English River Inn
Location: ON-17, Unorganized Thunder Bay District, Ontario, P0T 1T0, Thunder Bay, CA
Star Rating: 2 Stars
Property Type: Motels
About this Property
Scenic Garden Views
Enjoy the picturesque garden views while staying at English River Inn. Take a leisurely stroll or have a picnic in the serene picnic area.
Convenient Amenities
Benefit from the complimentary wireless internet access and make use of the 24-hour front desk for all your needs. Relish in the availability of coffee/tea in a common area and a shared microwave.
Comfortable Guestrooms
Unwind in one of the 10 well-appointed guestrooms with complimentary minibar items. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi and enjoy entertainment with satellite programming. The cozy accommodations feature separate sitting areas for relaxation.
Book now for a delightful stay at English River Inn!
Important Information
- Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.
Policies
Check-in: N/A - Anytime
Check-out: N/A
Amenities & Facilities
- Firewood (free)
- Firepit
- Free WiFi
- 24-hour front desk
- Garden
- Designated smoking area
- Outdoor furniture
- Picnic area
- Free self parking
- Shared microwave
- Shared refrigerator
- Firepit
- Dock
- Firewood (free)
- Secured parking
- Walkway to water
- Gas grill
Rooms Available
-
Deluxe Room
1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed
Located on the ground floor, porch/lanai with lake views
Layout - Bedroom and sitting area
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Satellite channels
Food & Drink - Free minibar items
Sleep - A down duvet, blackout drapes/curtains, and bed sheets
Bathroom - Bathtub or shower, free toiletries, and towels
Practical - Laptop workspace, iron/ironing board (on request), and local maps
Comfort - Daily housekeeping, heating, and portable fan
Accessibility - Thin carpet in room
Need to Know - No cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Room is accessed via exterior corridors
Max Occupancy: 3 (2 Adults)
- Desk
- Fan
- Heating
- Satellite channels
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toilet paper
- Bottle of water
- Shampoo
- Wheelchair accessible
- Daily housekeeping
- Separate sitting area
- Access via exterior corridors
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Down comforter
- No rollaway/extra beds
- No cribs (infant beds)
- Portable fan
- Bedsheets provided
- Soap
- Local maps
- Window screens
- Laptop-friendly workspace
- Porch or lanai
- Lowered electrical outlets in bathroom
- Visual fire alarm
- Lever door handles
- Location - ground floor
- Printer
-
Standard Room, 1 Bedroom, Lake View, Lakeside
2 Double Beds
Located on the ground floor, porch/lanai with lake views
Layout - Separate sitting area
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Satellite channels
Food & Drink - Free minibar items
Sleep - A down duvet, blackout drapes/curtains, and bed sheets
Bathroom - Bathtub or shower, free toiletries, and towels
Practical - Laptop workspace, iron/ironing board (on request), and local maps; rollaway beds (surcharge) and cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Daily housekeeping, heating, and portable fan
Accessibility - Wheelchair accessible
Non-Smoking, pet friendly
Room is accessed via exterior corridors
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Desk
- Fan
- Heating
- Satellite channels
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toilet paper
- Bottle of water
- Shampoo
- Wheelchair accessible
- Daily housekeeping
- Separate sitting area
- Access via exterior corridors
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Down comforter
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Portable fan
- Bedsheets provided
- Soap
- Local maps
- Window screens
- Laptop-friendly workspace
- Porch or lanai
- Lowered electrical outlets in bathroom
- Visual fire alarm
- Lever door handles
- Location - ground floor
- Printer
-
Premium Studio Suite
1 King Bed
Located on the ground floor, porch/lanai with lake views
Layout - Dining area and sitting area
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Satellite channels
Food & Drink - Kitchenette with oven, microwave, cookware/dishware, and toaster
Sleep - A down duvet, blackout drapes/curtains, and bed sheets
Bathroom - Bathtub or shower, free toiletries, and towels
Practical - Laptop workspace, iron/ironing board (on request), and local maps
Comfort - Daily housekeeping, heating, and portable fan
Accessibility - Lever door handles
Need to Know - No cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking
Room is accessed via exterior corridors
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Kitchenette
- Desk
- Fan
- Microwave
- Heating
- Satellite channels
- Wardrobe or closet
- Oven
- Toaster
- Dining table
- Toilet paper
- Bottle of water
- Shampoo
- Wheelchair accessible
- Daily housekeeping
- Separate sitting area
- Access via exterior corridors
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Separate dining area
- Free WiFi
- Down comforter
- No rollaway/extra beds
- No cribs (infant beds)
- Portable fan
- Bedsheets provided
- Soap
- Local maps
- Window screens
- Laptop-friendly workspace
- Porch or lanai
- Lowered electrical outlets in bathroom
- Visual fire alarm
- Lever door handles
- Location - ground floor
- Kitchen island
- Printer
Guest Reviews
- John (10/5): - A nice peaceful place to stay in a beautiful part of Ontario.
