Escape to Paradise: Charlottetown's Delta Hotel Awaits!
Escape to Paradise? Charlottetown's Delta Hotel – A Real-Life Review (And Some Ramblings!)
Okay, folks, let's be real. Planning a trip, especially with accessibility in mind, is a whole thing. You're sifting through reviews, trying to decipher marketing fluff from actual experiences. So, I'm here to give you the lowdown on the Delta Hotel in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. It calls itself "Paradise," and well, let’s just say it aspired to paradise and I have a LOT to unpack. Buckle up, because this isn’t a perfect vacation brochure, this is my vacation, imperfections and all.
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Keywords: Delta Hotel Charlottetown, Accessible Hotel PEI, Wheelchair Accessible, Charlottetown Hotels, Spa Hotel PEI, Indoor Pool, Restaurant Charlottetown, Fitness Center, Wi-Fi Hotel, Family-Friendly Hotel, Business Hotel PEI, Meeting Facilities, Airport Transfer, Pet-Friendly (Note: Technically, it says no pets, but we'll circle back to this), Safety Protocols, COVID-19 Safety, Charlottetown Accommodation, Maritime Canada Hotels.
Meta Description: Unpacking my experience at the Delta Hotel in Charlottetown! Wheelchair accessible, spa, restaurants, and more! Read my unfiltered review of the good, the not-so-good, and the downright quirky of this PEI escape. Prepare for a real-life adventure!
(Pacing & Structure Warning: This is gonna be a bit all over the place, like my brain after a week away.)
Arrival – The Accessibility Gauntlet (Mostly Okay, With a Few Stumbles!)
Right off the bat, the Delta boasts "Facilities for disabled guests," which, thankfully, is mostly true. The hotel is undeniably wheelchair accessible. The elevators are spacious, the ramps are there, and the lobby is navigable. Good start! They also have audio-visual equipment for special events, which made me think about the accessibility of that as well. And the elevator, yes, very important.
However, it’s the little things, right? Like, the automatic doors weren't always, you know, automatic when you're solo with luggage and a cane. A few times I had to do this dance, summoning all my willpower, and praying someone else was around to hold the door. The doorman was helpful, thankfully, but I wasn't always greeted by one.
They also have check-in/out [express] and check-in/out [private]. I tried to test both, and I have to say, the "Express" was more like "Slow-But-Polite." The front desk [24-hour] was, well, there 24 hours, which is reassuring.
Rooms – Almost a Sanctuary (But Not Quite)
My room? Decent. They've got non-smoking rooms (whew!) and a good selection of available in all rooms amenities. The air conditioning worked a treat, which was critical because sometimes the sun hits hard. The internet access – wireless was also strong, which is crucial for Instagramming all those PEI sunset pics (Wi-Fi [free] is a godsend!).
On the upside, the bed was comfy. I have a extra long bed. The bathrobes were fluffy (bonus points!), and the coffee/tea maker was essential for a caffeine fiend like myself. Also, a refrigerator, so I can get my drinks ice cold. The bathroom was mostly accessible, with a separate shower/bathtub. The mirror was in a good position, and I appreciate that. A hairdryer is also a great edition.
Now, for the not-so-peachy: while they have a desk and a laptop workspace, the lighting was dim, which made working a bit arduous. I had a few days I was there specifically for work, so that was a bummer. And the security in the room wasn't the best.
The safety/security feature in the rooms was a nice change, but maybe not as strong as one might hope.
Oh, and that window? It opened, thank the heavens. Fresh air is necessary.
Things to Do - The "Relaxation" Angle (More like "Attempted Relaxation")
Alright, so the big draw for me was the whole "spa" angle. And yes, they have a spa/sauna, and it features a steamroom (I'm a sucker for a good steam!). They also have a swimming pool [outdoor]. And even a pool with a view, but it wasn't some panoramic vista, just a standard hotel pool view. But hey, swimming pool!
They also have a fitness center and a gym/fitness. I never made it to the fitness center because, let's be honest, I'm on vacation! But hey, it's there.
