West Coast Trail Lodge

The location is cool, right by the pub, and in high season Beach camp coffee is just below. The place was clean, too, but at $200 a night I'd spend my money elsewhere for a decent shower. Parking was limited, and the water pressure was barely there. It almost shut off completely, probably because someone flushed a toilet somewhere. The Wi-Fi was just about enough to send a message or check email, and the smart TV simply didn't work. We were there for the outdoors, so that wasn't a huge bother. The beds were really soft, though, and there was no soundproofing at all. We could hear our neighbours talking. I wouldn't stay again.

The area around the place is stunning to explore, and the staff were kind when I forgot my car adapter and let me charge it overnight. My stay was mostly fine, but the room got very hot even with the windows open. Guest services said they knew it tended to get warm; their only real fix was offering a room change for me and my dog. The kitchenette was sparse and didn't have the kettle their website advertised. The king bed was uncomfortable, so I didn't sleep well. The beachfront sauna was alright, but it didn't get very hot and the wood wasn't great. Bring your own water, theirs tasted horribly metallic. It's okay if you just need somewhere to sleep, but don't expect much comfort or more than basic amenities.

The lodge is in a beautiful setting, with gorgeous surroundings. Our room was acceptable, though there was hardly space to move around. The kitchen had only two place settings, and the bathroom garbage can and dish rack were both very rusty. Parking was limited, too. It was okay overall.

We stayed in a double queen room. The checkout email said we had to wash any dishes we used and take out the garbage and recycling, or they'd charge $75 to the credit card. But there was no dish soap or proper sink in the room, so we rinsed things in the bathroom sink using the shower bar soap. Gross. If guests are expected to clean up, they should be given the supplies to do it. Two of the three of us now have head colds, probably from germs left by previous guests, and we have to miss work. This vacation has become more expensive. We wouldn't have minded cleaning if there'd been a proper sink, soap, and the rest, but the whole setup felt gross and unsanitary. Pretty disappointing. If you stay, I'd suggest bringing disposable dishes and cutlery.