Sumas Mountain Lodge

The hotel offers a unique and memorable stay, primarily distinguished by its spacious rooms featuring large jetted tubs, which many guests describe as a luxurious and relaxing highlight. The overall ambiance is characterized by a charming rustic, mountain lodge theme, with cozy decor and log beams that create a warm, inviting atmosphere. This makes it an ideal retreat for couples seeking a romantic getaway, outdoor enthusiasts exploring nearby Mt. Baker, and travelers looking for a convenient and comfortable stop near the US-Canada border. The friendly and accommodating staff consistently receive praise for their helpfulness, contributing to a welcoming experience. To ensure a seamless stay, guests are advised to confirm their room type, especially if a specific feature like a jetted tub or suite is desired, and to be prepared for potential road noise, which can often be mitigated by running a fan. Additionally, bringing an extension cord may be helpful due to limited electrical outlets in some rooms.

Facilities & Amenities
Many rooms are equipped with large jetted tubs, often highlighted as a key feature for relaxation, and some also include a cozy fireplace or a private balcony offering scenic views. Guests appreciate the convenience of in-room amenities such as a Keurig coffee maker with pods and a mini-fridge, along with ample towels and bathrobes for use with the tubs. However, some guests have noted a lack of modern conveniences, including limited electrical outlets and the absence of a microwave or kettle in rooms. While Wi-Fi is available, its reliability can be inconsistent, and some guests reported issues with the TVs. A significant point of feedback is the absence of an elevator, which can be challenging for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage, as all rooms are located on upper floors. There is also no ice machine on site. On a positive note, the hotel offers free parking, which is accommodating for guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find the rooms to be generally clean and well-maintained, appreciating the charming rustic decor that contributes to a cozy atmosphere. The beds are frequently described as comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though some guests have found them to be too soft or lacking sufficient back support. A common concern is noise, with reports of highway traffic noise, sounds from the attached restaurant, and occasional disturbances from thin walls or a noisy AC unit. Some guests also noted a loud water pipe noise at times. While most rooms offer excellent hot water for the jetted tubs, some specific rooms are equipped only with a tub sprayer rather than a traditional stand-up shower. Guests appreciate the effective heating that quickly warms the rooms and the provision of well-stocked toiletries. Despite a few isolated comments about minor cleanliness issues like dirty sinks or uncleaned mirrors, the overall sentiment regarding room cleanliness is positive.

Dining & Food Quality
A major convenience for guests is the attached restaurant, Bob's Burger & Brew, which is frequently praised for its food quality and the excellent service provided by its staff. Many guests enjoy having easy access to dinner and drinks on-site, describing the meals as consistently good and delicious. The restaurant also features a bar area, adding to the dining options. While some guests have enjoyed a yummy and reasonably priced breakfast at the restaurant, others have noted that it may not always be open for breakfast service. A few isolated comments mentioned the food as mediocre or overpriced, but the overwhelming majority of feedback highlights a positive dining experience. The convenience of having a reliable dining option directly connected to the hotel is a recurring theme in guest reviews.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's most significant advantage is its convenient location directly on the US-Canada border, making it an excellent choice for cross-border travelers and those needing a stop before or after entering Canada. It serves as a good base for exploring the Mt. Baker area and is approximately an hour's drive from Vancouver BC. Guests appreciate being within walking distance of local amenities such as a mini-mart, ice cream shops, and other restaurants in the small town. However, the hotel's position on a busy road is a frequent source of traffic noise, which some guests find disruptive, though many manage to mitigate it. While some rooms offer distant views of Mt. Baker, others face a nearby gas station. The hotel provides free parking, which is accommodating and easily accessible for guests.

Staff & Service
The hotel generally receives high praise for its friendly and helpful staff, with many guests highlighting their attentiveness and accommodating approach. The owners are noted for being actively involved, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. Most guests report positive interactions with housekeeping, finding them efficient and respectful of personal belongings. However, there are significant and recurring issues reported concerning the check-in process, particularly for late arrivals or when the front desk, which is shared with the attached restaurant, is closed. Some guests have experienced slow check-ins, a lack of physical room keys, or even being unable to access their reserved rooms, leading to considerable frustration and negative customer service experiences. While staff are often apologetic in these situations, these incidents stand out as a major area for improvement. Despite these challenges, the overall sentiment towards the staff's general demeanor and willingness to assist is largely positive.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of specific hotel procedures, particularly regarding after-hours check-in, which may involve arrangements for key retrieval or the use of a mobile app, and has occasionally led to complications. There have also been instances where room changes occurred without prior notice to guests. It is important to note that some debit cards without names printed on them may not be accepted for payment. The hotel itself is an older log building that has been charmingly renovated, contributing to its unique and rustic appeal. For early check-out, guests might find the process slightly unconventional, as keys are typically left at the restaurant desk, which can be confusing if not clearly signposted. Some minor concerns have been raised about the appearance of a storage area at the top of the stairs and a wedged-open fire escape door.