Whitehorse's BEST Kept Secret? This Hotel Will SHOCK You!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a hotel review that isn't your average, sanitized PR speak. We're talking Whitehorse's "BEST Kept Secret? This Hotel Will SHOCK You!" and honestly, after staying there, I’m still trying to figure out if it shocked me in a good way… in a really good way… or if I'm just perpetually covered in Yukon-sized goosebumps from the sheer… everything.
Let's be clear: This isn't a perfect place. But that's what makes it… kind of perfect.
First off, let's tackle the things that make your stay easier, because, let's be real, accessibility is crucial.
Accessibility & Getting Your Bearings
- Wheelchair Accessible: YES! Major points for actually catering to everyone. Ramps, elevators, you name it, they've got it. Made me feel like I wasn't going to be stranded in the lobby.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: More good news. They're genuinely trying here, which is a breath of fresh air.
- Elevator: Essential, especially if you're not a mountain goat on a caffeine bender.
- Check-in/out [express & contactless]: This is a must in today's world. No more standing in line breathing on everyone.
- Car Park [free of charge], Car Park [on-site], Valet parking: Park your dang car!
- Airport transfer, Taxi service: Getting in and out is a breeze.
Okay, so we're off to a good start. Now, onto the messy, the real stuff…
Cleanliness & Safety - And a Healthy Dose of Paranoia
Look, I went there in those times, so I’m going to harp on this quite a bit.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: They were SERIOUS. I felt like I was living in a bubble… albeit a very clean bubble. They really took precautions, maybe a little over the top, but better safe than sorry, right?
- Individual-wrapped food options: Breakfast bagels? You KNOW, the ones wrapped individually? Obsessed.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Thank goodness.
- Cashless payment service: No need to touch anything (I’m a germaphobe).
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms: Safe is definitely the operative word here.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: They actually do it.
Rooms & Comfort - My Deep Dive into the Best Bed Ever
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the ROOM. I'm usually a hotel room snob. I'm on a first-name basis with the housekeeping staff in my local hotels! My first impression? A little… understated? It wasn't flashy, but it was clean, and that's what matters. But then, the details started to reveal themselves.
Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Wi-Fi [free]: Thank GOODNESS. They’re offering real Wi-Fi. (More on that later.)
Air Conditioning: Pretty standard, but a must.
Blackout curtains: PERFECT for sleeping off the jet lag.
Those pillows…. Seriously, I could have lived there. I slept like a baby for two whole weeks. The bed itself was an "Extra long bed" too!
Bathroom details: I had a bathtub! And there was a real shower (not some sad little trickle).
Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless: The LAN thing? Not sure I even used it, everything was Wi-Fi.
My single biggest complaint? The room colors. Everything was a shade of beige or gray. I need color! But I guess that goes with the vibe… cozy.
Dining & Drinking - Fueling the Adventure
Okay, let’s talk food. This is where things get… interesting.
- Restaurants, Bar, Coffee shop, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Snack bar: They have options, which is GREAT.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: I ate enough to give a food critic a heart attack, and the variety they provided was insane!
- Bottle of water, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Essential condiments, Individually-wrapped food options, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Again, with the safety. Fine by me.
- The Breakfast Buffet This was… unforgettable (in a good way, I promise). We’re talking everything. And the staff? They were attentive and lovely.
The Quirky Side of Things
Now, the "SHOCK" part… that's where the experience takes a turn. There were a few things I wasn’t expecting…
- The "Shrine." (I'm calling it that). There was a little display in the lobby, it was a local art and religious display - interesting.
- The Soundtrack - I swear I heard whale songs playing one night? (I exaggerate – but the music was… unconventional.)
- The Staff: They are friendly, but they have a certain level of Canadian politeness that borders on the absurd. It's… endearing.
Services, Conveniences & Stuff You Actually Need
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: Basically, whatever you need, they got you.
- Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids facilities: This is a good place to bring the family.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Yukon Style
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Not the fanciest gym I've seen, but it has the basics.
- Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Perfect.
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Honestly, I didn't have time for the spa. But it looked inviting enough.
- Massage: Needed one!
- Sauna, Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap: All that to say… you probably want to add a few days just to relax!
