Whale's Tail Guest Suites
1906 Bay Street 279 Hemlock Street Front Desk: West Coast Motel on the Harbour, Ucluelet, British Columbia V0R 3A0 Canada
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Avg. C$146 /night, 2/10 - 2/11
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About
#3 of 3 motels in Ucluelet
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
1, 2 or 3 bedroom condo apartments with full kitchens available for nightly rental. Clean & quiet, centrally located downtown on a quiet residential street on a grassy, hedged lot. No smoking. No pets. Daily housekeeping. Free access to West Coast Fitness Centre (indoor pool, 3000 sq ft gym and sauna located 1 block North. Free WIFI and optik TV. BBQ onsite. 1 bedroom suites are child-friendly, however we do not accept children under 12 in the 2 or 3 bedroom suites. The Whale's Tail is within walking distance to restaurants, whale watching and fishing, the harbour and to Big Beach and the Wild Pacific Trail. 10 minute drive to Pacific Rim National Park (Long Beach) and 30 minute drive to Tofino, which is located on the other side of Long Beach. Front desk location is 1 Block North at West Coast Motel on the Harbour on Hemlock Street.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Pool
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking hotel
Self-serve laundry
Wifi
Sauna
Picnic area
Room features
Seating area
Sofa
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Kitchenware
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Business
Quaint
Location
1906 Bay Street 279 Hemlock Street Front Desk: West Coast Motel on the Harbour, Ucluelet, British Columbia V0R 3A0 Canada
Getting there
Good for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 86 out of 100
86
Tofino-Long Beach Airport
22.2 km•
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Tofino Harbour Water Aerodrome
35.1 km•
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Rental Cars
25 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
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Detailed Reviews
We stayed on the main floor, and they had a great laminate floor on the whole suite. Very clean room, helpful staff that provided spoons and bowls when we needed them, a nice selection of coffee and a keurig in the room. No view of the ocean as it is across the road toward the inland, but it was a very short walk! Everything was very close to the hotel with a car. The staff were friendly and helpful, and provided us with suggestions for taxi services when we needed them. Thank you for the lovely stay, we will be back again soon!
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â There is an outdoor patio with chairs. The sink is outside of the bathroom so it can be used...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cassandra Martin, General Manager at Whale's Tail Guest Suites
Responded Jun 14, 2024
Hi. I am very happy to hear you enjoyed your stay and that the staff was able to provide information and items needed. We truly are located in a great spot in walking distance to most things in Ucluelet. We hope you are able to travel back this way in the near future. Until next time, safe travels. Cassandra- Motel manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We are family of four were in the lower unit on Aug. 28-30, 2021.
The property exceeded our expectations: yes, everything is very basic and simple but clean, neat and quiet - that's what we needed. Approachable management, though located in a different motel. It was kind of pricey even comparing with some high-end properties in Victoria, but for that period of time in Uclulet it was one of the most inexpensive options (we booked a month in advance). We're glad we stayed in the Whale's Tale. Would Recommend.
The property exceeded our expectations: yes, everything is very basic and simple but clean, neat and quiet - that's what we needed. Approachable management, though located in a different motel. It was kind of pricey even comparing with some high-end properties in Victoria, but for that period of time in Uclulet it was one of the most inexpensive options (we booked a month in advance). We're glad we stayed in the Whale's Tale. Would Recommend.
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Date of stay: August 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Keep in mind HW-4 daily closures when travelling to Tofino - Uclulet area.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cassandra Martin, General Manager at Whale's Tail Guest Suites
Responded Oct 20, 2021
Hello. Thank you for your feedback. I am happy you enjoyed your stay and apologize if the rates seemed high as we do try and stay comparable to local competitors. I am happy we exceeded your expectations and i assure you we are continually trying to update and renovate our properties. The Whales Tail Guest Suite's is our sister property and the main office is unfortunately located at the main property The West Coast Motel one block over. Attached to the main building is the West Coast Fitness Centre which access is included in your stay. Safe travels and come visit again soon. Cassandra- Motel Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
At first ,dissappointed that the outside of the building was in need of maintenance and it was a bit more than a block to The West Coast Motel to use pool and workout facility. The Tv's are smaller than I would have expected but there is a second one in the bedroom and are newer flat screens. The place was spacious, VERY clean, separate bedroom with closing door a bonus. Full kitchen that was well stocked with dishes, pots and utensils. Spotless stove and fridge. The inside was remodelled and looked attractive. Towels and sheets are good. We were able to use the barbecue and were provided propane. A big thank you to Shelly for helping us get that set up and going the extra mile to find us a lighter & salt so we could cook our fresh crab outside. I would rate this facility a 4 because of maintenance needed outside but for the $$ value in Ucluelet, staff, and cleanliness I have to give it a 5. Thank you to management for the policy of needing vaccination cards to use pool. Much appreciated from Manitoba guests.
