Durham's BEST Hotel? Oshawa's Hidden Gem! (Best Western Plus Review)
Durham's Best Kept Secret? My Wild Ride at the Best Western Plus Oshawa! (Spoiler: Better than I Expected!)
Okay, so I’m not gonna lie. When I booked the Best Western Plus in Oshawa, I wasn't exactly expecting the Ritz. More like…well, a Best Western. You know, the reliable, slightly predictable motel-adjacent kind of vibe. But WOW was I wrong! This place is a legit unexpected pleasure, a surprising oasis in the land of… well, Oshawa! Seriously, it's a hidden gem.
Let's Dive In (Buckle Up, It's a Long One!)
First off, it's gotta be said: Accessibility is a BIG deal, and this place nails it. I didn’t need it personally, but seeing the effort put into making it accessible was super impressive. They’ve clearly thought about everything: elevators, ramps, the whole shebang. Kudos!
The Room: My Cozy Little Fortress (with a Few Quirks!)
The rooms? Solid. Clean, comfy, and surprisingly spacious. I got the impression all the rooms are quite spacious especially the family-friendly ones. Let's talk about those details! Look, it’s got all the basics: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (hallelujah!), Air conditioning (essential!), Desk (for, you know, pretending to work), and a refrigerator (hello, late-night snacks!). Little things like wake-up service and an alarm clock make my life easier, as well as the complimentary tea and coffee in the morning.
I actually got a kick out of the bathtub. Reminded me of my grandma's house. And I'm a sucker for Blackout curtains because I am a person of the sun.
Now, the imperfections, because this wouldn’t be a REAL review without them, eh? My view was, shall we say, undramatic. Facing the car park, which is car park [on-site] and car park [free of charge] , but hey, I wasn't there for the scenery. And the linens were clean, but not quite cloud-nine soft. Still, those are minor quibbles.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (and Sanitized!)
Okay, this is HUGE right now. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so I was thrilled to see their commitment to hygiene. They're doing the whole Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays thing. I saw staff constantly wiping down surfaces, and there was hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE! They even had Individually-wrapped food options, which I thought was smart.
They also have CCTV in common areas and Security [24-hour]. So, feel safe here.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: More Than Just a Breakfast Buffet! (But That Was Awesome)
Okay, the food. This is where things got REALLY interesting. They have Restaurants and a Bar. They are doing Alternative meal arrangement as well.
The Breakfast [buffet] was, hands down, AMAZING. I'm talking pancakes, bacon, eggs, the works. I'm a breakfast person, so this was a major score. The coffee/tea in restaurant was well-done.
I also had dinner at the restaurant, and the international cuisine in restaurant was surprisingly good! The Asian cuisine in restaurant was top tier. I'm talking authentic flavors and generous portions. Who knew Oshawa had such a foodie scene?! (Okay, maybe not. But the hotel restaurant was delish.) They also serve Desserts in restaurant. I did not skip that.
They even have a Poolside bar, which, sadly, I didn't get to experience because it was a tad chilly.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: A Surprisingly Pampering Experience.
Now, this is where the Best Western Plus in Oshawa really surprised me. They have a Fitness center, which I didn't use (I was too busy eating pancakes!), but it looked well-equipped. They also have a Swimming pool [outdoor]. The Spa/sauna was definitely a big draw. If you want to do a Body scrub or a Body wrap, this place has you covered.
Services and Conveniences: Beyond the Essentials
They offer tons of services to make your life easier, including Daily housekeeping, a Concierge, and Laundry service. Plus, they have a convenience store right on site.
And this goes for the Air conditioning in public area. The Elevator is a plus. The Indoor venue for special events and Outdoor venue for special events are awesome. As well, they have Meeting/banquet facilities and Meetings.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun!
Babysitting service is available!
Getting Around: Smooth Sailing
Easy peasy. They offer Car park [free of charge]! I didn’t use it, but they also have Airport transfer and Taxi service.
My Overall Verdict (Drumroll, Please!)
Look, for a Best Western Plus, this place is seriously impressive. It's clean, comfortable, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The location is central, with easy access to everything Oshawa has to offer.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Positives: Cleanliness, friendly staff, great breakfast, accessible, surprisingly delicious food, and awesome spa experience.
- Negatives: View was so-so, but it didn't bother me too much.
Would I stay again? ABSOLUTELY! This place is a winner. Don't let the unassuming exterior fool you. The Best Western Plus in Oshawa is a hidden gem, a perfect base for exploring Durham and beyond, or just chilling out after a long day.
