Escape to Paradise: Courtenay's Best Kept Secret (Westerly Hotel Review)

Best Western The Westerly Hotel Courtenay (BC) Canada

Escape to Paradise: Courtenay's Best Kept Secret (Westerly Hotel Review)

Escape to Paradise: Or, Did I REALLY Find Courtenay's Best-Kept Secret? (Westerly Hotel Review - With a Whole Lotta Honesty)

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average sparkly hotel review. This is me, real me, unfiltered and slightly caffeinated, spilling the tea (or maybe the lukewarm, slightly-stale coffee from the buffet – more on that later) on the Westerly Hotel in Courtenay, B.C. They call it "Escape to Paradise." Alright, let's see if it lived up to the hype, shall we?

SEO & Metadata (because, you know, got to play the game):

• Keywords: Westerly Hotel, Courtenay BC, Vancouver Island, Hotel Review, Spa, Pool, Accessible Hotel, Family-Friendly, Restaurant, Wifi, Ocean View, Accessible Travel, Luxury Hotel, Comox Valley
• Meta Description: My no-holds-barred review of the Westerly Hotel in Courtenay, BC! Discover if this supposed "paradise" lives up to its name, with details on accessibility, spa, dining, and whether it's actually worth the stay. Plus, the REAL story!

First Impressions (and a near-disaster with the luggage):

The Westerly. The name itself sounds… well, westerly. Like, promising sunsets and windswept beaches. Pulling up, the exterior is handsome enough. Clean lines, some nice landscaping. The lobby? Pretty standard hotel lobby, really. Slightly generic, a bit… beige. But hey, I’m not judging a book by its cover. Or a hotel by its lobby.

Now, let’s talk about my luggage. I'm a klutz. I always have been. And the first thing I did was nearly trip over a strategically placed potted plant. The bellhop, God bless him, had to practically wrestle my overstuffed suitcase out of a death grip. (Score one for the doorman and luggage storage – I needed them.)

Accessibility – The Good, The Okay, and The "Hmmmmm":

Right off the bat, let's be frank. Accessibility is HUGE for me. I have a friend who uses a wheelchair, so I always pay attention to these details.

• Thumbs Up! They do have accessible rooms, and that's a huge plus. The elevators are spacious, which is essential. The hallways seemed wide enough, and the front desk was reachable. The ramps seemed fine, but I didn't fully test them.
• Things to Ponder: If you're super, SUPER sensitive to minor nuances in accessibility, I'd call ahead and ask for specific dimensions of the bathroom and the hallways of the accessible rooms. I didn't personally verify every detail, but from a quick glance, they appeared to be up to snuff.
• Important Note: This review is based on my observation; I am not an accessibility expert. If you require specific accommodations, please contact the hotel directly and demand your questions be answered. The hotel makes it clear that some of the listed items like the elevator and the facilities for disabled guests are available.

Rooms - The Sanctuary or the Slightly Faded Dream?

The room… Okay. Let's be honest. The room was fine. Clean. (Daily housekeeping, check!) The bed was comfy (extra long bed, yes!). The linens were crisp (thank goodness for linens) and the blackout curtains were a godsend after a late night at the bar. (More on the bar later.) I had requested a non-smoking room, and it was. The problem? The view. (The window that opens was nice, though.)

I booked an Ocean View room, and the ocean… well, it was there. Maybe. Through a few strategic trees and what looked like a half-finished parking lot. The room layout was okay. The bathroom was functional. (Clean toiletries, check! Hair dryer, check!) But it didn't quite evoke that "escape to paradise" vibe. It was more like "comfortable hotel room." (The complimentary tea did help, though.)

Internet – Bless the Free Wi-Fi Gods!

Hallelujah! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (And I did spot Wi-Fi in public areas too.) Seriously, in this day and age, hotels that charge for Wi-Fi are just… wrong. And the Internet [LAN] was there, if you were into that sort of thing, but the wi-fi worked great.

