StFX University Summer Hotel

The student staff try, but management often seems just as clueless. I kept asking for information and got no communication. The power outage was already going on for more than 24 hours and had lasted twice as long as expected. The hall water dispenser and the room fridges and freezers weren’t working, and food in the hallways was rotting and smelled awful. Yet every hallway light was on during the day, even though those hallways have windows, while the windowless bathroom lights were off. At 9:40 AM I asked whether any kitchen appliances, including the fridge and stove, were working. The answer was “no idea.” I went to check myself, and the manager I’d already asked went up too. When we found the appliances working, the response was, “Oh, so they are working. I don’t know why they are, but they are working.” Are you kidding? There’s no freezer, either. I heard plenty of “sorry,” but there was no action or offer of compensation. No coffee, maybe not even water, and no extension cord at the front desk for people to charge phones after the power had been out for over a day. Is this really how you handle an emergency, with guests left without a way to charge or even stay hydrated? I thought people should know what “sorry” means here: absolutely nothing.

I’m staying here for the Special Olympics National Summer Games right now, and it’s been a great experience. The rooms are spacious, with big bathrooms, and the hotel is very clean. Staff are really friendly. It’s incredibly hot at the moment, so the air conditioning has been a lifesaver.

On our way from PEI to Cape Breton, we stayed one night at StFX University. There are restaurants and grocery stores nearby, which was handy, but the room had a strong smell, maybe from old carpet, and it bothered us throughout the stay. The website said we’d have access to the gym and swimming pool, but when I asked at the front desk, I was told both had been under maintenance since the start of the month. Given what we got, I might not pay that price next time.

Our suite’s AC wouldn’t turn on. There was a wall switch, but it didn’t start the system, so we ended up rolling the window up to cool the room down. When I reported it to the front desk, they only offered a fan. I paid for a room with air conditioning and expected nothing less. The rooms themselves were nice and very clean.