Unbelievable Quayside Escape: Inn At The Quay's New West Charm!
Unbelievable Quayside Escape: Inn At The Quay's New West Charm! - A Review That's Barely Held Together (But Mostly in a Good Way!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the Inn At The Quay's "New West Charm." This isn't your cookie-cutter review. This is a messy, honest, and maybe slightly unhinged account of my recent stay. Prepare for the rollercoaster of emotions that is me experiencing a hotel.
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Let's start with the Arrival… or Rather, the "Almost Didn't Arrive" Experience.
Finding the actual entrance to the hotel felt like a secret mission. I swear, I circled that quayside about five times. My GPS kept getting lost in a vortex of construction and waterfront views. Finally, finally, I saw the sign. Okay, maybe a bit of "charm" can be found there.
Accessibility - Did They Nail It? Mostly, Yeah.
This is where I have to give them some serious props. From what I could see, they've done a decent job with accessibility. Elevators? Check. Ramps? Double-check. I didn't have a wheelchair with me, but the entire vibe felt accessible. The real test, though, is On-site accessible restaurants / lounges. Well, I noticed the "Inn" part had a restaurant, which had a decent layout… didn't go fully deep-dive into the accessible specifics, though. My bad. But visual aid would be great to have!
Getting Online (Because, Priorities):
Okay, let's talk about the essentials. Internet access? YES. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! Hallelujah! The Wi-Fi was generally good and stable for my needs (work, streaming The Great British Baking Show…). Internet [LAN]? Apparently, available, and I'm not sure how to deal with it, it seemed like something to do with a phone, not my business.
The Room - My Personal Fortress (with a Few Cracks):
My room, the "Deluxe Waterfront, City View, and an Ocean View" I booked, was… well, it was nice. Big, clean, and the air conditioning blasted out the perfect level of the icy Arctic. Blackout curtains? YES! Bless those things. I'm practically nocturnal on vacation. Free bottled water? Always a win.
The bed was… a mixed bag. Comfy enough until I rolled over and promptly discovered an extra long bed. I'm 5'6"! I felt like a tiny human floating in the ocean of bedding. The bathtub was glorious, by the way. Pure bliss.
But hold on, here is a little thing: the window that opens. I needed to let in some fresh air. It barely budged, though. Very frustrating. A minor detail, but in my book, a window that barely opens is a crime against nature.
Things To Do / Ways to Relax: The Spa & The Pool - A Tale of Two Experiences
Alright, this is where things get interesting. I'm talking about the Pool with view. The view? Stunning. City lights twinkling, the water reflecting… pure Instagram gold. The swimming pool [outdoor] itself was a good size; not too crowded, and nice and clean.
But the "Spa/sauna?" No, no, no. The spa, on the other hand, was an… experience. The only downside of the spa was when I got there at 5pm and realized it closes at 6pm. I managed to squeeze in a little relaxation. I asked the friendly staff for a recommendation and asked them if they had a body scrub available. She told me it was not a possibility, and that the spa was unavailable. I did get to enjoy the steamroom and a few brief rounds of the sauna. It was OK.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (and My Stomach)
The restaurants are where this hotel shines.
The breakfast [buffet] was decent, nothing mind-blowing. You could get a Western breakfast—I'm a sucker for a good pancake. Everything was laid out nicely, with a good selection of fruit, pastries, and hot items. There's also Asian breakfast options—which is always worth a try!
They also have a Poolside bar (yay!). I enjoyed a cocktail as I soaked up the scenery.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did They Survive the Pandemic?
The Inn At The Quay seems to have taken hygiene seriously. The staff were all wearing masks, and there were ample hand sanitizer stations everywhere. I noticed anti-viral cleaning products and daily disinfection in common areas, too. Rooms sanitized between stays.
Staff trained in safety protocol! They take a lot of pride in the hotel. I appreciated that, especially when I was getting a drink at the Pool Bar.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The concierge was helpful, though I didn't need to use them much. Cash withdrawal available, which is always good. Also, luggage storage and a laundry service.
Side note: They had one of those fancy coffee machines in the lobby. (Coffee/tea in restaurant) My inner coffee snob was pleased.
For the Kids (and Kids at Heart):
I didn't travel with any kids, but I noticed the hotel had family/child friendly options. Babysitting service is an option, and there seems to be kids facilities. So, if you're traveling with little ones, this could be a good choice.
Getting Around: The Logistics
Car park [free of charge], always a win as it's a good place to park your own car.
Final Thoughts (AKA The Rambling Conclusion):
Overall, the Inn At The Quay is a pretty good hotel. It's not perfect; the window situation almost sent me over the edge, and the inconsistent spa experience. But, the positives far outweigh the negatives. The location is stunning, the staff is friendly, and the Wi-Fi actually works!
Would I go back? Yes, definitely. I might even try to sneak another visit to the pool! (And maybe I'll bring a wrench for that window!) The Inn At The Quay offers a solid base for exploring New Westminster and the surrounding area. Go! Just, you know, be prepared to embrace the imperfections because that's part of the charm.
