Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre

Kingston 44.22543400, -76.50999500 , 421 Union Street (Show on Map)
8.6
Very Good


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Summary of reviewsThe Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre is consistently praised for its tranquil and picturesque location, nestled in a quiet neighborhood near Queens University and major Kingston attractions. The serene, green surroundings with well-maintained grounds bordered by trees provide a restful retreat, while still being within a short drive or a 20-30 minute leisurely walk from downtown Kingston and the waterfront. Guests particularly appreciate the convenience of free parking and a variety of breakfast choices.

The breakfast earns high marks for its delicious, plentiful offerings set in a welcoming environment. Guests commend the buffet for its variety, including gluten-free and vegetarian options and praise the friendly, attentive service. Despite the occasional need for more timely replenishment, breakfast is often noted as a standout feature of the stay.

For lunch and dinner, the hotel offers quality dining experiences with lovely courtyard views, though it lacks a dedicated restaurant for evening meals. Guests benefit from the proximity to downtown Kingston, where a multitude of dining options are available. The occasional disorganization among dining staff and inconsistent availability of the on-site pub are minor setbacks, but the overall dining experience remains positive.

Rooms at the hotel are highlighted for their cleanliness, modern decor and spaciousness. Guests find the beds exceptionally comfortable, contributing to restful nights in quiet environments. Despite some reports of musty smells or dated furnishings in certain rooms and occasional issues with internet reception, the consensus is that the rooms are lovely, very clean and super comfortable.

Cleanliness throughout the property is frequently lauded with guests appreciating the immaculate state of the rooms and common areas. The hotel’s dedication to maintaining a hygienic environment, especially in response to COVID-19, ensures a comfortable and safe stay.

The staff receive consistent acclaim for their friendliness, professionalism and accommodating nature. Whether at the front desk, during breakfast service or from housekeeping, the staff’s supportive and pleasant demeanor greatly enhances the guest experience.

While the free WiFi service garners mixed reviews—with some experiencing excellent connectivity and others facing limitations or unstable connections—the serene environment of the hotel still provides a conducive space for both work and relaxation.

Parking is another significant advantage with abundant free spaces available, making it highly convenient for guests. The comfortable beds, noted for their clean, high-quality linens and cozy feel, further contribute to a positive stay.

The hotel caters well to business travelers, offering well-equipped conference areas and maintaining a quiet atmosphere suitable for focused work. Although internet access has been a noted issue, the business facilities themselves are well-regarded.

Accessibility is another strong point with excellent disabled access throughout the property. While some improvements are necessary in terms of shower amenities and clear room diagrams, the hotel’s dedication to providing an accessible environment overall receives positive feedback.

Overall, the Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre offers a restful and strategically well-located accommodation option with excellent staff, clean and comfortable rooms and standout breakfast service, making it a popular choice for various types of visitors to Kingston.
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Categories
Hotel near Golf Courses

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Business Hotel

Hotel with Parking

Accessible Hotel

Hotel with Gym

3-Star Hotel

Room Types
Queen Room - Semi-Accessible Offering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath and a hairdryer. The double room features carpeted floors, a seating area with a TV with cable channels, air conditioning, a private entrance, as well as a tea and coffee maker. The unit offers 1 bed.

Standard Queen Room This triple room features air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker and a TV with cable channels. The unit offers 1 bed.

King Room Offering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath and a hairdryer. The double room features carpeted floors, a seating area with a TV with cable channels, air conditioning, a private entrance, as well as a tea and coffee maker. The unit offers 1 bed.

Queen Room with Sofa Bed Offering free toiletries, this quadruple room includes a private bathroom with a bath and a hairdryer. The quadruple room has carpeted floors, a seating area with a TV with cable channels, air conditioning, a private entrance, as well as a tea and coffee maker. The unit has 2 beds.

Guest Reviews
8.6
Very Good
Location
Nestled in a quiet and picturesque neighborhood, the Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre offers visitors a tranquil retreat within close proximity to major attractions. Located near Queens University, the hotel is ideal for those visiting the campus or exploring the historical sites around Kingston, such as the Kingston Penitentiary Museum and the Bellevue House. The peaceful, green grounds are well maintained, offering a serene environment bordered by trees and beautiful old houses.

