Thunder Bay's BEST Hotel? Victoria Inn's Secret Revealed!
Thunder Bay's Best Hotel? Victoria Inn's Secret Revealed! (Spoiler Alert: It's Pretty Darn Good!)
Alright, folks, buckle up because I'm about to spill the tea – or, you know, the complimentary coffee – on Thunder Bay's Victoria Inn. I'm not usually one for gushing, but this place… well, it kinda gets it. And I'm talking really gets it, from the moment you waltz in (or, more realistically, schlepp in after a long drive) to the reluctant goodbye.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Gotta Do It, Right?):
- Keywords: Victoria Inn Thunder Bay, Best Hotel Thunder Bay, Accessible Hotels, Ontario Hotels, Spa Thunder Bay, Restaurants Thunder Bay, Pool Hotel Thunder Bay, Family-Friendly Hotels, Business Hotel Thunder Bay, Free Wi-Fi, Pet-Friendly Hotels (sort of… see below)
- Meta Description: Uncover the secrets of the Victoria Inn Thunder Bay! This hotel review dives deep into its accessibility, amenities, dining options, spa, and everything else that makes it a top choice. Find out if it lives up to the hype!
First Impressions (and a Touch of Anxiety):
Okay, first thing's first: I'm a sucker for a good lobby. And the Victoria Inn? It's got a good lobby. Not overly pretentious, but definitely clean, bright, and welcoming. I appreciate that because, let's be honest, hotels can be a gamble. Are you walking into a time warp, or a place that actually cares? Walking in, I instantly felt a wave of relief, which is always nice after the drive.
Accessibility & Inclusive Stuff:
- Wheelchair Accessible: BIG thumbs up. Saw ramps, elevators, and the whole shebang. Made me feel that they really think about ALL their guests.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: Listed. Seems like they REALLY want to make sure people are comfortable.
- Elevator: Crucial. Especially if you're like me and always seem to end up on the highest floor.
- CCTV in common areas & outside property: Reassuring. Safety first!
(Rant Incoming…but a Good One): I hate when hotels claim to be "accessible" and then it's like they just slapped on a ramp and called it a day. The Victoria Inn gets it. It's about the whole experience. And that matters.
Rooms: Cozy & Clean (and They Actually Sanitize!)
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Okay, the rooms. I'm a notoriously picky sleeper. And the Victoria Inn rooms… they hit the sweet spot. They're clean (and, let's be honest, that's a huge deal these days, thanks to the pandemic. Thank you, hotel gods!), comfortable, and not crammed with unnecessary junk. The blackout curtains? Lifesavers. I like my sleep dark. And the free Wi-Fi? Always a winner. The bed? Didn't wake up with a crick in my neck, so… points. Huge points. Rooms Sanitization Opt-Out: A plus for people who want a little extra privacy!
Speaking of Safety… (And the Pandemic Shenanigans We've All Endured):
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good. Really good.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Excellent.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Which, yeah, is a given, but still appreciated.
- Hygiene certification: Check.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Again, a big YES.
- Safe dining setup: See below, but generally very well done.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: You could tell. They were actually paying attention (which is a refreshing change).
- Cashless payment service: Practical and safe.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: From Buffet Bliss to Room Service Recovery
- Restaurants: Plural! Always a good sign.
- Restaurants: The main restaurant, I think it was called "The Keg"? Was pretty good. I went there after a long day of driving.
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service: Alright so, the breakfast buffet… was amazing. I usually snub buffets, but this was a well laid out and safe buffet
- Room service [24-hour]: Crucial. Because sometimes you just need a burger in your pajamas.
- Poolside bar: Okay, I did not test this one.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee Shop: Yes, and yes. Very important. Coffee is the lifeblood.
- Bar: Yes, they do have a bar area.
(Foodie Moment): I had the room service burger, and let me tell you, it was a lifesaver. Coming in late, exhausted, it was so good. Sometimes, all you need is a greasy, delicious burger to make everything right. The staff was super friendly and helpful. They knew how to keep people fed and happy.