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Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is… my attempt to survive a stay at the Best Western Plus Durham Hotel and Conference Centre in Oshawa, Ontario. And let me tell you, right now, I'm already envisioning the "plus" mostly applying to the potential for me losing my mind.
Day 1: Arrival, Expectations, and a Buffet of Disappointment (Probably)
- 2:00 PM: Arrival in Oshawa. HA! Okay, so technically, I'm supposed to arrive around 2. But knowing my luck, the flight will be delayed. Or worse, I'll get stuck next to someone who really believes in the sanctity of armrests. Pray for me.
- 3:00 PM: Check-in Chaos. Let's be real, checking into a hotel is always a gamble. Will the room be ready? Will the front desk person be awake? Will my reservation… actually exist? I'm crossing my fingers for a semi-friendly face and a room that doesn't smell remotely of stale air and regret.
- 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Room Reconnaissance & The Great Bed Check. Okay, the most important aspect… the BED. Is it a marshmallow cloud of bliss, or a concrete slab of misery? Are the pillows fluffy, or the kind that turn into bricks after a few hours? I'll be conducting a rigorous bounce-and-snuggle test. Also, where's the coffee machine? This is crucial intel.
- 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM: The Mandatory Hotel Tour. I'll take a walk around the hotel, just to try and get my bearings. Conference centre? Probably not gonna happen. The pool? Maybe, if I am in a very adventurous mood. The gym? Yeah, right. I'm likely going to be too busy lamenting my life choices in the vending machine.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: The Dinner Dilemma. Okay, this is a struggle. The hotel restaurant? Risky business. Walking distance options? Praying they're not all chain restaurants that make my soul weep. This is what I do NOT want: I don't want to arrive at a place that looks promising and realize it looks like the best food I am going to have is maybe, just maybe, the vending machine. Pray for me to find something edible.
- 7:00 PM - Bedtime: Crash. Assuming I haven't ended up in a room haunted by the ghosts of terrible conference presentations.
Day 2: Exploring Oshawa (Or, More Likely, Wishing I Was Somewhere Else)
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast, aka The Hunger Games. Ah, the hotel breakfast buffet. A battleground of questionable eggs, lukewarm coffee, and the desperate hope for a decent piece of toast. I brace myself for potential disappointment. Also, what's the deal with the "continental breakfast?" Is it a con?
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Attempt to "Get Out There." I will attempt to explore Oshawa. "Attempt" is the operative word here. The plans are vague due to my lack of knowledge of the places there. Hopefully I find a nice cafe because I will most certainly need more coffee to keep going.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Local Adventures (or, what the hell am I doing here?). Okay, so I found a coffee shop! Hooray! Now, for the local adventures… I will try to find the art gallery but I will probably get lost.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch (Please Don't Be Sad Sandwiches). Praying for something other than a soggy sandwich.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Oshawa's charms. (or, Oshawa's attempt at charming me). Well, let's be real. "Charming" is subjective. I might find a hidden gem, I might wander aimlessly, or I might just spend the afternoon contemplating the existential dread of being in a conference hotel.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Hotel Downtime and Melancholy. Back to the hotel room. Time to recharge, maybe read a book, stare at the walls and question my life choices.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner, Round Two. More edible exploration, or more hotel restaurant. I'm starting to think I should have brought my own food.
- 7:00 PM - Bedtime: TV, and Existential Dread. A little TV, a lot of thinking about when I can leave, and a general feeling of "Is this it?".
Day 3: Escape! (Or, the Airport Shuffle)
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: The Last Breakfast. Pray it's not the same eggs. Seriously.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Pack, Pray, and Pretend to Be Organized. The ultimate goal: Get outta here.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Final Hotel Reconnaissance. Making sure I haven't left anything behind.
- 10:00 AM: Check-out. (Please, Let It Be Easy!) No drama, no hidden charges, just freedom.
- 10:30 AM - Departure to the airport. I'm getting out of here!
- 1:00 Departure: Arrive Home Back to my own bed, with my own coffee.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change based on mood, the quality of the hotel coffee, and the general level of existential dread. Embrace the chaos. Also, please, send help.
Hotel Miramare Fano: Italy's Hidden Gem Awaits!
Okay, spill it. Is this Best Western *really* Durham's "BEST"? I mean, Oshawa... seriously?