Getting Around – The Basics and Beyond
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Easy peasy.
My Ramblings
Here's the thing about this place: it's offbeat. It’s not a cookie-cutter hotel. It’s got character. And I really, truly liked it.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Do your research before going to Whitehorse and book it. Final Verdict: The hotel is good, the staff is great, and the bed is heavenly.
Here’s My Deal for YOU – Book Now & Get Ready to Be Shocked!
The "Yukon Adventure Starter Pack" (because you'll need it!)
Book a stay of 3 nights or more and get:
- A FREE bottle of local Yukon Gold beer (because you've earned it!).
- A voucher for a complimentary dessert during your stay.
- And, to really get
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your meticulously planned, Instagram-filtered travel diary. This is me, wrestling with a travel itinerary in the wilds of the Yukon, specifically the Quality Inn & Suites Whitehorse. And let me tell you, it's going to be a rollercoaster.
Day 1: Arrival and the Crushing Reality of Jetlag (and Questionable Hotel Coffee)
- 10:00 AM: LANDING! (Or, More Accurately, Bouncing, Because Turbulence.) - Okay, okay, Whitehorse. You're… scenic. The mountains are… imposing. The airport's a bit… quaint. It's less "international hub" and more "cozy cabin." Already feeling the pull of the "Yukon Time." This whole place whispers slow-motion.
- 11:00 AM: Check-in at the Quality Inn. - The receptionist, bless her heart, looks like she's seen a thousand bleary-eyed travelers just like me. The room… well, it's a room. Clean enough. Kinda smells like chlorine, but hey, at least it's not smoke, right? (Fingers crossed.) The carpet? That's a vintage look, for sure. Gives off serious "80s hotel conference" vibes.
- 11:30 AM: The Coffee Disaster. - I swear, the coffee here could strip paint. Seriously, it's got the consistency of motor oil and tastes like… sadness. This is going to be a problem. A major, caffeine-deprived problem. I'm already craving a decent cappuccino. This hotel is going to need to up its coffee game to gain my approval.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch-ish. - Wandered down the street in search of sustenance. Ended up in a surprisingly good diner. Ordered a burger. It was glorious. Ground beef perfection, a symphony of grease and flavor. This, friends, is the culinary high point of my day so far. (And I'm not even ashamed.)
- 2:00 PM: The Jetlag Monster Attacks. - Down for the count. Nap time. My eyelids are heavier than the lead weights I wish I had in my pocket.
- 5:00 PM: Wake Up (Maybe). - Still groggy. The siren song of the hotel pool and hot tub is calling. Maybe a soak will wash away the grime of the flight and the general existential dread.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner and the "Northern Lights" Panic (Or, the Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship.) - Found a decent restaurant with a view of the (potential) northern lights. The server, a local with eyes that crinkled when she smiled, gave me the lowdown on viewing conditions. Apparently, tonight's a maybe. This is it. The Yukon is a wonderland.
- 9:00 PM: Lights (Maybe?) - Sat outside the Inn waiting, and a fellow guest, a grizzled old guy with leathery skin and a twinkle in his eye, started a conversation. He's seen the lights a hundred times, maybe more. He shared stories of a lifetime spent in the Yukon.
- 10:00 PM: Lights (Maybe?) - Nothing. The sky is just… dark. But the conversation with the old guy was a true gift. He was a treasure trove of stories. We spent an hour chatting about life, the universe, and everything.
Day 2: Dogsledding Dreams and the Price of Freedom (and Possibly Being Eaten by a Bear.)
- 8:00 AM: Coffee Crisis Part 2 - Swallowed down a cup of the hotel coffee, but just barely.
- 9:00 AM: Dogsledding! (Maybe not.) - Booked a dogsledding experience, because, Yukon! BUT, the weather has turned. Snow's coming down sideways, and my dreams of mushing through the wilderness are dissolving into slush puddles. There's a chance it'll be cancelled. My heart might break. I'm going to be very, very sad if this doesn't work out.
- 11:00 AM: Dogsledding… cancelled. - Tears. Okay, maybe not. But disappointment levels are high. Apparently, the trails are too treacherous. The guide's a nice guy, though. Re-booked for tomorrow (fingers crossed).
