Best Western Plus The Arden Park Hotel

The hotel is consistently praised for its spacious and clean rooms, particularly its suites, which offer a comfortable and well-appointed retreat. Guests frequently highlight the friendly and helpful staff, the hotel's convenient location for theatre-goers, and the presence of an on-site restaurant. It is an ideal choice for theatre-goers, families, couples, groups, and pet owners seeking a comfortable stay. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room on a higher floor if you are sensitive to noise, and be sure to explore the dining options at the on-site restaurant for a convenient and often praised meal.

Facilities & Amenities
The pool and hot tub are popular amenities, though feedback is mixed regarding their condition, with some guests noting issues like the water being too hot or cold, or the hot tub jets not working. Concerns about the pool deck being slippery and the absence of lifeguards have also been raised. A fitness center is available, though some suggest it could benefit from updates. Guests appreciate the availability of free Wi-Fi throughout the property. A coffee machine in the lobby is a welcome touch for many. While an ice machine is present, some reviews mention it being noisy or out of order. The hotel also offers conference rooms that are utilized by various groups, and EV charging is available, though its functionality has been inconsistent for some.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high praise for its cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms as immaculate and spotless. However, some isolated reports mention issues like dirty footboards, hairs or stains on bed sheets, or even blood stains on duvets, and mold in showers. Rooms are frequently described as spacious and comfortable, though some find the decor a bit dated or tired, with occasional mentions of peeling wallpaper. Feedback on bed comfort is mixed; many guests report a restful sleep on comfortable beds, while others find them old, lumpy, or too soft. Noise levels are a recurring theme, with complaints ranging from loud air conditioning units and noisy neighbors to street sounds and thin walls, particularly during events or when located near ice machines. In-room amenities typically include an AC/heater (though sometimes noisy), a coffee maker, fridge, and TV (often cable-only with no streaming options). Bathrooms are generally spacious and clean, but some guests have experienced issues with noisy fans, clogged sinks, or non-functioning showers.

Dining & Food Quality
The on-site restaurant and lounge receive varied feedback, often praised for being convenient, having a pleasant atmosphere, and offering good food, though some find it overpriced or lacking ambiance. Breakfast is a frequent topic; while many guests enjoy the quality and variety, noting delicious options and good value, it is often not included in the room rate, leading to some disappointment regarding its cost and limited choices compared to other hotels. Some guests have found the coffee to be excellent, while others describe it as terrible. Overall food quality is mixed, with positive comments on specific dishes like prime rib and salmon, but also criticisms of sub-par items such as frozen pizza, overly salty food, or disappointing seafood chowder. Restaurant service is generally described as prompt, friendly, and attentive, though some experiences mention slow service or un-warming interactions with staff.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient and central location, making it ideal for guests visiting the area. It is consistently praised for being within easy walking distance to the Festival Theatre, typically a 10 to 15-minute stroll, which is a significant advantage for theatre-goers. While slightly further, downtown Stratford and its shops and restaurants are also accessible by a pleasant walk, usually around 20 minutes, or a short drive. The availability of ample free parking is a major highlight for many guests, adding to the convenience of their stay. The hotel's setting near a park and the river further enhances its appeal for those who enjoy leisurely walks.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, with many guests highlighting their professional and accommodating demeanor. The check-in and check-out process is generally described as efficient, quick, and seamless, though some isolated reports mention slow service or issues with booking errors. Housekeeping is often commended for keeping rooms clean and well-maintained, though a few guests note that service can be minimal or requires specific requests, and there have been rare instances of items being removed from rooms. The hotel's pet-friendly service is appreciated by those traveling with animals, although some minor issues with room assignments have occurred. While staff generally strive for problem resolution, feedback is mixed, with some guests feeling their concerns, such as hot water issues or noise complaints, were not adequately addressed or compensated.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, accommodating guests traveling with animals, though some have noted challenges with room assignments. A significant point of contention for many guests is the lack of complimentary breakfast, which is often expected given the hotel's pricing, despite the presence of an on-site restaurant. The hotel's security deposit policy is noted as being high, with some guests experiencing slow returns of their funds. Specific room issues mentioned include the absence of streaming services on TVs, a laundry charge for guest use, and occasional reports of cigarette smoke odor in non-smoking rooms. Safety concerns have been raised regarding the pool area, with mentions of a slippery deck and the absence of lifeguards. Some guests have also reported issues with the Best Western rewards program, finding it difficult to redeem points or benefits. The towels in rooms are occasionally described as needing an upgrade due to being thin or frayed.