Hey everyone! Welcome back to the blog. I’m Mateo, and this review is a little different. Why? Because it’s my first ever revisit! That’s right—I returned to The Insignia Hotel Sarnia, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Sarnia, Ontario, to see if it still lives up to the hype from my original review. Spoiler alert: It totally does. Let’s get into all the updated details!
This Insignia Hotel Sarnia review is focused on my return stay, including what still impressed me, what changed since my first visit, and whether this downtown Sarnia hotel still deserves its top spot on my teen-friendly hotel list.
If you haven’t seen my original review of this hotel, check it out here for my first impressions and full walk-through from my first stay.
Check-In & First Impressions
We stayed here on the last night of our Easter road trip. We arrived at the hotel around 6 p.m. and were greeted by Clint at the front desk. He was super friendly and offered us a complimentary upgrade thanks to my dad’s Marriott Bonvoy Titanium status. Pro tip: if you have a lot of luggage, skip the front entrance and go around to the side—the underground parking entrance has fewer stairs and is way easier for unloading.
The Room: King Junior Suite Upgrade
We booked a 2 Queen room, but Clint hooked us up with a King Junior Suite that felt bigger than the ones we’ve stayed in before. The room was spotless and had that same cool Sarnia map artwork above the bed.
Room highlights:
- Larger-than-average mini fridge
- Two big TVs (one in the bedroom, one in the living room)
- Double vanity sinks in the bathroom
- Stand-up shower with amazing water pressure and temp
- L’Occitane bathroom amenities (still the only hotel I’ve stayed at that has them!)
Wi-Fi & Gaming at The Insignia Hotel Sarnia
This hotel still holds the #1 spot on my Hotel Wi-Fi Speed Leaderboard. The connection was super fast, easy to access on all my devices, and perfect for both streaming and gaming. I had zero lag playing on my Nintendo Switch. Bonus: there were tons of outlets and both TVs had Chromecast. My power strip took the night off.
Pool Vibes & Fitness Center
The indoor saltwater pool is still one of the best I’ve seen at a hotel. There’s also a hot tub and two personal saunas. And get this—the hotel offers kids’ birthday party packages in the off-season (January–April).
The gym is right next to the pool and has a great selection of cardio and weight equipment. The big windows looking into the pool make the space feel extra cool.
Dining: Still All About Bad Dog
While the hotel has a fancy restaurant called Legacy (a bit too gourmet for me and my sister), my top pick is still Bad Dog Bar and Grill—just a short walk away. We ate there again on this visit, and the food was just as good as I remembered. I even bought the T-shirt!
The hotel’s lounge was closed for renovations, but I’m excited to see how it turns out.
Breakfast Update
They’ve switched from a buffet to an à la carte menu, and I’m a fan! During our stay (which happened to be Easter Sunday), the hotel served a special Easter brunch instead of the usual breakfast. My parents went and said the buffet was great, with lots of variety and quick refills. The Easter Bunny even made an appearance!
Breakfast hours:
- Weekdays: 6–10 a.m.
- Weekends: 7–11 a.m.
Check the Insignia’s Instagram for event updates—they post a lot of seasonal stuff.
Nearby Things to Do
If you need a break from gaming or swimming, check out:
- Stones ‘N Bones Museum (5-min walk) – cool dino and fossil displays
- Centennial Park Playground (10-min walk) – great if you have younger siblings
- Waterfront Walks – always a nice way to unwind with river views
Map: The Insignia Hotel Sarnia and Nearby Stops
Use this map to see The Insignia Hotel Sarnia, nearby food spots, and a few easy places to visit during a downtown Sarnia stay. I included the hotel, Bad Dog Bar and Grill, Stones ‘N Bones Museum, Centennial Park, and the waterfront area mentioned in my revisit review.
Final Verdict: Insignia Hotel Sarnia Review Update
The Insignia Hotel Sarnia is absolutely Teen Travelz Approved.
Why?
- Fastest hotel Wi-Fi I’ve tested
- Super easy gaming setup
- Amazing indoor pool + personal saunas
- Stylish rooms with Chromecast and great amenities
- Great location close to food, museums, and the waterfront
Special thanks to Clint at the front desk and the whole team at Insignia for another awesome stay. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip like mine, this hotel brings the chill vibes and fast speeds every teen traveler needs.
— Mateo
This Teen Travelz
FAQ: The Insignia Hotel Sarnia Review
Is The Insignia Hotel Sarnia good for teens?
Yes, The Insignia Hotel Sarnia is one of the most teen-friendly hotels I’ve reviewed. The fast Wi-Fi, easy gaming setup, Chromecast TVs, indoor pool, hot tub, personal saunas, and walkable downtown location all make it a great stay from a teen perspective.
Does The Insignia Hotel Sarnia have good Wi-Fi?
Yes. During my stay, The Insignia Hotel Sarnia still held the #1 spot on my Hotel Wi-Fi Speed Leaderboard. The connection was fast, easy to use, and worked well for streaming and gaming.
Can you connect a Nintendo Switch at The Insignia Hotel Sarnia?
Yes. The gaming setup was very easy during my revisit. The room had two TVs, and I had no issues playing on my Nintendo Switch with zero lag.
Does The Insignia Hotel Sarnia have a pool?
Yes. The hotel has an indoor saltwater pool, plus a hot tub and personal saunas. Marriott also lists the property as having a saltwater indoor pool, whirlpool, infrared sauna, and fitness centre.
Is The Insignia Hotel Sarnia walkable?
Yes. The hotel is in downtown Sarnia, close to restaurants, the waterfront, Stones ‘N Bones Museum, and Centennial Park. For my family, Bad Dog Bar and Grill was still the top nearby food pick.
Is this review different from your original Insignia Hotel Sarnia review?
Yes. This is my revisit review. My original review covered my first impressions of the hotel, while this updated review focuses on what changed, what stayed great, and whether the hotel still deserves to be Teen Travelz Approved.
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Ontario Hotels – Teen Hotel Reviews