Best Western Tin Wis Resort

Celebrating 25 years of operation in 2017, the hotel has been undergoing renovations since 2015 to update everything from its reception area and restaurants to guest room furnishings and fixtures. The results aren’t luxurious, but the property looks nice. The lobby combines practical tile floors and neutral colors with organic elements like tree trunk tables, a stone fireplace, and touches of aboriginal decor. Outdoor hallways between rooms remain slightly dated (with some chipped paint) serving as a reminder of the hotel’s motel-style setup. However, well-maintained grounds lead straight out to a stretch of sandy Mackenzie Beach. Scenic views and simple but sufficient facilities make the property popular with families and couples. 

The hotel’s quiet beachfront location, framed by woods and headlands, is its biggest draw, especially for nature lovers. The beach is ideal for walks, and the Tofino Botanical Gardens are just 11 minutes away on foot, but most other areas outside the hotel require a car to access. It’s a short, three-minute drive to the Tofino Brewing Company, and an eight-minute (or under) drive to downtown Tofino and its many restaurants. The hotel does have a shuttle service to and from downtown, but it’s often understaffed and unreliable. A six-minute drive will reach The Whale Center whale watching tour site. Expect a 12-minute drive to the Tonquin Trail & Tonquin Connector hiking route.

Victoria International Airport is a four-and-a-half-hour drive away. It’s a 17-minute drive to Tofino-Long Beach Airport. Transfers to the local airport are available for fees. 

Room decor is unexceptional, with simple red bedspreads, gray carpeted floors, and generic wooden furnishings. However, the spaces are spotless, and the plain interiors are offset by abundant natural light and gorgeous views of the beach from the furnished balconies or patios that come with each room. All non-smoking rooms are available with one or two queen-size beds, or a single king-size bed. Cribs are provided on request. Bi-level rooms, connecting rooms, and accessible rooms are also available. 

All rooms come with simple desks, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, safes, fairly large closets, and free Wi-Fi. They also have Keurig coffeemakers and tea-making facilities, mini-fridges, and microwaves. Some king suites come with kitchenettes or full kitchens including two-burners stoves and cooking utensils. Ironing equipment is also provided. Several suites also have sofa beds and separate living rooms.

Spacious bathrooms come with large mirrors and granite counters, plus Pharmacopia brand toiletries and hairdryers. All bathrooms have shower/tub combos with fixed showerheads. 

The hotel’s Beachfront Bistro is open in the mornings and evenings, with boxed lunches available to-go for the afternoon. The restaurant is rustic yet airy, with raftered ceilings and abundant seating, both inside and on an outdoor patio among fire pits. The restaurant’s 180-degree views of the beach are beautiful, but the food gets mixed reviews. Breakfast, available through an a la carte menu, isn’t included with room rates, but guests do get a discount for the meal and children’s menus are available. The beachfront Snack Shack serves casual barbecue fare, but it’s only open seasonally. The free, self-serve coffee, tea, and snacks in the reception area are welcome perks, as is the welcome drink served on arrival. There are ice and vending machines throughout the property.

There’s no pool, but the sandy beach is popular for swimming, strolling, and activities like stand up paddleboarding. The grounds also include a play set for kids and a small barbecue/picnic deck. 

The on-site gym isn’t fancy, but equipment is sufficient and towels are provided. A side building includes two hot tubs that overlook the ocean. An on-site laundry room offers two coin-operated washers and four dryers.

Business facilities include a banquet hall and conference rooms. A two-computer business center has printing and photocopying equipment. Daily newspapers, parking, and property-wide Wi-Fi are all free. Babysitting services are available.

The resort has a designated section that allows pets. Pet-friendly rooms include welcome treats, bowls, and beds, but come with per-night fees.