After having stayed in hotels big and small around the globe, this last weekend I decided to try out the Novotel Mississauga which is literally in my back yard near Square One in Mississauga.
Read here for my full review….
I called the local number at the hotel to make a reservation on Dec 22. I was placed on a brief hold as the agent said the system was slow/not responding. She came back in under a minute and all was taken care of.
I arrived at the lobby and being a Platinum member I proceeded to the Le Club dedicated desk. But, I was asked to check in at the regular desk. Note there were no other guests checking in and the Le Club desk was manned and so were two regular desks.
Nonetheless, the GSA – Saif, who checked us in was very friendly and explaining about the restaurant and parking. But as soon as he realised that I was a Platinum, his attitude changed even more for the better and told me if there is anything he can do, just to let him know. He then offered to send up a Bon-Bon tray and a voucher for 1 free drink at the restaurant/bar.
Having checked-in we wandered up to check out the room. We had a Superior Room on the 14th floor, so not sure how the Standard, Executive and Suite compare.
On the way to the room, there were several wires (presumably for Wi-Fi) exposed along the lengths of the corridor which made it look quite untidy.
Here is a look inside a Superior Room.
There was a coffee maker, a mini fridge and a safe big enough to hold you laptop.
There was a nice simple desk with a TV and a decent selection of cable channels.
The Superior room has a standard King Size bed which was pretty comfy. Had a nice sleep and almost missed the free breakfast that was included in the room.
The ensuite bathroom was no frills and the drain under the sink was exposed and there appeared to be holes cut out in the wall which could have been covered and make it look aesthetically pleasing as it was quite an eye sore.
There was the regular supply of soaps, shampoo but no shower cap, razor etc. So, I decided to ask Saif who was still at the front desk and he said shower caps are not part of the amenities, and asked me to call Housekeeping. I decided to let it go. Whatever happened to “one call resolution” we see in most hotels?
Back in the room, there was also a coffee table and two sofas which were quite comfy.
There were no bathrobes in the closet, just an extra blanket.
Having checked in, decided to go out for dinner at Moxie’s in the mall. Note the parking costs CAD$13 and is inclusive of taxes and gives you in-out privileges from the 3 storey covered parking thats attached to the hotel.
When we returned back to the hotel, the lobby was very busy with a busload of LOT Polish crew checking in, who were all being checked in at all three desks including the “Le Club” desk. I wonder if they would usher a Platinum status guest through in the midst of this.
Upon our return to the room, Saif came through on his promise and heres what was waiting for us in the room. Good job Saif!
Along with that was a voucher which said and I quote “We are happy to welcome you with a drink of your choice*, to be taken during your stay at the hotel bar or restaurant.”
The Fine Print said: “All drinks except millesimes, champagne and spirits….” Not good enough Novotel.
Next morning we rushed at 9:40am for breakfast as we were told breakfast is served only from 6:00am to 10:00am.
I was surprised to see most of the spread was still there and they had not started clearing the chaffing dishes as they do at some other hotels. In fact, we noticed a large family turn up at 10:15am and they were allowed to have breakfast too.
There was a good selection of cheese and cold cuts, bread and butter, several varieties of cereal to satisfy the kid in you.
There were baked tomatoes, beans and scrambled eggs. The server came round and offered to make us eggs on demand i.e. sunny side up etc. and advised us its part of the buffet breakfast with no extra charge.
There was also a good selection of fresh cut fruits and juices.
Here is the bar thats at the middle of the restaurant.
Here are some pictures from the lobby which was nicely decorated with a Christmas tree. There were computers to checkin for your flights and a generic ATM machine.
Overall, it was a pleasant stay, the check-in process was quick as Saif found my reservation right away. However, they didnt ask for any ID and I noticed that the address on my final invoice had a random address in Woodbridge. Surely, this is a security issue?
I am more concerned as it had my Le Club membership number in full.
Overall, the bed was comfy, the breakfast was plentiful and included unlimited coffee/tea and the kind server also offered us a take-out cup with coffee and said its also included in the rate. However, not sure why we had to sign a bill for $0 for breakfast when its included in the room rate.
So, I would definitely recommend this hotel for anyone out of town who wants a pillow to lay their head on after an evening out in the Square One area.