Hotel Review: The Insignia Hotel Sarnia – A Chill Stay with Epic Pool Vibes
Hey! I’m Mateo from This Teen Travelz, and today I’m reviewing The Insignia Hotel Sarnia – a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.
I’ve stayed here a couple of times, and whether it’s the awesome pool or easy console setup, this place always delivers solid teen-friendly vibes. Let’s get into it 👇
First Impressions: Great Style, But Pack Light!
The hotel sits right on the main street in downtown Sarnia, which gives it a cool, walkable vibe. I liked the outdoor seating at the hotel’s restaurant, which made it feel connected to the neighborhood.
But heads up—getting your bags in is a workout. The main entrance has stairs, and if your family overpacks (like mine), it’s kind of a pain. There is a side door with fewer steps and an elevator, but it’s still not super easy.
Cozy Lobby & Friendly Staff
The lobby is small but super cozy and stylish, and the staff here are awesome. Every time we had a question—even random ones—they were helpful and friendly. Big thumbs up for that!
Room Review: Clean, Unique, and River Views
Every room we stayed in was clean, stylish, and had its own unique decor—but with a similar local-history theme. I thought the vintage-style maps of the area in the rooms were a cool touch.
✅ We’ve stayed in:
- Double Queen
- Executive King
- Junior Suite
Twice, we had river-facing views of the St. Clair River and the Blue Water Bridge, which was awesome!
Also, here’s something you don’t hear often:
“The pull-out couch was actually super comfortable.”
Yup—I tested it in both suites. Sleep score: solid.
Bonus points for hardwood floors too. Allergy-friendly = happy family.
Tech & Wi-Fi: Fast, Easy, Teen-Approved
Wi-Fi was fast and easy to connect on all my devices—laptop, phone, iPad, and of course, my Nintendo Switch. I had zero issues gaming or streaming.
As for console setup? No problem! I was able to connect my Switch to the TV in every room without a hassle.
⚡ Quick tip: Bring a power strip. It saves lives. Okay, maybe not lives—but it saves arguments over outlets.
Breakfast Review: Skip the Buffet
As a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium family, we had access to the free buffet breakfast… but honestly, it was the worst one I’ve had across my hotel stays. Not much variety, and the food wasn’t great.
If you’re staying here, I suggest ordering off the menu instead—or even better, check out my favorite local spot just down the street…
Where to Eat: Skip Fancy, Go Bad Dog
We didn’t eat at Legacy, the hotel’s restaurant—it looked too fancy for me and my sister.
Instead, we went to Bad Dog Bar & Grill, which is less than a 5-minute walk away, and honestly? It’s awesome. The food is great, and even the kids’ menu is legit.
Pool Vibes: One of the Best Indoor Hotel Pools
Let’s talk about the pool, because this one is 🔥:
- Heated saltwater pool
- Lounge + regular seating
- Two personal saunas (yes, for real!)
- Fitness center right beside the pool with big windows overlooking it
My sister loved the gym, and I appreciated the chill setup. Total win for teen travelers.
What to Do Nearby: Walkable Attractions
When you’re not gaming or swimming, there’s a couple of fun spots to check out nearby:
- 🦴 Stones ‘N Bones Museum – Dinosaurs, fossils, and more (just a few doors from Bad Dog!)
- 🎠 Centennial Park Playground – A great spot for younger siblings and a nice walk, about 10 minutes away
Final Verdict: Teen-Approved (with Bonus Points for Pool + Pull-Out Bed)
I always enjoy my stays at The Insignia Hotel Sarnia. The rooms are cool, the pool is amazing, and the tech setup is stress-free. The staff are friendly, the design is unique, and it just has a great vibe overall. Sure, the stairs when entering with luggage are a bit of a hassle, and the buffet breakfast needs a serious upgrade, but those are easy things to work around.
If you’re a teen looking for:
- Fast Wi-Fi
- Comfy beds (even the pull-out couch is legit)
- Easy Nintendo Switch setup
- An awesome saltwater indoor pool + sauna combo
- A hotel gym with a view
- Chill spots to eat nearby (shoutout to Bad Dog Bar & Grill)
…then this place is a win.
Would I recommend it to other teens? Absolutely.
Would I stay here again? Already planning on it.
So grab your gear (and maybe offer to help your parents with the luggage), and check it out!
From battling video game bosses to battling the hotel stairs with too much luggage, every trip’s an adventure. Keep exploring, keep gaming, and don’t forget—great hotel vibes make all the difference.
– Mateo / This Teen Travelz