Texarkana's Hidden Gem: Courtyard's Unbelievable Amenities!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average itinerary. This is a "surviving The Quay in New Westminster" schedule, brought to you by the same person who once tried to wear mismatched socks to a formal event and almost got away with it. (Emphasis on almost.)
Inn At The Quay: A Slightly Chaotic Adventure (Because Let's Be Real, Life Is)
Day 1: Arrival. Expectations vs. Reality (Spoiler: Reality Wins.)
- 1:00 PM: Land in Vancouver. The airport… well, let's just say I swear I saw a seagull trying to smuggle a bagel. Grab the Skytrain to New West. Hope for a seat, brace for the standing room only (and the questionable elevator music). Anecdote: Last time I took the Skytrain, a guy kept loudly explaining the plot of "The Godfather" to his pet hamster. I think I secretly learned more about the Corleones than I ever wanted.
- 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM: Check in to the Inn At The Quay. Okay, first impressions… the lobby is… nice. Maybe? It’s a hotel. But I’m starving. I’m looking for something… charming, maybe with a view a view and a comfy bed.
- 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Room reconnaissance. Unpack. Swear I packed too much. Realize I forgot my favorite travel toothbrush. Sigh. Stare longingly out the window from my room on the 11th floor the water is so beautiful. Note: The bed better be comfortable. Post pics.
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Explore the Quay! Walk the boardwalk, feel the breeze, try to understand what those weird sculptures are supposed to be. Quirky observation: A jogger just passed me with a dog that was clearly hating life. I feel you, buddy.
- 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Pub crawl! (I'm calling it that, even if it's just two pubs.) First stop: The Paddlewheeler Pub. Gotta get the ambiance, the drinks, the… well, the pubness of it all. Emotional reaction: The view from here makes me want to stay forever. Okay, maybe that's the two beers talking.
- 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at Re-Up BBQ. Yes, yes, I know, I should try something fancy. But I'm craving meat and there's a good deal in the menu. Dig in. Question my life choices. Maybe order more food.
- 8:00 PM - onwards: Sunset watching from my room. Or possibly the Inn At The Quay's common balcony, if I can find it. Opinionated language: It's criminal that more people don't appreciate sunsets like this. Truly, it's a daily gift that should be treated with more respect.
Day 2: Adventures Near and Far (And Possibly Involving Regret)
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the Inn. (Or possibly a walk to a local cafe, depending on how motivated I feel after the pub crawl.) Imperfection: I hate hotel breakfasts. They're usually the same and I end up overeating. Coffee first, food second.
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: New Westminster exploring. Walk the shops. Visit the market or the museum (depending on how I feel about history on a Tuesday). Messy structure: This might involve getting lost. It probably will. I'm great at getting lost. It's a talent, really.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Something quick. Something cheap. Something that doesn't involve a lot of decisions.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: A visit to Burnaby. Rambling: This is the day I consider taking the skytrain and explore the nearby sites, but I will probably procrastinate and chill by the pool. Or maybe I want to relax and unwind? The decision is… oh, decision fatigue. Time to visit somewhere I thought I really wanted to visit.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Return back to the Inn. Shower, change, and try and be a functioning part of society again. Consider the meaning of life and the utter pointlessness of some of my choices.
- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Dinner again. Still, maybe dinner in my Inn.
- 7:30 PM - onwards: Lounge in my room. Or at the Inn's lounge. Or maybe even order room service.
Day 3: Farewell, Quay (Sob).
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Another breakfast. More coffee. Maybe this time I'll try to be a grown-up and choose something healthy. (Narrator: She did not.)
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Pack. Argue with my suitcase.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Last-minute Quay walk. Soak it all in. Possibly buy something I do not need. Stronger emotional reaction: This place is so pretty. I’m really going to miss this. It's like a fairytale, but with slightly soggy fries.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Check out. Say goodbye to the friendly faces. Wave to the sea. Look back one last time… okay, I'm tearing up.
- 12:00 PM: Skytrain to Vancouver airport. Think “Will I come back someday?” I hope so.
Post-Trip Reflection (Because I Need To Process Everything):
- What I Loved: The view. The food. The people (mostly). The overall vibe, which was somehow both chill and exciting.
- What I Could Have Done Better: Eaten more local food. Gotten out of my comfort zone. Maybe learned a few basic phrases in Canadian.
- Final Verdict: New Westminster, you are absolutely worth surviving. And the Inn At The Quay? Pretty darn good. I'll be back… eventually… probably… definitely. (Maybe.)
Unbelievable Quayside Escape: Inn At The Quay's New West Charm! (So, Like, What's the Deal?)
Alright, alright, settle down. You're curious about the Inn at the Quay, that whole "New West Charm" schtick. Fair enough. It's got a certain… appeal. We’re going to dive deep, folks. Get ready for a rollercoaster of opinions, because honey, I have them.