- 12:00 PM: The Yukon Wildlife Preserve. - Saw bison! And elk! And some sort of arctic fox that looked suspiciously like it wanted to steal my sandwich. I learned a lot about the local wildlife, and I'm pretty sure I could survive a bear encounter (probably not though.)
- 2:00 PM: The Yukon Wildlife Museum. - Really. The museum. I'm not usually a museum person, but this place had a certain rustic charm. Taxidermied animals galore! Everything from a tiny muskrat to a massive grizzly bear. The displays weren't exactly high-tech, but they were full of information and a genuine respect for the animals. Still not sure how I feel about the whole taxidermy thing.
- 4:00 PM: The Questionable Gift Shop. - Every tourist shop offers a window into a culture. This gift shop seemed to be specializing in everything I wouldn't want to send home. I may or may not have bought a t-shirt with a moose wearing sunglasses. Don't judge me.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner: - Back at the diner. Ordered the burger again. Consistency is key. The server, knowing my jetlag, was very nice.
- 8:00 PM: Lights (Maybe?) - Still dark. Still no lights. Decided to accept my fate. A dark, lightless sky is also part of the Yukon experience.
Day 3: Dogsledding! (Success!) and the Eternal Search for Good Coffee
- 7:00 AM: Coffee, the Redemption. - Woke up early, determined to find a decent cup of coffee. Gave the hotel another shot. Nope. Went for a walk, found a hole-in-the-wall spot that served coffee that tasted like pure, unadulterated heaven. This is what I call a good start.
- 9:00 AM: DOGSLEDDING!!! - IT HAPPENED! The weather cleared, the dogs were raring to go, and I got to live out my Iditarod fantasies. The wind in my face, the snow crunching beneath the sled, the dogs barking with pure, unadulterated joy… it was magical. Hands down, the best goddamn experience of my life. I may or may not have yelped with delight. It was pure, unadulterated, joyous, freezing-cold bliss.
- 12:00 PM: Post-Dogsledding Euphoria. - Still buzzing. Still covered in snow. Still grinning like a fool. Went to my hotel room to thaw out. Took a shower. Felt the aches in my muscles.
- 1:00 PM: Rest and Reflection - Watched TV. Felt the aches in my muscles.
- 3:00 PM: The Quest Continues… - Coffee. Back to the hole-in-the-wall for another cup of the gods.
- 5:00 PM: Back at the Hotel. - Packed my bags knowing that my trip was coming to an end.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner - One last burger, with fries, at my new go-to diner.
- 7:00 PM: Say Goodbye - Said goodbye to the Yukon with the old guy from the hotel. Promised I would come back.
Final Thoughts:
Whitehorse, you magnificent, slightly odd, and definitely unforgiving place. You tested me, you challenged me, and you gave me an experience I will cherish forever. The Quality Inn? Well, it was… a place to stay. But the people, the dogs, the landscape… those are things I will never forget. I'm coming back, Yukon. Just gotta find some better coffee first. And maybe learn to survive a bear encounter.
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So, what *IS* this supposed "Best Kept Secret" anyway? Spill the beans! (And maybe a little of your soul…)
Alright, alright, keep your horses. Fine. It's a hotel. Supposedly. In Whitehorse. I won't name names because A) I'm still not totally sure what to call it, and B) I don't want to get sued. Let's just say it's… *unconventional*. Like, picture a hotel that's been run by a squirrel with a penchant for interior design and a budget roughly equivalent to a bag of peanuts. That's a starting point.
What was your initial reaction when you walked through the door? Be honest! We want the GOOD and the BAD.
Okay, honest time. My first thought? "Is this a joke?" Seriously. The lobby… well, if you can call it a lobby – it was more like an overflow room from a Goodwill store. Mismatched furniture, a calendar from 1987 advertising a "Yukon Gold Rush Dance-Off" (I’m not kidding, I swear), and a faint smell of… something. I *think* it was mothballs mixed with stale coffee. There was a woman at the desk, who seemed to be in a constant state of mild bewilderment. I swear, she might have been the ghost of a receptionist. Anyway, the good? The sheer audacity of it all. The bad? I wasn't sure I wanted to sleep there, let alone unpack. My poor suitcase….
