Beach Gardens Resort and Marina

We came back last summer during a motorcycle trip from Vancouver, after staying at both the marina and hotel several times years ago. The place has gone downhill enough that calling it a resort no longer fits. It feels like an overpriced motel with a very nice view. We expected to eat while looking out over the water, but the restaurant was closed during our stay and apparently only opens a few days a week. That schedule wasn't on the website, so we had to find somewhere else for both dinner and breakfast.

The attached Bistro was a pleasant surprise, with great food at reasonable prices. Our room was clean and the view was beautiful, even though work on the property was clearly underway. The woman who checked us in explained everything and offered a few ideas. Prices were fair, and we'd happily book again and tell others to stay here. The one thing that needs attention is the website information. Thanks to the staff for everything.

At about $230 a night for an oceanfront room, the rate seemed fair, especially since some parts of the resort are in disrepair. The building with the rooms itself was clean and well kept. There's good parking, an elevator, a microwave and fridge, plus a liquor store downstairs. A small beach is right outside, and the view is excellent. I'd avoid rooms ending in 1, 2, or 3, like 401 or 302, because they're directly over the restaurant exhaust. It gets loud and smelly. The walls don't block much sound, and our patio window was dirty. The coffee setup was frustrating too: a tiny cup with full size Keurig pods, no coffee in the lobby, and no coffee or breakfast at the restaurant. Having to drive somewhere for decent coffee was a real pain. I'll bring my own machine and window spray next time.

The views were great, and I'd stay again while visiting family in Powell River. Just don't count on breakfast. There isn't a continental breakfast, only vouchers for morning food at Town Center Hotel, where the staff were rude when we asked to take a few things to go. Beach gardens said taking food along was fine, since lots of people head out to the ferries early. Our stay cost $200 a night before taxes and fees. One other annoyance: the empty room beside us had an alarm set for 1 a.m. It took 45 minutes to reach someone who could shut it off.