OverviewLocated on West Arthur St., approximately a 5-minute drive from the Thunder Bay Expy (Hwy 61, one of Thunder Bay's major arteries), this hotel is popular with guests who want accommodation close to a major highway, while its pool and waterslide attract families.
All of the 182 rooms at this hotel have free Wi-Fi, free wired Internet, a mini-fridge, a 37" LCD TV, a hair dryer, a coffeemaker and an iron and ironing board. Guests can choose between standard rooms (two queen beds) or more spacious suites (some of which have a separate bedroom, and/or a jacuzzi and can accommodate up to six people). Pets are permitted for an additional $10/night.
Guests can dine on site at Chicago Joe's Restaurant and Sports Bar, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Guests in rooms that are not booked at a discounted rate are also offered a complimentary hot breakfast daily. There are a number of restaurants located within a 5- to 10-minute walk. On-site amenities include free parking, an indoor pool with a waterslide, a hot tub and a gym. There is also an airport shuttle available on demand, for free.
Shopping is nearby at the Thunder Bay Mall, about a 3-minute drive away. The downtown Thunder Bay area is about a 14-minute drive away, while Lakehead University is about an 11-minute drive away. This hotel is about a 13-minute drive from Fort William Historical Park (a re-creation of the days of the North West Company and the Canadian fur trader). Air travellers should plan for a 5-minute drive between Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) and the hotel.
(All distances and travel time estimates: Google Maps)
Confirmed with a front desk agent: Wi-Fi, wired Internet, parking, breakfast and airport shuttle (call date: September 20, 2012).
The GoodAmong reviews used for this analysis, guests generally praised this hotel and were particularly enthusiastic about service from staff and about the pool and waterslide.
Staff here consistently received top marks from guests, They frequently went above and beyond to attend to guest needs, including being helpful in answering questions and in responding to noise complaints. Front desk and housekeeping staff were mentioned as being particularly friendly.
Several guests enjoyed the pool area, and said that it was clean. They enjoyed the fact that the pool could be viewed from hallways and rooms and had fun on the waterslide. A few appreciated that there were lifeguards on duty.
A number of guests liked this hotel's proximity to shops (Thunder Bay Mall is a 3-minute drive away) and to restaurants.
Guests said that rooms were clean, comfortable and well laid out.
There were some additional comments about comfy beds and quiet air conditioning units.
The Bad
While most of the reviews used for this analysis were positive, guests commonly complained about a couple of points, including issues with noise and aging decor.
A number of guests were disturbed by noise from the pool area (guests recommended getting a room away from the pool). Some of the guests said that their poolside rooms were connected with the pool area via the venting system, and contributed to the noise. A few guests were bothered by noise from guests in neighbouring rooms and the hallways.
A few guests felt that the hotel was showing its age and that renovations/updates were in order. Furniture, window coverings, bedding and linens were mentioned specifically.
There were additional comments from guests about cigarette smoke odours in rooms, and from guests who felt that the rooms were expensive.
TripAdvisor.com guest reviewers ranked this hotel #6 out of 30 Thunder Bay hotels, based on 67 reviews.
Booking.com guest reviewers rated this hotel 7.6 out of 10, or "good", based on 38 reviews.
Expedia.ca guest reviewers rated this hotel 3.7 out of 5, based on 33 reviews. 76% of guests would recommend this hotel.
Confirmed with a front desk agent: Wi-Fi, wired Internet, parking, breakfast and airport shuttle (call date: September 20, 2012).
