Lighthouse Motel

Getting into our suite was stressful from the start. We’d booked a pet-friendly unit months ahead, and the booking email said the card would be charged on arrival and that a door code would arrive the day before or on the day. It also listed two phone numbers and explained that check-in was self-service with no manager on site. No code ever came. On our way from Victoria, the first number was out of service; no one answered the second, and I left a voicemail. We weren’t due to arrive until late and still had no way to get in. I found another number on the website when we arrived, and luckily someone answered. Barb, the owner or manager, told me to find her at the front, which I did. She said our suite wasn’t available and she’d been busy, so hadn’t sent the code. We were moved to suite #5, described as an “upgrade,” but it wasn’t pet-friendly. Barb pointed at my corgi and said she absolutely couldn’t go on the furniture because the breed sheds a lot. I agree about the shedding, but Barb then lectured me on caring for the room and repeated the furniture rule. Allowing a dog in the room while making it clear she can’t use the furniture didn’t feel very pet-friendly. The suite was small, with barely enough room to walk around the bed to the bathroom. The light switch didn’t work, and later we found there were no bulbs in the room’s only light fixture. There was no information about the motel or even the WiFi password in the room. After Barb took payment, I couldn’t find her on site, so I texted. She replied later that there should have been an information card in the room and apologized if it was missing because she was busy. I’m not sure how she could be too busy to send the entry code before we arrived, then leave the room without the information we needed to follow her rules. There was also a suite above us, and its guests were very loud in the middle of the night. We could hear every footstep and their conversations. The motel didn’t seem to enforce quiet hours. The seawall was a nice feature, but Barb walked around explaining motel rules to other guests. Whenever I saw her, I went back inside to avoid another lecture. The motel is beside a campsite/RV park, which got really loud in the evenings, so it was hard to enjoy the peaceful waves from the seawall. The location was decent for a day trip to comox and close to Fanny Bay. Unfortunately, there isn’t much else positive I can say about my stay. With better customer service and hospitality from Barb, I might have been able to look past many of these issues. As another review put it, Barb was quite “off-putting,” and that’s the lasting impression I have of the motel.

The seaside patio takes the edge off the day, and this is just the spot if you want somewhere quiet and peaceful to unwind. Barbara is a wonderful host, and the rooms have an eclectic mix of details, from breakfast trays to original artwork. Qualicum Bay isn’t for someone looking for a busy city scene, but if relaxing by the sea sounds good, the Lighthouse motel is a great fit.

Barbara was attentive and welcoming, and the rooms were clean and comfortable. The motel is right on the beach, with tide pools visible from its large seawall patio. It has everything you need for a great stay.

Such a lovely surprise. Barbara has added thoughtful touches that make the room feel cozy, and the views and quiet were wonderful. The spacious outdoor area was a great place for coffee at sunrise or sunset. I’d like to try the firepit next time, and I’ll definitely be back. Booking was easy, with clear communication and no issues.