- Escape to Paradise: Ramada Pinewood Park Resort Awaits!
- Escape to Paradise? Ramada Pinewood Park Resort - My Chaotic, Wonderful, and Slightly Messy Review
- Escape to Paradise: Ramada Pinewood Park Resort Awaits! (FAQ - The Real Deal)
- 1. Okay, so, is it *actually* paradise? Like, real paradise? With a white sand beach and shirtless waiters fanning you with palm fronds?
- 2. The rooms… What's the deal with the rooms? They look alright in the photos, but you know how it is.
- 3. What's the food like? Because let's be honest, a bad holiday meal can ruin everything.
- 4. Activities! What's there to *do* besides, you know, existing near water?
- 5. Is it a good place for kids?
- 6. What about the spa? Is it relaxing?
- 7. Okay, so is it worth it? Seriously. The bottom line.

Escape to Paradise: Ramada Pinewood Park Resort Awaits!
Escape to Paradise? Ramada Pinewood Park Resort - My Chaotic, Wonderful, and Slightly Messy Review
Alright, folks, buckle up, because my "Escape to Paradise" at Ramada Pinewood Park Resort was… an experience. And honestly? I'm still sorting through my feelings. This place is a beautiful, messy, slightly baffling, and ultimately, kinda charming puzzle box. Let's dive in, shall we? (Spoiler alert: I'm still not sure if I'd fully recommend it, but I definitely have stories.)
(Metadata starts here - don't skip this, SEO-elves!)
Keywords: Ramada Pinewood Park Resort review, North Bay Ontario hotel, accessible hotel, family-friendly resort, spa resort Ontario, pool with a view, free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurants, things to do North Bay, wheelchair accessible hotel, internet access, things to do in the area, fitness center Ontario, Ramada North Bay, North Bay family vacation, Ontario getaway, spa, sauna, outdoor pool, dining review, accessibility review, Northern Ontario, Canadian resort, COVID safety measures, Pinewood Park Resort
Meta Description: A brutally honest, hilarious, and detailed review of Ramada Pinewood Park Resort in North Bay, Ontario. From the stunning views to the slightly confusing accessibility, get the real scoop on this "escape to paradise" - flaws and all! Find out if it's worth your time (and money!)
(Review Begins)
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. This one's crucial for me. I rely on a wheelchair, and the website promised… well, something. The reality? It’s a mixed bag, bless their hearts. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, and the elevator was a lifesaver, making navigating the multi-level resort possible. Wheelchair accessible rooms were available (we booked one!), and that’s a HUGE win. The hallways were wide enough (mostly!) and the door to the room… chef's kiss. Spacious!
However… getting to the good stuff wasn’t always smooth sailing. Some ramps felt a little… let's say, ambitious in their incline. One particular ramp leading to the swimming pool [outdoor] felt like a mini-Mount Everest climb. I actually ended up needing a helpful staff member to gently push me (sorry, dude!). But hey, they were there, willing to help, and the pool with a view (more on that later) was worth the struggle. So, score one for effort?
Cleanliness and safety were definitely being taken seriously, which was a huge relief. The Daily disinfection in common areas was obvious. Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere, and I appreciated the fact that staff, according to my observations, seemed to be trained in safety protocol. They also had anti-viral cleaning products, which is a relief during these times. They had Room sanitization opt-out available, and I appreciated that. The rooms were sanitized between stays, which gave me peace of mind. Also, every single staff member wore a mask - which is good news. The Staff trained in safety protocol was also helpful.
Now, let’s talk about the room itself. I loved that there was Air conditioning. The Additional toilet was handy, and the Additional toilet was fantastic. Air conditioning was essential, and the Bathroom phone made me feel like a 1980s executive. The Blackout curtains were a godsend after those late-night poolside cocktails. Free bottled water was included, which was a nice touch considering I didn’t drink from the tap. The In-room safe box was appreciated, the Refrigerator was essential, and the Smoke detector made me feel safe. The Soundproofing was pretty good, but I could still hear the occasional overly enthusiastic child yelling during the pool hours. The Television had a great selection of channels. Wi-Fi [free] was absolutely vital.
Internet Access: Ah, the modern marvel. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! The marketing team deserves a medal for that one. It Internet access – wireless, and Internet access – LAN were available. My connection was… inconsistent. Let’s just say that the WiFi was a fickle beast. One minute I was streaming happily, the next I was staring in frustration at my phone, willing the connection to magically reappear. Look, the Internet itself was available, but don't bank on it for anything mission-critical, you know?