I did get a massage. It was…okay. Nothing to write home about. The body scrub was fine, but I wanted to try a body wrap. They told me they weren't offering them.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Mixed Bag (And a Few Gastronomic Adventures)
The restaurants were a highlight. There's a bar and a poolside bar, which is a nice touch. The breakfast [buffet] was decent, a good way to start the day. And yes, they had Asian breakfast AND Asian cuisine in restaurant, which was a nice surprise.
The room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver more than once after a long day of sightseeing. The coffee/tea in the restaurant was good. I always appreciated that. The snack bar was great for a quick bite by the pool.
Now for the quirks: the vegetarian restaurant had very limited options. The salad in the restaurant was amazing. And they do offer desserts in restaurant, which I fully support.
Cleanliness and Safety – Solid, But Not Flawless
They’ve clearly upped their game in the Covid era. They have anti-viral cleaning products (yay!), daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff trained in safety protocol. They also offer room sanitization opt-out available.
But the devil's in the details. While they have rooms sanitized between stays, I caught a whiff of a cleaning product that was super strong in the hallway on my first day. My nose is sensitive, so it was pretty intense.
They're also doing physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
Services and Conveniences – The Good, the Bad, and the "Huh?"
They boast a slew of conveniences: concierge, daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, a convenience store, and even a gift/souvenir shop. The concierge was helpful, the daily housekeeping was efficient (shout out to Maria, who kept my room spotless!), and the convenience store saved me a trip to the grocery store one night.
They have a cash withdrawal available.
However, prepare for some weirdness. They have facilities for disabled guests, but the details are vague. The luggage storage was fine, but took an excruciating amount of time. The laundry service was convenient.
The "For the Kids" Angle (If You're Traveling with Little People)
I don’t have kids, but I did see families. They have babysitting service and family/child friendly options. They also had kids meal options.
Getting Around - Perfectly Fine
They offer airport transfer (which is a huge plus), car park [free of charge], and taxi service. They also have car park [on-site] and valet parking. I opted for the airport transfer, and it was smooth.
Internet & Communication – The Modern Essentials
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! The internet was generally reliable, though sometimes it would lag during peak hours. They also have Internet [LAN], which I didn't need, but it's there. Wi-Fi in the lobby was strong.
Overall Impressions – Would I Go Back?
Look, the Delta in Charlottetown has its charms. The location is excellent. The people are friendly. They try with accessibility.
But it's not a flawless paradise. And let’s be real, no hotel is! I loved the location, the people, and the overall atmosphere. Yes, there were imperfections (the occasional accessibility hiccup, some so-so amenities). I think it's a solid option, with some room for improvement.
So, yes, I’d probably go back. But this time, I’m going in with realistic expectations, a healthy dose of humor, and a little extra patience. Because that, my friends, is the key to a truly enjoyable vacation.
And finally, because I promised myself to be honest: I did see a small dog in
Escape to Paradise: Grand Palms Spa & Golf Resort Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your cookie-cutter travel itinerary. This is a confession, a roadmap, a chaotic dance with the Island, all fueled by the questionable decisions and sheer bloody-mindedness of your truly. We're doing Charlottetown, Delta Hotels, and… well, let's see what happens, shall we?
The "I Swear I Had a Plan" Itinerary - Prince Edward Island (PEI) Edition
Day 1: Arrival & Accidental Lobster Immersion (aka "The Airport, The Anxiety, and the Clawed Beast")
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at Charlottetown Airport (YYG): Oh joy. Another airport. My happy place. (Said with the sarcasm of someone who once spent 14 hours delayed in a Frankfurt airport, fueled by stale pretzels and existential dread.) The PEI airport is tiny, thank God. Less chance of getting lost. Or, you know, eaten by rogue luggage carousels. Grab a cab. Or Uber? Apparently, those exist here. Fingers crossed they have decent wifi. (Because, Instagram, obviously.)
