Spark by Hilton Oshawa

Have had many decent stays here over many years, it is convenient as it is close the GO train station, within walking distance and is a reasonable price. That was until I encountered little Miss Sunshine, Sandra the front desk troll. Someone needs to explain to her that being in the hospitality industry means you have to have some personality and a set of social skills that enable you to interact with the public. She has neither. I was greeted with a snarly "yes" like I was inconveniencing her. No smile, no greeting and certainly no interest. I gave her my name and said I was checking in. It was noon and I have done this many times prior without any problem however this time I was very rudely informed that there would be an early check in fee of $50 because check in was at 3pm. I checked the web page and it makes no mention of early check in - only charges for "special requests" for items such as cots I assume. I said I had done this before and asked if Joey, who was the manager with whom I had a great rapport, was there and she snottily said he didn't work there anymore. Was I paying or not?! I asked for the new Manager and was told he was in a meeting and not available "obviously". What an attitude. I begrudgingly paid the money and was told that she would "upgrade" me to ground floor (like that's an upgrade) rooms as they were clean already and she would put me in a clean room. I replied that I would certainly hope so. Like she was doing me a favour. I have another trip to the city booked for the near future and have a room booked already so I will see if I get to give her a second chance. I do not have high hopes. I will speak to the new manager, David, at that time if I have to camp outside the meeting room to do so. Treating guests like crap and being rude, disinterested and disrespectful are not traits that someone in her position should posses. I have worked in retail for 35 years now and know a thing or two about how not to treat people and she could give a course on the subject. Perhaps the kitchen would be a more suitable place for Sandra where she doesn't have to interact with people for whom she seems only to have great disdain. Word of advice - get that miserable, sober faced cow off your front desk, she's bad for business and let's face it, the Best Western is only about 100 yards away. There is a great Delta hotel on Simcoe that is starting to look pretty appealing too!

Ultra clean, very nice check-in, rooms are consistent with our last visit. Very quiet, because none of the rooms front on Bloor Street. Breakfasts are excellent, and overall, the hotel is on par with any of the best in the chain.