Things to do, ways to relax… Oh, this is where the resort really shines, when things click. The Swimming pool [outdoor], mentioned earlier, is a total highlight. The views are just stunning. The view of the lake is breathtaking. Picture this: me, in my wheelchair, positioned strategically by the edge of the pool, margarita in hand (courtesy of the Poolside bar… more on that later), soaking up the sun. Pure bliss. The view of the lake is the reason you come here.
They had the Fitness center and the Spa, which I sadly didn't have time to experience, but the brochures looked promising. Sauna, Steamroom, Spa/sauna – all the fixings for total relaxation. They had a Gym/fitness, which I heard the people liked.
Speaking of the poolside bar… let’s talk Dining, drinking, and snacking. This is where things got a little… interesting. The Restaurants on-site offer a mixed bag. The Asian breakfast was a delicious surprise (who knew?!), and they had a Breakfast [buffet] that was… well-stocked. The Breakfast takeaway service was a nice touch if you wanted. They were okay with the Coffee/tea in restaurant. There was a Happy hour, the Poolside bar served up decent cocktails, and there's also a Snack bar.
I will say this: the service was… inconsistent. One day, my waiter was a ray of sunshine, memorizing my very complex dietary requirements (I told you, a mixed bag!). The next, it was like pulling teeth to get a refill. The A la carte in restaurant was okay, but I think the Buffet in restaurant won.
Services and conveniences were also prevalent. The Cash withdrawal was helpful. The Concierge was helpful for the most part. The Daily housekeeping was well-timed. The Elevator helped me a lot. The Facilities for disabled guests were great. The Ironing service was helpful and the Laundry service was great. The Luggage storage was helpful. The Safety deposit boxes were a must have. The Terrace was great, and the Valet parking was helpful.
For the kids, there were a few things, though this place is probably more geared toward adults. There was a Babysitting service, some ahem Kids facilities, and some Kids meal.
In Conclusion…
Ramada Pinewood Park Resort isn't perfect. It’s a bit wonky, a little chaotic, and the service can be a gamble. But it also has moments of sheer, unadulterated beauty. The views are spectacular, the pool is a joy, and the staff, bless their hearts, are trying their best. If you're looking for a polished, flawlessly-executed experience, this might not be it. But if you're open to a little imperfection, some good laughs, and a chance to simply breathe, this could be your escape. Just be prepared for a few bumps along the way.
Would I go back? Hmm… maybe. I'd definitely bring a good book, a sense of humor, and a healthy dose of patience. And I'd probably pack my own WiFi router, just in case.
(Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Great views and potential, but room for improvement! This is a place with potential, but it still needs work)
Escape to Paradise: Adults-Only Hotel Luna Ikeda, Minoh, Japan
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a glorious, messy, probably slightly disastrous (but hopefully hilarious) itinerary for a stay at the Ramada by Wyndham Pinewood Park Resort in North Bay, Ontario. This isn't your pristine travel brochure, this is REAL LIFE, folks. Prepare for the emotional rollercoaster!
Day 1: Arrival and That First, Questionable Impression
- 3:00 PM - Arrival and Check-In: The Great Room Roulette.
- Alright, pulling up to the Ramada. The exterior? Kinda… generic? Let's be honest. But hey, you can't judge a book by its cover, right? Or a hotel by its… well, cover. The parking lot, though, looked like a scene from a slightly sad remake of Fast and Furious. Plenty of metal, let's just say that.
- Check-in was surprisingly smooth! (Score one for the good guys!). The lobby smelled faintly of chlorine and… I’m not quite sure what else. Maybe a lonely pine tree trying its best. Anyway, got the key, headed to the elevator. The elevator made some seriously questionable noises. Was it juddering? Groaning? Praying? We’ll never know.
- Anecdote: Found our room! And… well, it's a room. It has a bed, the ultimate hotel requirement. The TV's on, the kind of channel that's on all the time. It's… comfortable, in an unpretentious, slightly-worn-around-the-edges kinda way. I swear, one of the lampshades is crooked. It's like the room is winking at me.
- 4:00 PM - The Pool Debacle (Part 1).
- Okay, this is where things take a turn. The brochure promised (lied?) a "sparkling indoor pool." What we found? A pool, certainly. Sparkling? Debatable. More like, "slightly chlorinated and possibly harboring a hidden ecosystem."
