http://www.travelpost.com//hotels/Painter_s_Lodge_Holiday_Fishing_Resort/hid70766 TravelPost.com - Hotel reviews, information, and rates from thousands of websites http://www.travelpost.com//hotels/Painter_s_Lodge_Holiday_Fishing_Resort/r473134 Far too expensive for what we got! Could have stayed at motel half the price and had the same comfort -- probably better! Guides drinking beer on fishing trip - what's that about?? And fishing -- what fish?? Don't waste your time and don't waste your money at this place --- just far too over-rated. http://www.travelpost.com//hotels/Painter_s_Lodge_Holiday_Fishing_Resort/r473134 http://www.travelpost.com//hotels/Painter_s_Lodge_Holiday_Fishing_Resort/r473135 service service service!!!! none here !!! The location is great and the scenery is great but the level of service was sub par. The fishing was also poor..Salmon Capital of the World I don't think so.. I think Campbell River has to re-think that one.. http://www.travelpost.com//hotels/Painter_s_Lodge_Holiday_Fishing_Resort/r473135 http://www.travelpost.com//hotels/Painter_s_Lodge_Holiday_Fishing_Resort/r473136 For over $1300 for 2 people (2 nites and 3 four hour guided fishing) I have to say sorry folks but you are WAY overrated for the price. the location: Nice but nothing special; construction going on in the road where the lodge is located so aesthetically no real ambience driving in... the rooms: beds are okay but you hear EVERYTHING going on outside from guests walking down the stairs to other rooms using their bathroom taps - you'd hear a "KLUNK" sound when someone would close their taps...maybe look at air in the pipes? Also a 10 year old 20" tv with no dvd is out of whack with the amount being charged with the rooms. Sure it is a "fishing" lodge but when the kids want to just take a break in the rooms while the parents are outside it would be nice to just update the entertainment. And why is there no way to turn off the BRIGHT outside balcony lights? After struggling with the curtains to block out the light beaming into the bedrooms for a few nights - it makes little sense not have the option of turning them off. the food: not the "world class" fine dining the brochures try to oversell - it's acceptable but pricey. the fishing: Here's the problem. All the guides we spoke to said that August is really the best month to come up if you want to catch big fish - consistently. We went on 3 guided trips and only caught 2 salmon (chinook - 12 pounds). That is over 12 hours of fishing for 2 fish! The lodge really needs to be as honest as the guides about when fishing is good. You really take your chances if you come up any other month. In fact there were many guided boats that reported NO fish caught while we were there (mid-July). And a last complaint is that when you are paying this sort of money for "professional" guides it would be nice to have the "tip" included in your fees. It was somewhat awkward having the guide with his hand out expecting a $20 or $50 for a fishless guide since NO ONE told us that tipping was expected. Also there also seems to be a "tradition" of bringing beer onto the boats for the guides to consume (our guide - an older man "explained" this to us). We thought drinking alcohol on a boat was not legal. But once again, no one told us about all the "unspoken etiquette". And also you should be aware that fishing licences need to be purchased by the guest, this is also not included (odd since it is a "fishing" lodge where one might think everything would be included). the staff: Young; more mature and older staff at the front lines would balance this out. Overall: The lodge seriously needs to adjust it's advertising to reflect the reality there is only one good month of fishing (August). The other months are somewhat hit/miss. Other weaknesses ranging from the rooms to the unwritten fianacial/alcoholic "expectations" of the guides need to be addressed. It is not ironic perhaps that the lodge offers a 2 for 1 special for guests who have ALREADY stayed there at least once - you need that kind of "bait" for guests to return again. Regards Dennis and Francine http://www.travelpost.com//hotels/Painter_s_Lodge_Holiday_Fishing_Resort/r473136