Spa & Relaxation – Chasing the Bliss (and Maybe Finding It?)

Now for the fun stuff. The spa… THAT was more like it. They have the usual suspects: massage, body scrub, body wrap, sauna, steamroom, the whole shebang. I opted for the massage – a deep tissue number that worked out some seriously knotted muscles. The therapist was excellent. My only complaint? It wasn't long enough. (This is a common problem, I think.) The spa area itself was lovely, calm, and soothing. The pool with a view was really good! I didn't test all amenities, but the available ones fit the spa/sauna category. Pool with view was amazing!

Food and Drink – Adventures in Culinary Land (With a Few Stumbles)

• The Good: The poolside bar was a lifesaver. Great cocktails, friendly service. The Happy Hour was a definite perk. They also offer the Asian Cuisine in restaurant.
• The "Meh": The main restaurant… it was trying. The Western cuisine in restaurant was okay, but nothing to write home about. The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, let's just say it could use a boost. The options were there, but the food was of the hotel buffet quality. I ate an unmemorable plate of bacon. And there was Coffee/tea in restaurant. I am not a fan of the coffee, though.
• The Potential: The Room service [24-hour] is a big plus… good for late-night cravings. The Desserts in restaurant looked nice, but I didn't try them. The Coffee shop was a good place to find a better coffee than the breakfast one.

Things to Do – Beyond the Massage (and the Overpriced Souvenirs)

Besides the spa, there's a Fitness center. They had some decent equipment. There's also a Swimming pool [outdoor], which looked appealing, though I didn't actually swim in it. Plenty of things to do. The hotel itself offers some nice options, from Family/child friendly rooms and activities to Meetings. I think the indoor venue for special events is a great option. I love the terrace too! Maybe the outdoor venue for special events could be better.

Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Somewhat Secure (But Is It Enough?)

In these… interesting times, cleanliness is paramount. I was pleased to see Daily disinfection in common areas and Staff trained in safety protocol. They Rooms sanitized between stays, and they provide Hand sanitizer and Face mask which is very important. The Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was also attempted, but it wasn't always strictly enforced. The staff always wore masks. They weren't offering the room sanitization opt-out available, but that didn't matter to me.

Services and Conveniences – The Little Things (and the Not-So-Little Things)

• The Wins: Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Laundry service, and the dry cleaning were all great. They also offer Food delivery, which is pretty useful. I think the Air conditioning in public area is amazing!
• The Potential Improvements: I didn't see any Cashless payment service. The Gift/souvenir shop was overpriced, unfortunately. They do have Car park [free of charge] which is nice.

For the Kids (or, Will They Be Bored or Blissfully Occupied?)

The Westerly seems geared towards families. They offer Babysitting service is a huge win for parents, and the Kid facilities are a plus.

The Final Verdict – Paradise Found? (Maybe… with a Few Caveats)

So, does the Westerly Hotel live up to its "Escape to Paradise" billing?

• The Good: The spa is excellent. The staff are friendly and mostly helpful. The rooms are comfortable (if not breathtaking). The free Wi-Fi is a gift from the gods. The overall vibe is pleasant and relaxing.
• The Not-So-Good: The view from my room (seriously, I'm still a little salty about that). The breakfast buffet could be better. Some of the communal areas felt a little dated.
• The Verdict: The Westerly is a solid choice for a relaxing getaway. It's not a perfect paradise, but it's a good one. I’d recommend it, but

Escape to Paradise: Green Tree Inn Awaits in Hubei!

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Best Western The Westerly Hotel Courtenay (BC) Canada

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to wade into the sweet, messy, and slightly chaotic world of my potential trip to the Best Western The Westerly Hotel in Courtenay, BC. This ain't your pristine, perfectly-formatted itinerary. This is me, unfiltered, trying to figure out how to NOT screw up my vacation.