- There were children, naturally. Children and their joyful chaos. One kid was definitely trying to drown his rubber ducky. Another was doing what appeared to be synchronized swimming with a noodle. I'm not complaining, it was a perfect illustration of hotel pool culture.
- Quirky Observation: The lifeguard (a teenager?) looked utterly bored. Probably counting down the seconds until he can post on Instagram.
- Emotional Reaction: Initial shock, followed by a grudging acceptance. This IS the vacation, right? Messy, imperfect, filled with slightly dubious smells. Embrace it!
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant (or, The Culinary Abyss).
- Decided to give the hotel restaurant a shot. Convenience, you know? The menu was… extensive. Like, they wanted to do everything, and the results were a little…overwhelming.
- Ordered something, can't fully remember what, I still feel embarrassed about it. Let's just say the food was… edible. It wasn't awful. It wasn't amazing. It was… food. I swear there were green beans involved. And a lot of gravy.
- Anecdote: The waitress was lovely, bless her heart. She looked like she’d seen some things. She also kept calling me "hon." Not sure if that's a North Bay thing, or just her default.
- Emotional Reaction: Mild disappointment mixed with a deep appreciation for not having to drive anywhere.
- 8:00 PM - Evening Entertainment? (Let's be honest, it's Netflix).
- There’s an entertainment area in the hotel. It's in the shape of a bar, very dark, looks like a graveyard for hopes and dreams. Frankly, I don't have the energy for that, or the desire.
- Instead, we’re back in the room. Trying to figure out how that crooked lamp works. Streaming some classic TV, and trying to recover from the day. Oh, the pure joy of a hotel bed!
- Rambling Thought: Maybe I should have taken the train instead. Or stayed home. But yeah, the bed is nice.
Day 2: Embracing the North Bay – Or At Least Trying
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast and the Quest for Coffee.
- Breakfast situation: included. Usually that's a win, but it also means the same things get served every day.
- The coffee? Weak. Very, very weak. I’m already experiencing caffeine withdrawal symptoms.
- Anecdote: Spotted a fellow guest wearing a bathrobe and Crocs. Hotel life, people. Hotel life.
- 10:00 AM - Lakeside Stroll and The Great Outdoors…ish.
- Decided to venture outside the hotel and find out what North Bay has to offer. North Bay is on the lake. The lake is a win.
- Quirky Observation: The weather vacillates between "glorious sunshine" and "possibly about to rain." Typical Canadian weather.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch: A Culinary Adventure!
- Went for lunch at a local cafe. This one had personality! The food was great, the service was great, the whole experience was great.
- Emotional Reaction: The food was SO good! I felt a surge of optimism. Maybe North Bay wasn't so bad after all.
- Opinionated Language: It's the best thing that had happened to me all day.
- 2:00 PM – Back to the Pool? (The Pool Debacle Part 2: The Re-Match)
- Decided to take a chance on the pool again. Maybe it has improved? Maybe the kids have gone home?
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: The pool was the worst thing, what did I do to deserve this?
- Rambling Thought: The lifeguard still looked bored. Everyone was doing the same old thing, swimming, splashing and screaming.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner, The Return…
- Tried a different restaurant. This one was better, or, well, it can't be worse. The restaurant's aesthetic was strange, something between a 1990's diner and a pirate ship. The food was surprisingly good.
- Opinionated Language: I may have fallen some what.
- 8:00 PM - Evening wind down!
- TV and bedtime
Day 3: Departure and The Lasting Impression.
- 9:00 AM - Departure!
- The final day is on the horizon. Breakfast, pack, and check out.
- 10:00 AM - Goodbye, North Bay…
- Saying goodbye to North Bay.
This itinerary is not perfect. It's messy, it’s maybe a bit over-the-top, and it's designed to be… well, a mess. But hey, life is messy. And sometimes, the most memorable travels are the ones that don’t go exactly as planned. So, here's to the crooked lampshades, the slightly suspect pools, and the adventures that make us laugh, sigh, and maybe occasionally question our life choices. Safe travels, eh?
Rome's Hidden Gem: Your Dream B&B Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Ramada Pinewood Park Resort Awaits! (FAQ - The Real Deal)
Alright, let's be honest. You're thinking about booking this place. You've seen the glossy photos, the promises of "paradise" and "unforgettable experiences." And you're probably thinking, "Is it *really* worth it?" Well, strap in buttercup, because I'm about to spill the beans. This isn't your average, sanitized FAQ. This is the truth, warts and all.