- 1:30 PM - Check-in at Delta Hotels by Marriott, Charlottetown: Hmmm… Delta Hotels. Not usually my vibe, I'm more of a "quaint B&B with a cat named Mr. Fluffernutter" kind of traveler, but the reviews seemed decent, and I'm playing the points game. Hopefully, the rooms aren't too sterile. I need character. The faint smell of chlorine from the pool is making me already feel that I want to be outside.
- 2:00 PM - The Great Room of Hunger: Okay, food. Crucial. The hotel's website promised a restaurant. Let's see if they have a decent beer selection. And maybe a burger. Or, you know, something that isn't a "deconstructed salad." (I'm so over deconstructed salads.) I am starving after the flight, I even dreamed I was a giant lobster.
- 3:00 PM - An Island of the Sea: I decide to walk to a small, quaint pier, as suggested by the helpful lady at the front desk. My mind is still not adjusted to being here, but the view is gorgeous.
- 7:00 PM - Lobster, Lobster Everywhere: Okay. I wasn't planning on this. I swear. But apparently, PEI is obsessed with lobster (surprise!). I wandered down to a pier, got lured in by the promise of live music and a "lobster boil." I found a place with a very messy aesthetic, this is what I am looking for.
- My Lobster Revelation: The lobster was incredible. Like, out-of-body experience incredible. That sweet, briny flesh. The melted butter. The satisfying CRUNCH as I cracked the claws. I might have made a complete fool of myself, getting lobster all over my face. Worth it. Absolutely. It's the best meal I've ever had. I went back again the next day and again the day after that.
- 9:00 PM - Stagger Back to Hotel: Slowly, happily. After a bottle of an Island-made brew to wash it all down. My stomach is full, my heart is content, and I'm already plotting my next lobster attack.
Day 2: Anne of Green Gables & Existential Angst (aka "The Tourist Trap and the Unexpected Tears")
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast Interrupted by a Bird: The buffet at the Delta… decent. Nothing to write home about, but they had decent coffee and not-terrible scrambled eggs. A rogue seagull decided to join the party and tried to steal my croissant. The breakfast experience was not perfect, but it was full of life.
- 10:00 AM - Leaving Charlottetown: I get in my rental car. The rental company did not have the car I reserved so I got a super ugly bright pink car, which made me feel sad.
- 11:00 AM - Green Gables National Historic Site: Tourist central! (I was warned.) But, I'll be honest. It's… beautiful. The house, the gardens, the whole atmosphere… it's the kind of place that makes you want to declare your love for nature, and also pretend you're a misunderstood orphan. I might have teared up a little. Don't judge me! It's the spirit of Anne that got me. The beautiful scenery and architecture of the island made me feel very melancholic and happy at the same time.
- 1:00 PM - Cavendish Beach: Holy moly, the sand is red. Like, ridiculously red. I walked along the beach, felt the wind in my hair. Briefly considered just running away from all my responsibilities and becoming a beach bum.
- 2:00 PM - Lunch & Lamentations: Found a little cafe and had a BLT. Perfectly acceptable. But the sun was baking my brain. I need a hat. And maybe therapy. (Just kidding… mostly.)
- 3:00 PM - "The Cavendish Experience": The theme park… I took a quick look at the entrance, decided it wasn't my scene.
- 5:00 PM - Back to Charlottetown: I get back to my hotel.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at a local restaurant, but I don't want to talk about it now.
Day 3: Maritime History & Regret (aka "The Fortress, the Fudge, and the Overspending")
- 9:00 AM - A Little History: I went with my plan and woke up. I got out of my super ugly pink car.
- 10:00 AM - Lunch at a local restaurant, but I don't want to talk about it now.
- 12:00 PM - Back to the Hotel: I just want to stay here. I decided to rest a bit.
- 3:00 PM - Chocolate everywhere: After a long afternoon of relaxation. Feeling a bit better. Time for a walk! I walk down to the town and buy some chocolate. Chocolate is the answer to everything.
- 4:00 PM - I am sad now: My bank account is crying. But my taste buds are happy. I got souvenirs. I'll deal with the financial fallout later.
- 7:00 PM - I go to sleep now: Dinner at the hotel.
