The Chameleon Hotel - Castlegar, British Columbia

Kristina J.

I really enjoyed my stay in this hotel. It is an old building and yet it has a charm to it. Customer service was great, the room is large, with a comfortable bed. After a little mixup around the booking (my mistake) the owner was very accomodating and even called me the next morning to ask if everything was ok. I recommend this hotel and would stay here again.

Miriam P.

We had a heck of a time trying to find accommodations while en route to our final destination. We stopped in Castlegar…charming town. What we didn’t know was that the Shambhala Music Festival was happening that weekend, hence all accommodations being booked. We called up The Chameleon Hotel and the gentlemen advised me that the only room was very small with a twin bed. We asked him to hold it for us…we’d make do. He gave us 10 minutes to get there (not a problem seeing Castlegar isn’t very large!)

We arrived and the gentlemen told us the room actually has a double bed and isn’t normally rented out. He was so friendly and the room served its purpose. It also had a private bathroom which always appreciated! The room didn’t have a/c which really would have been nice but the friendliness of the proprietor beat out the lack of a/c. The room was clean and cozy. We left early so we didn’t get to sample the breakfast there - bet it was good! Definitely not a chain hotel and that’s okay.

If you’re looking for a place with bells and whistles, this place definitely isn’t it. It’s a charming place with friendliness that’s hard to come by these days. Would I stay here again? 100% yes!

Claire G.

It is worth calling the hotel directly to arrange check-in. This is a small town and staffing hours are very thin as hotel employees juggle other jobs. However, they are super welcoming and made our check-in incredibly smooth, even at 11pm. Continental, serve-yourself breakfast was included near the front desk, where the coffee maker is located (not in our room). Downsides were the mattress (soft, I like firm), poor sound proofing I suspect, creaky floors- the building is very old. The latter could be a plus. Very fresh smell, silky sheets, newly renovated room, mini fridge in a room that is less than $100/night. So happy I chose it. Next time I would book with the hotel directly, I think the price is the same.

Rebekah C.

I enjoyed the stay! For how cheap of a place you get pretty good things! The building is very old but it didn't feel dirty or gross. Just old and creaky, reminded me of an old European style hotel.

The bed felt very clean and was very comfortable my husband, baby and I all slept good.
The shower had good pressure and I appreciated the soap and shampoo. The room and bathroom were pretty spacious, so for being a smaller place it didn't feel crowded.
The AC worked well, wifi didn't glitch or cut out at all and the breakfast was a decent variety, again for how cheap of a night it was!

My biggest concerns were the flies from the plants everywhere. Which isn't a sign of uncleanliness just a thing with plants and heat.
And the damage deposit was higher than I thought but you know how that works, don't wreck anything and you are fine!

Will be going back! I heard great things about the restaurant but unfortunately we weren't able to try it this round.

NEW C.

This hotel is has a European feel, very eclectic. More importantly the owners are amazing and more like a family or community feel. I had to leave early and the owner Marina was accommodating and extremly reasonable. The rates are reasonable for a place to sleep. It doesn’t have air conditioning so enjoy the weather but stays cool generally. The suites are clean and that is most important. It has a very happy feel and the breakfast is added benefit. It is central to great restaurants like ElGeingo’s, beautiful parks and the river. I will be staying here again. Thank you Marina for the lovely conversations and opening up your family business to the public !

Daniel W.

My boss booked this hotel for me as a stop over for work. I have to say, even though the building is old, the room that I had was quite charming. Had kind of a homely feel. Unlike those large cookie cutter hotel chains. Rooms were clean, receptionist was friendly. Would stay here again in a heartbeat

Robert G.

I thought it was okay. My fiancée was not comfortable and after 5 hours of being there, she insisted we leave. We paid for a few nights, but left for the Sandman around 11pm. The Sandman was a lower price and has nicer rooms and ambience. We did get refunded but not for the first night even though we left and did not sleep there. I wish we were refunded in full. We tried to ask for a different room at the front desk, but it was after 10pm and we didn't get an answer. To be fair we didn't phone the owner's number since it was late and so that might be our bad. Breakfast was included, but it was a muffin, orange, juice box and warm yogurt. The lady running the place was nice, but unfortunately we just didn't feel the place the was right for us to stay in. Also we believe we found a bed bug with some stains on the corners of the bedding. Judge the picture for yourself

Caleb S.

Excellent choice for a budget hotel. Small, clean rooms, comfy beds, not too dated.
The owner /staff are all excellent, although you better not lose your key after 11pm