This property should be ranked as "excellent" but scored an "average" in our books simply due to cleanliness. It is not only important to have the most modern amenities an decor but also good service, clean rooms and common areas.
We were checked-in by Nicole, a lady who had just moved to town from Medicine Hat! She was friendly, professional and genuine, plus really took the time to explain all the hotel amenities (including the restaurant) and what there was to do in town and its surroundings.
We would have rated this hotel a very good to excellent, based on its amenities alone but we couldn't overlook some very critical points which need attention...
We were there for three days and the entrance trash bin that was overflowing with garbage remained in such state until we checked-out after 12 pm on Sunday!
Staff would go outside for a smoke and I simply could not believe that they would not notice this! It would have been a simple fix... Maybe they were just out of garbage bags, which is hard to believe!
Our room also lacked the cleanliness we would have expected. With a decor where everything from counters to walls, etc., is mostly white, a good thorough wipe-down sometimes does not hurt. We had a blue spill (likely shaving cream) on our wall in the bathroom, close to the light switch and one of our beds had hair on its cover and sheets (which were all white, making this easily visible) - should have been picked up by housekeeping.
They must have been really short on staff and we understand you need to rush through and work them half days when needed but it does not hurt if managers and supervisors step - in to lend a hand every so often.
The one housekeeper we saw working looked clearly overwhelmed and I could not help but notice her swearing (not cool) as we walked the hallway to get to our room on Saturday. Some rooms must have been in awful shape and taking longer than the time alloted to clean them. The already overwhelmed housekeeper, rightfully got flustered.
Cons aside, the front desk and breakfast area were kept tidy and we loved the breakfast selection! This property puts some other branded hotels in the bag, when it comes to this! We really enjoyed it...
The Nescafe coffee machine in the lobby and the business centre were also a treat. We used and enjoyed them both.
Would have loved to give an excellent but couldn't help but observe some things that certainly need attention.
Thank you for a good stay.