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Date of stay: November 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cassandra Martin, General Manager at Whale's Tail Guest Suites
Responded Nov 29, 2021
Hello Selkirk. I really appreciate the time you took to leave us this kind review. We really appreciate your feedback. We try our best to provide a home away from home and are trying to update and renovate our rooms and properties. I hope when you visit again that we will have tackled more of the outside of our buildings. I would also like to give a little secret that there is a path the goes from this property to the main building one block away. Ask our front desk staff to point it out for you it makes coming to the pool easier. We are very honored that you rated us so well and hope to see you again soon. Cassandra - Motel manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
If you rent a kitchenette, be prepared to bring EVERYTHING a you might need. There were a few dishes, a few utensils, no knives for chopping, no cutting board! One pan for baking, one small pot. There was no dish soap, yet there are big signs stating that you will be charged if you do not clean your dishes. This suite was SO UNDERSUPPLIED that our plans to cook were abolished and we had to pay extra to eat out. The suite itself was super run down, smells very moist, musty, the carpets stained and disgusting. The exterior is in a terrible state of disrepair, siding with holes in it! What a dump. The cost is almost $300 a night. Absolute robbery.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Don’t do it.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pretty super old and dated!
No new renos done including just some simple painting much needed on the outside in a VERY long time...it shows!
Bath water was mirky dirty! Had to repour and start again!
I could not stay a 2nd night because of my terrible ferry time at 7:45 am Mon set up and it is 3 hrs away back to Nanaimo for Mon am ferry from here and it took me suggesting I would have to review that to be able to communicate on that aspect better! The ferries have had limited sailings cause of a lack of staff and a ferry breakdown a couple days ago.
Not my doing anyways!
Plus with the major construction going on, on the highway very close to here, there are too many closures overnight and even if I left at 3 am that would not guarantee me to make it on that ferry at 7:45 am! Was a big time worry anyways.
Places like this who charge 425 dollars after tax for 2 nights and with NO renos done in so LONG or any upgrades, MUST make it easier to cancel one night with full refund! IF an issue or problem legit!
I do not like to over explain myself and do not like hassles! I am just a super honest person! Am here too on a move job to help a customer unload his stuff tomorrow all planned!
2 of 5 stars but more like a 1.75.
Internet though works well and is fast...only saving grace!
There were dripping stains in the fridge that I cleaned cause I was worried on all the notes of a cleaning fee of $40!
N, Apr 16/17/22. (Time right now is midnight). Still frustrated as had to book a motel back in Nanaimo for tomorrow to be safe for Mon am and still officially booked here!
No new renos done including just some simple painting much needed on the outside in a VERY long time...it shows!
Bath water was mirky dirty! Had to repour and start again!
I could not stay a 2nd night because of my terrible ferry time at 7:45 am Mon set up and it is 3 hrs away back to Nanaimo for Mon am ferry from here and it took me suggesting I would have to review that to be able to communicate on that aspect better! The ferries have had limited sailings cause of a lack of staff and a ferry breakdown a couple days ago.
Not my doing anyways!
Plus with the major construction going on, on the highway very close to here, there are too many closures overnight and even if I left at 3 am that would not guarantee me to make it on that ferry at 7:45 am! Was a big time worry anyways.
Places like this who charge 425 dollars after tax for 2 nights and with NO renos done in so LONG or any upgrades, MUST make it easier to cancel one night with full refund! IF an issue or problem legit!
I do not like to over explain myself and do not like hassles! I am just a super honest person! Am here too on a move job to help a customer unload his stuff tomorrow all planned!
2 of 5 stars but more like a 1.75.
Internet though works well and is fast...only saving grace!
There were dripping stains in the fridge that I cleaned cause I was worried on all the notes of a cleaning fee of $40!
N, Apr 16/17/22. (Time right now is midnight). Still frustrated as had to book a motel back in Nanaimo for tomorrow to be safe for Mon am and still officially booked here!
