Best Western Plus Chocolate Lake Hotel — Hotel in Halifax

On Friday January 7th in the evening we lost power in our community. It was getting cold, my young children were scared so myself, my friend and her sister decided to rent rooms at the Chocolate Lake Hotel.

We arrived at different times approximately around 7pm. I was the last to arrive. I waited in the car with my children because I was told that my friends were receiving a difficult time from your staff about payment. It was prebooked over expedia, which she was unaware of considering it was the first number that was shown online for the establishment.

It was required that we pay a 300$ deposit or 50$ and a credit card in person not over the phone. I paid a 300$ deposit and my friends waited until a family member drove over in dangerous driving conditions to give his credit card and show ID.

With us combined we had 5 children. While we were waiting the staff was quite belligerent and threatened to call the cops which of course terrified the children.

When I signed my agreement to rent the hotel room it stated that there was only a 100$ deposit required yet I was asked to pay $300. I was told the policy was changing and they had requested the paper to be changed, because over Christmas they had 4 rooms damaged and I was spoken to as if this was my problem or with the insinuation that my group would do the same, when in fact we were all coming just to seek a warm shelter during the storm.

This whole interaction took approx 45-60minutes. My children were nervous and tired and the treatment we received was more than unfair, leaving us feeling less than and not welcome.

We went to the dining room the service was less than spectacular. We booked a pool time and were rushed to leave before our time had even ended! This whole time during our stay we felt as if we were being watched, scrutinized and judged.

Later once we finally got into bed I tried to put TV on for the children and it was not clear how to use it. I called to the front desk and was rushed off the phone twice while asking for it to be explained to me. An attendant came upstairs and stood in my room offering no help flipping through the channels. They told me the guide channel was 3 when in fact that channel was a black screen, they told me there was a binder explaining it there was not, they told me they would bring me one and they did not. I asked if this is how everyone watched TV, flipping through the channels without a menu or a guide, not knowing what they were watching. Which then allowed me to only watch 1 family appropriate channel because I didn't know what the shows were and if they would end up having inappropriate content.

During the night there was a constant ruckus from the room above. Even over white noise and or TV shows I could still hear thumping, rumbling and much noise well after 1am. I called front desk. They said they would send security up but it made me feel uncomfortable to do so knowing the upstairs tenants would know the complaint came from my room and I was a single mother alone in the room.

My children were disappointed about the short stay so I assured them we would do it again, but even my 9yo spoke up and said "not here again we were treated unfairly". He picked up on it and he himself knew he didn't want to return and receive this treatment again.

All guests, no matter their race, gender, or social status should feel comfortable and safe visiting your establishment and needless to...

We just returned from our stay at Best Western Chocolate Lake Hotel. Our stay was end of August 2019 for a few nights. The best part of this hotel is the location which is short driving distance to many attractions we were visiting and chocolate lake which was beautiful and we would see a gentleman swim the Lake during morning hours. It had a slight rocky entrance into water but very clean. There were nice muskoka chairs looking into the lake. The breakfast room ambiance and view of lake was also nice.

However in all other ways this hotel did not meet our expectations for the price point. The hotel is very old, tired and rooms smell musty. We arrived at 1am and although we requested 2 rooms side by side (both rooms under same reservation) we got rooms at different corners of hotel. I had requested view of lake and unfortunately was given room 100 drive up pet friendly ( I am allergic and they never asked). This room was very very small, dirty, ants, musty, and smelled of smoke ( I thought I was in a breaking bad episode). With two young children this room was a nightmare the first night we were unable to sleep all night. In the am another guest was shocked when they saw us come out of the room and said "can't believe you got that room with kids- we declined it last night". Apparently hotel was sold out that night and they switched us to another room the next day. We were thankful the next room did not smell horribly although still underlying musty smell. That room was also very old. It felt like a motel to me everything is breaking down. I am ok with simple hotels but cleanliness and upkeep is very important.

Also the first reaction we got from staff addressing our issues is to immediately disagree with what we are saying and then slowly acknowledged our concerns over time.

The breakfast was very basic and repetitive and unhealthy, canned beans, scrambled eggs, and ham, canned fruit every day. No cheese, no cut up fruits and veggies and no variety. Oh the potatoes were good. No kiddie options (i.e. pancakes, etc..) Some days had full banana and apples. By the 3rd day we were dreading breakfast and didn't want to eat at the hotel anymore.

I did speak to a few of the managers to get compensation for the first room since it was awful and we were unable to sleep. Some various adjustments were made to our invoice however it was done in increments and very small amounts. My expectation was not to pay for the room since it was problematic and it should have been out of service.

I am very shocked as to how this hotel remains in operation and is usually...

I stayed in Room 709 at the BWP Chocolate Lake Hotel for one night from Jan 2nd to 3rd. My overall experience was excellent, with only a few minor blips.

The daytime front desk attendant was very friendly and kind. The other employee who was at the desk during the daytime was also very bubbly and warm (her geometric-pattern blouse was gorgeous!). I have absolutely no customer-service-related complaints; they certainly do customer service well!

The room, upon initial observation, looked comfortable and reasonable in accommodation. The bed was oh so comfy and I never wanted to leave! The complimentary teas and coffees were pleasant. The citrus soaps in the bathroom were aromatic and felt divine on the skin.

My only issues with the room were: the ceiling fan in the bathroom didn't work (and steam not being able to escape was causing orange mold to start spotting on the ceiling); the bathroom sink must've been clogged, since the water drained very slowly; there was a very peculiar smell in the room (kind of like smoke), but it was very faint and easy to ignore; my sinuses were congested for most of my stay, so I assume the air-con/vents may have needed a deeper cleaning.

In the evening, I ordered this delish maple curry chicken penne dish from the hotel's restaurant, with a bottle of one of my fav wines, Nova 7. The prices were very reasonable (only about $10 more than I would expect at any ordinary restaurant). I do wish I could've had the order brought to the room; I was super tired after the day of travelling, and definitely didn't look my best. However, I was fine with going down to the restaurant if that were easier for the staff, even if I worried about my fatigued and disheveled appearance.

The restaurant staff were busy yet courteous, and the hostess (I assume) was absolutely genteel. During breakfast (which was plentiful in its selection), there was this very sweet lady attending, who definitely added a bit of sunshine into the room!

Overall, my experience at the Chocolate Lake Hotel was quite enjoyable, with only a few inconsequential issues. Thank you for the wonderful experience and I hope to stay...