- Mark (8/5): - Clean, quiet, friendly staff
- malcolm (6/5): - Very dated. Price is consistant with condition
- Douglas (2/5): - Driving across Canada...this location was, without question, the worst place we have ever stayed. Filthy, tv not working, no toilet tissue, blinds wouldnt close, dirty bed linen...the desk clerk had body odor so bad, we had to air out the room after he left....horrible experience all round.
- ALFRED (8/5): - Good
- Sue (6/5): - The good things first. It was available, it was an easy to get to location and it had a lake on the property. The bed was clean and comfortable. The bad… there was mold on the bathroom window, although the windows were closed the highway noise was loud, there was no coffee, tea or breakfast items. The owners had a bonfire in the evening and loud Hindi music. Good thing was it was quiet by 9:30
- ashley (4/5): - Tv didn’t work.
- Helen (8/5): - The room was clean. Beds good. But no microwave or coffee in the room.
- Trisha (4/5): - Needs significant update. Could not control temperature. Language barrier for service. TV, but could not watch because no remote control.
- Stanley (6/5): - Staff was friendly and showed room before checking you in. For food you will need to drive a distance to find a restaurant.
- Bonita (6/5): - The setting of the property was excellent. The Motel itself is old and in need of repair. The staff were very helpful.
- David (2/5): New management, a bit run down - Room was poor, no hot water from the shower, TV didn't work, no coffee making facilities, no breakfast, the kitchen/breakfast room looked like it hadn't been used for a long time. Overall very poor.
- judy (2/5): - Dirty, outdated, no food to purchase for miles.
- Keri (6/5): - Comfy bed… no amenities… some things didnt work
- Karen (8/5): - The owner was kind and accommodating when we asked for things we needed. It is an old dated motel literally in the middle of nowhere. We missed that. We thought English River was a town with the Inn located there. However the beautiful view from our room was incredible, that was a big bonus. The King bed was really comfortable. Great night sleep.
- Sandra (4/5): - Though I am sure the new owners/operators are trying hard they could use some pointers. Items they may want to consider: The billboards indicate a continental breakfast (nope) and in many ads it indicates a restaurant (nope). One usually expects a coffee maker of some sort and some coffee (nope). My husband had a lukewarm shower- by the time I got in there was no hot water at all - I really wasn’t in need of a cold shower LOL. On the plus side the beds were reasonably comfortable.
- Ilona (8/5): - Lovely location, convenient. Lacks personal contact. No coffee or tea and not close to any options. Lots of potential.
- Chanhong (6/5): -
- Ray (2/5): A joke of a place. Keep driving - Terrible place to stay, but the only one for ~45km in either direction. If you can, keep driving.
- RICHARD (4/5): - Needs some TLC
- Elvie (10/5): Not too bad - The accommodation provided a room with two double beds, which met our needs. Our arrival was at approximately 9:00 PM. The receptionist kindly provided two complimentary bottles of water, despite our offer to purchase them. The temperature at the time was 10 degrees Celsius. Given the absence of air conditioning, we opted not to use the electric fan due to the low temperature. We did observe some flies within the room. Consequently, we experienced a restless night due to the cold.
- Rosa Maria (6/5): - Good rest, beds were cozy and washroom clean
- R (6/5): - While the room was clean and the bed comfortable, the property is in much need of maintenance work. Note that there are no facilities around for food or coffee. There is a small fridge in the room, but no coffee machine, so be prepared.
- kevin (2/5): - dirty floors , spider and Cobb webs in ceilings No Air Conditioning. Over priced room for over all condition of hotel . These guys need to really improve the hotel conditions . Would NOT recommend Staff is nice but, hotel needs major updates.
- Alyssa (8/5): - Property was clean and beautiful. Being to close to the lake and hearing the loons was fantastic. Would 100% stay again, only thing we wish we had was coffee for leaving.
