We have lived in Courtenay, British Columbia on Vancouver Island for the past twenty years and I’m horrified every time I go past the Howard Johnson Arbutus Hotel. Howard Johnson took over this hotel a few years ago and I can’t understand why. This hotel is a dive! It’s known for it’s pub that’s pretty gross, and not much else.... more

Booked into the hotel in August 2004 for Nautical Days from Calgary. I had taken a flight into Comox but had to take a taxi to the hotel. It was rather late at night when I had arrived but when I entered the lobby, I found the staff to be to very friendly. I was helped up to my room,... more

Booked at the Howard Johnson Courtney Feb 28, 2004. Since I had never been to Courtney I thought I would stay with a chain. since we would be arriving late. Wow what a mistake! First off it was a bad sign when the location was in the old part of the town, then the lobby smelled of mildew, and was... more