WC
Willy Colbourne
Jun 9, 2026
After years of exclusive IHG loyalty, I decided to give Best Western Plus another chance. I book over 175 to 200 hotel rooms annually across personal and business travel, and I wanted to see if things had improved since I left the brand years ago due to poor service at independently owned properties.
We arrived at 1:40 PM yesterday after an 800-kilometer drive. The rooms were ready. When I asked about early check-in, the front desk staff member informed me it would cost an additional 60 dollars combined for the two rooms, a charge every other hotel I’ve stayed at in the past three weeks has simply accommodated without question. She then told me I’d have to wait until 3:30 PM, even though official check-in wasn’t until 4:00 PM. I sat in the parking lot for just under 2 hours.
Here’s the thing: what happens in Saskatoon matters everywhere. Customer retention isn’t just about one booking. It’s about loyalty across markets and word-of-mouth that reaches every corner of the country and beyond. One staff member’s decision to nickel-and-dime a tired traveler after 800 kilometers sent a clear message: Best Western hasn’t changed.
Later, while one gentleman was checking us in, another was checking in a guest beside us. Both handled their guests with genuine professionalism and warmth. They clearly understood hospitality. But the damage was done. You can’t punch someone in the face and then expect them to accept you as a friend.
I came back to give you a chance. You reminded me exactly why I switched to IHG, and why I’ll be going back there exclusively. You lost 175 to 200 rooms a year for business and personal because of one staff member’s gatekeeping decision.
DM
Doug Martin
May 26, 2026
Very pleased with our stay. Staff was exceptional and the accommodations, breakfast, etc. were all very good.
MM
Marilyn MacDowell
May 22, 2026
Extremely disappointing experience. The hotel staff was unbelievably strict to the point where it felt uncomfortable to even relax. We were told we couldn’t even have water near the pool area, which was excessive and unreasonable, especially for paying guests trying to enjoy their stay.
To make matters worse, the hotel charged an additional $700 reservation fee to my credit card even though payment information was already on file. Trying to get answers from staff was frustrating and unhelpful. They said management had gone home for the weekend.
Overall, the atmosphere felt more stressful than welcoming. Definitely not the customer service or hospitality you would expect for the price.
Room was nice. It was clean and the staff were friendly. Although the front desk had a sign they would only clean the room every three days. They came in every day and made up the bed and replaced the towels.
Location is good lots of stuff down the main road for food and other stuff.
Overall, the hotel was clean and comfortable, with some positives but also a few frustrations during our stay. The rooms were very clean, the pool area was well maintained, and the underground parking was a great convenience. The front desk staff were also friendly and welcoming.
However, we found the atmosphere around the pool and hot tub less relaxing than expected. The pool attendants felt overly strict and it often seemed like guests were being constantly watched or scolded. The hotel also appears to enforce policies very rigidly, with little flexibility for small requests like an extra towel. Rules such as no children under 6 in the hot tub are understandable for safety, but combined with the overall strictness, it made the stay feel less enjoyable and more stressful than relaxing.
If cleanliness and order are your top priorities, this hotel does a good job. We just wish the experience felt a little more welcoming and relaxed for families. We will likely not stay here again with young kids.