Canada Lodge and Lake

On its website Canada Lodge “Boasts some of the finest lodge accommodation in South Wales”. Heaven help my homeland if this is the case. My wife and I needed to stay near Cardiff to attend a Sunday anniversary service at a Church on the Ely Estate on the western edge of the City. We decided to combine it with a Saturday afternoon trip to the Arms Park to watch the Rugby. The location of Canada Lodge seemed to fit the bill I was not reassured when I rang in advance to find out the nearest rail station (for our Saturday afternoon trip). The person answering at reception told me that the nearest was Cardiff Central – my intended destination station. When I told her that there were nearer local stations she offered to ask or look on the map. Radyr, a commuter station with trains to the centre every 15minutes and adequate parking, is just two miles away. On arrival the Lodge proved to be hopelessly understaffed with one pleasant, polite but harassed young man appearing to do everything (receptionist, barman, breakfast chef). We were not shown to our room and had to return for details of Wi-Fi. The room itself (described as a subterranean apartment for no obvious reason) had a pleasant balcony and a good view over the lake. However, it was clearly tailored for summer visitors: it was very cold with inadequate blankets and a curtain falling off its rails. My wife was very annoyed that there was no hairdryer in the room – something we had never experienced at other hotels. There was no-one to ask since the staff member was busy at the bar with a long queue of people waiting to attend the event at the ballroom – I suspect that this sort of activity is now Canada Lodge’s speciality. I had an exchange, in which I indicated my dissatisfaction, the following morning with a pleasant and polite young woman who described herself as an events manager. The biggest cause of my dissatisfaction, which prompts me to write this full review, was an extra charge made at breakfast. We had paid £165 for the room, bed and breakfast. We are choosy on our coffee and asked for a strong espresso with milk on the side. We were told that if we exercised such discretion, we could take advantage of a machine which offered ‘designer coffee’ (!); we did so and were charged an extra £8.50. It turned out , incidentally, that the Saturday night activity was a mediumship event in which a psychic presumably communicated with the departed: I was not present in body or in spirit to witness what happened but any visitors from the afterlife were quiet and, despite the cold, we had a reasonable night’s sleep. Whether any of the visiting spirits were charged extra for coffee after their performance I don’t know but, if so, I hope they will add appropriate wails and moans to this complaint.

Went for a family wedding. Had a 90 year old with us. After the ceremony the 90 year old lady wanted a cup of tea. After going to the bar and being told that this is a common request but all they could offer was an espresso martini I went in search of catering staff. After speaking to the waitresses I was told that there was no kettle on site and that their hot water would take about 40 mins to heat up. An hour later when I asked again we were told that the 90 year old would have to wait until after food (2 hours later). The 90 year old went to take her seat when it was time and the doors, which had previously been opened were closed and we were told to walk the long way around. When I said that the 90 year old needed the toilet and could they open the doors just for her to go in I was told the doors do not open and that she would have to walk all the way around. After walking around and going to the toilet the staff then opened the doors. Appalling!

Went to a wedding here and stayed for 2 nights. Big mistake. Nothing opens in the actual hotel on other days than the wedding. So there was no bar,restaurant or anything else to get food and drink. The nearest pub is miles away down so serious lanes and really only accessible by car. No good if you want a few pints. Our chalet had no wardrobe. Again no good if your going to a wedding the next day. No WiFi. The telly worked OK if no rain. As soon as it rained all the channels went off. However. The day of the wedding everything was amazing. Breakfast,the wedding meal and wedding itself were great. The scenery is lovely as it is on a lake and the staff were great. Big shout out to Jo being the bar. Great lad. . So all in all. Get there for the morning of the wedding and save yourself the cost and stress of basically camping in a chalet or lodge.

Absolutely stunning venue as we came here for a wedding. The settings and surroundings are beautiful. My only moan about the place was that we all arrived the day before, so we booked all the cabins, lodges etc as it was easier and less stress to stay the night before. The venue had been booked a good year in advance. When we arrived, there was no bar open or no restaurant open. Which in my eyes is really poor. They said "staff issues" You're completely in the middle of nowhere, so not walking distance to anything. We ended up all ordering food and drinks on just eat to be delivered. The rooms were clean, cosy and nice comfy bed. There is a kettle and tea and coffee bits in the room, along with a mini fridge, also fresh towels and toiletries are provided. So come prepared and bring your own snacks and drinks like I did. We also had a nice big tv on the wall with freeview ( when it had signal) Lovely little balcony seating area outside the patio doors, with a beautiful view of the lake. I will state.. bring coat hangers with you. I'm so glad I did, as there wasn't a wardrobe in my room. All I had was a coat peg with 4 coat hooks on. Others had wardrobes , but not in mine. Atleast I was able to hang my clothes as I brought hangers. There is no iron or ironing board either. The room was still lovely though with a nice modern clean bathroom. The restaurant was open the morning of the wedding for breakfast, which was lovely. Fresh and tasty cooked breakfast, aswell as continental breakfast. The bar opened 1 hour before the wedding. IT'S CARD ONLY!! No cash at all. The wedding was beautiful, the room and venue was perfect. The food after the wedding was also lovely. The evening reception was great, dance floor, music, bar and more food. It's a beautiful place. But I wish they'd made us aware on a few things, like no food or drink the night before, card only etc. Luckily I pack the kitchen sink when going away. I would definitely return. But make sure you're well prepared.

We picked Canada Lodge as our wedding venue after doing thorough research & visiting a few venues. As soon as we visited Canada Lodge for the first time, we knew we would get married there as it was just the most beautiful place. We booked one of their wedding packages which was extremely good value for what you received & included everything we needed. From the very start the amazing staff were accommodating & helpful in the process. They really cared & from showing us around the venue to assisting us in the planning they were brilliant in every aspect. Their communication was fantastic and as we lived a good couple of hours away it was a bit tricky to organise but they were there to help us & answer any questions we had. They helped us organise every part of our wedding & they made sure it was perfect for us. I must mention Nicola who is such an amazing lady who helped us a lot throughout & eased our nerves by ensuring everything was taken care of so we didn't have to worry, especially on our big day. I must also give a special mention to Hollie who is extremely knowledgeable & experienced. She was just wonderful all the way through our experience from the start to the end. Hollie helped us so much, she really put our minds at ease & answered so many questions for us & ensured everything fell into place, she was there holding our hands from start to finish. You are definitely in good hands with the hardworking staff of Canada Lodge. The accommodation was beautiful, the venue absolutely stunning. Our wedding day was just perfect. The weather, the food, the entertainment everything was just absolutely absolutely perfect. All of our guests absolutely loved every part of it too! I wish I could redo the day all over again! Thank you for everything you did for us Canada Lodge, we cannot recommend you highly enough!

Stayed in one of the apartments for a family wedding. Rooms are big and clean, however the last thing you want to discover at 2am is damp bedding. We had to wait for staff to bring us a dry duvet cover and had to change it ourselves. No offer of a discount/refund. Breakfast wasn't bad but it was limited to what you're given. We were told we can take off things from our cooked breakfast, but weren't allowed to add any extra. Staff were very friendly. Wouldn't rush to stay here again though.