Black Hole of Prince George

I had the unfortunate experience of staying at the RAMADA Prince George for two nights – something that other travellers need to be warned about.

From the exterior of the building, and the lobby area, it looks like a very nice hotel with relatively efficient staff and entering the guest room is pleasing to the eye - until you find out that specific functionality is sadly lacking.

The beds are somewhat uncomfortable, but that may be just my experience as I have stayed at higher quality properties in Prince George, such as the Travelodge.

The Ramada has installed higher tech bathrooms wherein the glass separating the sleeping area from the bathroom is clear until you completely close the bathroom door, which at that time, the glass becomes opaque.  The showers are huge – more than enough room for two people which is necessary because the Ramada did not bother to spend the extra $5 to put in a shelf for your soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc. so a second person needs to be in the shower with you to hold these items. I am not sure what a person would do if they are staying alone.

The lighting in the bathroom is the impetus for the review title, as it is almost non-existent. As long as you don’t have to use the mirror for anything (ladies putting on make-up, men shaving, anybody combing their hair, etc.) the bathroom is perfect – however if you intend to use a mirror for anything in the hotel, you may consider staying at  different property.

The Ramada has been under construction for quite some time now and it shows. Wires hanging down in the dimly lit hallways, and unfinished drywall greets you as you exit the elevator on your floor.

Parking is available close to the hotel, but the system they have worked out is at best poor. If you want to self-park, you need to get a parking pass then in the parking structure, get as close to a concrete wall as possible without removing paint from your vehicle to trigger the gate that will allow you to park in the reserved stalls on the fourth floor or higher. They have valet parking at no charge, but be prepared to wait 15 minutes for your vehicle to be brought to the front door – IF they remember to do so. We called down for our car to be brought around, and waited, and waited, and finally asked at the front desk as to what was happening. THEY HAD FORGOTTEN.

The hotel manager apologized profusely while a staff member went to get the car. While we were waiting we could over hear the manager apologizing to everybody who came the front desk about one issue or another, so we know we are not alone in our disappointment in the RAMADA Prince George.