Ramada Jordan/Beacon Harbourside Resort

The lake views are the best part. The rooms are designed so guests can look out over Lake Ontario, and it’s a lovely, quiet place to take them in. The staff are decent, though I wish they were friendlier, more considerate, and more helpful. The rooms also feel like they haven’t been updated in a long time and have a bit of a motel feel. For what guests pay, basic things like a microwave would be welcome. The bathrooms work well, but an upgrade would make the price feel more worthwhile and might bring guests back.

The lake view from the reception area and the quiet, clean hallways were lovely. My room, 405, was spacious, had a stunning balcony view, and came with a coffee machine, coffee, water, and the other things I needed. The hotel is older, but it has a charming feel. The bathroom was clean and had the essentials, though there was no closet. I’d been unsure about booking after reading reviews on Expedia, but I’m glad I gave it a try. The front desk manager greeted me warmly and walked me through check-in. In the morning, another receptionist was just as friendly and helpful. There are three floors and no elevator, though only the first floor is used for guests, so that wasn’t an issue for me. Breakfast was included, which was a nice surprise for the low rate of $86 for one night. After three nights at the Brocks Hotel in Niagara, I had a comparison point. Here, breakfast was simple: boiled eggs, coffee, croissants, butter, jams, bread, and tea. I enjoyed coffee and eggs before checking out. You can’t expect five-star amenities at a three-star hotel, or every luxury for under $100 a night. I loved the peaceful feel and beautiful lake views. It would be a great getaway for some quiet headspace, or to take boat rides and spend time by the water. I’ll definitely come back.

I decided to drive farther rather than stay here, even though I’d already driven through the night. In a five-minute conversation, the manager tried to charge me $35 extra for the room, despite it being advertised online as a pet-friendly room at a specific price with a tab showing the costs for that exact room. My platinum membership and history didn’t seem to matter either. He also quoted $180 per night before pet charges. I reminded him of the price on their own website, and he corrected that large difference, at least. This Wyndham motel’s manager attempted to take $80 from a tourist and potential customer. I didn’t even have to stay at this Wyndham motel to have a terrible experience.

We hardly spent any time in the room and only returned to sleep. When we woke up, we had to leave right away because we couldn’t bear to stay in it any longer. It’ll take a huge overhaul before we come back. The lake view was the best part, though we couldn’t see it clearly because the patio doors were covered in dead bugs and some questionable white stuff. We were told our room had been newly renovated. At least it had no carpet, but everything else looked old and had no relaxing feel. There was also a very odd smell, strongest on the couch and, sadly, the bed. The hotel still feels very dated despite apparently being renovated. It’s a shame, since the location, lake views, and easy highway access could make it a winner.