Lodge and Lantern

There’s a nice station downstairs in the shared area where you can make tea or grab a snack. The bed was comfortable and nicely arranged, but the room seemed to have no soundproofing. The family next door was loud from check-in through check-out, shouting at supper and waking us when we were trying to sleep. There were so many mosquitoes around that I was scared to get out of the car.

The room was tiny and basic, with no storage, which we were prepared to put up with. The bigger problem was the portable A/C unit fixed just inches from the bed. It made a huge noise whenever it kicked in and couldn’t be moved. It was a very hot day and night, and the window didn’t open. The unit startled us every few minutes all night; by 4AM we were exhausted and still hadn’t slept. We asked to change rooms, but were told none were available, so we left to find somewhere else. I booked six nights at Basecamp because the website made it look cute and clean, starting 8/3/2025. That first night was the worst I’ve ever had in a hotel. We complained to the front desk and manager and asked for a refund for the remaining five nights. They were nice and apologetic, but refunded only the base rate, not the taxes and fees. One miserable night at Basecamp Golden ended up costing us 980 Canadian dollar. I don’t understand why they couldn’t cancel the original booking and charge us for just that one night. I’m sure I would have received a full refund if this had happened in the States. After the owner’s reply: You can’t hide behind “our policy is not refundable…” when customers have received inferior service or product. That’s a bad-faith policy. The taxes paid to you weren’t yours to keep, and keeping them without refunding us is fraud. I also paid taxes for our stay at another hotel, so effectively I paid twice. For anyone reading this, pay attention to many of the positive reviews. I believe most are fake reviews from so-called “local guides”, who write reviews for random hotels or businesses in exchange for payment or perks. That’s how these terrible hotels can still keep reasonable overall ratings. Tap on the reviewers’ information and you’ll see what they’re doing.

For $285/night even with a discount, this was nowhere near worth it. The room was clean but tiny, with no storage or laundry, and the walls were so thin we could hear the guests next door fighting and swearing. There was no front desk staff unless you called their mobile, and the back deck was filthy, covered in pigeon droppings. Our room had no A/C and poor ventilation. We were told to go up the road and pay for laundry, with no offer of help. At this price, that was disappointing. My partner and I have both worked in the hotel industry, so we know what can be done, and this fell well short. Half the price would’ve been more reasonable. Wouldn’t return.

The loft rooms are clean and laid out nicely, with very comfortable beds, but they’re extremely basic. The hotel is much smaller than the flattering property photos led me to expect, though it is quaint and locally situated. Clunky A/C units attached to the windows look cheap for the nightly fees. I probably wouldn’t stay again, even if it’s likely the best Golden has to offer. I was still using the bathroom in our room and had an upset stomach, so I stayed 20 minutes past checkout. I was told I’d be charged for staying beyond the designated time. Sorry for needing to use the amenities, but I definitely WONT be back. Reading other reviews, it seems management doesn’t take responsibility for constructive feedback and instead blames guests for not reading about the lack of amenities and privacy. Why ask for reviews if you won’t accept responsibility and improve the place? Blaming guests for sharing feedback is not good enough. It shows future guests exactly what you think of them.