Trans Canada Motel

The room was filthy when I arrived, with handprints and who knows what on the walls, tables, and lampshades. The AC smelled musty and its filter looked like it hadn’t been changed. The bedding seemed clean at first, but I found long hairs everywhere when I stripped it to check for bed bugs. I had blankets with me and slept in my own bedding. I also blocked off the bed so my dogs wouldn’t get on it, and they didn’t. The dogs were never on the bed, as requested. This was a last-minute booking the night before, after other calls, since this was the first place with a room for two people and two large dogs. I told the manager about both dogs ahead of time and was told the fee was $30 each, which was fine. At check-in, he added a $100 pet deposit on top of the $60 dog charge. I understood the deposit, but questioned the rule that dogs on the bed meant no deposit back because the linens “can’t wash properly.” Surely the linens are washed after every guest, and most dog hair comes out in the wash. Still, it was their policy and I followed it. About 20 minutes after I arrived, I showered. As I stepped out, a male cleaner let himself into my locked room with a key and walked in while I was standing there in a towel. Thankfully, my dogs scared him off before I could. I left the room cleaner than I found it. At checkout there was no one at the front desk, just a sign asking guests to leave the key card on the counter. I did, but the $100 deposit wasn’t returned to my credit card. A few days later the manager sent receipts showing a refund, but it never appeared on my card. I’m going to eat the deposit rather than deal with this place again. DO NOT STAY HERE.

We were charged $129 plus tax at the office, even though the reservation company had charged $129 and the manager said the room was only $110. We arrived at 11:30 pm, and he said he’d close the office after helping us. The room smelled of stale alcohol and filth, with shocking grime on the walls and in the bathroom. Some parts of the walls were just exposed plywood. We lasted an hour before the smell and condition sent us back on the road to Calgary in the middle of the night. The owner took no responsibility for the room’s cleanliness and said we should have told him within 15 minutes, though he had already closed his office. The reservation company said the hotel had to fix the problem and that they weren’t responsible; the hotel manager said it was the company’s issue. I don’t recommend staying here. We should’ve slept in the car. 😞

The room had a bad feel, the TV didn’t work, and we weren’t given a microwave, even though the booking said one would be provided. We had to eat cold food. The online listing didn’t mention a $30 pet fee, and the owner’s way of asking me to pay for my dog felt cheap. He seemed greedy and didn’t value guests. We had to ask him to be respectful. Pet deposits are refundable everywhere I’ve been. Don’t go here, you’ll be disappointed, and there are better choices for the money.

We got what we needed, a clean bed and a bathroom, and the bed was comfortable. The room was tidy, though not especially clean, and the decor and finishes were dated. The tub leaked, some bulbs were burned out, and the towels were tiny. On the plus side, there were two mini fridges, a microwave, and working heat and AC. It was quiet inside despite being so close to the #1 Hiway. The front desk owner was pleasant, and pets are accepted for an extra $30 a day.