By the Bridge Bed & Breakfast

A death in my family meant my husband and I had to cancel our planned stay at Beds by the Bridge. I didn't notice the cancellation policy when booking, and with five days' notice I expected at least a partial refund, since there seemed to be time to fill the room. Dealing with a sudden death is stressful enough, and I received no sympathy.

Great location, but the stay was a very horrible experience for me. My room was cluttered, with poor furniture, worn carpets and equipment, and a toilet and bathroom in a closet while the sink was in the bedroom. There was barely any cleaning. I didn't know where to put my waste, and no one came to clean during my stay. I never got fresh sheets or towels during the 5 nights, though maybe I should have asked. I found daily room service should have been provided. I later asked for a trash bag and for my garbage to be binned. The woman I believed was the cleaner spoke to guests in a very poorly mannered way. She turned out to be the owner's wife. I wanted to raise her manners with him, but he said he didn't want to discuss it and told me to follow the rules. The house rules felt unnecessarily strict for a public space. I disliked being told to remove my shoes at the downstairs entrance before going upstairs. The supposed cleaner confronted me about my shoes; I took them off then, but didn't keep doing so because this is an old house and the carpets were worn out. I had booked 2 nights and arrived very late on the first night, not knowing what to expect. After my second night, I had an encounter with the woman. She banged on my door three times: first to ask if I was checking out so she could clean, then to bring the trash bag I'd asked for, and then to look for her cleaning vacuum. When she saw my expression, she asked if she'd woken me, looked around my room for the vacuum, and left. The only time she seemed ready to clean was when I was due to check out, but she left after I said I'd extended my stay. I didn't know whether I was supposed to ask for cleaning, because she obviously didn't want to, and no one else came by during my stay. I wanted to leave before checkout because the atmosphere was so negative, but couldn't get anywhere with the owner. He wouldn't answer my calls or the doorbell even though they were both in the room. I had to get someone else to speak with him before he took my calls. I only wanted to find out whether I could get a refund and leave, but he refused. Because of financial constraints, I stayed one more night even though the place no longer felt conducive. The owner later said he didn't want to chase me out before checkout because I was new to Canada. The owner arrived at exactly 1100. I left at 11:23, but he claimed I'd checked out late. He came downstairs and accused me of stealing his vacuum. He was smoking near my luggage, and I was overwhelmed enough to ask if he wanted to search it. While my cab was arriving, he came outside and accused me of taking his Robot vacuum, which he mentioned in his response. I'm glad my new place let me check in early, at 12:20 instead of 4pm. I know he'll come here to sweep my claims under the rug or say he doesn't recognize this guest, as he normally does with other reviews. I've read reviews and found that many things I mentioned keep recurring, and the owner seems more defensive than interested in resolving them. He knew I was new to Canada, but I didn't feel welcomed. For a relaxing stay after a long trip, try to avoid BEDS BY THE BRIDGE. It didn't feel welcoming or give me peace of mind.

I've stayed here twice and loved it both times. The owner is super friendly and answered all my questions. I'd recommend this place to new guests.

It was clean and welcoming, and I'd happily stay again. The lake is 2 minutes away, and downtown is a 10mins walk. The room instructions and house rules were clear and seemed appropriate to me. You're a guest in someone's home.