The CharterHouse disapointed my wife and I in many ways. We had the profound misfortune of booking a four night "Executive" room (502) stay in May 21st 2005. We lasted one entire night before cancelling, walking down the street and taking a suite at the Delta.

Where to begin... (It's going to be difficult to keep this review believable.)

When calling to book reservations we were put on "hold" for five minutes while the desk clerk dealt with other matters. This ought to have been indicative. We have had excellent stays at other Best Western Hotels, so we carried on.

The computer in the room (which I am using to write this review) is set up in such a manner as to prevent it's convenient use. The mouse cord has a usable length of about six inches and one has to reach almost behind the monitor to use it. The keyboard cannot be set squarly on the shelf/desk/working area provided. It should be noted that the workshelf is mounted so poorly that any arm pressure causes it to wobble. We have our own laptops, but unfortunately there is no WIFI provision in the hotel except beside the front desk and the ethernet cable laying on the desk provided for connectivity purposes did not work. Calls to the front desk were of no assitance, we were advised however that the "fee" for internet use was no longer in effect.

The television was damaged. Apparently someone had hit it hard enough to break the plastic suround of the picture tube. It did work properly however.

The bathtub was, belive it or not, actually installed backwards in the bathroom. The drain and overflow were at one end, the taps at another. The drain plug was prominent to say the least. This made it virtually impossible to use the tub while seated, as one has the choice of sitting with back against tap, or with bottom on top of drain plug. Neither is particularly desireable. Could it be possible that dureing recent "multi million dollar" rennovations someone ordered too many "left entry" tubs and not enough "right entry" models, then had the workmen install the tubs anyway? Water does not remain at any steady temperature effectively rendering the final possible function of the tub area unpleasant to use.

The towels in the bath area were so small as to be almost ridiculous. Hardly "executive" class.

Our business causes us to travel extensively throughout North America. We stay at least four nights a month at Best Western Hotels and find them generally above average. WIFI connectivity is important to us, and is available almost everywhere we stay. For this property to offer a room such as this as a premium priced "Executive" room is laughable.

I was shocked to read a negative review of The Charterhouse. I have stayed there frequently since 1979 - more recently in the last year - and have never encountered a problem. It is always quiet, rooms are super-clean, staff are friendly. As a woman travelling alone on business I have always felt very safe there. It is also conveniently located right dowtown and is less expensive than other downtown hotels - also a more personal feel.

I stayed there in the winter of 2003 and had a terrible time with other guests and with hotel and restaurant staff. Prostitution was rife due to some conference in town and the hotel would not respond to my worries that people were coming in and out of certain rooms all through the night. Later in the restaurant I found bugs in the sugar while the food was mediocore, they buy there meat from Uraguay, Cheap CHeap Cheap but Pricey. Truly Awful