Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites

We ended up needing a place in Sidney for the night after a windstorm canceled our ferry. The hotel was a pleasant surprise. Our room was in the building behind the one with the lobby. Although it was listed as a city view, we could see a bit of the water, and the room felt welcoming and comfortable. There was more than enough for our needs, including pots, pans, dishes, utensils, a double burner hot plate (I think induction), a microwave, and a mini-fridge. Little details made the stay feel thoughtful: water bottles in the fridge, a bathroom night light, a huge jetted soaking tub with a separate shower, and lamps on both sides of the bed with dimmer switches. There's also a fantastic restaurant in the building.

The location was the highlight: close to the ocean, walking paths, the city center, restaurants, and fishing pier, with parking on site. Staff were friendly and service was good. The room was small and modestly decorated, but seriously dated. Some areas weren't very clean, including noticeable water stains in the bathroom and tub. The bed and bedding were comfortable enough, but the building needs renovation. Plumbing problems and slow drains were apparent, and sound carried badly: I heard footsteps overhead and loud shower and toilet plumbing during the night. Breakfast didn't match the room rate, either. At 7 a.m. the hot dish was empty. For $265 a night, I expected a much better room and amenities.

We could charge our EV overnight at one of the three free stations, which was a welcome bonus. Most staff were very nice and friendly, or at least polite and professional. The breakfast was okay, standard travel hotel food, and the strawberry waffle topping was a nice surprise. Bring your own timer for the waffle maker, which seems to run on island time, and use nonstick spray unless you want a waffle that comes apart. The hotel is older, with custom updates and woodwork in the shared spaces. In our room there was a basic desk, a table for two, and a cheap fake electric fireplace that doesn't give off heat, though we didn't need it. The vinyl floors and the building's age mean you hear movement from the second floor if you're in a room below, so light sleepers should ask for an upstairs room. The bathroom showed evidence of repeated attempts to repair water damage. There were very few outlets, and their placement was awkward. We had to move the coffee maker across the desk to plug it in. Only one outlet was beside a bed, and an extension cord ran to a wireless charging pad on the middle nightstand. Another outlet by the sliding door and fireplace had retrofit conduit. The beds were soft and springy. Most things were clean, but the coffee maker hadn't been cleaned for an unknown time, and a used full-size towel from a previous guest was balled up under one bed. The room was much warmer than the 20C setting on the wall when we arrived, even for my wife, who is always cold. We found a custom rod at the sliding door that let us leave it slightly open, and the room became comfortable with the heat off.

I've stayed here twice now and really like the place. The rooms are cozy, the beds are extremely comfortable, and the beach view is beautiful. The staff are wonderful too. I'd be very happy to come back. :)