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cassandra Martin, General Manager at Whale's Tail Guest Suites
Responded Jul 14, 2022
Hello. Thank you for taking the time to leave this review and give us your feed back. I do apologise that you did not book into one of our newly renovated rooms as we are an older motel and are slowly making our rounds in updating the rooms and properties. The town itself was having issues with the water as the district was installing a new filtration system so i do also extend my apologise for your murky water. I understand your frustration over the ferry times and the construction delays as we all have felt the struggle in planning travels even ourselves as locals. It has been going on now for over 2 year and we really hope they complete it soon. We did end up compensating you for the mix up in your scheduling with the ferry times and construction. I hope you have safe travels and have a better time the next time you visit our little town. Cassandra- Motel manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed at the Whale's Tail for two nights. The suite had a bit of a musty, cigarette smoke smell, with lots of stains on the carpet. The bathroom door knob was very loose, as was the toilet seat. The door knob assembly is held together with two screws and both were loose, with one of them almost completely backed out. The toilet seat was the same, causing it to slide around all over the place. I had a multi-tool in the car, so I was able to fix the seat and door knob. In the bedroom, on the night stand, was some granola and crumbs from a previous guest's snack. How do you miss that? How do you miss the toilet seat and bathroom door knob almost falling off? Unfortunately the worst was yet to come.
In the morning there was some water on the bathroom counter around the sink. I thought my daughter must have made a bit of a mess when she washed up the night before. I cleaned it up, and I didn't think anything of it. We went out for the day and when we returned in the evening there was a big puddle of water on the bathroom counter. Closer inspection revealed that even though the faucet was off, there was water dripping from the handle down the backside and pooling on the counter. Everything on the counter was soaked, including my canvas and leather toiletry bag and all of it's contents. I tried to manipulate the handle to stop the water, and thought that I had done so, but there was a pool of water on the counter the next morning also.
In the morning there was some water on the bathroom counter around the sink. I thought my daughter must have made a bit of a mess when she washed up the night before. I cleaned it up, and I didn't think anything of it. We went out for the day and when we returned in the evening there was a big puddle of water on the bathroom counter. Closer inspection revealed that even though the faucet was off, there was water dripping from the handle down the backside and pooling on the counter. Everything on the counter was soaked, including my canvas and leather toiletry bag and all of it's contents. I tried to manipulate the handle to stop the water, and thought that I had done so, but there was a pool of water on the counter the next morning also.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cassandra Martin, General Manager at Whale's Tail Guest Suites
Responded Oct 4, 2023
Hello Thank you for taking the time to leave us this review and for your feedback on your stay. I would like to apologise that you did not have a pleasant stay. I am sorry that some maintenance issues we not caught by the housekeeper. Please do not hesitate to call and report to the front desk so we can send our maintenance team over right away to address the issues that arose and or change rooms for you. This is not the standard we hold and i am sorry you didn't have a great experience. I hope you will give us another shot in the future. We wish you safe travels. Cassandra-Motel manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The room was smelling really bad. As if somebody smoked a few hours ago. Unfortunately we could not change it. We put some spray the front desk gave us but it did not help.
The sofa bed was really old with a soft mattress that should have been replaced long time ago.
The fridge was really noisy at night. We put the higher temperature but did not hep neither. It was like having a V8 engine working in the room…
The kitchen had one of the electric burners that did not work.
Some of the tiles in the bathroom were broken and it was one single bulb that worked out of six!
The mosquito net in the garden window was falling apart and the windows of our room that face the parking lot (street leve) could not be closed. So anyone could have jump in and take our belongings… as there was no mosquito net there nor any other protection.
We got a discount for the cigarette smell but the stay was not what we expected for the price paid.
We booked the room expecting to use the swimming pool the web advertised but it was closed for maintenance.
All in all a bad experience. I would not repeat … room 202 was terrible!
The sofa bed was really old with a soft mattress that should have been replaced long time ago.
The fridge was really noisy at night. We put the higher temperature but did not hep neither. It was like having a V8 engine working in the room…
The kitchen had one of the electric burners that did not work.
Some of the tiles in the bathroom were broken and it was one single bulb that worked out of six!
The mosquito net in the garden window was falling apart and the windows of our room that face the parking lot (street leve) could not be closed. So anyone could have jump in and take our belongings… as there was no mosquito net there nor any other protection.
We got a discount for the cigarette smell but the stay was not what we expected for the price paid.
We booked the room expecting to use the swimming pool the web advertised but it was closed for maintenance.
All in all a bad experience. I would not repeat … room 202 was terrible!