Ways to Relax (Because This is a Vacation, Dude!)
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: This was closed when I went. :(
- Swimming pool: Indoor
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna: Score! Definitely looked tempting but I didn't have time to try
I didn't have time to hit the spa this time, but I popped my head in, and it looked gorgeous. I peeked at the pool – clean, inviting, and definitely the place to be in the evening.
Services & Conveniences: They’ve Got You Covered!
- Business facilities: Business center.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient!
- Concierge: Helpful, friendly.
- Convenience store: Handy for snacks and emergency toothpaste.
- Daily housekeeping: Yup. Kept things sparkling.
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: For those of us who travel with more than one suitcase. I’m always thankful for a good laundry service.
- Elevator: Necessary, see above.
- Luggage storage: Because sometimes you arrive early, or leave late.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars: Not relevant for me, but good to know they can handle it.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking: Very convenient.
For the Kids (Family-Friendly Vibes):
- Family/child friendly: Definitely. Saw lots of happy families around.
Getting Around/Transportation:
- Airport transfer: Offered.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking: Excellent for those of us driving.
The Quirks (Because Every Hotel Has Them):
- Pets allowed unavailable: Darn.
- Smoking area: They have a smoking area.
Overall Vibe & My Emotional Reaction:
Okay, so here’s the deal: The Victoria Inn isn't perfect. No hotel is. But it's damn close. It's clean, comfortable, and actually cares about its guests. The staff were friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed to want to make sure you were having a good stay. After a long drive, it was an absolute haven.
Would I Go Back? Absolutely, without a second thought. The Victoria Inn earns a solid recommendation from me. If you are looking for a great stay in Thunder Bay, this is where you should be.
Hyatt Place Lakeland Center: Your Dream Lakeland Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly polished travel brochure. This is… well, this is me trying to make sense of a trip to the Victoria Inn in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Prepare for a healthy dose of “me” filtering through every crumb of this itinerary.
The Thunder Bay Thunderdome (aka Victoria Inn & Convention Centre): A Messy Love Letter
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Hotel Rooms
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Thunder Bay Airport (YQT). Okay, first impression? Surprisingly… functional. No, wait, scratch that. Reminds me of a really clean, slightly depressed doctor's waiting room. The air is… thick with the smell of… what is that, pine? Hope my allergy meds hold up.
- 1:30 PM: Shuttle to Victoria Inn. The driver is a saint. Seriously. They're dealing with the frozen tundra and my questionable luggage choices (why did I pack that sparkly skirt? Where am I even going?). The drive gives you a good glimpse of the city, which is… well, it's there. Trees! Lots and lots of trees. And… a giant sleeping bear? Gotta investigate that later.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in. Ah, the hotel check-in. The purgatory before the comfort. The receptionist is… nice. Almost too nice. Are Canadians always this polite? I’m starting to suspect a conspiracy.
- 2:30 PM: Room Revelation. Okay, the room. It's… big. A tad beige. The kind of room where you suspect a family of ghosts could be living undetected. The TV is ancient – I’m pretty sure it's older than my phone. Ugh, I hate the feeling of being in a hotel room, a place of passing through, not belonging. This is when the wanderlust really grips me!
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Settling In, Panic Mode. Unpack. Question every clothing choice. Realize I forgot my favorite face cream. Google the nearest Canadian pharmacy. Contemplate the possibility of ordering pizza. (Spoiler: I did. Twice).
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Trying to figure out the damn thermostat. Is it cold? Is it hot? Is the apocalypse happening? Eventually, I just give up and put on a sweater.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant, The Keg Steakhouse + Bar. Okay, it's a chain, but whatever. I'm starving. I order the steak, medium-rare, because, you know, classy. The service is impeccable, naturally. The steak… well, let's just say it wasn't the best steak I've ever had, but it hit the spot. A glass of wine washed away the existential dread.
- 7:30 PM: Return to the room. Watch some terrible hotel TV. Stare out the window. Ponder the meaning of life. Question the sanity of packing a sparkly skirt.