- Roses’s ipad (6/5): - this property needs a redo. the fridge didnt work;; i had to put my stuff in a common fridge; i made my own ice with my water; no phone in the room; lighting poor.i had to get the management to get the tv working. i rate this all as poor. it is clean. a one nighter for sure
- Robert (2/5): - If you like rustic, old and dated (1960) non comfort sleeping with no service this is the place for you. Dusty, dirty and I would not recommend this motel to anyone!!
- Norma (2/5): - Odeur terrible dans la chambre (odeur d’urine de chien). Un laisser-aller total des lieu malgré un environnement qui pourrait être très chouette. Chaises extérieures défoncées. La réception du Motel, un fouillis total. Pour le prix, c’est inacceptable,
- Jade (2/5): - Spiders in the room, they turn off the wifi at night, and the bot water was off in the morning. The only redeeming quality is the river.
- TRACY (10/5): - Was a peaceful place but the hot water ran out after 5 min didn’t quite finish showering.
- Bill (4/5): - Limited WiFi. No breakfast or coffee. Very expensive for the services provided.
- Gary (8/5): - Good for a motel off the beaten path
- Warren (8/5): - Spacious room, decent price
- Deborah (8/5): - Only there for one night. Unable to access the wifi connection. Property manager was very helpful, as we arrived very late at night and showed us the and room and everything in it. Offered to provide us with a n air conditioner but there were 2 fans that provided us with cool air. We had stayed there overnight at the beginning of our vacation and we decided to stay on our return home.
- Helen (2/5): - No coffee/tea facilities in room, TV didn't work & wasn't sorted when requested, very noisy coningent of neighbours parrying outside till 1.00a.m and not dealt with by staff, few food options, badly maintained property, no air-con, generally shabby. We're surprised Expedia lists this property.
- steve (2/5): - Bathroom and window mold, no AC only a floor fan, limited snacks only, all lawn chairs broken by river.
- Joanne (2/5): - The property is several decades behind in updates. There wasn’t any hot water in the morning even after running the tap for 20 minutes. Carpet smelled of urine. Doors and windows did not keep any noise out from busy road as they are very old. No security lock on door. Wifi did could not keep up with all the people on it so you could not stream anything on the tv or computer. Staff was attentive to help when needed. We changed rooms due to ants in bathroom. They helped with the tv not working-no remote. Overall if I am going to pay $160 a night I expect what they are advertising. They should be charging half of that amount. I would not recommend this property to stay.
- Chelsea (6/5): - The room was not great, but the sheets were very clean and it was affordable and convenient. The people running it were unbelievably nice! Someone’s dog knocked their ball in the lake, and they went in and retrieved it for the dog owners without asking and with no hesitation! It was so pretty outside. Blueberry patches, fire pit, picturesque lake. TV didn’t work, wifi was iffy. Bring a book or sit outside and chat with the neighbours.
- Kristyn (4/5): - Xx
- Richer (10/5): - .
- David (2/5): - They purchased stars from India. There's no way this should be rated 4.2/5
- Lauretta (6/5): - It is a beautiful location next to the lake. Staff were friendly. Room included a kitchen area that, unfortunately, was not clean. There were left over cheese slices in the fridge and the stove top and burners were very dirty. The bed had no top sheet, just a thin comforter and the water only got warm; never hot.
- Lynne (2/5): No hot water - Room was fine. Just NO hot water. Neither did our neighbors. Hotel staff knew about and said nothing.
- Christopher (8/5): - Very remote, so no other option. very basic no extras, coffee, coffee maker etc.
- Jayesh (4/5): - Overall it was
- Bonnie (6/5): Would stay again - Just needs an update. Fantastic location
- CHRISTINE (6/5): Great staff - The staff were great. The room had mosquitos and there were cobwebs on a couple of the lamps. The motel is well priced and we did get good rest. An air conditioner would have been good. The rooms need an upgrade.
- Ribert (2/5): Misrepresented ad online - Upon arrival we smelled a very strong spray. Had to open windows. No microwave, TV had one channel (Shaw Community) and remote was sticky. Bathroom floors were not washed. Bathtub, sink and counter had hair and grime on them. Dead bug on the pillow. Bathroom door would not close. No hot water in the morning. No coffee maker, the closest restaurant was at least an hour away. Beautiful Sunset though!
- Ron (2/5): Don’t stay here! - Terrible room. Tv did not work until I requested money back then he borrowed from another room to fix it. No facecloths, no top sheets, no ac, pillows were flat, no soap, coffee machine but no coffee, sink was plugged with a disgusting glob of I don’t know what.