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â This is the typical opportunistic facility owned bya Motel with gym and pool near by. It is not...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cassandra Martin, General Manager at Whale's Tail Guest Suites
Responded Aug 21, 2023
Hello. Thank you for taking the time to review our property. I would like to extend my apologies that you have had a bad experience during your stay. We are an older motel and we are constantly updating both our properties. We do strive to provide a clean comfortable home away from home. I really do appreciate your feedback on your experience and we will be looking into and addressing the issues you have stated. I do hope you had an amazing time here on the west coast and I wish you safe travels. Take care. Cassandra-motel manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We are 3 adults, had a classic kitchen suite for 2 nights. The unit is clean and spacious. Great value compared to other places in the vicinity. It feels more like an apartment than a motel, located on a quiet street
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cassandra Martin, General Manager at Whale's Tail Guest Suites
Responded Oct 20, 2021
Hey there. Thank you for this kind review. I am happy you enjoyed your room and that it had an apartment vibe as we do try to provide a home away from home. Visit any time and safe travels. Cassandra- Motel Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Many thanks to Tanya and the team at Whale's Tail. Our travel arrangements were messed up at the last minute by Air Canada flight cancelations. Whale Tail quickly adjusted our booking and made us feel welcome after a frustrating journey. We definitely enjoyed staying in the house suite. Very spacious and comfortable
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Date of stay: June 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cassandra Martin, General Manager at Whale's Tail Guest Suites
Responded Jul 14, 2022
Hello Donna. I am so happy Tanya and team was able to assist you with the last minute changes to your reservation. We really do try our best to be accommodating when we can. We really strive to provide a comfortable clean home away from home. I hope you had save travels and can make you way back to visit again soon. Cassandra- Motel manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was a great place to stay in Ucluelet. As other reviews have mentioned, the decor is dated, but the motel was very clean and well maintained. If you're in town to spend your time outdoors in Tofino and the surrounding area, it's a great place to rest your head at night.
Personally speaking, I appreciated being able to adjust the thermostat in the bedroom, so I could sleep warmer than my family member who slept on the sofa bed in the living room. Desk staff at the neighbouring West Coast Motel were pleasant and helpful, and we appreciated the accommodations for late check-in when we got on the road later than we'd anticipated. We didn't get the chance to use the fitness facilities, but appreciated the complimentary access for guests.
We spent most of our time here at Pacific Rim National Park, so we didn't see much of the town, but Zoe's Bakery down the street had great cinnamon buns and coffee. :) The West Coast Trail is a quick drive from the hotel and well worth the visit if you have the time.
Just a note, during our time here in late September 2021, construction on the Pacific Rim Highway heading into Ucluelet/Tofino closed the road for large portions of the day, so check road conditions before heading out (or ask the front desk staff what the latest schedule is!).
Would definitely recommend this motel to people visiting the area.
Personally speaking, I appreciated being able to adjust the thermostat in the bedroom, so I could sleep warmer than my family member who slept on the sofa bed in the living room. Desk staff at the neighbouring West Coast Motel were pleasant and helpful, and we appreciated the accommodations for late check-in when we got on the road later than we'd anticipated. We didn't get the chance to use the fitness facilities, but appreciated the complimentary access for guests.
We spent most of our time here at Pacific Rim National Park, so we didn't see much of the town, but Zoe's Bakery down the street had great cinnamon buns and coffee. :) The West Coast Trail is a quick drive from the hotel and well worth the visit if you have the time.
Just a note, during our time here in late September 2021, construction on the Pacific Rim Highway heading into Ucluelet/Tofino closed the road for large portions of the day, so check road conditions before heading out (or ask the front desk staff what the latest schedule is!).
Would definitely recommend this motel to people visiting the area.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â We were on bottom floor and could hear people upstairs moving around in the morning, likely when...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cassandra Martin, General Manager at Whale's Tail Guest Suites
Responded Oct 20, 2021
Hello. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this kind review. I am happy you enjoyed the area and would recommend having a look around town as there are a lot of cool historical things to see. I apologize that you had to experience the Kennedy Hill construction we are all looking forward to when it will be completed. Hope you can make your way back this way for a visit. Take care. Cassandra- Motel Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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"Ask for an upper unit if you mind hearing people above you walking around in the morning (but then you won’t have the ‘backyard’)."Read full review
"There is an outdoor patio with chairs. The sink is outside of the bathroom so it can be used while the toilet or shower is in use."Read full review
"This is the typical opportunistic facility owned bya Motel with gym and pool near by. It is not maintained nor managed. It is an unattended "Read full review
PRICE RANGE
C$170 - C$217 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
CanadaBritish ColumbiaVancouver IslandAlberni-Clayoquot Regional DistrictBarkley SoundUcluelet
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Whale's Tail Guest Suites
Which popular attractions are close to Whale's Tail Guest Suites?
Nearby attractions include Ucluelet Aquarium (0.3 km), Reflecting Spirit Gallery (0.3 km), and Cedar House Gallery - Huu Mees Ma As (0.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Whale's Tail Guest Suites?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a fitness centre, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at Whale's Tail Guest Suites?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a refrigerator, and a seating area.
What food & drink options are available at Whale's Tail Guest Suites?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Whale's Tail Guest Suites?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Whale's Tail Guest Suites?
Conveniently located restaurants include Pluvio restaurant, Heartwood Kitchen, and Jigger's.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Whale's Tail Guest Suites?
Yes, guests have access to a fitness centre and a sauna during their stay.