So, is this place actually *good*? Like, REALLY good?
Okay, let's be honest. "Good" is subjective, right? My friend, Sarah, LOVED it. Obsessed. Talked about the "rustic charm" and the "breathtaking views" for weeks. Me? I had a *moment*. Look, the location is, undeniably, gorgeous. Directly on the water? Yes, please! I’m a sucker for waves. Especially when they’re not dumping icy water on me. I once tried stand-up paddleboarding there… let’s just say, I'm better on land.
The rooms are… well, they're fine. Clean, definitely. But that “rustic charm” Sarah raved about? Borderline… aging? My shower didn’t seem to have the best water pressure. Which is a major no-no if you're like me and have hair thicker than a woolly mammoth. But the bed? Comfy. Could have spent an entire week just snoozing. Considering I probably could have… But anyway.
So, "good"? Depends on what you want. Gorgeous location? Absolutely. Expecting the Ritz? Adjust your expectations. (And pack a portable water pressure booster, just in case).
Are the views REALLY that good? I've seen photos...
Okay, the photos. Bless their hearts. They try. But photos often lie. The views… yeah, they're pretty darn good. Think: boats bobbing, the city skyline in the distance, and the sky… well, the Vancouver sky is just something else, sometimes. Particularly when the sun decides to throw a watercolour party across the horizon. My room was on the harbor side (definitely request this), and I swear I saw an eagle. An ACTUAL REAL EAGLE. So, YES, the views are good. They're even better in person. Just… don't expect them to magically make your water pressure better.
I will say this though, the view from the breakfast room (see below) is divine. Watching the sun rise over the water with a plate of scrambled eggs in front of you? *Chef’s kiss.*
What about the food? Tell me everything!
Right. Food. The breakfast buffet is… adequate. Standard hotel fare. Waffles, pastries (a little dry, if I’m being honest), fruit, the usual suspects. The scrambled eggs were… okay. They weren't the star of the show. The coffee was strong, which, let's face it, is the most important thing. I am so NOT a morning person.
However! The restaurant, on the other hand… now we're talking. "The Boathouse," (again on the harbor side!), is a treat. Seafood, obviously. The fish and chips? Divine. Crunchy, not greasy, and the portion was… well, let’s just say I needed a nap afterwards. And the cocktails? They knew what they were doing. I'm almost tempted to go back just for the Boathouse. Maybe I will. Don't tell my bank account.
Is it walking distance to anything interesting?
YES! That’s a huge plus. The Quay itself has a lot of shops and restaurants (more food!), a farmers market some days, and the Lonsdale Quay Market. The market is GREAT. I’m getting hungry just thinking about the pastries! Think of it as a sort of mini-me of Granville Island market. There’s the SeaBus, a ferry that whisks you across the water to downtown Vancouver in, like, 10 minutes. Super convenient. And the views from the SeaBus… *swoon*. Worth it for just that. So, yeah, you can ditch the car and explore. Which is excellent, because finding parking is… well, let's just say my blood pressure went up more than once.
Any downsides? Anything I should be prepared for?
Besides the potential shower pressure issues? (Seriously, bring a bottle of water and just wash your hair in the sink. Joking… mostly). Okay, fine. Some of the rooms… they feel a little dated. Think… 1990s hotel. Which, for some, is “retro chic”. For me, it was “hmmm, I think I saw this wallpaper in my grandma’s house.” The elevators were SLOW. Like, *really* slow. Pack patience. And maybe some snacks. And a book. Or two. And remember, you're on the water! So sometimes the seagulls will fight outside your window, which can be annoying. But they’re usually gone by, like, 8 AM. Or, you know, get used to it!
Also, if you are a light sleeper, pack earplugs. The whole place can be a little noisy. Especially at night with the seagulls and the party boats on water. And if you think about it, it's a big wooden ship so the floors creak and you can hear everything… but once you're tired enough, you will sleep! You're on vacation! And you deserve to sleep!
Worth it? Would you go back? Spill the tea!
Okay, here's the deal, and let's be clear here. YES. I would go back. Despite the potentially underwhelming water pressure. Despite the slightly creaky floors. (And the seagulls!) The LOCATION, the view, the Boathouse… it's a winning combination. The location alone justifies the price. Especially during the summer. I'm planning to do exactly that. I'm thinking, a long weekend to just… breathe. And maybe try to catch an eagle again. Plus, it's a great base for exploring Vancouver and the surrounding area.
Okay, last question. What's the *weirdest* thing that happened?
Alright, buckle up. This is good. One night, I was settling in, and I swear I heard…bagpipes. Yes, bagpipes. Outdoors. At, like, 11 PM. I peered out my window (of course, I did!), and there was a lone dude in full Scottish regalia, playing his heart out. I swear. I mean, I *think* I saw the bagpipes… maybe I was dreaming, but I truly believe it. I never found an explanation. Still don’t know who he was or why he was there. It was… memorable. That’sComfort Inn
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