Black Rock Oceanfront Resort

Dramatic Architecture with Little Consideration for Guest Comforts

The hotel’s architecture and waterfront location on the rocks are certainly dramatic. The building’s appearance, however, is more like a fortress rather than an inviting lodge. Despite extensive use of black stone facings there is otherwise little attempt to blend into the surrounding nature. Instead, one is greeted by a modernistic structure more befitting of downtown Manhattan than the unspoiled coastline. Inside, the cold steel and glass materials continue into the lobby. Even the doors leading to the guest rooms are mere industrial fire doors with no attempt at camouflage. With regard to the rooms, form trumps function everywhere. Ours was poorly shaped to accommodate the king bed, making for an awkward squeeze and dangerous hip bruiser between it and the large HDTV. In the bath the free standing tub and sheet rock behind it are difficult to keep clean and with time an invitation to mildew. The glass pocket doors affording a view from the tub open directly over the bed and even when closed provide no sound insulation for the toilet. Finally, the picture window and door opening onto the balcony afford beautiful white water views but are of limited use as the balcony is shared by three rooms forcing one to draw the blinds to have any privacy. These are all criticisms of the hotel’s design which unfortunately detract from what should otherwise be an exceptional experience. On the positive side, the staff and service were indeed first rate.

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!

This unique resort truly offers the chance to get away from it all, while living well. The area is fantastic and the views from our room and the hotel take advantage of it all. Even better, the food at the hotel is wonderful and reasonably priced for the quality. It’s a new hotel and the staff are all local people who want it to be successful. They go out of their way to make you feel welcome and wanted. It is one of my favorite places in the world. What a treat!

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

Remember that the trip here will take a while, so try to stay for several nights. We thought there wouldn’t be much to do on the coast -- we were wrong and we were really sorry that we only stayed two nights.

Great place

Right on the ocean - beautiful setting. Resort is still new, so all the amenities are not yet up and running. When they are, the place will be even better. We had "rainforest view" (read trees and parking lot), but if you can afford it, upgrade to "Ocean view".

Traveler's tip on local attractions

We preferred the rustic nature of Ucluelet to Tofino.