1. Okay, so, is it *actually* paradise? Like, real paradise? With a white sand beach and shirtless waiters fanning you with palm fronds?
Paradise? Hold your horses. Let's just say the brochure *might* have exaggerated things a *tiny* bit. Look, it's a resort. It's in a park setting. It has... water. And some trees. Think less Bora Bora, more... a really nice state park with rooms. The "beach" is more like a... well, I'm going to be honest, a slightly pebbly, sloped area leading to the water. I got a pebble stuck in my sandal and spent a solid 10 minutes trying to dislodge the darn thing. Paradise? Not quite. Decent enough spot to relax? Absolutely. Just manage your expectations, folks. Don't go expecting a full-blown tropical fantasy – you might be disappointed.
2. The rooms… What's the deal with the rooms? They look alright in the photos, but you know how it is.
The rooms. Ah, the rooms. Okay, here's the lowdown. They're... clean. Mostly. I found a stray hair on the bathroom floor, but hey, could have been mine. It wasn't a deal-breaker. They are a good size and comfortable - no complaints there. The AC worked, which is a HUGE win, especially in summer when you can barely breathe. The decor? Think "slightly dated but functional." My room has the feel of a really good motel, you know? The kind where you could stay for a week and not be totally miserable.
BUT (big but!) the walls... thin as paper. I swear, I could hear the couple in the next room arguing about something... I think it was their kids, or maybe the best way to fold fitted sheets. Let's just say, bring earplugs if you value your sleep. On my last trip, I even overheard the guy snoring! It was like staying in a shared apartment with a very loud roommate, who also snored. Ugh.
3. What's the food like? Because let's be honest, a bad holiday meal can ruin everything.
The food... okay, the food. It's... food. Look, it's not Michelin-starred. You're not going to have your taste buds blown away by experimental cuisine. However, the buffet is usually pretty good. There's a decent selection, and you can find something you like. I'm not a picky eater, so I was generally happy. I did eat too much pizza at dinner that evening, but it's not the resort's fault - it was my own weakness. The coffee, though? Let's just say it's strong, and not in a good way. It'll wake you up, alright. It will also probably induce a mild tremor and make you rethink your life choices. Stick to juice and maybe a pastry for breakfast. I made that mistake once. Never again.
The restaurant does have other options, you are able to order something that is not from the buffet, but it does cost a little extra. The steak I ordered was pretty damn good, though. I was surprised.
4. Activities! What's there to *do* besides, you know, existing near water?
Okay, let's talk activities. There's a pool, which is usually a decent size. The water had a weird film on it one day. Not sure what was up with that, but I survived. There are also trails for hiking, which are actually pretty nice. Take a walk around the lake and see some of the local wildlife. I saw a duck the other day, majestic! They have a game room, which is good if it rains. Honestly, though, the best activity is simply chilling out. It's what you're there for, right?
You could take a boat ride! I didn't have time to do the boat ride. I thought it was silly. You can also play mini golf, do some fishing, or just relax. You can order drinks by the pool (they're expensive but good), read a book, and forget about the real world for a little bit. Be warned though - don't get in the pool after you've had a few drinks. The water can get weird. I saw a guy fall in the water. Never forget!
5. Is it a good place for kids?
Ah, the kids. This place is, generally, kid-friendly. There's a playground, a splash pad... there is enough to keep a young child happy. BUT, be prepared for the chaos. Kids screaming in the pool. Kids running amok in the hallways. It's a resort, after all. It is what you expect.
I did, however, witness a toddler have a full-blown meltdown in the middle of the buffet. It was impressive. Like, Olympic-level tantrum impressive. So, yeah, if you're sensitive to noise and high energy, maybe book a room far, far away from the family suites. Or, you know, embrace the chaos. It’s all part of the fun, right?
6. What about the spa? Is it relaxing?
The spa. I didn't go. I’m not much of a spa person. But I heard from someone who had a massage, and she said it was "pretty good." Make of that what you will. She looked relaxed afterwards, but then again, she'd been sipping a mimosa, so who knows? Do you really need to spend $100+ on a massage to just hang out in your room?
7. Okay, so is it worth it? Seriously. The bottom line.
Is it worth it? That depends. If you're expecting pure, unadulterated paradise with zero flaws? No. You'll be disappointed. If you're looking for a relaxing getaway, a place to recharge, a break from the usual grind? Then yeah, it's probably worth it. Look, it's not perfect. It has its quirks, its downsides. But it's also a decent place toHotels With Kitchenettes

