Best Western St Catharines Hotel & Conference Centre

This hotel is highly regarded for its exceptional staff friendliness and a wide array of family-friendly amenities, making it a memorable destination for many. Its signature feature is the comprehensive recreational offerings, including both indoor and outdoor pools, an arcade, and mini-golf, which are particularly popular with younger guests and sports teams. The hotel is an excellent fit for families seeking entertainment options on-site, sports groups participating in tournaments, and pet owners due to its accommodating policy. While the property is undergoing ongoing renovations, guests consistently praise the attentive service and the overall cleanliness of the interior. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to inquire about the status of renovations and specific room locations, as some areas are more updated than others.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a robust selection of facilities designed to cater to various guest needs. Most guests appreciate the presence of both an indoor pool and an outdoor pool, though some note the outdoor pool can be cold or require better cleaning. The hot tub and sauna are popular for relaxation, although the hot tub is occasionally out of service or very busy. A well-equipped fitness center is available for workouts. For entertainment, an arcade and mini-golf course are on-site, providing fun for all ages. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests report issues with connectivity or outdated TV quality. The elevator is frequently mentioned, often for being small, noisy, or experiencing operational issues, which can impact accessibility, especially for guests with luggage or mobility challenges. Laundry facilities are also available, though some find them limited.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed, reflecting the hotel's ongoing renovation process. Many rooms are described as clean and well-maintained, with comfortable beds ensuring a restful sleep. However, a significant number of reviews highlight that rooms can appear dated, with issues such as peeling paint, visible water damage, and worn carpets. Bathrooms are a common point of concern, often described as small, with issues like mold, poor drainage, and outdated fixtures. Some guests report noisy air conditioning units or unpleasant odors. While microwaves and mini-fridges are appreciated amenities, some guests experience problems with non-working electrical outlets or TVs with limited channels or poor reception. Balcony doors are sometimes noted for security concerns or allowing outside noise.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a significant draw for many guests, often praised for its convenience and the friendly breakfast team. The breakfast variety receives mixed reviews; while some find it delicious with hot options like eggs, sausages, and hash browns, others desire more healthy choices or report that hot items can be cold or bland. The on-site restaurant and bar, known as Wrigley's, generally receive positive comments for their food quality, with specific mentions of good wings and fish and chips, and a pleasant atmosphere. However, some guests note that room service is not available. Overall, the dining experience is seen as a valuable inclusion, providing a convenient start to the day or a casual evening meal.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, offering easy highway access and proximity to various points of interest. Guests appreciate its convenience for reaching nearby attractions such as downtown St. Catharines, the Meridian Centre, Niagara Falls, and Niagara-on-the-Lake. The surrounding area provides ample shopping and dining options, including a nearby Costco. Free parking is available and generally plentiful, which is a significant benefit. However, the ongoing construction on the exterior of the building is frequently mentioned, impacting the hotel's initial appearance and sometimes making the main entrance difficult to locate or access, which can be off-putting upon arrival.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives overwhelming praise, often described as the "shining stars" of the establishment. Guests frequently commend their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service, noting their professionalism and willingness to assist with requests. The check-in process receives mixed feedback; while many experience quick and easy service, some report long wait times or confusion, particularly during busy periods or for group bookings. Housekeeping is generally appreciated for maintaining cleanliness, though some specific issues are occasionally noted. The pool staff and breakfast team are also frequently singled out for their positive attitudes and helpfulness. The hotel's pet-friendly service is well-regarded, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere for guests traveling with animals.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the ongoing renovations that affect various parts of the property, including the exterior and some room interiors, which can lead to construction noise or altered access points. The hotel maintains a pet policy, though a daily fee applies, and some guests have experienced confusion regarding specific pet types or finding suitable outdoor areas. Several reviews mention security concerns, including issues with room door locks and general safety perceptions, which guests are advised to be mindful of. Some guests have reported unexpected additional fees upon check-in, such as facility fees or incidentals, which they felt were not clearly communicated beforehand. Accessibility features like the elevator have been noted as problematic, and some guests mention the unique room layout with long corridors or patio doors facing parking areas.