Despite not being in the heart of downtown, guests appreciate the convenient location with easy access to the city center, either by a short drive or a leisurely walk to the waterfront and Lake Ontario. For those without a car, the 20 to 30-minute walk to downtown Kingston can be a slight inconvenience, but the serene surroundings and the peaceful setting make up for it.

Free parking and a variety of breakfast choices add to the convenience of staying at this centrally located hotel. The excellent location, combined with the quiet and clean atmosphere, makes it a popular choice for both short stays and extended visits to Kingston. Whether in town for university events, exploring the local attractions or simply enjoying the scenic nearby lake, the Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre offers a restful and strategically well-placed accommodation option.

Breakfast
The breakfast experience at the Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre has consistently garnered high praise from guests. Many describe it as delicious, plentiful with an impressive variety of choices and set in a clean, bright and welcoming environment. The buffet features hearty options, fresh fruits and a full complement of breakfast fare, including gluten-free and oat milk alternatives, catering to vegetarians and those with dietary preferences.

Guests appreciated the quality and presentation of the food, noting that service was excellent with staff being friendly, attentive and professional. The breakfast setting is described as cozy, peaceful and pleasant, adding to the overall positive dining experience.

Despite a few mentions of occasional limited selection and the need for more timely replenishment, feedback consistently highlights the breakfast as an exceptional aspect of their stay, often exceeding expectations and providing great value, especially since it is included in the room price. Many guests considered it the best breakfast option in Kingston and a standout feature of the hotel.

Dinner
The Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre offers a delightful dining experience, particularly for lunch and dinner. The dinner services are noted for having a lovely array of choices, ensuring that guests have a variety of options to satisfy their tastes. Dining at the hotel is enhanced by the pleasant courtyard views, creating a relaxing and visually appealing atmosphere.

While there is no dedicated restaurant on-site beyond breakfast and occasional dinner options, guests can enjoy a short walk to downtown where numerous restaurants and shops offer diverse dining opportunities. This proximity provides a convenient alternative for those seeking different culinary experiences.

The breakfast service at the hotel receives positive remarks for its quality. However, there have been some mentions of disorganization among the dining room staff and confusion with evening meals. Additionally, the on-site pub is not always open, which has been a point of disappointment for some guests hoping for a fuller dining and bar service within the hotel premises.

Overall, the dining options at the Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre are well-regarded, particularly the variety and quality of lunch and dinner offerings. Despite some organizational hiccups and limited on-site services, the nearby downtown area compensates well with its array of dining choices.

Rooms
The rooms at the Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre have garnered notable praise for their cleanliness and comfort. Guests consistently describe the rooms as very clean and adequately furnished with several highlighting the modern decor and spaciousness. Many guests found the beds to be exceptionally comfortable, contributing to a restful stay. The rooms are also frequently mentioned as quiet, providing a peaceful environment with soundproofing being particularly appreciated by some visitors.

Spaciousness is another recurring theme with many reviews noting the larger-than-average room sizes. The facilities within the rooms, including modern bathrooms and complete equipment, have been well received, as have specific features like adjustable lighting and luxury bedding in the suites.

However, some minor drawbacks were also mentioned. A recurring issue was a musty smell in certain rooms, which affected the overall experience for a few guests. Additionally, some rooms were described as a bit dated or needing an upgrade and issues like poor internet reception and low room temperatures were noted by some visitors. Despite these concerns, the overall consensus remains positive with phrases like lovely rooms, very clean and super comfortable room highlighting the general guest satisfaction.

Beds
The beds at the Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre have largely received positive feedback from guests. Numerous visitors described the beds as very comfortable with some emphasizing their clean and tidy linens. Soft and silky mattresses alongside plush, puffy pillows have been highlighted as contributing to a comfortable sleeping experience. The clean bedding was repeatedly noted, adding to the overall positive impression of the accommodation.

On the flip side, a few guests encountered less satisfactory experiences, mentioning beds that were too firm or uncomfortable, while others noted that the bed size could be improved. Despite isolated reports of small or wobbly beds, the predominant sentiment was that the beds were cozy and facilitated a restful stay. Overall, the beds at the hotel were appreciated for their comfort, cleanliness and generally high-quality bedding.