Let's talk ROOMS. What was it *really* like? Specifics, please! Dirty? Haunted? Disco ball?
Alright, ROOMS. This is where it gets... interesting. My room? Let's just say it had "character." The wallpaper was peeling, revealing… more wallpaper. Layer upon layer of questionable design choices. One layer looked suspiciously like a map of the Klondike gold rush. The bed? Oh, the bed. It *looked* like a bed. It *reminded* me of a bed I found in a dumpster on the side of the road. I'm pretty sure there was a slight incline to the right, which, after a night of tossing and turning, made me think I might roll onto the floor. There was a distinct lack of disco ball (which, honestly, was a missed opportunity!), and I'm nearly certain I heard the faint whisper of someone calling my name… or maybe it was the wind whistling through the crack in the window. And the bathroom... let's just leave it at "rustic charm" with a hint of regret. I might need therapy for the bathroom alone.
Food and Drink? Were you brave enough to try anything? Or did you make a midnight dash for the nearest Tim Hortons?
Okay, this one is short and sweet: food and drink? Ha! There *was* a "restaurant" (again, air quotes), but it was closed. Permanently. Possibly since the Pleistocene epoch. I did see a vending machine, though! Its offerings looked like they’d been there since the Yukon Gold Rush Dance-Off. Let's just say my pre-emptive trip to Tim Hortons the night before was a LIFE SAVER. The nearest Tim Hortons, incidentally, felt like a beacon of salvation after my experience. (And yes, I may have bought, and immediately consumed, a whole box of Timbits. Don't judge me.)
The **STAFF**! What about the staff?! Were they even *human*? (Kidding… maybe…)
The staff… Right. So, the front desk woman? As I mentioned earlier, she seemed to have existed in a perpetual state of "mildly confused." The other staff members… Well, I’m still not entirely sure there *were* other staff members. I saw *one* other person the entire time, and that was the guy who seemed to be in charge of weeding the… *ahem*… "garden" out front. He looked like he'd seen things. Things I probably *don't* want to know about. He sort of grunted at me when I tried to ask him where the nearest grocery store was. So yeah, the staff experience was a bit… sparse. Not exactly the most welcoming team, but I'm sure they were trying their best. maybe.
Okay, fine. What *redeeming* qualities did this place have? C'mon, there's gotta be *something*!
Alright, alright, I'll admit it. There were a *few* things. The location, if you squinted, was actually pretty decent. Near the river. Kind of. And... and... well, the experience was definitely *memorable*. You know, the kind of experience you'll be telling your friends about for YEARS. The sheer absurdity of the whole thing was strangely endearing. It was also… cheap. Like, *really* cheap. And... this is a big one... I survived. (I’m counting that as a major win.) And I came out with a damn good story. A story that involves a near-death experience with a questionable bed and an overwhelming desire for a decent cup of coffee. So yeah, that's something. More than something, actually, it was… an adventure.
Would you go back? Honestly. And why would you or wouldn't you?
Would I go back? Okay, that's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Honestly? Mmm, maybe. But only if I had: A) A very strong sense of humor; B) A healthy supply of disinfectant wipes; C) A pre-booked stay at a *different* hotel as a backup. Look, it's not a luxurious vacation spot, but if you're the kind of person who enjoys the absurd, the slightly unsettling, and the incredibly budget-friendly, then, by all means, go for it. Just… lower your expectations. And bring your own coffee. I'm giving it a solid 2 stars. Two stars for pure, unadulterated, slightly terrifying entertainment value.
Okay, You had a REALLY bad experience. Is it really a "Best Kept Secret?" Or is it… something else? And is there a chance you are being overly dramatic?
Okay, deep breaths. Am I being dramatic? Perhaps. But only because the reality of this place was so… *unexpected*. "Best Kept Secret?" Well, the "secret" is definitely out, and I'm sure the locals have known about this gem all along, whispering stories around campfires. Is it "best?" That depends on your definition of "best". It's *certainly* a secret you won't forget. And yes, maybe I am being overly dramatic. But in a way that is the point. Every chipped teacup, every creaking floorboard, every lingeringStay Finder Blogs
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