The courtesy, friendliness and professionalism of Manager Gerrit Kruger and his wife, Martie, take the rating for this hotel from average to the next level. The hotel is currently being renovated. We were offered one of the newly upgraded rooms on the top floor, but because we wanted to be close to our vehicle, we chose a room on the ground floor. Although it was obviously not renovated and the bathroom fittings were older, everything was sparkling clean. The beds were excellent - very comfortable, with quality bedding - all very fresh and clean.
The hospitality of the management made one feel that you were staying over with friends, rather than at a hotel.
South African travellers may feel especially at home, as the Krugers are Afrikaans-speaking.

We couldn't disagree more with the previous review .Decided it was excellent value for money. Obviously further on with refurbishment. Room was large, clean and comfortable and perfectly adequate. Not overly quiet as on main highway but OK, though more aware of distant freight trains than traffic! On site restaurant was good for evening meal and breakfast. We were well received by the Krugers ( Gerritt & Martha?) and Mrs Kruger spoke enthusiastically about the plans for the Business Center etc. She also recommended we walked to Eleanor Lake about 20 mins or so away which we did. What a gem! Very beautiful with lots of community amenities including a bathing beach. We were well impressed. Great community spirit seemed in evidence. In our opinion a good stopover. No need to carry onto Clearwater or Valemont! And we certainly didn't like the look of the other establishment.

Have travelled globally for 25 years and this was one of the worst western hotels I have ever stayed in. It was overpriced, dirty, uncomfortable, lousy amenities and rude staff/management to boot. How this place can actually be in the Sandman hotel chain is beyond me - I am that that disgusted, i will NEVER stay at a Sandman Hotel in Canada!
We stayed in what was supposed to be a renovated room, what a joke, I have stayed in cleaner and better finished rooms in remote parts of Asia and Africa.
If you can;t get a room at the only other hotel in town, definately keep going and stay at Clearwater or Valemont.
WHAT A DUMP!!!

I stayed at the Blue River Sandman in September. It is right on the highway. There is not much in Blue River except a gas station but the area is very beautiful. This is more of a motel style building but when you get in the rooms they are quite nice, and very similar to any Sandman I have been to. The staff are nice and make you feel at home. It looks to me like this is the best game in this little town.