- Adebayo (2/5): - Had to leave too early because I was so uncomfortable with room conditions. Mosquitoes and bugs
- Tina-Marie (2/5): Not recommended - The room and bathroom was not clean but we had no choice but to stay. The sheets and towels were clean thankfully
- PATRICIA (6/5): - Not really as advertised. Nice location. Tv froze or wouldn't load anything. Not really a shared kitchen, regulars at hotel took charge. Not worth the cost.
- Chance (10/5): - Thank you so much. We had some delays in getting there, and staff were very patient and accommodating when we arrived. Really appreciate it!
- Les (8/5): - Basic clean accommodation to stop in the middle of nowhere. Was cycling through the area and needed a stop. Food is available to order. Had a delicious burger. Helpful staff.
- Tracy (6/5): - Very welcoming staff. Polite and courteous. Property needs some care. Rooms are a bit dated. Cleanliness of the room was subpar. Mold in the fridge and the shower. Bed was comfortable but only a bed spread and a bottom sheet. Pull out couch was falling apart. This room was listed as a deluxe suite but fell short. We have stayed her several times on our way through and it used to be a hidden gem but unfortunately that is not the case anymore.
- connie (6/5): - Was ok nothing special
- Khaled (10/5): - In One Word Excellent
- WING HONG (4/5): - The property is outdated, worn, and deteriorating. Very noisy due to close vicinity to Hyw 17. For $165 a night for a premium room with poor amenities and below average cleanliness? Bad deal.
- Nok Hei (2/5): - No hot water for shower Many mosquitoes in the room
- Earl (4/5): - We arrived at night and left before sunrise but didn't see any "view". Everything was old and tired. Outlets didn't work so phone didn't charge. Bar of used soap, lumpy saggy bed.
- Terry (2/5): - Who ever owns/runs this piece of trash that probably was once a pleasant place to stay has no business doing so. I doubt any work has been done to it since the ‘70s. Why you post it on your site beggars belief.
- Louise (6/5): - It has great potential
- Matthew (10/5): - There's limited accommodations between Thunder Bay and Dryden. It's all you need while you're crossing the country. Or moose hunting. Friendly staff. I'd recommend it!
- Linda (4/5): - The bed was comfortable, but only had a bottom sheet (looked like brand new) and a comforter! I doubt that it gets washed after every guest! Good shower. The kitchenette is community but kitchenettes were advertised. It was filthy, cold water only for dishes (found this out after eating). Stove and hot plate looked like a fire waiting to happen. Won’t be back.
- Dorothy (2/5): - Who ever looked at this property and put it on your list of hotels needs to learn about customer service, cleanliness what people are looking for and at what price.
- Bill (8/5): - Should have coffee available for quest
- Eason (4/5): - Campground cabin motel. Nature outside and inside. Food options on the road as you arrive or leave. You can safely go outside, which isn’t something Thunder Bay can boast about. Oddly nice toilet paper in contrast to everything else.
- richard (6/5): - Ok for a night. Older motel but worked for the night.
- marleen (2/5): - Cockroaches live wores mold
- javed (2/5): - The room was unclean with roaches crawling around. Appliances were in dirty condition and not in working condition. It was a complete waste of money.
- Kelly (10/5): - Great food and service
- Sharon (2/5): - Had to ask for heat. Had to get someone to fix tv. The bath tap dripped all night. Only thing pretty was the lake. Didn't even stay for their breakfast. Would not recommend this place to anyone. . Price outrageous
- Shirley (2/5): - The room smelled musty. There were at least a couple of crickets chirping loudly in the baseboard heater, several spiders with webs and eggs along the top of the wall, and several hairs from previous guests on the comforter. We did not stay and left to make the 2.5 hr drive to Thunder Bay and spent the night there instead. Would not recommend this place to anyone.
- Debbie (6/5): - Clean bed and room, good value
- Jeff (10/5): - The food was amazing
- Maryanne (4/5): - Bed linens were not changed, visible dirt and hair was seen on the fitted sheet, strong smell of curry on linen that was given for pull out couch with bright yellow stains on the sheets. No air control either. 1/10 rating.
- Debra (8/5): - Nice place but dated. Hosts are very nice.
