Blue Marlin Inn - Port Alberni

I decided to spend my saturday nights here after rack and rally had their liquor license taken away, and at first, they treated me with respect when i told them (rather teary-eyed) how i was discriminated against at fx niteclub just because i got sad that nobody wanted to take me home because of my visible autism, but apparently, that was just an act, because just a few short weeks later, the staff began treating me like a criminal just because i was upset about being stranded across town with little to no cab service a few weeks prior in addition to the problem i've just mentioned. ableist staff, do not go here. i'd give zero stars if i could.

We really enjoy visiting the bar at the Blue Marlin. Super friendly and welcoming people, good draft, and the food is REALLY good, with VERY generous portions! We haven't had occasion to stay in the rooms, but if the effort made by the staff in the bar and kitchen is any indicator, I'm sure they're a good bet, and we did read that they were recently updated. Certainly a hidden gem, in our opinion! Service: 5

Room was clean and tidy, on the small side but functional.

This is the only review I have ever written and I feel compelled to share my experience because it was so outstanding. By a sequence of unusual circumstances I ended up staying here 8 months straight when we thought the world was ending one year ago. I had only intended to stay a short time but the hospitality, fantastic cooking , a caring and flexible staff kept me until I bought a house that is right near one of the staff members '. In addition to the excellent service they provide their customers, the staff have gone (very far) out of their way to support folks who live with disAbilities in the community who are navigating the current pandemic and associated restrictions. I would emphasize that they are doing so without virtue signaling on social media or painting a distorted or narcissistic veneer so refreshing to see. The Blue Marlin isn 't the Empress or Hotel Vancouver and it is neither positioning itself nor attempting to present as such. It is however, what I would consider to be the real deal in terms of the good old fashioned without a hint of pretense. I loved every moment of it and would not hesitate to either return or send folks their way. I wish more places could be like the Blue Marlin and I hope they can keep the spirit alive as long as possible. If you are one who values authenticity and seeks to support a business that is genuinely integrated and invested into the community then the Blue Marlin would be at the top of your list. Bottom line is that if we don 't support qualities that engender businesses such as these, they won 't last and being that ultimately we choose where to spend our money, the decision regarding what we want in our communities is solely up to us.

Nice clean renovated room, great food, very reasonable.