Had an amazing stay, right from being greeted by Jennifer right after getting out of the car until leaving early two days later. Even before check-in received a tour inside themansion with its spaoious rooms, memorabilia, old time artefacts before being shown my splendid room with view of Kootenay Lake. An excellent billiard table was set up and lounge chairs throughout the complex made for an enjoyable stay.
The swimming pool was a bonus with minimal chlorine to make my eyes sore. Lots of deck chairs to sit and soak up the sun. The Rock Garden, which took twice as long as the mansion to build, was extraordinary with its intricate network of pathways, where one discovers an elephant spouting water and a fantastic sundial. There are beautiful views in and from the rock garden.
Breakfast, at 8:30am, was a treat consisting of granola & yogurt and a kabob of fruit and mini-pancakes. Coffee was available from 7am. It was a good occasion to meet other guests and learn where they were from and what they had planned for taking in area attractions: railway trail bike ride, shopping, Lakeside Park, museums, drive up to Balfour, Ainsworth Hot Springs...
The only improvement might be in the parking. It wasn't clear we could park in front of the reception area, which was in the afternoon sun. For my second night I parked in the shady lower area.
Staff were courteous and friendly throughout my stay. Surprisingly the cost was less than some of the accommodation in town.