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime. Or, in my case, attempting to sleep with the eerie hum of the mini-fridge and the vague feeling that something significant is about to happen. This is the life, folks! So, so glamorous.
Day 2: Thunder Bay Adventures (or, Trying Not to Get Lost)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Regret ordering that pizza.
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Buffet! The holy grail of hotel dining. Though the eggs might be from the Jurassic period. I have to ask: are Canadians genetically predisposed to be exceptionally pleasant at breakfast buffets? Just a thought.
- 9:30 AM: Brave the cold and venture out. Destination: The Sleeping Giant Provincial Park (or at least, attempt to). This is where it gets interesting! I get directions from the friendly hotel staff, and they say it’s an easy 30-minute drive. Famous last words. The drive is actually an hour and a half, during which I get completely lost. The GPS keeps cutting out, and I swear I see a moose (or maybe a really large deer? My eyes aren't great without my glasses). I'm certain I'm going to end up in a snowy ditch and be found months later, a cautionary tale about not trusting the GPS.
- 11:00 AM: FINALLY arrive at the park entrance. It's magnificent! The scenery is incredible. The lake! The cliff! No, wait, it's all covered with snow. But still, stunning. I take a few (very clumsy) photos, nearly slip on a patch of ice, and decide that maybe hiking isn't for me today.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Back in Thunder Bay. I find a surprisingly good little diner called "The Hoito Restaurant". It's an institution! Serves Finnish pancakes and traditional food. Delicious, quirky, and makes me feel like I'm actually experiencing Thunder Bay.
- 1:30 PM: Explore The Centennial Conservatory. Amazing! The heat and humidity are a welcome change from the frigid air. The plants there are so vibrant, the air smells like soil and a hint of something floral; it's a sensory overload – in a good way.
- 3:30 PM: Back to the hotel. I take a nap. Don't judge.
- 5:00 PM: Another attempt to use the hotel gym. See: previous attempts. The treadmill almost ate me. Gave up after five minutes.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Pizza again! (Don’t judge.) And maybe, just maybe, a little more wine.
- 7:30 PM: Stargazing, or Attempting to Stargaze. I venture outside. I see some stars, but the cold is intense. I don't last long, and quickly retreat into the cocoon of the hotel.
- 9:00 PM: Early night. Possibly the only night I’ve had in years.
Day 3: Departure and the Bitter-Sweet Embrace of Going Home
- 8:00 AM: Last breakfast at the hotel. I'm starting to feel like a local. Maybe.
- 9:00 AM: Pack. The sparkly skirt? Still hasn't seen the light of day.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Saying goodbye to the hotel. And Thunder Bay. And the Canadian politeness thing, the endless trees, the snow (much as I hate it, it is beautiful).
- 10:30 AM: Airport shuttle. Same driver, same saintly patience.
- 11:00 AM: At the airport, I begin to think about my life.
- 1:00 PM: Flight home.
Final Thoughts:
Thunder Bay, you were… interesting. The Victoria inn? Comfortable, perhaps. Would I recommend it? Sure. Would I go back? Maybe. It wasn't perfect; it wasn't even close to perfect. But here's the thing: It was real. It was messy. It was human. And sometimes, that's all you need. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to find that face cream. And maybe, just maybe, plot my return and finally see that damn giant sleeping bear.
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Victoria Inn's Secret (and My Chaotic Experience) – FAQ-ish Thingy
Okay, so *is* the Victoria Inn the best hotel in Thunder Bay? Seriously?
Look, “best” is subjective, alright? My brain’s wired weird. But... mostly, yeah. At least, it’s *my* best. Okay, it's not the Ritz. It's not some sleek, minimalist boutique hotel (thank GOD). Think... consistent comfort, a decent price, and (here comes the REALLY important bit) somewhere I can actually *relax* without needing a degree in interior design to figure out the light switches. Plus, their beds. OMG, the beds. I've actually considered sneaking a mattress out of there once. Don't judge me. I was exhausted and it was a particularly good sleep.
