Wingate by Wyndham Lethbridge

The hotel was clean and the staff friendly, and there were quite a few breakfast choices. We stayed with our dogs. The room was clean but worn, and the kitchenette only had a couple of glasses and plates. They’re dog friendly, but don’t provide bowls, so bring your own. Security is very tight at night, which made us wonder how safe the area really was, though the hotel is close to everything downtown. The lot fills when it’s busy, but you can park on the street. Laundry is on the top floor and seemed pricey, though the fee covers washing and drying within the set time. The machines only take loonies, but the front desk can make change.

The staff were wonderful, but there weren’t enough of them. On a long weekend there was only one person at the desk at a time. The hotel is older and feels like about 3 1/2 stars. It’s downtown near the homeless shelter, and people wandered through the full parking lot looking into cars. The hotel needs full-time security to protect guests and vehicles. Street parking is available and the hotel will pay for it, but I didn’t feel safe leaving my car there. The lot is too small for the hotel and was full by 6pm. There are only two handicapped spaces, set against a curb that makes it hard to get out of a vehicle. I need accessible parking, but both spaces were occupied during my stay. The layout is odd, with the main desk at the east end instead of the middle. Since I’m somewhat handicapped and can’t walk far, I needed a room near the elevator. Everyone on my floor passed my room on their way to theirs. Even normal footsteps carry into the rooms, and children running were very loud. I could hear every word from the men in the room across the hall. I’d requested a quiet room when booking directly, but got an adjoining room. When I asked to move, I was told there were no others available. The beds were nice, the blackout blinds made the room pitch black, the AC kept it cool in hot weather, and the free breakfast was better than at most hotels. The tub was my biggest complaint. I’m elderly and short, and its sides were so high that it was unsafe for me to shower. It looked brand new, but I couldn’t climb in, so I went to my daughter’s place to shower. I’ve never needed an accessible room before, but I did here, and none were available. We had two queen beds but only two facecloths and three skimpy towels. I asked for more because my grandkids were staying with me. They took the towels and left two brown facecloths and two brown towels with bleach stains. The pool towels were awful too, almost see-through and only a little longer than a hand towel. They’re kept at the front desk, and I waited nearly 10 minutes while guests were checking in. Ask for two or three towels per person, or bring your own. The pool is a nice size and the water slide is a 10, so families with kids or grandkids old enough to enjoy it might find the hotel worthwhile. People with mobility issues can get into the pool easily, though kids on the slide will splash you. There are dogs in the elevators, halls, and rooms, but the hotel doesn’t warn guests. I’m allergic to dogs and had a fairly serious asthma attack on day 2. There was also a blind, elderly dog behind the desk. Staff would pet it, then handle pool towels, room keys, credit cards, and anything else guests needed. On both evenings when we asked for towels, the clerk was holding the dog behind the desk. If you’re allergic, this could be a problem. If you need a dog-friendly hotel, this one may suit you.

The rooms were nice and clean, and my stay was comfortable. I found it really weird that a tall Indigenous woman who worked in housekeeping asked whether I or someone I knew wanted to buy “candy.” I guess she had mistaken me for somebody else. Aside from that, I had a nice stay.

The breakfast is always delicious, and the rooms are clean and comfortable. The hotel is really close to great downtown restaurants, and whenever I’m in Lethbridge, this is where I stay. The staff are wonderful, so helpful and kind.