Day 1: Arrival, Mild Panic, and the Quest for Decent Coffee

• 11:00 AM (ish) - Touchdown! (Or, More Accurately, Taxi-Down to the Hotel)

  • Okay, so the flight was… a flight. You know, the usual cramped seats, questionable air quality, and the eternal question: "Do I REALLY need to use the airplane bathroom?" I somehow survived, landing in Comox. Finding a taxi to the Westerly is my first small victory. Hopefully, the driver isn't a Chatty Cathy; I need to mentally prepare for the arrival.
  • Immediate thought: Did I pack enough socks? I always forget socks. And I’m already regretting the extra pair of shoes I packed. This is gonna be a theme, I can feel it.

• 12:00 PM - Check-In Shenanigans.

  • Picture this: me, possibly slightly disheveled, approaching that front desk. Smile, be polite, try not to look like I haven’t slept in a week (even though, let's be honest, I probably haven't). Hoping for a decent room, preferably NOT near the ice machine. Those things are a menace.
  • Ancedote: Last time I stayed at a Best Western, I got a room directly across from the vending machine. It was a constant symphony of clinking and crunking. I swear, I developed a Pavlovian response to the sound of a bag of chips being dropped. Nightmare fuel.

• 1:00 PM - The Caffeine Crisis!

  • This is CRUCIAL. My internal clock is, to put it mildly, off. I need caffeine. Stat. The complimentary coffee better be up to snuff, otherwise, I'm on a mission. Local café search immediately after drop the luggage. Needs to be strong and, ideally, come with a side of pleasant atmosphere.
  • Emotion: Fear. Pure, unadulterated fear of subpar hotel coffee. My day depends on this.

• 2:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance and Luggage Avalanche.

  • Okay, room is… well, a room. Standard Best Western, I expect. Unpack, which inevitably means creating a small mountain of clothes and toiletries across every available surface. Always. It's a talent, really.
  • Quirky Observation: The hotel room carpet seems… very patterned. Is it trying to hypnotize me?

• 3:00 PM - Exploration (and Likely Mild Confusion).

  • Wander the hotel. Gym? Pool? Restaurants? Trying to get my bearings. Probably wander off in the wrong direction at least once. Get hopelessly lost on a floor I’ve already been on. It’s a gift, I tell you.
  • Emotional Reaction: Relief if I find a pool. Panic if I can’t find the exit.

• 4:00 PM - The Comox Valley Adventure (or Whatever I Can Scrounge Up).

  • Alright, research time! What’s appealing to do?
  • Anecdote: My trip planning skills are…evolving. I read a bunch of random articles before the trip. I’ll probably end up at a brewery. Or maybe a park. I don't know.
  • Opinionated Language: If I'm going to be stuck in a hotel without a view, dammit, I'm going somewhere scenic!

• 6:00 PM - Dinner and Recovery

  • Somewhere to eat in Courtenay. Maybe try to avoid any major tourist traps. Sushi? Local Burger? I will decide by the level of hunger at the time.
  • Stream-of-consciousness: Should I call ahead? Restaurants these days are all booked up! Do I have any reservations? Do I even like restaurants? Maybe I'll just grab something quick from a local shop. But, I also need to try the local cuisine.

• 8:00 PM - Wind Down (and Pray for Sleep)

  • Watch some TV. Read a book (if I remember the book). Stare blankly at the ceiling, wondering if I left the oven on at home. Repeat. Sleep will be a miracle.

Day 2: Diving Deep Into… Something. (Or, More Likely, Complaining About Humidity)

• 8:00 AM - Coffee and Existential Dread

  • Assess the hotel coffee situation. Pray for the best.
  • Opinionated Language: If this coffee is weak, I am officially lodging the complaint. I’m not entirely opposed to starting the day with a bad mood, but I'm at least going to attempt to be pleasant.

