Zens Inn

The self check-in was easy: after booking, the owners email you the outside door code, and the code for inside if you have a private room. The place is right on the downtown "high street" in what looks like a converted business or a set of loft apartments, all renovated to modern standards. The public area is spacious, with a couch and TV, plus a full kitchen stocked with utensils and condiments and a self-serve Continental Breakfast in the morning. There are also two washrooms with toilets. I stopped between MTL and TO and hadn't expected anything beyond a fleapit, a walk-in chain motel, or maybe a cabin. Finding a hostel about two hours from my starting point and right on the water was a surprise, so I had to check it out. There are about six "bunks" in the living areas, reached by a small staircase, and two shared showers. Private rooms are downstairs. They're clean, roomier than hostel bunks, and have a desk and chair. Watch your head because of the low ceiling, but the space is comfortable and well planned. I'd recommend it for a road trip stop, and maybe as a base for a Thousand Islands trip. I'm not sure I'll be back in that area since it's not very close to major cities or attractions, but if I am, I'll stay here again :)

The place has a really cool feel, especially at night with the blue LED lighting, and self-check-in is easy. It's one of the cleanest, most comfortable places I've stayed. There's an open kitchen available 24 hours a day with staple food items, a guest fridge for your own things, and private shower rooms separate from the bedrooms. Some rooms have doors and keypad entry, while others have curtain entrances. I'd wholeheartedly recommend it if you're in Prescott and need somewhere to sleep on your own.

I had a fantastic night's sleep right in the centre of town, at about half the price of a local motel. I was skeptical about a hostel for my one night because I wanted some comfort, but the rave reviews and price convinced me to try it. I think my single room cost around $100, a bargain when two star hotels nearby were asking $200 a night. It's modern and cool from the entrance to the pod or room. No reception desk or fuss, just a code and room number. I can't believe how clean it is. I've stayed in more hostels than most people and been around the world, and this is easily among the cleanest and coolest I've seen. The common areas are clean, maintained, and inviting. There's a decent kitchen, a big screen tv with cable, and even an arcade machine. Each room has all the necessities you'd expect at the Hilton, not a hostel. I'm seriously impressed. I've got to check out today for a work function at a chain hotel, but honestly wish I could stay here the whole time. The owners should consider opening more of these across Ontario. They'd be so popular!

The bed was a 10 and the cleanliness was more than a 10. The room was small and the ceiling low, but the affordable price made that fine for a night, and I slept wonderfully even with only a curtain for a door. I wasn't nervous when I heard other people coming to their pods later at night. The owner's communication with me was spot on, I have no complaints, and I'd come back in a heartbeat. Prescott isn't a very inviting town to me, but stepping into Zens Inn's zen environment made my 5 1/2 hour trip worthwhile. I was in the area for tree top trek and needed an affordable place to sleep, and Zens Inn did exactly that. Parking is free and a reasonable distance from the building considering it's on a busy street. I felt very safe. It really felt ZEN, and I'll remember this experience. Loved it!! 😍