Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay — Hotel in Area D (Cowichan Bay)

Extremely disappointed. I attempted to stay at the hotel recently, and was disappointed on almost all accounts. Most of all, being ignored after I have attempted to send 2 emails which only days before had constant responses.

There was several things that disappointed due to being unable to accommodate most if not all requests but most of all is the lack of any communication regarding my situation.

I paid in full for the room right away even though was not ready when checked in, ($366). I was told I could get ready in a pool area….but would have to park in their parkade which did not have any spots except at the very bottom which had tight corners and was in a game of chicken twice with a car looking to go up as I attempted to go down. It’s a miracle ontop of everything my side of car was not scraped after each corner was needed to be taken so tight to the parkade walls.

However the worst part for me was as I was about to get my clothes out of the car to get ready I was called by my father freaking to inform me that my mother had fallen and she was being rushed to the hospital.

In a frenzy I drove the car back up to the lobby rushing in to let the gentleman know that I was not able to stay the night, rushing back to Nanaimo to be told my mother broke her hip and was going to surgery. I was trying to be kind as this way the room could resell and the cleaner did not have to rush to get the room ready for me. As about to be in tears it didn’t dawn on me at the time to see if half could be credited at least due to my worry of my mother and drive back I was going to have to do.

While waiting that night, I remembered how kind ish they were so I thought I would take a sec to email the request. Stating in that email again I was not able to actually check in but paid in full, and if there was anyway to get very least half the cost back?

No word so I waited days and messaged again to the email that I grabbed and confirmed off the website begging for any response to either email. Crickets.

It’s been near a week. And no word. My mother’s physio from the fall will be $900 at least so this is a time of desperation for any and all help.

To say the least though I’m extremely disappointed in an establishment that will charge full price even in moments of family emergency. Not to mention also not accommodating early check in, or call or offer to call a cab, giving me the numbers told unlikely but you go ahead and ask.

Just saying I worked for years in hotels at the front. No establishment has ever not called a cab for you on request, irregardless of the area one tries to help the guest even when getting a cab.)

Also as is the summer that room would have sold super quick, especially before check in, and not even stepped into? But no response paid in full hotel made 2 room prices on it.

Let’s just say i will be telling this story to many about how ignored and non accommodating you can expect to experience if your situation happens even a little close to what i experienced dealing with ocean front.

Left me to other choice but to leave a review hoping someone will read this and know...

The newly renovated rooms are beautiful ✨ The soft cozy robes were an amazing touch. I wish they were for sale as well. The staff were friendly and accommodating when asking for things.

My suggestion; the staff should account for the amount of guests and length of stay when supplying the room with necessities(toilet paper, bedding, dishwasher tablets and garbage bags etc). Guests should not have to ask every day or every second day for stuff that should be supplied in the room. I understand not loading up too many coffee pods etc as each person has different preferences. We had to ask for almost everything. I felt like I was annoying the staff. We did however get what we needed (except for bigger frying pans) and the staff were great.

Overall the staff were great to chat with. I had some good conversations and laughs with a few of the front desk members, maintenance and room service. Loved the Christmas outfits 😉✨ and so did the kids.

The pool, hot tub & saunas are great. The hot tub temperature was nice and hot. Sooo nice to relax in. The windows over looking the bay are perfect! 😍 The pool change rooms have a big triple shower and lots of space. There's also lockers (bring your own lock) to use if you need. There are lots of swimming towels supplied in the change rooms. The pool is located right beside the gym which was great as well.

The beach access is great for little walks in the bay. The view is absolutely gorgeous especially on our 5th floor. I would sit for hours in the morning watching the Heron look for his breakfast or the Bufflehead ducks that darted under the water in hopes to find theirs. Such a calm, beautiful and peaceful place to be.

Theres also a cozy sitting area with a fire place just past the front desk to enjoy the view as well.

There definitely needs to be a little more to the kitchen suites (501). We were lacking in spoons, forks, and cooking capabilities for a family of 4. I kept forgetting to ask for more 🤦🏽‍♀️ I did buy some scissors & some cutting boards (don't like cutting on glass) to add to the room. Overall great place to stay. (Scissors are a definite must and suggestion for each room)

The parking in the parkade is great (as long as you're under 6'7" if I remember correctly?). Lots of parking and keeps you out of the rain when unloading your vehicle. Even our guests could park there when popping over for a visit.

There was also a laundry/ice room. I didn't get a chance to see it but my family members did. This should be something guests are told about upon arrival as it was a great added feature should you need it.

The Cook and Butcher restaurant was absolutely delicious! Great quality food and tasted delicious! We had a table of 7 and our time was great. It was a bit loud but the timing of the service and food delivery was perfect. Absolutely try as many menu choices as you can. I will write a separate review as they have separate owners. Overall great experience and will return and highly recommend ✨

I would absolutely recommend this hotel. We will return hopefully soon. ✨ Thank you to everyone that made our stay...

It was our anniversary which is ultimately besides the point.

My fiance and I were sat at a 6 seater high top table. It was a busy night and every table was full.

The 3 course meal menu was lack luster seafood fettuccine with a starter salad and a vanilla creme Brule for 48.00 The same dish could be found on the regular menu for 28 dollars making the salad and the creme Brule 10 dollar each.

A small dish of custard for 10 dollars....

We ordered the surf and surf which is a favorite of ours every time we go. A decent portion with an amazing sauce. Highly recommend this menu item. The server neglected to bring us a dish for our shells how ever which happens almost every time we go.

My fiance ordered the fettuccine from the menu, ample portions of shrimp, scallops and mussels. The pasta however was very under cooked. This coming from someone who prefers a firmer pasta. The server again neglected to bring a dish for shells.

I ordered the 8oz "baseball" sirloin steak medium rare with lobster tail seasonal veg and Jasmin coconut rice. The lobster tail was cooked to perfection and the butter was hot. The steak was oddly shaped which no doubt made it difficult to cook properly and was prepared medium in the center and medium well everywhere else. The grill marks were undefined leading me to think the steak was flipped multiple times and perhaps even forgotten about much like the rice which was dry and almost inedible. Likely it had been in the steamer too long or under the pass bar for 15 minutes waiting for the steak which was being over cooked. The veg was adequate but unimaginative consisting of carrots broccoli and a large piece of yellow bell pepper.

Our server was was distant and unengaging even after finding out it was a special day for us. Again she was busy but still we felt a bit disenchanted by how uninterested she seemed. We left 20 on 105 dollar check. It should be mentioned that the host was kind and empathetic to the situation as our dislike for the table was noticeable. But we are kind and easy to look after guests that did not make a fuss we only asked our server that if a table became available befpre our entrees were served we would appreciate if we could move. Perhaps this upset the server. All in all she could have at least asked how long we had been together or where we met.

We decided not to stay for dessert.

Overall we left disappointed. To be fair the place was at capacity. Ultimately it was my fault. I have over 20 years experience in the industry and should have known better than to take my gal out on a Saturday night.

We will of course be back....the surf and surf is too good. Seriously go try it....