Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Oyster Bay

This hotel is a standout choice for its impressive pool area, featuring a popular waterslide and hot tub, making it a huge hit with families and large groups seeking recreational fun. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's exceptional cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and the genuinely friendly and helpful staff who go above and beyond. Its convenient location, especially for those traveling through the local airport, is frequently praised, as is the complimentary breakfast. For business travelers, the hotel offers a quiet and efficient stay, while couples can enjoy a relaxing getaway. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room facing the forest for a quieter stay, and for light sleepers, a south-facing suite is advisable to mitigate highway noise.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of well-maintained facilities that significantly enhance the guest experience. The indoor pool with its waterslide is a major draw, providing endless entertainment, particularly for children. While the hot tub is a popular amenity, some guests have noted it was occasionally out of service or not sufficiently warm. A well-equipped fitness center is available, featuring treadmills, a universal gym, and a good selection of dumbbells, catering to guests' workout needs. Unique outdoor spaces include a fire pit and a BBQ area with an outdoor kitchen, offering pleasant spots for relaxation and social gatherings. Guests also appreciate the convenience of an on-site laundry room and reliable free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be very clean and well-maintained, often described as new and modern. The beds are consistently praised for their comfort, with many guests reporting a restful night's sleep, though some found the mattresses to be on the firmer side. Rooms are equipped with convenient amenities such as a microwave, refrigerator, and large screen TV. While some rooms are noted for being spacious, others, particularly standard rooms, are considered a bit small, especially for extended stays with multiple people. Noise levels receive mixed feedback; some rooms are quiet, especially those facing the forest, but others experience highway noise or noise from the floor above. Some guests reported minor issues with housekeeping, such as missed towel changes or unmade beds, and a few noted a musty smell or minor cleaning oversights in the bathroom.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast consistently receives high praise from most guests, often described as "amazing" and "first-class." It offers a good variety of options, including hot items like scrambled eggs and sausages, along with waffles, pastries, cereals, and fresh fruit. Many guests appreciate the effort made to keep the breakfast area well-stocked and clean, even during busy periods. However, some guests have noted that certain popular items, such as eggs, can run out quickly, especially closer to the end of service hours. A few guests found the coffee to be not strong enough, and some experienced crowded conditions in the breakfast area. Despite these minor points, the breakfast is widely considered a significant value-add to the stay.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient location, particularly for travelers utilizing the Nanaimo Airport, with many guests noting its close proximity for early flights. It serves as an excellent mid-island base, offering easy access to both Ladysmith (a short drive away) and Nanaimo. Guests appreciate being within walking distance of essential amenities like a liquor store, cannabis store, Tim Hortons, and an A&W. The hotel's position right off the main highway ensures excellent accessibility for those traveling by car. Parking is ample, easy, and free, accommodating guests with vehicles. While the highway proximity is convenient, some guests mention experiencing road noise, particularly in rooms facing the front of the hotel.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receive glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and professional demeanor. Guests frequently highlight their attentiveness and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay. The check-in and check-out processes are described as quick, smooth, and efficient, with staff often accommodating early arrivals. Many guests commend the staff for their positive attitudes and problem-solving skills, such as assisting with travel options or providing extra amenities upon request. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a small number of guests reported isolated instances of staff being less friendly or appearing overwhelmed during peak times, particularly concerning breakfast service or handling large group bookings.

Additional Information
The hotel is widely regarded as a relatively new and modern property, contributing to its overall clean and well-maintained appearance. It offers a pet-friendly policy, welcoming both dogs and cats, with some guests appreciating thoughtful touches like pet treats. A unique feature is the outdoor pavilion and BBQ area, which provides a great space for family gatherings or team events. Guests should be aware that while the hotel is close to fast-food options, there is no full-service restaurant on-site, requiring a short drive to nearby towns for more diverse dining. Some guests have noted that the hotel accepts status cards for tax reductions, which is a unique benefit for indigenous travelers.