Cleanliness
The Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre consistently impresses guests with its high standards of cleanliness. Reviews frequently highlight the immaculate state of the rooms and common areas, noting that spaces are not just clean but spotlessly maintained. Many guests appreciate the regular changing of linens and the well-maintained, dust-free vertical blinds, emphasizing attention to detail. Clean bathrooms and modern rooms contribute to a sense of comfort and relaxation during their stay.

Visitors are pleased with the overall cleanliness of the property, describing it as pristinely maintained and exceptionally tidy. The dedication to cleanliness extends to the hotel's response to COVID-19, ensuring a safe environment. The facilities and rooms are described as bright, spacious and comfortable, making for a pleasant experience. The hotel's beautiful old building adds character, while its cleanliness enhances the appeal.

With professional staff and thorough cleaning routines, the hotel ensures a welcoming and hygienic stay for all guests. Cleanliness, coupled with other amenities like breakfast, contributes significantly to the positive impressions and enjoyable experiences at the Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre.

Staff
The staff at the Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre consistently receives high praise for their exceptional service. Guests frequently highlight the friendliness, politeness and helpfulness of the staff across various departments. Whether at the front desk, during check-in or in the breakfast service, the team demonstrates a welcoming and accommodating attitude that makes guests feel at home.

The front desk staff, in particular, receive commendations for being super helpful and efficient and individuals such as Stephanie are noted for their politeness and obliging nature. The breakfast service staff are described as dynamic and attentive, ensuring guests start their day on a positive note. Housekeeping staff are also recognized for their pleasant and courteous demeanor.

Overall, guests describe the staff as amazing, going above and beyond to meet needs with a supportive and professional attitude. The consistent friendliness and attentiveness contribute to excellent customer service, making the experience at the hotel memorable.

Wi-Fi
The WiFi at the Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre generally receives positive remarks for being good, functional and easy to connect. However, there are mixed reviews indicating that the experience can vary. Some guests found the WiFi to be excellent and working fine, while others reported it as limited, unstable or with poor reception. Issues mentioned include needing to re-log in daily, poor connection in certain areas and frequent interruptions. Overall, while many guests had no trouble connecting, some experienced notable inconsistencies during their stay. The hotel's quiet environment, though, provides a conducive space for work or relaxation when the WiFi is functioning well.

Parking
The Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre receives high praise for its parking facilities. The ample and large parking lot ensures there are always sufficient spaces available for guests. Free parking is a notable highlight with many guests emphasizing how it added convenience to their stay. Reviewers frequently mention the easy accessibility of the parking, making it hassle-free to find a spot. Overall, the parking situation at the hotel is described as fantastic with abundant free parking on-site being a significant plus.

Business
The Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre offers facilities and services that cater well to business travelers. It features a well-equipped business center and ample amenities suitable for work, making it a commendable choice for professional stays. The conference areas are noted for being particularly nice, enhancing the experience for those attending business trips or meetings. The hotel maintains a quiet atmosphere, ensuring minimal disturbance, which is ideal for focused work. Additionally, the location is appropriate for hosting conferences and other business events. Despite the convenience and comfort it provides, the lack of internet access for guests remains a notable drawback. However, good Wi-Fi is available for business purposes within certain business-related areas.

Accessible
The Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre shines in terms of accessibility for guests with disabilities. Its location is strategically designed for easy access by both car and foot with the added convenience of free on-site parking. The property is consistently noted for its excellent disabled access and good wheelchair accommodations, ensuring that all areas, including rooms, are easily accessible. The presence of an elevator further enhances the property's accessibility, although a few guests mentioned the sound of the elevator. Public transportation can also be accessed conveniently from the hotel, making it stress-free to explore the surroundings.

While the rooms themselves are handicapped accessible, there is room for improvement in terms of support amenities; specifically, the showers would benefit from handrails and clearer instructions are needed for operating the two shower heads. Additionally, some have mentioned issues with room diagrams missing key information, such as room 316. Despite these minor areas for enhancement, the overall feedback highlights the Center's commitment to providing an accessible and comfortable stay for all guests.


No, Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre doesn't have any pool.

No, a spa isn't available at Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre.

No, Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre doesn't allow dogs.

Yes, parking facilities are available at Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre.

Yes, Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre has a gym.

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