by Gene Kosowan
It’s a given that the best hotels in Edmonton have all the perks that their peers provide, from WiFi to workout rooms. But what sets the places on this list apart from other local hospitality establishments is the stories behind their walls or even the novel attractions that draw their guests. Here’s a rundown of 10 of the best hotels in town, each with its own character that soaks into your pores the moment you check in. [Image credit: iStock.com/wwing]
Chateau Lacombe
One of the first modern, high-class hotels to pop up in downtown Edmonton, the Chateau Lacombe is notorious for its cylindrical architecture and walking down its halls gives you the feeling you’re strolling in the saucer section of the USS Enterprise. Accommodations are first class, but another draw that’s appealing is the first-class food and service in La Ronde, the penthouse restaurant that rotates to give you a 360-view of the city in less than an hour.
Edmonton Marriott at River Cree Resort
With 249 suites located on the west end of town, guests have access to all the usual accessories provided in each room. However, the real draw is that the Marriott is built right into a complex that also houses the River Cree Casino that offers scores of slot machines and more than 30 game tables with everything from blackjack to baccarat. Another attraction is a 2,500-seat venue that has staged shows by such performers as Air Supply and Howie Mandel.
The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
Since its grand opening in 1915, the venerable Mac remains the granddaddy of hotels in the city with its chateau-style architecture. It still lives up to its regal reputation, backed up by an A-list of guests that has included Queen Elizabeth II and The Rolling Stones. The Mac stays current by offering everything from flatscreen TVs to WiFi in every room. Additional amenities include upscale dining in the Harvest Room and access to the most exquisite spirits around in the Confederation Lounge.
Fantasyland Hotel
One of the most unique draws at Fantasyland isn’t the fact that it’s located on the west side of what used to be the world’s largest mall, which you can enter without going outside – it’s more the theme rooms that you can choose from, whether it’s one with a Roman setting, a boreal environment, with a bed built into a half-igloo, or a tropical room with a Jacuzzi fitted into a fake volcano. Curiously, a lot of visitors like the idea of one of the more rustic themes, with the bed built onto the back of a pickup truck.
Matrix Hotel
Political junkies might get a rush out of staying at the Matrix, since it’s only a few blocks away from the Alberta Legislature. It’s where Don Iveson celebrated his mayoral victory and where Jason Kenney announced his plan to leave federal politics to run for the provincial Tories. Celebrity fans might revel in the scuttlebutt about Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth staying over one night. Others will likely love the fact that some suites contain full kitchens and dining and living rooms, while the rest of the complex features custom furnishings and natural materials.
Metterra Hotel on Whyte
Here’s one stayover that loves to declare itself proud to be part of a community; namely, Old Strathcona, the trendiest district in the city. Folks who stay here get front-door access to the bustling nightlife of Whyte Avenue and are walking distance to The Fringe, the continent’s largest theatre festival. Adding to the comfort of the ultra-modern, sleekly designed rooms is the four-element theme of earth, air, fire and water that creates an idyllic environment throughout.
Sutton Place
In 1978, the hotel was a Four Seasons franchise housing a discotheque where even a member of The Eagles couldn’t get into because he was wearing jeans. (“I don’t care what kind of bird you are,” declared the stubborn doorman.) They’ve been much more accommodating since then, with guests ranging from Tom Jones to the entire cast of SCTV enjoying everything from the hotel’s steakhouse, pool, Jacuzzi and steam room to the VIP rooms. As well, reportedly one of the best places in town to play darts is in the venerable Rose and Crown pub on the main floor.
Union Bank Inn
It’s not hard to see how this historically designated hotel got its name, given that it was the original home of the Union Bank of Canada way back in 1910. Thankfully, the modern Renaissance architecture remains intact and each room has all the modern bells and whistles blended into the style of the building, right down to the crown moulding in each suite. As a bonus, Madison’s Grill on the main floor has some of the best steaks in town.
The Westin Edmonton
The Westin has been a part of local history since it opened in 1974, as it occupies the site of the old post office, which for a time was the tallest building in the city. Only the tower’s rebuilt clock has survived and is on display beside the hotel. Its past aside, as well as award-winning cuisine in its dining room, the Westin is a major draw for convention patrons, thanks to 15 meeting rooms and underground access to the Shaw Convention Centre.
Varscona on Whyte
Dubbing itself as a boutique hotel in the heart of the ever-so-hip Old Strathcona neighbourhood, The Varscona has been a favourite place for out-of-town theatre actors to stay during their performances in town. Its old-world charm radiates Victorian splendour in each suite, combined with the latest in modern conveniences. And its location on Whyte Avenue enables visitors to check out a slew of eclectic restaurants and shops within easy strolling distance.
Whether you stay in Edmonton for a day, week or longer, checking into any of these hotels will be anything but a generic experience. The historic vibe of some of these establishments, their proximity to some of the most vibrant sites in Edmonton, or even the notion that you’ve stayed in the same space as some of the world’s most famous people might qualify as bonus experiences while in Alberta’s capital.
