The Bala Bay Inn

My recent stay at Bala Bay Inn was one of the worst hotel experiences I have ever had. While the on-site staff were friendly, the management is unprofessional, unresponsive, and hostile toward guests who raise legitimate concerns. This hotel has serious safety hazards, misleading advertising, and virtually no amenities. 1. Serious Safety Concerns • The bathroom ceiling collapsed in our room, which was not just poor maintenance but a dangerous situation. • Snow and ice were not cleared from fire exits, creating a serious hazard in an emergency. • Other guests also reported structural issues, proving this is a recurring problem. 2. False Advertising – Spa Services Were Not Available • The hotel advertises spa services, but during my stay, the spa was never open. • I specifically wanted a manicure and pedicure, but there was no access to any spa services at any time. • If a service is unavailable, guests should be informed before booking. 3. No Customer Service – Front Desk Exists but Is Unstaffed • There is a front desk, but no one staffs it—it is completely useless. • There are no signs directing guests where to find help. • I was eventually told that staff work in the bar, but how is a guest supposed to know that? • If you need assistance, be prepared to search for someone. 4. Thin Walls, Lots of Noise – No Chance for a Good Night’s Sleep • The walls are paper-thin, and you can hear everything from neighbouring rooms and the hallway. • Noise from the bar and other guests carries through the entire hotel, making it difficult to sleep. 5. Broken Beds – Cheap, Unstable, and Uncomfortable • The beds in multiple rooms had broken wooden slats, making them unstable and uncomfortable. • This is unacceptable in any hotel, let alone one that charges the prices they do. • As someone with acid reflux (GERD), I need proper sleep positioning, and the broken beds made that impossible. 6. Bare-Bones, Cheaply Furnished Rooms • The rooms contain just a bed, two cheap end tables, a TV, and a fan. • No closet, no dresser, no hooks—nowhere to hang or store belongings. • No fridge, no microwave, no coffee maker, and no disclosure that these basic amenities aren’t provided. 7. Subpar Food – Not Worth It • The food was disappointing, both in quality and options. • If you’re expecting a decent meal, you’ll want to eat elsewhere. 8. Smoking at the Entrance – No Enforcement of Smoke-Free Policies • Staff were seen smoking near the entrance, and an ashtray was placed under a balcony. • Guests had to walk through second-hand smoke to enter the building. 9. Lack of Accessibility Information • The hotel is not wheelchair accessible, but this is not disclosed anywhere. • Guests with mobility issues should be given accurate information before booking. 10. Retaliatory and Hostile Management – Banned for Making Legitimate Complaints • After raising valid concerns, management banned me from returning instead of fixing the problems. • They threate

We were curious about the reopening on this iconic hotel in Bala. We were so disappointed at the very poor "update". The entry pad is still unfinished. The decor is still so very dark and even though they are trying to keep it traditional. Who needs dark red flock wallpaper!! Bar is also very poorly designed. Not welcoming from the lobby. We felt bad. Dark lobby, dark bar, and a porch that had no atmosphere at all. Sorry did not see the rooms. But this place was just not welcoming at all. I think that it could have so much more potential in a lovely Muskoka town.