I had to stay over in Duncan, BC, for 5 nights at end of July (2012) because of a medical issue that kept me from driving temporarily, and checked into this motel. The good news was the affordable rate of $55. a night plus tax and the good WiFi reception in my room (#26). But that's about all the praise I can express for this motel.
The swimming pool has been closed now for 3 yeasr I was told by the couple who manage the place for this and the owners of the other least expensive motel in town just down the highway.
The stained, dirty carpet, broken toilet seat, tumbling window screen, and mal functioning lights in my room made me wonder how the motel can still hang out the official BC Approved Accommodation sign until the couple managing the place told me laughingly that the person who verifies for this Approval only stipulated one thing: they had to have the right number of coat hangers to be allowed to display the Approval sign!
My room was never cleaned for the entire time I stayed at the motel. I had to ask to even have my garbage can emptied. (No recycling bins in sight either.) The manager said he could do little about the window screen falling out because he could not get a certain part for it. He came around a day later and taped it after I suggested he might try to do that, concerned as I was about security. (The motel has a sign stating they are not responsible for any theft or loss of personal belongings.)
The couple who managed the Falcons Nest had to be contacted in person repeatedly for the most basic services. A broken toilet seat was replaced but equally difficult to use because it was never correctly installed. Management never followed up. No one picked up when I called the front desk so I had to see the couple in person for even a change of towels. After my 3rd visit to the office I was told that no one "complained" like me and what did I expect paying so little to stay at a motel.... (I tried to make the couple feel better by letting them know I was not blaming them personally and that they should not feel guilty or embarrassed, but then reflected how unsuitable they seemed for this type of work and how unprofessionally they responded. On the other hand, the couple seemed to mean well, even advising me on what I could do to treat the sciatica issue that immobilized me.)
The location is convenient in that there are several fast food places within a short walk of the place as well as the magnificent Cowichan Aquatic Centre. Although right on the Trans Canada Highway, I heard little traffic noise.
I liked that I could make free local phone calls from my room.
I would only recommend this place for someone unable to spend more on a motel room. It's clearly neglected and in great need of a make-over!