Stays in Sarnia

I would book Holiday Inn Express - Sarnia - Point Edward for a family that wants breakfast sorted and a pool on site. A free American buffet breakfast with pancakes, pastries and fruit is served each morning, and the hotel has an indoor pool, a fitness room and a lounge. Pets are welcome and the front desk is open 24 hours. It sits near the Blue Water Bridge and is rated 9.1 across 467 reviews.

I would choose Four Points by Sheraton Point Edward Sarnia for a family that values comfort and an indoor pool. The hotel sits directly on the Lake Huron shorefront and its rooms were newly renovated, with double-queen options that suit families. Each room has a 55-inch TV, a Keurig coffee maker, an in-room safe and bedside charging. The heated indoor pool is the family draw when the lake is too cold. It is rated 8.9 across 337 reviews.

I would book Comfort Inn Sarnia for a family that wants beach time without a resort budget. The hotel has private beach access, a fitness centre, free WiFi and free on-site parking. Each morning a buffet breakfast with warm dishes, juice and pastries is served, which saves hunting for a café before the day starts. Rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms and flat-screen TVs. It is rated 8.7 across 338 reviews.

I would choose The Insignia Hotel for a family that wants something to do indoors, whatever the weather. It is the only hotel in this Sarnia group with a sauna, an indoor pool and a hot tub together. The family-friendly restaurant serves lunch and dinner with vegetarian and gluten-free options, which helps with a child on a special diet, and breakfast is à la carte. There is a bar for parents later on. It is rated 8.7 across 186 reviews.

I would book Days Inn by Wyndham Sarnia Harbourfront for a family that wants the water close by. The hotel has direct beachfront access on the St. Clair River, free bicycles for rides along the shore and a garden with barbecue facilities for an easy outdoor dinner. Rooms are soundproofed and carry tea and coffee makers, and some face the river, so ask for one when booking. It is rated 8.1 across 788 reviews.

I would book Residence & Conference Centre - Sarnia for a family that wants room to spread out and cook. The aparthotel units are spacious, with parquet floors, air-conditioning, a private bathroom, a work desk and a refrigerator. A shared kitchen handles family meals, and outdoor seating with picnic spots gives children somewhere to eat outside. Security runs around the clock. It is rated 7.9 across 130 reviews, a fair score for a self-catering base.

I would choose Best Western Plus Guildwood Inn for a family of four that needs an extra bed without a second room. Sofa-bed rooms are available, along with work desks and tea and coffee makers. The family-friendly restaurant serves American food with vegetarian and gluten-free options, useful when one child has dietary needs. A swimming pool and fitness centre are on site, and private parking is free. It is rated 7.4 across 126 reviews.

I would choose the Super 8 by Wyndham Sarnia ON for a family on a tight budget that needs a simple downtown base. Rooms have a microwave, refrigerator and coffee facilities, handy for snacks and quick breakfasts, and pets are welcome. Wagg's Steak and Seafood Restaurant on site covers dinner without getting back in the car. The Blue Water International Bridge is about a mile away. Expect two-star basics: it is rated 7.2 across 515 reviews.