The Marlborough Hotel

This hotel is very near the famous Main & Portage intersection, and part of the old downtown core. It’s about a 30-minute walk to the relatively new Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the main reason I was in town for a couple of days. My room rate included a choice of breakfast options and endless coffee, served in the restaurant just off the large main lobby. One night I also popped into the bar at the other end of the lobby, and it was quiet so I pulled out my laptop and got some work done. The hotel has a fascinating history with numerous changes in ownership and fortune, described in old newspaper articles and photos on display in the lobby. My room was modest, good value, and all I needed. A city bus to and from the airport stops just around the corner.

We were treated so well ! Comfy beds, beautiful views, amazing architecture.... good coffee, amazing breakfast !!! We definetely plan on coming back for sure ! The staff went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable. Such an awesome atmosphere.

The service was excellent.. Food was great.. The event planner, Grace Rents, went above and beyond to accommodate us. Had a great visit. Had our wedding there and everything was just perfect. Very architectually beautiful. Very historic. Had all our wedding photos there. All of the people working there were so friendly and helpful.

The rooms are basic, the lobby seems to attract characters that sit around even though they're not staying there. The breakfast is pretty good, and the bar nextdoor--while a bit sketchy--is pretty inside. Would only stay here if you get a very good deal.

I had made a reservation for May 2019 in March, but something came up and I wanted to cancel. The hotel absolutely refused, so I changed one date instead. When I arrived, there were people standing right outside the hotel smoking, hanging out and loitering. The sidewalk was filthy. There were no handicap access buttons, so I struggled to open the heavy doors. Upon entering, security demanded to know if I was on 'the list'. I replied that I didn't know about a list and he repeated the question. I repeated my response and went to check in. The clerk asked my for my photo ID and then took a copy WITHOUT my permission. When I asked what the hotel would do with the copy, he replied that I could ask 'any hotel' in the area and they would do the same thing. I asked again what the hotel would do with my copy and he showed me a stack of what I presume were other travelers' IDs. I asked how long the hotel kept them and he didn't know. Upon checkout, I retrieved the ID copy. The elevator had garbage in it and the doors closed VERY quickly. I still have a bruise and swelling where they hit my hand. I finally found my room (there were no wall directions for room 511). The bed was comfortable and the room was very quiet - heard NO traffic at all. When I went to use the hairdryer, it worked for exactly 2 seconds and shut off. I left it on the sink and a minute later it started up on its own with a loud growl. I had asked for a wake-up call at 7:30 and awoke a few minutes before. The call never came and I asked again for a call the second day. It too never came. I suggest there is a glitch in the system because I saw the clerk programme it in. The 2nd night, I was awakened about 2:00 with screaming obscenities and obnoxious banging. It took 3 calls for quiet to be established. It is a horrible shame that this beautifully appointed heritage hotel has been allowed to deteriorate. The restaurant is gorgeously decorated and the staff are friendly.

I've read lots of reviews, i wouldn't agree with, it is old and there are things that are really worn out but this is a cosey place, the people that work there are friendly and helpfull, the lady that cleans the rooms was allways there for a friendly chat and a smile, as were the security guys downstairs. Johanna's café served me delightfull breakfasts, dinners and "sweet sin" desserts. There was allways hot water, i had a warm and comfortable bed and the wifi and tv set never let me down, i wouldn't dare to ask for more since there are more expensive hotels where the wifi never works and where you will wait 20 minutes for hot water.

The hotel is old and it shows. For the price, ok. It does have a few very nice areas, the restaurant being one. The sinks don't drain terribly well, windows aren't very well insulated, and paint is flaking at places. However, this is compensated by the extremely friendly and helpful staff. They went out of their way to help and always had a smile to welcome guests. They made the stay pleasant.

Overall a historic hotel with history. It has character and charm but we found the staff don’t seem to care much. There are couches in the lobby that seem to attract street people and the staff doesn’t care if people hang out the lobby all day. I think they need to get rid of those couches. Some staff are very good and do try but it seems to be mismanaged. Our room was okay but I was happy to leave.

Got invited to attend a dinner function at Winnipeg Marlborough Hotel last night on the 8th floor. Once arrived I was intimidated by a few people hanging around outside the hotel front door, and not sure they were the guests of the hotel, or they were panhandlers or they were drunk. The hotel is very run down. Stepped inside the elevator, the elevator floor was very sticky. At the dinner, my water glass still had food sticking to the stem. Checked out a couple more glasses but no luck to get a clean one. Set dinner included Cesar salad, dinner rolls, beef & dessert. The salad, dinner roll & dessert were good but my beef was extremely well done, dry and tasteless. In fact it tasted like a piece of dry pork chop to me. The room for the function had a very high ceiling with old European design. It would had been a beautiful room before but now the room is run down and needs upkeep just like the rest of the building.