• 9:00 AM - Destination Decision: The Comox Valley! Take 2

  • Okay, now that I'm caffeinated, what am I actually doing today? Going to a museum? The beach? Hiking? I'm open to options!
  • Anecdote: I’m really bad at packing, so I will have to make do with whatever I have with me.

• 10:00 AM - Beach Vibes or Mountain Mayhem?

  • Opinionated language: Depends on the weather. If it's raining, all outdoor options are off the table.
  • Stream-of-consciousness: Is the beach crowded? Is high tide? Hiking sounds like too much work. Maybe I just chill out at the hotel.

• 1:00 PM - More "Exploration"

  • Lunch.
  • Quirky Observation: I bet the hotel is full of interesting people. I just don't know who they are.
  • Emotional Reaction: Excitement. Maybe I will meet someone.

• 3:00 PM - Second Round of the day.

  • Me, reflecting… I’m probably going to be tired. I always think I can do more than I can. I should stop being so ambitious.
  • Opinionated Language: I would love to see the mountains. I've also been wanting to go whale watching. I should book a ticket for that.

• 6:00 PM - The Evening Meal and the Solitude of My Thoughts.

  • Stream-of-consciousness: I'm starting to feel a little lonely. Dinner alone is not a great mood lifter. Maybe call a friend? Make some new friends, I guess? It’s vacation, not a social experiment.
  • Emotional Reaction: I don’t want sadness. I should be enjoying the time.

• 8:00 PM - Repeat the Wind Down from Yesterday.

  • The same as yesterday.

• 10 PM - Bed time!

  • Stronger emotional reactions: I really need sleep. I don't want to get sick.

Day 3: Departure (and a Sense of Disappointment)

• 8:00 AM - One Last Coffee.

  • The final test. Will the coffee let me down? I have a better idea.
  • Messier structure and occasional rambles: Is there a cafe nearby? I should just Uber somewhere.

• 9:00 AM - Farewell Breakfast and Packing Panic.

  • The last breakfast. Is it worth having?
  • Quirky Observation: My hotel room looks like a bomb exploded in a laundry room.
  • Stream-of-consciousness: Have I left anything behind? Passport? Phone charger? Keys? Ugh, packing is the WORST.

• 10:00 AM - Check Out and Taxi Hunting.

  • The final goodbye. Hoping the checkout process is smooth.
  • Anecdote: Once, I forgot my toothbrush in a hotel. I had to buy a new one. Annoying.

• 11:00 AM - The Journey Home.

  • Taxi to the Airport.
  • Stronger emotional reactions: Already missing the slow pace.
  • Final Thought: I'll be back. Hopefully, next time, I'll figure out what I'm actually doing.

So there you have it. A rough, messy, and hopefully entertaining glimpse into my potential adventure. Wish me luck. I’ll probably need it.

Escape to Paradise: Cambridge Beaches' Bermuda Bliss

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Westerly Hotel: Escape to Paradise? More Like… Escaping Reality (My Honest Review)

Okay, so "Escape to Paradise"... Is the Westerly *actually* paradise? Don't give me corporate-speak. Be real.

Alright, fine. Real talk? Paradise is a *strong* word. More like… a really decent break from the soul-crushing grind of daily life. Look, the photos? They’re pretty. The reality? Well, let's just say the internet *does* a great job of airbrushing… everything. I went in expecting pristine perfection (thanks, Instagram!) and ended up with… something more *genuine*. Let's just say I've seen more dramatic sunsets from my own back porch, but hey, I wasn't on my back porch, was I?

What's the vibe like at the Westerly? Is it all champagne and caviar, or… something else?

Vibe? Ooooh, that’s a loaded question. Okay, here's my *unsolicited* opinion: it's… relaxed. Very, *very* relaxed. Like, the staff are genuinely friendly, which is a huge plus. No uptight, judging glares here. I actually had a great chat with one of the waitresses about her cat, Mittens, and her utter disdain for dry food. It was… wholesome. But don't expect the Ritz. It's more… *rustic chic*. Think “coastal grandmother” meets “slightly worn, but loved.” The lobby smelled faintly of cleaning products and damp wood. Not entirely unpleasant! Just… real. And maybe a tiny, *tiny* bit in need of better ventilation. (Just saying.)

