Thriftlodge Saskatoon

The hotel is primarily noted for its affordable rates, which appeal to budget travelers and workers on the road seeking a basic place to sleep and shower. While some guests highlight the friendly staff as a positive aspect, the overall experience is significantly impacted by widespread issues. Recurring themes in reviews include pervasive cleanliness problems, the poor condition of rooms, and serious concerns regarding the safety of the surrounding area. The hotel is often chosen for short, temporary stays due to its low cost, but many guests find the conditions challenging. It is particularly suited for those who prioritize extreme value over amenities and are prepared for a no-frills environment. To enhance their stay, guests are strongly advised to thoroughly inspect their assigned room immediately upon arrival for any issues and consider bringing their own linens, as these are frequently cited concerns in reviews. Being aware of the immediate surroundings is also recommended for personal comfort.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests report mixed experiences with the hotel's facilities and amenities. While Wi-Fi is generally available and functional, and some rooms are equipped with a TV, fridge, and microwave, many reviews indicate significant maintenance issues. The TV often malfunctions, requiring resets, and phones are frequently reported as missing or non-functional in rooms. Heating and air conditioning systems are a common source of complaint, with many guests experiencing units that are broken or ineffective, sometimes leading to extreme temperatures or reliance on portable heaters that trip electrical breakers. Parking is available, though some guests noted concerns about large vehicles occupying multiple spots or the presence of questionable individuals in the lot. Overall, the amenities are basic and often in disrepair.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The most significant and consistent feedback pertains to cleanliness and room comfort, which are overwhelmingly negative. Guests frequently report dirty rooms, with grimy floors, stained sheets, and stained towels being common. Many reviews mention the presence of bugs, including cockroaches and bed bugs, found on walls, beds, and in bathrooms. The room condition is widely criticized, with reports of holes in walls, peeling paint, broken furniture, damaged fixtures, and water damage on ceilings and walls. While some guests found the beds comfortable, many others described them as hard, uncomfortable, lumpy, or squeaky. Noise levels are a frequent complaint, stemming from loud neighbors, partying, street traffic, and nearby train activity, significantly impacting sleep quality. Bathrooms are consistently described as disgusting, with stains, worn-off finishes in tubs, leaking faucets, and broken toilets.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a continental breakfast, typically including waffles and cereal. Feedback on the food quality and variety is mixed. Some guests found the breakfast adequate or a convenient start to their day, appreciating the option to make their own waffles. However, many others described the offerings as horrible or gross, noting a lack of variety, such as no butter or jam for toast, and an absence of fruit or juice. Issues with breakfast availability were also reported, with the dining area sometimes being locked or not opening at the advertised time, causing inconvenience for guests with early appointments. There is no consistent mention of other on-site restaurants or room service beyond the breakfast provision.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is described as convenient for accessing certain events or areas within the city, and some guests appreciated its proximity to bus stops. However, a major and recurring concern is the safety and nature of the surrounding area. Many reviews characterize the neighborhood as unsafe, sketchy, or rough, with guests reporting the presence of "questionable folk" and "unsavoury characters" around the property. This significantly impacts the overall guest experience, with some feeling uncomfortable or unsafe, especially at night. Parking is available on-site, but some guests noted issues with large vehicles occupying multiple spaces or concerns about the environment in the parking lot itself.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff and service is notably mixed. Many guests commend individual staff members for being friendly, helpful, polite, and accommodating, particularly at the front desk. They are often praised for their willingness to assist with check-in or provide local recommendations. However, a significant number of reviews describe staff as rude, unresponsive, or unwilling to resolve serious issues, such as room problems or refund requests. Housekeeping is a major point of dissatisfaction, with numerous reports of no room cleaning during extended stays, difficulty obtaining fresh towels, or having to ask multiple times for service. The check-in/out process also receives varied comments, with some finding it smooth and others experiencing long waits or issues with reservations.

Additional Information
A pervasive issue highlighted by guests is the hotel's deposit policy, with numerous reports of security deposits not being returned, particularly when paid via debit card. This has led to significant frustration and accusations of financial misconduct. The hotel offers smoking rooms, which is a specific feature appreciated by some, but problematic for non-smoking guests who were assigned such rooms or experienced strong odors. The pet-friendly policy is noted, though some pet owners expressed concerns about the safety of the environment for their animals. Several guests reported experiencing power outages during their stay, impacting heating and overall comfort. Furthermore, general safety concerns within the property, such as random individuals knocking on doors and issues with door locks and safety latches, are frequently mentioned.