Sandman Hotel Lethbridge

This hotel stands out for its pet-friendly policy, making it a top choice for pet owners traveling with their companions, often providing thoughtful amenities like treat bags. Its direct attachment to a 24-hour Denny's restaurant is another significant draw, offering unparalleled convenience for dining at any time. While some aspects of the property show their age, guests frequently commend the spacious rooms and the consistently friendly and helpful staff. The hotel is well-suited for families due to its pool and dining options, sports teams benefiting from group booking services, and business travelers seeking practical amenities. For those considering a stay, it is advisable to manage expectations regarding the hotel's dated appearance and to be mindful of the surrounding neighborhood, which some guests describe as less desirable. Requesting a thoroughly cleaned room upon arrival can also enhance the experience.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed to enhance guest convenience, though some areas are noted for their age. The swimming pool is generally appreciated, particularly by families, with many guests finding the water to be comfortably warm, making it enjoyable for children. However, some reviews mention its relatively small size and the absence of a hot tub, while a few express concerns about cleanliness or mold in the pool area. A fitness center is available, though some equipment may be out of order or the area could benefit from better maintenance. The elevators are a frequent point of contention, described as old, slow, and in need of repair, occasionally causing long waits or operational issues. Wi-Fi connectivity receives mixed feedback, with some finding it fast and reliable, while others report slow speeds or frequent disconnections. The hotel also provides a coffee room with complimentary beverages and light snacks, and ample parking is available on-site.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably varied. Most guests find the beds comfortable and the linens clean, contributing to a restful stay. However, a significant number of reviews highlight considerable issues with overall room cleanliness, citing visible stains on carpets, furniture, and pillows, as well as hair in bathtubs and on surfaces. Many rooms are described as dated and in need of renovation, with observations of peeling wallpaper, worn carpets, and flickering lights. The bathrooms are a particular area of concern, frequently mentioned for dirty floors, mold, weak shower pressure, and inconsistent hot water supply, sometimes requiring a long wait. While some rooms are noted for being quiet, others report significant noise from adjacent rooms, hallways, or external traffic, impacting sleep quality. In-room amenities like coffee makers and refrigerators occasionally present operational issues, and the televisions are often described as old.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options are a key convenience for many guests, primarily centered around the 24-hour Denny's restaurant attached to the lobby. This establishment is widely praised for its accessibility and the friendly staff, making it a popular choice for meals at any time of day or night. While many guests enjoy the food quality and variety offered at Denny's, some reviews suggest the service can occasionally be slow or the food merely "okay." The on-site Bar One lounge provides another option for drinks and food, with some guests appreciating the atmosphere and staff. However, feedback on Bar One's service is mixed, with some patrons reporting being ignored or experiencing slow service, and a few noting the presence of undesirable individuals. It is important to note that breakfast is not included with the room rate but is available for purchase at Denny's, or guests can find limited complimentary options like coffee and snacks in the hotel's coffee room.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a central location that is highly convenient for guests, offering easy access to the highway and placing it within close proximity to various amenities, shopping centers, and local attractions. This makes it a practical base for exploring the city or for travelers passing through. However, the surrounding neighborhood is a significant point of concern for many reviewers. It is frequently described as "sketchy" or "unsafe," with numerous mentions of homeless individuals and other undesirable activity in the immediate vicinity, particularly around the attached liquor store and convenience store. Some guests have noted the presence of a security camera trailer in the parking lot, which, while intended for safety, can contribute to a feeling of unease. Despite the ample parking available, the area's reputation leads some guests to feel uncomfortable when entering or exiting the hotel, especially at night. Additionally, rooms facing the main road may experience notable traffic noise.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at this hotel consistently receive high praise from guests, standing out as a major positive aspect of the stay. Reviewers frequently commend the front desk staff for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, courteous, and accommodating, often going above and beyond to assist with requests, from quick check-ins to resolving issues. Many appreciate the professional and welcoming demeanor of the team, which contributes significantly to a positive guest experience. However, feedback regarding housekeeping is mixed; while some guests find their rooms clean, others report instances of missed service, incomplete cleaning, or a lack of attention to detail, even when "full service" signs are displayed. A recurring operational issue involves the key cards, which frequently demagnetize or malfunction, requiring guests to make multiple trips to the front desk for reprogramming. Some guests have also expressed frustration with strict payment policies, particularly concerning credit card requirements for booking.

Additional Information
Guests frequently note that the hotel is in significant need of a comprehensive renovation, with many areas appearing dated and showing considerable wear and tear. This includes observations of peeling paint and worn carpets throughout the property, leading to a general consensus that the building requires substantial aesthetic and functional upgrades. Some guests have reported isolated incidents of no hot water during their stay, indicating potential plumbing issues. The hotel operates a rewards program, which is appreciated by frequent visitors for the benefits it offers. A notable change in service is the discontinuation of traditional room service, with guests now directed to the attached restaurant for their dining needs. Additionally, the hotel's policy of providing only one complimentary small water bottle per room, regardless of the length of stay, is mentioned by some as an area for improvement. Despite these points, the hotel's pet-friendly policy remains a strong draw for many.