The Waddell

We have often stayed at The Waddell, the last time being two years ago. Since then some positive things have taken place. The Gusto restaurant remains excellent with a varied, generous menu and fairly priced wine list. Our room has been renovated incorporating a small kitchenette and a smaller but functional bathroom. There is more onsite parking making unloading very easy. Most of the negative comments could be fixed quite easily. They are: - the outside windows have not been cleaned in a VERY long time - some of the inside windows were dirty and had cobwebs. - some paint was chipped on the inside walls of the room - there was no soap in the bathroom- just lotion, shampoo & conditioner. - no glass wine glasses in the room but easily obtained from the bar - There were broken window panes at the front of the building and at the window seat in the restaurant. - The bathroom sink took a long time to drain and would not seal. - The most frustrating was trying to get the TV to work. We couldn’t get a live feed and the internet kept cutting out. - the outside patio has ancient chairs and no table. An umbrella would be nice as it gets full sun after 3:00 pm and hard to sit out. This is a great old hotel in a most convenient location in the historic town of Port Hope. I hope these comments are taken in a positive fashion and it can be restored to it’s previous glory

-the bathroom door could not close -the bathroom sink did not drain properly. -the blinds cannot be adjusted over dirty windows, not room darkening -there was no room-care between nights -the room overall was in disrepair even though described on the web site as “luxury”.

I have stayed at the Waddell a few times the past few years; most recent stay was disappointing: while the room was charming, it felt like its historical charm was being prioritized over guest comfort. Eg, the bathroom fixtures need to be updated including a sink that drains and a shower knob that doesn’t look mouldy inside; the mattress and bed need replacing, and the carpet either cleaned or replaced. While I do appreciate the historical charm of this hotel, I can no longer recommend it as a place to stay comfortably; instead the hotel rooms promote sensory discomfort. Too bad.

18 Dec 2024 - We arrived at 5:25 pm for our Wednesday evening 5:30 pm reservation. We were greeted well and shown to our table. Wine was served by 5:35 pm and appetizers and dinner was ordered by 5:45pm. As first-time patrons to this local restaurant, we were taken back by how noisy it was, so much so, it was hard to hear the other people talking at our table. Appetizers arrived at the table at 6:10pm. I had the calamari; not impressed. Frozen and deep fried making it very tough and barely eatable for $19. I could have boughten this from the local grocery store for $6. By 6:45 pm, one hour from ordering, we began asking our waitress when our dinner would arrive, being very polite she mentioned "it was on the way". Our dinners arrived at 7:15pm; an hour and a half after we ordered - completely unacceptable. Our waitress went on to explain that our order was "missed" by the kitchen. I requested that the manager be advised, and we were told she knew. To make matter worse, one of our friends ordered a basic pizza and it arrived stone cold; uneatable (again) to food standards for temperature. That was taken off our bill. To add more to our misery, I ordered the sea bass ($38) and the filet was served in a bowl of what I can only describe as thin tomatoed soup, terrible value for the money. This was a totally terrible experience, and we will not return or recommend this restaurant. The only action that could have helped was to have the manager come to our table and explain the failure mode of way the kitchen service was so terrible; not leaving the poor waitress to do her job. A very sad management style.

Not a good experience -room heating and cooling thermostat does not work -no matter what you set it for but the temperature on it is accurate -since you can’t control anything our room was 30C for the complete night and you can’t open any windows -obviously this spoiled the stay —mattresses and pillows are old and lumpy -as another not so nice -really like Port Hope though

We were in rm201 - lovely, large room with door that exits to outdoor terrace. High ceilings, large windows, big tv, a great little room off to side of main room with its own sink, counter & mini fridge. Bed comfortable, towels fluffy. Bathroom was completly different style - could use a restyle, but still clean. Had some issues initially with tv but staff came up to help us sort it out. Too bad the fabulously large windows weren't clean to show off how lovely they are & with an ok view. We were given 2 keys that look the same & I always seemed to choose the wrong one to open the door - wish they had an identifying band on one. Restaurant was great - we went there 3-4 times. No free breakfast though. The restaurant only opens for lunch & dinner. Ganaraska River was beseiged with the salmon migration up the river - absolutely amazing event. Phenomenol actually. Major road construction on Walton, while much needed was a drag to put up with as tourists in for only a few days. Too bad The Capitol was closed - but that will be a next time for us, once road construction finished. Easy town to make one's was around. I would certainly stay here again.