Alright, alright, settle down, you cynical traveler! Look, "BEST" is subjective, yeah? Did I expect Michelin star dining and a rooftop infinity pool? Absolutely not. Did I find a clean, comfortable, and dare I say it, *charming* place to crash after a brutal day of... well, you name it - visiting family, attending a conference you’re secretly dreading, or just the sheer existential dread of being alive? YES. This Best Western Plus in Oshawa, it’s something. Consider it the unexpected, slightly rumpled, but ultimately reliable friend you didn't know you needed. Okay, it's not the Ritz, but it's a solid, dependable friend.
So, the rooms? What's the deal? Is it all sterile and soul-crushing?
Okay, the rooms... the rooms are where things get interesting. Look, let's be real, it's no boutique hotel. The decor is, let's say, "classic Best Western." Think beige, maybe a splash of maroon, and a painting that looks like it was purchased from a bargain bin in 1993. BUT! My room was clean. REALLY clean. And after a long day of driving, that's a MAJOR win. The bed? Comfy enough that I actually, remarkably, slept. I even managed to steal an hour of extra sleep, which is unheard of! And honestly? That's sometimes all you need. A clean room and a decent bed are miracles, okay?
Breakfast. The dreaded hotel breakfast. Tell me the truth, will I be eating mystery meat and shrivelled eggs?
Okay, breakfast… let's address the elephant in the room, or rather, the lukewarm sausage in the buffet line. The breakfast situation? Not gourmet, let's just get that out there. BUT. They had waffles. Actual, freshly-made waffles. And a machine where you could, with varying degrees of success, create your own. Now, I'm not a morning person, and operating a waffle iron before coffee is a challenge bordering on insanity. Let's just say my first waffle looked like it had a personal vendetta against me. But the second one? GOLDEN. Crispy edges, fluffy insides. Served with a side of dignity. Okay, maybe not dignity. But satisfying enough to make me actually, genuinely, smile before 9 am. And that, my friends, is worth its weight in... waffle batter.
What's the deal with the staff? Are they friendly, or just going through the motions?
The staff? Ah, the unsung heroes of the hospitality world. And, honestly? They were great! Genuinely friendly. The guy at the front desk, I think his name was Dave, he gave me a great recommendation for a local brewery. The breakfast lady was always smiling, even when I was struggling (again) with the waffle maker. You know the kind of people. They actually *seem* to enjoy their jobs. That, in itself, is a rare and beautiful thing. Definitely a step up from the robotic greetings you sometimes get at hotels.
Is there a pool? Because, you know, vacation, and the kids?
Yes! There is a pool! And a hot tub! And truthfully, both were actually... quite clean! Now, remember, this is Oshawa. Don't expect an Olympic-sized swimming complex. But it's indoor, heated, and perfect for a post-road-trip soak. My inner child, who, quite frankly, is still very much alive, was *delighted*. Picture me, a grown adult, splashing around like a five-year-old. No shame. The hot tub was hot, the pool was refreshing, and the general vibe was surprisingly chill. It wasn't the fanciest pool ever, but it did the job, and that’s really all that needed to happen.
Location, location, location! How close is it to, you know, *stuff*?
Location is pretty good, actually! It's close to the 401, which is a blessing and a curse (traffic, people!). But it’s close to restaurants, shops, and all the other usual suspects. Plus, if you're into it, there's a casino not too far away. I, personally, am more of a "Netflix and waffle" kind of person, but the options are there. It's not right downtown, which is probably a good thing, considering Oshawa's... let's just say, sprawling nature. Easy to get to, easy to get out of, and that's what really matters, right?
Any downsides at all? Because nothing's perfect.
Alright, let's be real here. Perfect? No. There were a few... *minor* imperfections. The Wi-Fi was a little spotty at times. And, um, the elevator... took a long time. Like, a really long time. I took the stairs once. Okay, twice. Because I’m impatient, and frankly, slightly claustrophobic. But honestly? These are tiny quibbles. Things that I can completely overlook. Another slight issue, depending on your perspective? I did manage to get a little too friendly with the breakfast waffle machine, and I may have…okay, I definitely overate at breakfast. But hey, that’s on me. The hotel can't be blamed for my lack of self-control! But yeah – a few very minor things, nothing that ruined the overall experience.
So, bottom line: Would you recommend it? Is this really Durham's "Hidden Gem?"
Look, "Hidden Gem" is a bold claim, I will admit. But for the price, the cleanliness, the genuinely friendly staff, and the waffle machine, I’d say… yes. Yes, I would. It's not going to win any awards for luxury. But it's a place where you can actually relax, feel comfortable, and get a good night's sleep. And let's be honest, in the chaos of the world, that's worth its weight in… golden, crispy waffles. Would I stay there again? Absolutely. And I might even bring extra syrup next time.
