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The majority of hotels in Edmonton tend to be located in clusters outside the city core—close to West Edmonton Mall and along Gateway Boulevard as you enter the city from the Edmonton International Airport. You’ll find familiar U.S. chains like the Holiday Inn and Super 8. The advantage of staying in these areas is that you can often find better deals than you would at properties close to downtown. Edmonton, however, is designed for cars, and the suburban commercial neighbourhoods are not known for their beauty. So, if your plan is to park the car and explore the sites by foot, the best places to stay are boutique hotels close to Whyte Avenue and the Arts District. It’s possible to find accommodations in Edmonton for most price points—even during high season—as long as you book ahead. Budget travelers can choose from a selection of hostels, as well as accommodations in dorm rooms at the University of Alberta and Grant MacEwan University. As is the case in most cities, boutique hotels provide an element of local charm that can add to the travel experience. The city is a little short on these options; however, the Union Bank Inn and the Glenora Inn Bed & Breakfast are two downtown properties worth checking out.
The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
Price Range: Expensive When the queen of England comes to Edmonton (and she has been known to make the occasional visit) she stays here. Built in 1915 on land overlooking the Edmonton River Valley, this is the city’s landmark of Old World opulence. It is the only CAA/AAA Four-Diamond luxury hotel in Edmonton and, just as noteworthy, it is home to one of the best outdoor patios in the city. Enjoy afternoon tea in the Harvest Room restaurant or sip on single-malt scotch in the Confederation Lounge. Parking is $28 per day. Exploring downtown by foot is free.
Union Bank Inn
Price Range: Expensive If you are going to see a celebrity in Edmonton, chances are this is where they’ll be. It may sound like a cliché, but this cozy inn with uniquely appointed guest rooms really is charming. All of the beds are made up with high-quality linens and heavy goose-down duvets, and rooms are decorated with pieces of local art. The property is hidden away in a heritage building off Jasper Avenue, close to shopping and fine-dining restaurants. Complimentary services include evening turn-down service, a full a la carte breakfast, and wine and cookies delivered to the room. Three banquet spaces are on-site, as well as local dining favourite Madison’s Grill. Be sure to bring a book. Chances are you’ll want to stay tucked in bed all day.
The Westin Edmonton
Price Range: Expensive An ideal spot to explore Edmonton’s vibrant arts scene, The Westin is a 4.5-star hotel connected to the Shaw Conference Centre and located within walking distance of the Citadel Theatre and Francis Winspear Centre. Modernist guest rooms are equipped with super-cozy Heavenly Beds® (they even have signature dog beds!) and room service is available 24 hours. Enjoy a nightcap of single-malt scotch at the Pradera Café & Lounge or head down the street to the bars and pubs along Rice Howard Way. You won’t run out of things to do in the area, as Churchill Square is just a few minutes by foot and is the scene of some pretty amazing festivals, including the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival (July) and the Illuminations Winter Light spectacle (January).
Matrix Hotel
Price Range: Moderate Designed for the sophisticated business traveler, the Matrix is a clean, modern boutique hotel in the heart of downtown. If all you need are the basics, save your dough and stick with a deluxe suite. However, the platinum and onyx suites have fireplaces and private sitting areas—perfect for the cold Edmonton winters. Parking, breakfast and an evening wine-tasting are all included in the price. Have an urge to network? The Starbucks in the lobby is a popular meeting spot for the city’s downtown business crowd. The hotel is just a half-block from an LRT station and close to major bus routes.
Metterra Hotel on Whyte
Price Range: Moderate Rock stars, photographers, fashionistas—they’ve all stayed here. Located smack dab in the middle of Whyte Avenue’s lively bar and café scene, the Mettera is a safe and friendly getaway for the up market Bohemian with a little cash to spare. You can work (and party) around the clock with 24-hour access to the Business and Fitness Centres. Rooms are equipped with free WI-FI. Complimentary breakfast and coffee are available for guests in the Hospitality Suite. The only down side to being so close to all the action is that it can be a bit loud—especially on the weekends. Light sleepers should request a room at the back of the hotel. The staff is super-friendly, so make good use of their hospitality.
Fantasyland Hotel
Price Range: Moderate With so much to see in West Edmonton Mall, the Fantasyland Hotel makes it possible to see it all without ever leaving the building. Guests can choose from Hollywood, Roman, Polynesian, Truck and Victorian Coach-themed rooms, or try out the Canadian Rail, Arabian, African, Igloo, Western and Waterpark theme rooms. The hotel opened in 1986, so you’re not going to find any chichi Las Vegas-style opulence. What you will get is a chance to reconnect with your inner child without having to worry about hailing a cab or remembering where you parked the car. Have dinner at the L2 Grill or dine in style at Café Europa—an indoor restaurant that feels like a European café.
MacEwan Residence
Price Range: Budget If you are traveling on a budget but aren’t in the mood for a hostel setting, opt for a room at the MacEwan Residence on MacEwan University College’s downtown campus. Queen guest rooms start from $90CAD and are available year-round. Two- and four-bedroom suites are available for larger groups from May until August. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Rooms are sparse (remember they’re dorm rooms). However, the building is fairly new and suites are tasteful and clean. Parking is $5 per night. Be sure to take advantage of the pool and fitness facilities across the street at the MacEwan Centre for Sport and Wellness.
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MacEwan ResidenceGO Backpackers Hostel
Price Range: Budget What was once a dated hotel on the fringe of the downtown core is now an affordable place to catch some Zs and socialize with other budget travelers. Guests can choose from four- or six-person dorm rooms with shared bathrooms or the private rooms, which can accommodate up to four people. The Hydeaway All Ages Art Space is a low-key performance venue on-site, with live comedy shows every Tuesday. On the lower level is the Jekyll + Hyde pub, featuring imported beers and live British television shows. It’s a pretty safe area, though a bit of a walk from all the action. The closest train station is Central LRT.
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GO Backpackers HostelHostelling International
Neighborhood: Old Strathcona Price Range: Budget There are hostels that you can’t wait to tell your friends about, and there’s HI Edmonton. Located on a residential street just off Whyte Avenue, this is by far the most affordable place to call home when checking out the University of Alberta or exploring the Old Strathcona area, even if it’s a bit run down. It has a communal kitchen, an outdoor courtyard, a TV and games room, and free on-site parking. Guests have access to free WI-FI and social activities planned by the helpful staff. The neighbourhood is safe if traveling alone. Guests tend to be on the younger side, so if your grown-up self is easily irritated, consider sleeping elsewhere.
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Hostelling InternationalGlenora Inn Bed & Breakfast
Neighborhood: Glenora Price Range: Budget Deal alert! Get over the lace doilies and floral wallpaper decorating most of the rooms. This Victorian inn is in a heritage building just west of downtown and is without a doubt the best value in the city. It’s a 10-minute drive from West Edmonton Mall and close to River Valley trails, the Royal Alberta Museum, Mountain Equipment Co-op and the many boutiques and art galleries located along 124 Street. Rooms start from just $70CAD, which includes a full breakfast downstairs in the Glenora Bistro. A variety of restaurants are within walking distance, and a few good pubs and coffee shops close by. Sip on tea in front of the fireplace in the Guest Parlour, or enjoy a glass of wine during Edmonton’s long summer nights on the beautiful outdoor patio.
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Glenora Inn Bed & BreakfastBest in Edmonton Travel
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