Let’s talk rooms. Were they as dreamy as the pictures make them out to be? Spill the tea!

Alright, here's the *downright scandalous* truth about the rooms: the "ocean view" I booked? More like “peekaboo ocean view, if you squint just right and ignore the giant tree blocking half the horizon." (I'm kidding… mostly.) My room was… comfortable. Clean, thankfully. The bed, though? That’s another story. It was *divine*. Seriously, I could have happily spent the entire trip just burrowed under the covers. But… and this is a big but… the bathroom. Oh, the bathroom. It was… adequate. Meaning, functional, but not exactly the spa-like oasis I was dreaming of. The shower pressure was… optimistic. And the tiles? Let's just say they'd seen better days. There was a *slight*… mold situation in the grout. Nothing major, just… a little reminder that, hey, you're not royalty. (Again, real talk.)

The food! Was it as glorious as the marketing promises? I'm starving just thinking about it.

Okay, the food. This is where things get… interesting. The breakfast buffet? A bit of a mixed bag. The pancakes were… well, let's just say they benefitted greatly from a generous dollop of maple syrup. But! The bacon? Crispy, salty, and undeniably delicious. Worth the price of admission, nearly. Dinner at the on-site restaurant? Now *that* was an experience. I ordered the seafood linguine. It arrived… *promptly*. Which, in my experience, is a rare and beautiful thing. (I’m looking at you, restaurants that make you wait an hour for a salad!) The pasta was perfectly al dente. The sauce? Creamy and flavorful. The seafood?… Okay, here's the catch. **The seafood was slightly overcooked.** It's a crime; a kitchen sin that eats at my heart. But, and this is a *huge* but… the overall experience? Wonderful, in a chaotic kind of way. The waiter spilled a bit of my wine when trying to refill my glass (which, honestly, isn't *entirely* his fault—those tables are a bit cramped), but hey, stuff happens. He apologized profusely, and I ended up with an extra glass, so… win? It wasn't the best thing I'd ever eaten, but the view from the restaurant made up for it.

What about the activities? Did you actually *do* anything besides eat and sleep?

Ugh, activities. Okay, so I *planned* to be all adventurous and explore. I *pictured* myself hiking, kayaking, communing with nature. The reality? I spent a glorious afternoon curled up on a deck chair, reading a book and occasionally gazing at the ocean. And let me tell you, it was *bliss*. So, yes, I did some "activities". Hiking? Not so much. Kayaking? Nope. Reading? Absolutely. Highly recommend. I did, however, manage to walk to the beach, which was lovely. There were also these advertised "yoga sessions". I tried one. Let's just say my flexibility resembles that of a particularly stiff statue. I spent most of the time trying not to fall over. Thankfully, the instructor was super chill. So, yes, I did some activities, but mainly of the "relaxed and horizontal" variety. And I’m totally okay with that.

Would you go back to the Westerly? Honestly.

Okay, here's the big question. The verdict. Would I go back? You know what? Yeah, I probably would. Despite the slightly dodgy grout, the iffy shower pressure, and the overcooked seafood (I'm not letting that go!), the Westerly had a certain *charm*. It was… unpretentious. It was… real. It wasn’t perfect, but it was *good*. I left feeling refreshed, even if my idea of “paradise” is a little less Hollywood and a little more… well… *real life*. Would I recommend it? Yes, with the caveat that it’s not going to be a flawless experience. But it's probably a good one, and if you're looking for a relaxed getaway, with friendly people, and a stunning location, then it will be right up your alley! And maybe I'll visit Mittens.

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Best Western The Westerly Hotel Courtenay (BC) Canada

Best Western The Westerly Hotel Courtenay (BC) Canada

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