- Stephanie (10/5): - Great owners Very nice people
- edward (6/5): - Was interesting but did the job
- Vincenzo (6/5): - Nature around
- Mardi (6/5): - Basic 3 star motel and perfectly adequate for a one night stay. Mini fridge but no microwave. No hairdryer but plenty enough soace to bring 2 bikes in overnight. Comfy beds. Highway noise was tolerable. Nice view of a little lake. Would definitely stay there again. Open May1-Nov 1.
- Tracey (10/5): - Lovely couple best butter chicken ever
- Vicky (4/5): - Between the crickets in the room, the noise from the highway, and a neighbour’s tv, we left early.
- Roe (4/5): - Nice view on beautiful lake. But terrible old building no aircon old tvs fly screens on only some windows only aircon if you asked for it at reception. Hidden fees. Good inadequate and costly.
- Verified traveler (6/5): - There was a problem but it was rectified thank you.
- Dianne (8/5): - Rooms and property need a though cleaning. Understand owners just took over this summer. Rooms were comfortable and owner was great. Beautiful spot on lake. Stayed there on way out and way back. I would recommend.
- Shirley E (6/5): - This is a fishing lodge. It was not very clean. The owner did let us check in early. I would not recommend this hotel.
- Bill (10/5): - Great staff/managers!
- Laura (4/5): - The staff was very nice. We did not realize there was no air in the unit, I believe you could ask for one to be put in but we had been driving all day and just wanted to get everyone to bed. Also the floors in the bathroom were not cleaned at all, the bath mat was black afterwords.
- Ken (4/5): - Older motel in need of renovations. Not much for services available in the area but was a ok place to sleep.
- Sandeep (4/5): - Expensive
- Leigh (8/5): - I was driving from Ottawa to Alberta and didn’t think it would be hard to find a hotel room in north eastern Ontario but I was mistaken. And available rooms were shockingly expensive so I was very pleased to find the English River Inn. It was the right price and it met my needs for a one night stop over. Staff were polite and room was spacious and clean.
- Adrienne (2/5): - We stayed in English River inn and it was a disaster. All amenities were false. We showed up to our booking and were brought to a room with one bed and told to all 3 of us to sleep in same bed. Once I spoke up about room reservations for 3 people and were to have a pull out couch and bed for 2 he brought us to another room that has 2 double beds. None of the rooms shown to us were what we booked and spoke up about it but the attendt couldn't understand English. He went back to office and came out and told us 10 minute wait as he went to another room that still was not a deluxe room and removed guest and put us in that room without properly cleaning room. We had no cable or TV and had to ask for device plus or no blankets or pillow for the pull out bed and had to request them as well. When he came he brought us a poor quality blanket and a top sheet 1 water 3 juice boxes and 2 packs of cookies. There was kleenex that filled the screens in windows and no phone in room. It doesnt stop there however you get the jist of it. I packed what i thought we needed by going by amenities which were false.
- Chris (10/5): - Great little motel tucked in the woods beside the Trans Canada. Older but well cared for with clean everything. Treated to a home cooked Indian meal that was wonderful. No complaints about this unique little motel.
- Arie (8/5): - Nice clean rooms. Simple but very functional. Staff was the best. And the home cooking brought rightbto your room. Great food!! Definitely would stay there again.
- Deb (4/5): - Within minutes of checking in, I pulled back the sheets to find them dirty. Like stained. You could not miss this making the bed. I went to the office to ask for the bed to be made with fresh sheets. I take my kids down to the water and the maid goes to the room and tries to HAND MY HUSBAND THE SHEETS. He said "no you go ahead". The rooms have not been upgraded in decades. Just really run down, dingy and unappealing. You are in the middle of nowhere, so unless you brought sandwiches, you are stuck with what they make. The burger was pretty good, but you had to buy a whole thing of fries (didn't come as a side) so it ended up being pretty expensive for 4 meals. The property was pretty though, with a dock and nice view. I know because I spent very little time in the room!
- Henry (8/5): - No air conditioning, the room had a very strong air freshener smell
- Sylvie (4/5): - Odour in the room, possibly from the carpets which were not clean. There were no glasses to drink out of, only 2 coffee mugs. We ordered food which was really good. The owners were so kind and accommodating.
- Mathieu (2/5): - Very very dirty.. black mold everywhere in the bathroom with some kleenex tuck in a corner of the ceiling… no a/c
- Kristie (6/5): - Not very clean. No AC. No food close by. Lights didnt work, nor did the tv. We also all got sick from the water.
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