We have lived in Courtenay, British Columbia on Vancouver Island for the past twenty years and I’m horrified every time I go past the Howard Johnson Arbutus Hotel. Howard Johnson took over this hotel a few years ago and I can’t understand why. This hotel is a dive! It’s known for it’s pub that’s pretty gross, and not much else. The rooms above the pub are just there for the drunk patrons of the bar. I would always think of the poor traveler that would come to Courtenay and think because Howard Johnson’s name is on it, it must be a nice hotel. Well be warned, it’s not! It’s about one step above sleeping on the streets. And on a beautiful summer night in Courtenay, I think the street would be better. If you are going to stay in Courtenay the only hotels I would recommend would be the Coast Westerly Hotel, The Kingfisher Inn or The Crowne Isle Resort and Golf. The Coast Westerly is a medium priced hotel with the Kingfisher and Crowne Isle being of the expensive variety. For less expensive motels, the Enco motel or the Travelodge are exceptable places. Courtenay on Vancouver Island is a beautiful place to visit, and you wouldn’t want to ruin your trip with a stay at the Howard Johnson Arbutus Hotel.
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