Best Western Plus Orillia Hotel

This hotel is highly regarded for its direct access to scenic walking trails and the nearby lake, offering a unique blend of outdoor recreation and convenient amenities. Its exceptional complimentary breakfast is consistently highlighted as a major draw, providing a wide array of choices to start the day. Guests frequently commend the overall cleanliness of the property, the comfort of the rooms, and the consistently friendly and accommodating staff. The hotel is particularly well-suited for pet owners due to its dog-friendly policy and adjacent trails, as well as outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking easy access to nature and local attractions. Concert-goers and casino visitors also find it an ideal base, benefiting from its proximity and shuttle service. For value-conscious travelers, the hotel offers a good balance of amenities and service. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to confirm the operational status of the hot tub or sauna prior to booking, and to inquire about room locations if sensitive to potential noise or specific odors.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed to enhance guest convenience and comfort. A popular shuttle service to the nearby casino is frequently utilized, providing a hassle-free transportation option. Guests consistently appreciate the availability of free Wi-Fi throughout the property, ensuring connectivity. A fitness center is on-site for those wishing to maintain their workout routines. However, a significant number of reviews indicate that the pool, hot tub, and sauna are frequently closed for maintenance or under construction, leading to disappointment for many. While some rooms feature a fireplace or jetted tubs, feedback on these amenities is mixed, with some guests reporting issues with cleanliness or functionality. Basic conveniences like ice machines and vending machines are available, though some have been noted as out of order. Parking is provided, but several guests have reported insufficient space, especially during busy periods, and issues with the lot's condition.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally praise the hotel's cleanliness, noting that rooms are often spotless and well-maintained. The comfortable beds and great pillows are frequently highlighted, contributing to a restful night's sleep. Many appreciate the spacious rooms, which offer ample space for relaxation and luggage. However, some guests have noted that the property and certain rooms appear outdated, suggesting a need for renovation. Specific cleanliness concerns have been raised by a few, including reports of dirty jetted tubs with mold, dust on surfaces, and occasional musty odors. While most find the rooms quiet, some have experienced noise levels from adjacent rooms or hallways. A very small number of severe incidents, such as a report of bed bugs and issues with housekeeping service (e.g., bloody linen not replaced, rooms not made up daily without request), have been mentioned, though these appear to be isolated.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as excellent with a wide breakfast variety. It typically includes a good selection of hot and cold options, such as eggs, sausage, and freshly made waffles, along with choices like gluten-free bread, yogurt, and fruit. Many appreciate the availability of specific dietary options like soy milk and lactose-free yogurt. However, some guests have reported that popular items, particularly hot food, can run out quickly, especially later in the morning, leading to disappointment. The on-site restaurant receives mixed reviews; while some guests commend its food quality and service, others have found the menu limited, the food overpriced, or have experienced frequent closures due to staffing issues. Overall, the breakfast is a significant positive, despite occasional issues with meal availability or temperature.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major advantage, offering excellent lake access and direct entry to walking trails that lead to local parks and monuments. It is conveniently situated near Casino Rama, with many guests utilizing the hotel's shuttle service for events. The property is also within easy reach of downtown amenities, including shops and dining options, making it suitable for both leisure and business travelers. Its proximity to major roads ensures good accessibility to surrounding areas like Barrie. While generally considered a quiet area, some minor concerns about construction noise have been noted. Parking is available on-site, but as mentioned, it can be insufficient during peak times, and some guests have reported issues with the lot's condition.

Staff & Service
The hotel's friendly staff is overwhelmingly praised by guests, consistently described as helpful, kind, and accommodating. Many reviews highlight their attentive assistance and willingness to go above and beyond, such as recommending local attractions or assisting with specific requests. The efficient check-in and check-out processes are frequently noted as smooth and quick. While the vast majority of feedback on customer service is positive, a few isolated incidents have been reported where guests felt certain staff members were unhelpful or that specific hotel policies, such as the housekeeping communication regarding opt-in service or credit card holds, were not clearly communicated or handled well, leading to frustration. Despite these infrequent issues, the staff's dedication to providing a welcoming and supportive environment is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a strong pet-friendly policy, which is a significant advantage for guests traveling with animals, especially given the convenient access to nearby walking trails. A dedicated shuttle service to the casino is a popular amenity, typically offered for a nominal fee per person, providing a convenient option for concert-goers. Guests should be aware of the housekeeping opt-in policy, meaning daily room cleaning must be specifically requested. Some guests have experienced issues with the hotel's credit card hold policy for incidentals, particularly those without major credit cards. While the property is generally well-maintained, several reviews mention that the hotel appears older or outdated in certain areas, though this does not detract from its overall cleanliness. Some guests have also noted that rewards program benefits for loyal members are not always consistently applied.