Sawridge Inn Fort McMurray

We had no choice but to go back 14 km to the Best Western Plus, in the direction we'd just come from. They had one room with one bed for the four of us, so the kids slept on the floor. The hotel there was beautiful and new, and the woman said the room had been taken care of. At the Sawridge, the front desk woman asked if anyone had told us they weren't taking more guests. Nobody had. On my way home, I got a call saying we'd be charged for a room at the Sawridge, the two-queen room we never got.

The free breakfast was awful, with food left in the warmers for hours until it was rubbery. When I asked the young man at the desk for a manager, he first said he was the manager, then quickly changed his story once I started asking about things around the hotel. The rates had gone up by $50 a night around the fire, yet the pool and hot tub were closed and the menu was very limited. None of that was disclosed when I booked or checked in. I had to find somewhere to stay with my two dogs because of unforeseen circumstances. They've lost my business, and I won't recommend this place.

The complimentary breakfast was much better than we expected, and the friendly staff and lovely Sawridge Inn made the price feel right for what we got. The restaurant portions were a little small for their prices, but the food was good. I was sorry to hear the hotel had been sold to the local business Summit trucks and would be closing in the coming months.

I was glad to find larger take-home bottles of the organic face soap and minty shampoo and conditioner at the front desk. They also told me about the Native Lady who makes them and where I could get more later. I ate from the buffets for most of my meals and expected to get tired of them after week one, but the choices changed every day. The pool and hot tub were closed because of the boil water advisory, though the gym was open, and the WiFi streamed Netflix without a lag. Fort Mac was dealing with a big staffing shortage after the evacuation, but everyone who had returned or was new was fantastic. I was a little annoyed by the longer line at the desk and restaurant, but the staff were so friendly and welcoming that I got over it quickly. My room was spacious, with a good-sized desk, comfy armchair, and an even comfier bed with quality pillows. I care a lot about pillow quality!