decor.
Several guests liked the neighbourhood in which this hotel was situated. They said it was quiet, peaceful and that they enjoyed the scenic mountain views.
There were several reports of friendly, warm, personalized service being delivered consistently at various points throughout the hotel. Front desk, housekeeping and maintenance staff were all mentioned specifically. Staff here went out of their way to make sure guests felt at home and were satisfied.
There were some additional comments from guests who enjoyed the pool and the gym.
The Bad
The bulk of reviews used for this analysis were positive, but guests did make a few complaints (although they were not reflective of the overall guest sentiment).
A few guests were disappointed that a continental breakfast was not included with the room rate, especially given that guests had to travel a distance to dine elsewhere (about a 10-minute drive).
While a number of guests valued the peace and quiet of the hotel's isolated location, a few felt that it was inconvenient when seeking out nearby restaurants and shops. A few guests experienced difficulty with cell phone coverage at this location.
TripAdvisor.com guest reviewers ranked this hotel #2 out of 30 Thunder Bay hotels, based on 86 reviews.
Hotels.com guest reviewers rated this hotel 4.3 out of 5, or "excellent", based on 16 reviews.
Expedia.ca guest reviewers rated this hotel 4.0 out of 5, based on 8 reviews. 88% of guests would recommend this hotel.
Confirmed with a front desk agent: Wi-Fi, wired Internet, parking and shuttle (call date: September 19, 2012).
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Analyzed by Heather W.
Driven by the sense that every person, place or thing has a story to tell and a skill for being in the wrong place at the right time, Heather is a well-traveled writer.
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