The Riverview Lodge — Restaurant in Dryden

We had car trouble so we had to make an unplanned stay over labourday weekend and wait for shops to open back up.

After a quick Google search we landed on the Riverview Lodge. It seemed charming at first, the buildings history, being right on the river, private dock, wildlife everywhere...

Then my visa was declined (while working everywhere else) forcing us to use the mastercard; we couldnt get the deluxe room we requested (even though we felt like the only guests all weekend); and we were being told that the in-house amenities (rooms service, restaurant, bar, and everything would be closed for the holiday).

The room was very dark, outdated and overused, and needed a cleaning. The odour of the room was very musty but once we figured out how to adjust the A/C unit it did help with the odour. The shower head prevents you from cleaning the shower, the water pressure is non-existent, and water drains offensively slow.

It was one let down after another until we were able to take a hike in the almost empty town. The nature, wildlife, and quiet calm almost instantly made up for it all. As long as we stayed away from the mill we really enjoyed ourselves.

The private dock was nice, the trail, and if you can make it Wabigoon Lake you won't be disappointed. We went in the morning and we were almost the only ones there.

Once the holiday was done and we began being turned away from every carshop except one (R&R Garage); we thought we were going to have to wait another week to have the car looked at (due to overbooking), but the lodge staff informed us that our room was booked out (despite them knowing we were likely going to need more time). They said they could only offer us another room (just like ours).

Why? Why would you need to give us another room just like ours? Why would we want to pack everything up move across the hall?

Clearly, you didnt want our money. You denied us the couples room with he view, we would have even taken the suite over the cheap rooms. Oh well.

Smokers should know that they lock the doors at 9pm and you don't have keys so you'll need a partner to come let you in after hours.

People on holidays need to prepare ahead and shop before the stores close because while the lodge does offer a breakfast, they don't honour it; so know that the only thing open is tim hortons.

If we didnt feel so unwelcome or pushed out, we would have stayed another week, maybe even upgrading the room. It was not the worst hotel but the service was off, for us.

Sincerely...

We stayed here on our trip across the country and thought it was a very quaint piece of history. The rooms were gigantic, very clean but very historic. They did a perfect job of updating them just enough to keep that rustic old feel to it. I love the fact that it’s the old paper Mill. The restaurant at this place is also phenomenal. We dined in with three of us after a very long car ride and it was like they picked their specials just for us. We were absolutely blown away by the food and the drinks were made to perfection. The price of the hotel was incredibly reasonable and we were very happy. We would definitely book and stay here again. If we had more time we would’ve taken a walk along the water, but we had to leave very early at 3 AM. We were blown away by the fact that when we checked out, they had a breakfast bag with a hot breakfast sandwich and many other snacks so much so that we couldn’t even finish them. All ready to go for us even though it was so early in the morning. Absolutely unbelievable service one of my most favourite hotels I’ve stayed in driving across the country. I have done this many many times. This is on my new list of places to stop on the next trip. Way better than a generic comfort-inn or best western. the history alone made it worth it. The only negative part was we tried to get a jump on the day and left so early but an hour outside of Dryden we picked up a nail in our tire and had a very hard time finding a tow truck company to come help us out at that hour… hindsight it would’ve been nice to sleep in and stay longer in our...

Staying at Riverview Lodge in Dryden, Ontario, was a truly memorable experience that seamlessly blends historical charm with exceptional hospitality. This heritage-rich establishment maintains an authentic look and feel that immediately transports guests to a bygone era, allowing one to fully immerse in the lodge's rich history.

The management team, particularly Mohit and Jasneet, exemplify professionalism and kindness. They went above and beyond during my visit, managing to secure a last-minute room accommodation for me and my elderly parents. Their efforts ensured that everything from check-in to check-out was smooth and hassle-free. The way they handled our situation not only brought a smile to our faces but also helped us to relax and enjoy our stay without any concerns.

The lodge's atmosphere is welcoming and meticulously maintained, reflecting the dedication of its staff. Every corner of Riverside Lodge resonates with a warm, historical essence that is rare to find.

I highly recommend Riverview Lodge for anyone visiting Dryden. A special thanks to the team, especially Mohit and Jasneet, for making our stay so pleasant and for their outstanding service. Whether you're traveling with family, as a couple, or solo, this lodge is sure to make your visit...