September 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Kelowna, Beaches & Swimming
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H2O is somewhat of a clichéd name for a swimming complex but also rather cool at the same time (yes, I am aware that this is a total contradiction). My designer side thinks that naming a water complex ‘H2O’ is rather obvious – but I also feel that the name will really resonate with the target audience. It is also a short and easily branded name which is cool.
My design ramblings aside, the pool was BRILLIANT. It was costly at $19 for two adults, but you could stay in there for hours.
They had two large swimming pools (one which was reserved for lane swimming), diving area, three slides (one of which was in total darkness which was lots of fun) and an adult- only hot tub.
There was another hot tub reserved for families; a kids slide and play area; a wave pool and a large strong-current section.
My favourite ‘attraction’ at H2O was the surfing ‘pool’, where people could surf a man made wave. It was great watching people with all levels of ability from the super- tanned buff guys standing up on the board to some larger heavier males pulling some quite clever tricks on the body board.
Upstairs there is a gym which overlooks the whole water complex and there is a juice bar and snack area too.
On the way back to the car we also noticed that the exterior lighting around the building utilized solar panels to gain their power, a really eco-friendly system to recommend.
Was it worth $19, well if you are used to paying $12 for two then the little extra is definitely worth it especially for the occasional visit.
September 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Harrison Hot Springs, Accommodation
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Except from my name on the room reading as ‘Natt Samyciawoo’ I have nothing negative to say about our one night stay at the resort.
We had booked a campsite in Harrison but due to torrential rain we abandoned that plan and went to the nicest hotel in town instead (a wise move if we say so ourselves!).
The room was small and a little cramped due to it being old. We had lots of baby stuff including a crib in the room which didn’t help matters.
This hotel has six pools. Yes, six! They all get their hot water from the natural hot springs. They differ in temperature which is great for the whole family.
Some are indoors, the others outside. Oh, did I mention the spa as well? My wife had a pedicure while my daughter(2years old) and I bounced on the bed and watched nature programs with ‘monkeys’ and other animals she recognized .
The next morning included a buffet breakfast and a return to the hot springs to relax and play.
The room was $159 per night which is not cheap but rather than being damp or even wet in our tent we feel it was well worth the expense.
The true test of an hotel like this is “does it feel like you have been away longer than one night?” and the answer is a definite YES.
September 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Harrison Hot Springs, Dining
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This was our second meal at Harrison Hot Springs and once again the customer service was excellent.
The typically German-themed restaurant was nothing special, but fitting for a very small town. The food was authentic and really satisfied the hunger groans in my stomach. The waitress was amazing, personable and made a personal connection with our child and was very accommodating.
As we ordered she said they would get on to our child’s meal ASAP knowing that she was hungry. This was very thoughtful and a great touch.
Interior: 7 out of 10
Food: A good 6 out of 10
Customer service: 8 out of 10
September 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Harrison Hot Springs, Dining
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As we entered this small café I saw the young waitress behind the counter, she looked bored and angry and I thought ‘oh great, grumpy youth of today’.
This could not have been further from the truth. She was so, so, so polite and accommodating. I love it when I am thinking a negative thought and it turns out to be totally wrong. It is always a good reminder to be “open” and not so judgmental.
We had eaten there a few years earlier and thought it would be good to return. It was also the only place open as it was super early. The food was good for a breakfast joint, not greasy and was a good size meal for the amount paid. But as stated earlier, it was the customer service that made it special.
Interior: 6 out of 10
Food: A good 6 out of 10
Customer service: 8 out of 10