Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites St. Catharines Conference Center by IHG

When our shower base clogged, maintenance fixed it right away. The staff were helpful throughout, from front desk team members Kristen and Rob to Debbie in housekeeping and her colleague. Kate deserves special thanks for being amazing each morning at breakfast, which had lots of variety. The hotel’s bowling, arcade, gym, and pool were fantastic, and everyone working there was friendly. The lobby was spotless and attractive, and the café shop was a nice touch. We’ve stayed at many Staybridge hotels, and Staybridge Suites St. Catharines is one of the best. After our car’s alternator failed shortly after check-in, the welcoming atmosphere and amenities helped our family, especially the kids, through a stressful moment. It exceeded our expectations and will be our first choice in the area.

For the price, this was a good hotel. Parking was plentiful, there’s a covered luggage drop-off, and the front desk got us checked in within minutes. They explained the on-site activities and their hours, as well as the complimentary breakfast. The room was fairly modern and decently renovated. The queen beds weren’t too soft, and there were both firm and soft pillows. The bathroom felt a bit cramped, and I think body wash was being used in place of hand soap. I’d prefer foaming sanitizer soap. The kitchen could use more garbage bags, since none were provided. I also couldn’t find scissors, and I wasn’t sure whether the previous guest had taken the coffee filter or there hadn’t been one. The rest was fine. The attached restaurant was great. The dining area was very clean but small, with only five or six tables. The continental breakfast was the usual Holiday Inn fare included with IHG. Bowling was a plus: three people for an hour, including shoe rental, came to just under $80 with tax. Book ahead, as it can stay busy until 9 pm, even though it’s open until 1 am. The coffee shop serves Starbucks-level coffee, so there’s less need to drive elsewhere.

We stopped giving this hotel our money after what happened with our dog. Our almost 16-year-old pup had been with us all day, and we left her to rest at the hotel in the evening. About 45 minutes later, the front desk called to say she had been “barking all day.” My husband explained she hadn’t been there all day and offered to show timestamped photos and her tracker’s active-minute count, but they insisted we return or they’d call animal control. We got back as fast as we could. The manager then said “all day” was a play on words and that animal control was being called “for the welfare of the animal.” To me, animal control brings to mind a dog catcher or euthanasia, not my pup’s welfare. Heather in the dining room was the only welcoming staff member we encountered. The others were cold and rude and didn’t seem interested in talking. The elevators were extremely slow, one was broken about half the time, and the TVs weren’t working either. Breakfast was the same every day, so I hope you like having the same thing. Find another hotel.

We stayed one night for my birthday before going to the Falls. The hotel was great, and our room had a microwave, stovetop, fridge, and dishwasher. It was noisy right beside the elevator, but when I asked to move, they switched us in minutes without any trouble. Front desk staff were polite and check-in was quick. I’m not sure why the reviews are low.