I stayed at this hotel about three years ago when in town on business; either my tastes have changed or my memory fails me as I recalled it being a fairly nice property. Checking in and out, the front desk was having some type of computer/credit processing issues - really? How about getting out the clunky, old school credit machine (the one that you swipe the handle back and forth and make an honest to goodness improint of my card with?) and get things moving. Don't have one? Get one! Modern techology fails, and quite honestly, I'm tired of businesses being unable to problem-solve when that occurs.

The corridors are nice but the rooms are just plain tired. The sound on the TV in my room was ridiculous - all scratchy static, nothing really audible, which was disappointing as it was a nice TV and I wanted to use my rare night "off" to just kick back and mindlessly channel surf. The remote for the heating/cooling system was disgusting - filthy and even moldy in the crevices around the buttons - gross. I do appreciate, however, that the bathroom was very clean. The pillows stink; they feel like the ones filled with that garbage chip foam. Bring your own.

I called the reservation line for this hotel and was appalled; I was told I would have to pay up front (several weeks in advance) for the hotel room to get the same rate being shown on Expeida (NOT a better, pay in advance type of rate!). I questioned the reservation agent three times before saying that is ridiculous and I'm not paying. I do not pay up front for business travel, especially when making multiple room bookings for several people. I called the hotel direct and got a rate which was $30 less and for which I did not have to pay on the spot.

I'm batting 0 for 3 at hotels in Red Deer this year. Other members attending the same meeting stayed at the Hampton out on Gasoline Alley; while the location isn't as convenient, they said the rooms were fantastic and a full $25 less than I paid at the Sandman. If you have a vehicle, it might be worthy checking out. I know I will be when I go back next month.