What about the location? Is it, like, in the boonies?
Nope. Thank goodness. It’s right on the main drag, Arthur Street. Easy to get to, easy to get around. Close to everything, which is a gigantic win for a directionally challenged person like myself. I can literally stumble (okay, *walk*) to a decent meal, a coffee shop – the necessities of life, you know? The proximity to the airport is a HUGE bonus. I hate airport hotels, BUT this one is different!
I heard they have a pool. Is it actually... good?
Okay, lemme tell you about the pool. It IS good. But *it's not perfect*. I remember one visit, the chlorine smell hit me like a wall. A wall made of slightly toxic water. But hey, it's a *pool*, not a spa. I've always found it clean enough, the temperature is usually on point, and hey, it has a waterslide! A bit of a cheesy one, yeah. But still! A waterslide for grown-ups! I saw some kids having a blast. It’s a family hotel, right? I am not a parent, which might explain why I still use the slide myself.
Is the food any good? Breakfast, specifically?
Breakfast? Okay, here's the thing: It *used* to be… well, it was fine. The standard continental spread. Cereal, toast, maybe some sad-looking scrambled eggs. But one time… I swear, I’m not making this up… I got there late, and the eggs were… green. GREEN! Now, I'm no food critic, but green eggs?! I think the cook was asleep. I politely mentioned it to the staff (who were, by the way, super nice), and they were mortified and immediately replaced them. So, the breakfast is… consistent. Don't expect gourmet, but you *will* find something to eat. And they *usually* don't have green eggs. I hope.
What about the rooms? Are they clean? Modern? Fancy?
Clean, yes. Generally. I am a bit of a germaphobe, I'll admit, and I've never found anything truly horrifying. Modern? Not particularly. Fancy? HECK NO. Think… comfortable, functional, and definitely not soullessly sterile. They’re rooms. With beds. With TVs. With… working air conditioning (praise be!). One time, the remote control was sticky... I had to wash my hands about a thousand times after touching it. But that’s more a sign of, I don't know, life? The rooms are well-worn, yes. But you know what? They're not pretending to be something they're not. That’s honesty right there, and I can respect that. The rooms have always been fine for me.
Okay, okay, but what's the *secret*? Why are you so... enthusiastic?
The secret? Honestly? It’s the feeling. The… *vibe*. It’s not ostentatious. It’s not trying to be something it’s not. It *feels* like a place you can actually breathe. I've had horrible weeks, checked into the Victoria Inn, and just… *relaxed*. I’ve cried in the hallway and then went and got a burger. It’s a comfy, reliable, and always welcoming place for a chaotic person. I once spilled red wine all over the sheets. I apologized profusely. They didn't judge me. They just cleaned it up. That is kindness, my friends. That is a secret ingredient of a good hotel. It's not perfect. But it's real. And sometimes, that's all I need. That's *my* secret.
What are the downsides? Be honest!
Okay, okay, there are downsides. The internet *can* be a little spotty at times. The hallways aren't the quietest. The elevators are a bit… creaky. And look, sometimes, you can hear the neighbours. It's not a super-luxurious experience. It's not. It's *not* my fault I'm obsessed with it. And parking during events can be a nightmare. Seriously. You'll be circling for ages. But you know what? I'm willing to deal with the imperfections. They're part of the charm, in a weird way. It's a small price to pay for the overall… feeling. The feeling of, “Ah, I’m home.” Even if ‘home’ for me is a slightly creaky hotel room in Thunder Bay.
Would you recommend it? (Even with the green eggs and creaky elevators?)
Without a doubt. Yes! If you’re looking for pure, unadulterated luxury and pampering, maybe look elsewhere (the Delta is just down the street, though I haven’t stayed there). But if you’re looking for a comfortable, reliable, and welcoming place to stay in Thunder Bay, where you can actually RELAX? Where you're valued as a human being, and not just a credit card number? Absolutely. 100%. Go. Stay. And then email me and tell me what *you* think. Just don't take my mattress. Please.
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