Ramada by Wyndham Coquitlam

I waited over a month for my security deposit to be returned and called several times to follow up. Instead of sorting it out, they transferred me to remote representatives outside Canada who knew nothing about what was happening at the hotel. Eventually, I was told to go to the front desk, so I drove nearly two hours to resolve it in person. The staff member there said she knew nothing about my deposit and told me to come back another day to speak with the manager. She was dismissive and made me feel like I was wasting her time, when I was only trying to get my own money back. The poor communication, lack of accountability, and customer service were unacceptable. Customers shouldn't have to chase their money for weeks or drive long distances because the hotel can't handle a basic deposit refund. Very frustrating.

The kids enjoyed a couple of swims, even though the pool area looked dated. Its current hours are 10am-10pm. We stayed two nights in two different rooms, since we hadn't expected to stay the second night. The experience was pretty good overall. The building is showing its age, though the quality is decent for the price compared with other hotels nearby, and the rooms were fairly clean. Sound carries between rooms, especially through adjoining-room doors, and those doors slam loudly like they do in many hotels. If a door isn't shut all the way, it beeps until it closes. Check-in took quite a while both times, even with self check-in, as there was only ever one staff member at the front. Checkout was quick both times. I used the online option once and checked out in person the other time.

Everything was clean, from the floors and bathroom to the linens, and the room was in reasonable shape for a hotel at this level and price. It was small and basic, and my stay went better than many of the reviews had led me to expect. There were a few surface-level problems: the AC and heat made a lot of noise when switching on and off, the shower head was about 5' high, and the fridge was only a little colder than the room. Next time I stay in Coquitlam, I'll first see whether I can find something else for a similar price, but I'd be fine staying here again.

The only downside this time was the small ants. I set my food on the nightstand for a few minutes, and when I was about to pick it up, it was covered in them. This was in December. I keep choosing this hotel when I visit town because it's so convenient, just a few minutes' walk from Lougheed mall and the skytrain station. There are rooms with kitchenettes as well as ones with a basic small fridge and microwave, and I've had great stays here.