Day 4: Goodbye & The Aftermath (aka "Homeward Bound, Heart Full of Lobster")
- 9:00 AM - Hotel Breakfast: Okay, last breakfast. Gotta make it count.
- 10:00 AM - Farewell to Charlottetown: Check out. One last lingering look at the harbor. A promise to myself that I will return. I am really sad, actually.
- 11:00 AM - Airport bound.
- 1:00 PM - Departure: Adieu, PEI. You glorious, messy, lobster-filled island. I'll be back. Maybe with a slightly better plan… and a bigger appetite for lobster.
Important Notes & Confessions:
- The Weather: It rained. A lot. Even when it wasn't raining, it felt like it might rain at any second. Embrace the dampness. Bring a good rain jacket. And an umbrella. And maybe a kayak.
- The Food: Eat all the lobster. All of it.
- The People: Islanders are lovely. Even if you get lost, they'll point you in the right direction (and probably offer you a biscuit).
- The Imperfections: This itinerary is flexible. It's a suggestion. It encourages spontaneous decisions, moments of pure enjoyment, and a healthy dose of self-deprecation. Don't be afraid to wander off the beaten path. Get lost. Make mistakes. Laugh at yourself. And for god's sake, book that lobster boil! You won't regret it.
- The Anxiety: It's there. The constant hum of "Did I forget something? Am I being a terrible tourist?" Just breathe. Remember you're on vacation. You'll be fine. Probably.
Now go. Have an adventure. And tell me all about it when you get back. I’m dying to know how your lobster experience stacks up.
Escape to SpringHill Suites Indianapolis Fishers: Your Dream Indy Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Charlottetown's Delta Hotel Awaits! ...Or Does It? (Let's Be Honest)
My first impression? "Okay, it's big." Like, a really big hotel. I'm not a huge fan of gigantic hotels, it always feels like a bit of a factory. But hey, at least they have elevators! (Important for my, let's say, 'enthusiastic' suitcase packing style.)
Also, book in advance. Like, yesterday. Charlottetown is BURSTING with tourists in peak season. I learned that the hard way. Ended up with a slightly less-than-ideal room at first. Lesson learned, people.
The view... Okay, the view. *Initially* I got the 'parking lot' view. That was less than ideal. Felt a bit like being punished for something! Thankfully, after some gentle… *ahem*… persuasion at reception, I got upgraded! Bless them! The new view was much better. Water! Boats! Actual, proper, beautiful water! Made a massive difference to my mood. Instant relaxation. (Except the little bit of stress about how much that upgrade would cost... but shhh! Let's focus on the pretty water!)
Also – and this is a quirky observation, but I'm feeling generous – the TV remote was…an adventure. You know when technology just *refuses* to cooperate? Yeah. That was the remote. But hey, at least the wifi worked (most of the time). Can’t complain *too* much.
BUT - and this is a HUGE BUT - Charlottetown itself? Foodie heaven! Seriously, the city is PACKED with amazing restaurants. Don't just eat at the hotel. Explore! Try the fresh seafood… or the lobster rolls... or ALL THE THINGS. Seriously, go out there! Embrace the culinary adventure! I had a lobster roll that almost made me weep with joy. Almost. (I'm not a cryer, usually.)
My advice? Grab a quick bite on the go but find the *hidden gems*. Wander the streets. Smell the delicious smells. You won't regret it! This is the *real* paradise if you ask me.
The gym, on the other hand… well, let's just say my enthusiasm didn't match my execution. I peeked in. Looked… adequately gym-like. Probably functional. Did I go? No. Did I regret it? Maybe a little, as I stared at my reflection in the lobster role. The temptation of ice cream was too strong.
I wandered. A lot. (See food section above.) I actually got a little lost at one point! (My sense of direction is… questionable.) But hey, getting lost is part of the adventure, right? Especially when you stumble upon a cute little ice cream shop. So, yes, the location gets a big thumbs up.
Now, there was one slightly awkward moment… I called room service (for something unimportant) and the person who answered was a little confused. But honestly, it could have been me! (Sometimes I speak a different language when I’m tired.) Everyone else was perfectly accommodating! Always a plus.
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