Sorrento Inn

I booked three nights by phone and was charged the agreed rate on my credit card. When I arrived, I saw a sign advertising $129 per night, much more than I’d paid, and there was no option to cancel. I felt ripped off. The office staff weren’t professional.

The location is the motel’s only redeeming quality. We stayed a few years ago after our boat broke down on the lake, and the room was filthy, with dead bugs and what looked like bodily fluids on the walls. I used my beach towel to sleep on instead of the blankets and wouldn’t go near the shower or bathroom. The receptionist didn’t know how to use the phone at the desk, and the phone in our room was disconnected. If I could give it zero stars, I would.

We stayed one night before a nearby wedding and would come back. The room was very clean, the bed was comfy, and we had a full fridge and small kitchenette. A/C worked, the hot and cold water worked, and the towels were clean. Nice little place in a great location for us, suitable for a group or a solo stay. We called to ask for an earlier check-in, and the welcoming, cheerful staff got us in almost two hours early and were great about it.

The free kayaks, canoes, and SUPs by the water were a real plus, as was the five minute walk to the beach. There’s also a game room with billiards, air hockey, and video games, plus the Iron Nation gym is a five minute drive away. The area isn’t as crowded as Salmon Arm or Sicamous. The room was well cleaned, with spotless linens and no hair or smell on them. Still, the room itself smelled of cigarette smoke and an old building. It had been renovated, but despite how good the photos make it look for a family or romantic stay, I wouldn’t want my partner sleeping in that smell. The claimed four person room has a second bed, but the A/C blows right at its head, so it’s not usable when you need the air conditioning. The table leg was bent and short, and they must have known when they put it there. Staff shortages meant waiting: there was nobody at the office when I arrived in the evening, and I waited half an hour after a long drive. Another time, I waited 15 minutes just to catch the waitress’s eye and order. She was the only one serving all the customers, so it wasn’t her fault. The food was a joke, like someone with no cooking skills had replaced the real cook. It was my worst restaurant experience so far. I didn’t want to spoil my stay by arguing, but I’d have been embarrassed to serve that food even for free. For normal evening food, you have to drive to Salmon Arm. The beach is peaceful and kid-friendly, but there are weeds beyond the children’s swimming area, so you need a SUP or sit-on-top kayak to reach deeper water and swim. This place suits adventurers, single men, low-maintenance guests, or budget travelers. At about $200 a night it isn’t cheap, just cheaper than most hotels nearby. The free kayaking does save a lot on daily expenses.