Calabogie Peaks Hotel, Ascend Hotel Member

This hotel offers a unique appeal as a prime destination for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts, boasting direct access to the ski hill and a picturesque natural setting. Its signature feature is the unparalleled convenience for winter sports, allowing guests to ski directly from their accommodation. While many guests appreciate the hotel's tranquil environment and the comfort of its rooms, feedback is notably mixed regarding the consistency of service and the availability and condition of on-site amenities. The property is particularly well-suited for families seeking a convenient base for ski trips and couples looking for a quiet retreat amidst nature. To ensure a smooth stay, it is advisable to confirm the operational status of all facilities prior to arrival and consider bringing some of your own breakfast items or snacks, as on-site dining options can be limited.

Facilities & Amenities
Guest experiences with the hotel's facilities and amenities are quite varied, often reflecting ongoing transitions at the property. The swimming pool and hot tub are frequently cited as being closed for maintenance or out of service, which is a significant disappointment for many, especially families. When available, the pool has been described as cold or cloudy, while the hot tub can be crowded. Wi-Fi connectivity is a common point of frustration, reported as slow or spotty in various areas. The fitness center is generally well-regarded, though some minor issues have been noted. Guests appreciate the outdoor fire pit and s'mores kits, which add a pleasant touch to evenings. The beach area is often praised for its beauty and recreational opportunities like kayaking and paddleboarding, though availability of equipment and staff can be inconsistent. Some guests have encountered issues with a broken elevator and a general lack of towels for both rooms and pool use. The property's overall condition is mixed, with some areas showing signs of recent renovations while others appear dated or unkempt.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The cleanliness and comfort of the rooms receive mixed feedback from guests. Many describe their rooms or condos as clean, comfortable, and even newly renovated or modern, with some appreciating the spacious layouts and bright bathrooms. However, a notable number of reviews mention issues such as stained carpets, dirty bathrooms, the presence of bugs or flies, and a general sense of the rooms being dated or in need of updates. Bed comfort is generally positive, with many reporting a good night's sleep, though some found beds saggy or experienced broken bed frames. In-room amenities vary; while some rooms include a fridge, microwave, or Nespresso machine, guests often report issues with televisions lacking channels or streaming services, and a scarcity of basic supplies like coffee pods, cream, hand soap, or shampoo. Noise levels are also inconsistent; some rooms are quiet, but others experience disturbances from grooming machines overnight, thin walls allowing sound transfer from neighboring rooms, or loud parties in hallways.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining and food quality is a significant area of concern for many guests. The complimentary continental breakfast consistently receives negative reviews, described as extremely limited and disappointing. Options typically include microwaveable frozen sandwiches, pre-packaged muffins, bagels, and cereal, with frequent complaints about the absence of fresh fruit, juice, or adequate coffee supplies. The breakfast room itself is often noted as being too small and crowded. The on-site restaurant receives mixed reviews; some guests praise the food quality, highlighting excellent dishes and a talented chef, while others find the menu limited, the food overpriced, or served cold. The bar area is generally described as cozy with good service. However, a recurring issue is the lack of alternative food options on the property, with the restaurant often closed on specific days or hours, leaving guests with few choices for meals or snacks, especially during off-season periods.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, particularly for those interested in winter sports. Its direct proximity to the ski hill and chairlifts allows for convenient ski-in/ski-out access, making it an ideal base for skiers and snowboarders. Beyond winter activities, the hotel is well-situated for outdoor enthusiasts, offering easy access to hiking trails like Eagle's Nest Lookout and Manitou Mountain. Guests also appreciate its closeness to local establishments such as the Black Donald pub and the nearby town. Parking is generally available, though some guests note that spaces close to the main building can be limited. However, ongoing construction around the property has occasionally impacted accessibility and caused some confusion for arriving guests, with reports of dangerous sidewalks and GPS misdirection. Despite these minor inconveniences, the hotel's setting in a beautiful natural area remains a significant draw.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel receive a wide range of feedback. Many guests commend the staff for being friendly, helpful, accommodating, and welcoming, often going above and beyond to assist with requests or resolve issues. Specific mentions include quick assistance with room problems and understanding attitudes regarding booking changes. However, a significant number of reviews point to inconsistencies and shortcomings. Some guests report unwelcoming or disengaged staff, a general lack of knowledge about hotel details, and frequent instances of the front desk being unmanned, especially overnight or early morning. The check-in process can be problematic, with guests experiencing long waits or issues with reservations not being honored. Housekeeping is a recurring complaint, with rooms often not cleaned daily, lacking fresh towels, or having amenities unreplenished. Furthermore, maintenance requests, such as for hot water or broken TVs, are sometimes met with slow or unresponsive service, often attributed to perceived understaffing across the property.

Additional Information
Several important details, not fitting into other categories, frequently emerge from guest reviews. The hotel is undergoing significant construction and renovations, which, while promising future improvements, currently contribute to noise, visual disruptions, and impact the availability of certain amenities. A pervasive issue is understaffing, which guests believe directly affects service quality and the operational status of facilities. Many express frustration over a lack of communication from the hotel regarding closed amenities, reservation changes, or unexpected power outages, leading to unmet expectations upon arrival. The hotel's website is often criticized for being outdated and not accurately reflecting the current state of the property or its offerings. A critical policy to note is the check-in time cutoff at 10 PM, which has left some late-arriving guests stranded. While the hotel is pet-friendly, guests should be aware of potential challenges in finding suitable areas nearby. Despite these challenges, the hotel is noted as a popular wedding venue, with some guests praising the event planning and execution.