Ramada by Wyndham Ponoka - Ponoka, Alberta

Jesse J. G.

Not a Great Experience for Families or Teams

Overpriced and Not overly welcoming.

We are currently staying here for a hockey tournament, along with several other teams, and unfortunately, our experience has been disappointing—especially considering how overpriced this hotel is.

We completely understand that hotels need to have rules, but the level of strictness here makes it feel more like a prison than a welcoming place for families. Parents weren’t even allowed to have water or coffee while watching our kids swim, which seems excessive.

On top of that, we’ve had to reset our key cards seven times in less than 24 hours. They work once, then stop, meaning multiple trips to the front desk, which is incredibly frustrating.

The conference room situation was also confusing. We were repeatedly told it wasn’t available, only to find out later that it was.

Beyond that, the beds are uncomfortable, and the free breakfast was so unappealing that our kids barely touched it.

For the price we’re paying, we expected a much more accommodating and welcoming experience. If you’re traveling with a team or family, I wouldn’t recommend staying here.

The one positive is the pillows are decent.

Liz K.

When I give a review, 3 Stars is expected experience anything above or below, I rate accordingly. This hotel, from my experience, is 1 Star.

1. At check-in I was asked if I was with a hockey team. Based on my answering “yes” I was then told I needed to sign additional documentation relating to hotel rules. Tip to the manager/owner: If you want to be warm and welcoming, make this rule for ALL guests or NONE, don’t single groups out.

2. The price we paid for what we got was grossly overpriced. The hotel is dated. Our bathroom was small, the sink drained very slowly, there was a hole in the bathroom door (which I brought to the front desks attention immediately), the carpet was stained, the beds low and uncomfortable, and the lighting was poor.

3. The pool area was poorly maintained, there was no heating at all, I needed a sweater to sit and watch my child swim. No fresh towels. Heaven help you if you bring water to the pool!

4. With the exception of 1 young lady, the staff was quite aggressively rude in how they handled some situations. Nobody wants to be talked at or down to, particularly as a paying guest.

5. Breakfast was ok. The seed bread toasted with whipped butter was actually enjoyable.

It was definitely not the Ramada by Wyndham experience I’m accustomed to.

Simone

Finally stayed here with a sibling after the hotel continually was telling me a that I would need a credit card. It's not what they said but how they said it. I though the front desk would be made of marble and the halls would be super fancy but that is not the case.

I've been in many great hotels across the country and in Europe and if I compare this on to some (not all) I would have to say it is not worth paying the too high price. The interior is aging but it's not really a terrible hotel.

Staff is stiff but do say a few words. I am glad I'm not missing out on anything but for 200.00 a night come on guys, upgrade your hotel.

Chris D.

I work close by, but live out of town, so once or twice a week I stay here when I have my bowling nights with my work buddies. It's always been a great experience and all of the staff are amazing (especially one) and accommodating. The rooms are nice, the beds are comfy. The pool area is great, the waterslide is fun. Breakfast is top notch for a hotel. I would recommend this place 100x over, mainly for the staff.

So thank you very much ladies, you go above and beyond with your service. I will see you soon.

Chris the bowling guy.

P.S LANA ROCKS

Kaylee G.

Charging 4 star prices for a 2 star hotel. All but 2 ladies were rude. Treated everyone like our business was a bother. Toilet ran all night and wouldn't flush properly. Stains all over the sheets and pillows. Bugs in the hot tub...in January. Couldn't get into the pool without staff letting you in. ( all but one young lady were RUDE about that) I would have much preferred to come and go as we paid for too. But YOUR facilities were trash. We didn't even have a friggen shower curtain and dark animal hair on the beds. Busted sounding LOUD heater that also ran all night. So freeze or can't sleep... awesome seeing as we paid for a place to sleep. If they weren't so expensive and maybe just nicer staff I could look past alot. 10/10 recommend NOT staying here.

Lyle D.

Well, for our first vacation to visit family, we were hoping for more.

We began our day at 4am, travelling from Vancouver Island. Drove literally all day, extremely tired and exhausted, we arrive at 12am. We check in, lug our stuff to our room. Open the door, and get slapped in the face with the pungent smell of hard alcohol, as though someone doused the room with it, gross. We immediately notice that it appeared someone was laying in one of the beds, a complete and detailed silhouette with a bunch of small foreign hairs in the same spot. Disgusting. We then go back downstairs, now approx 12:30am, to request a another room. We get the new room, and its decent enough to sleep in. Very poor first impression.

Next day, we go down for breakfast. Good selection, pretty pleased with it. However, the person working was running around tending to front counter and breakfast area, (literally running). We asked if someone called in sick. She let everyone in ear shot know that all other staff took vacation at the same time, the schedule was poorly organized, that shes a single mom and wished she could take time off too etc. We felt bad for her, as this was not fair. Meanwhile, the older gentleman that we assume was part of the maintenance staff was sitting down reading a news paper and enjoying a coffee, as opposed to stepping in and helping..... pretty pathetic. Maybe he should go and fix the door knob of the communal bathroom since there was no lock and men were walking in on women doing their business. Lazy.

We went to the pool that night, finally to unwind and relax. After literally 5 minutes, we were kicked out due to a "storm". Our daughter and myself were pretty upset, as she was really looking forward to spending time with me and her mom. Well, the "storm" was a sprinkle of rain. What? I had no idea Alberta closed pools for rain, bizarre.

Spent our first and last 4 nights here. We will stay in Lacombe or elsewhere as this experience and first impressions left such a poor taste in our mouths.

Looking for a manager to properly run this establishment? Reach out, I'll be happy to assist.

Jonas D.

Staff are like drill Sargents. Room was musty. No heater in the pool and pretty sure it was turned off to curb any fun.

Jessy S.

Don't trust them! They tell a daily rate and even put it on the top of the invoice but then increase it incrementally each day without explanation or reason. If you notice and ask about it they just blame Wyndham. Never had that scam before and I have been to many hotels, Wyndham and other. So whoever is to blame, they are ripping you off with false advertising so watch out!!!!!