The 9 best hotels in Edmonton

One of Edmonton’s oldest hotels, the Fairmont Hotel is a luxury stay with a hell of a lot of history. Fairmont opened in 1915 and has undergone a ton of renovations over the years, including the introduction of a full spa with bookable massage services. Each of the 198 guestrooms is an en-suite with hairdryers and a desk area, and there’s afternoon tea every Sunday. Plus you’ll be following the greats – the likes of King George VI, Oprah Winfrey and Sir Paul McCartney have all stayed in those comfy beds. 

Situated in central Edmonton, this hotel has everything you could ever want. Each room is air conditioned, and has a flat screen TV, perfect for those days you don't want to explore or brave the Canadian cold weather. You'll also have all the usual amenities, such as a hairdryer, desk and even free toiletries. 

From the same team as the Matrix Hotel is this arty residence on Whyte, the centre of the city’s arts, nightlife and dining scene – the area is full of coffee shops, independent stores and craft beer bars. A few blocks away is the North Saskatchewan River that runs through the middle of the city – perfect for morning runs and evening strolls. With its modern, well-priced rooms, the Mettera fits slots neatly into Whyte, with decor in the rooms focusing around dark wood complemented with rich textiles, a cosy theme that follows through the entire hotel.  It makes a great option for the area… and even offers bicycles so that you can explore it. 

This Hyatt may be big and may be part of a large chain, but that doesn’t hold it back from being very good indeed – it’s one of the highest rated accommodations in the city. The rooms are large – a standard is at least 29 square metres – but it’s the staff that most often get the plaudits in its reviews. Located in the north-west of the city, it’s also very handy if you’re in town to take in every nook and cranny of the famous West Edmonton Mall, the world’s largest until 2004.

If you’re in town with a family or for an extended stay, the Canterra Suites is a great option. It’s positioned relatively centrally and is within walking distance of the Arts District, and if you’ve little ones in tow, the Edmonton Light Rail Transit station, seamlessly linking you to the rest of the city, is just a couple of blocks away. Inside, even the smallest suites have a fridge and freezer, cooker, microwave and washing machine and dryer. The largest is a three-bedroom suite. 

The Matrix Hotel is a generous beast, offering complimentary wine tasting every day, a free town car service and a fleet of bicycles on offer for guests to explore the city. The location, in the heart of the downtown, couldn’t be better either: the Arts District is a short walk away, as are all the shops, offices and amenities. The hotel itself is a modern space with well-appointed rooms decked out in a silver/red and dark wood palette. The cocktail bar is a lovely spot to end your day of sightseeing.    

For something completely different, and a decidedly more personal stay in Edmonton, there’s the University Suite. The homely bed and breakfast is comprised of just two rooms, the apartment-style West Suite or the hotel-style East Room, both with separate entrances, and both garnering consistently excellent reviews for its friendly welcome (plus some lovely cakes). Location is in a leafy suburban area close to the University of Alberta, just south of the North Saskatchewan River, but it’s just a quick ride to downtown Edmonton.

Sometimes when you’re travelling what you need is a big dose of homeliness. Say hello then to the Richie, a well-priced B&B that offers a warming hug and a smiling welcome, simple rooms and a breakfast to remember. Guests can choose between ‘cosy’ rooms or double ‘deluxe’ one, in a house located in its namesake Ritchie neighbourhood in the suburban south of the city, about four kilometres from the downtown zone. A shared area has a fully stocked kitchenette and each room has a small fridge, but this place is all about the welcome and warm atmosphere. 

You’ll either love the idea of this hotel or hate it – in fact, if the name’s put you off already, read no further. But if you’re the curious type or are travelling with kids, look no further. Each room is individually themed, so you can stay in an Arctic igloo, a Canadian cabin, a Victoria coach or, our favourite, a space-themed room. There are plenty of others among the 355 rooms, including more standard offerings if the theming is de trop but you like the idea of staying inside West Edmonton Mall (the largest in the world until 2004).