End of October 2021 stay

This was my first stay at this property. I selected it simply based on its in-airport terminal location. The points showing for the basic room (2 Queens) was 20,000. I felt the cash rate was better value for me.

I did not see any clear signage for the hotel when I arrived (flight arrivals requires escalator down and then a different escalator back up to the departure level). Since it was a cold but gorgeous day, I walked outside to look.



Ah, there it is. Now I could head back inside.




Once you are past the WestJet, Flair and KLM check-in counters, you can see the entrance to the hotel and doors.

I love this walkway, partly due to the changing mood lighting but mostly the cool carpet with the giant boot/shoe prints



Inside there was some artwork on the walls.






There was a Starbucks, the hotel restaurant, the Halo Bar Bistro and then the large check-in with multiple stations.

This is one of the sitting areas at check-in. I love the colors and design.



Behind is another area called The Library.




Here are photos from the room, end of a hallway on the 8th floor.

Depending on time of day and winds, some plane viewing and wheels up in front of the window.















I love this mirror art.



Washroom.




When I was in the lobby area, a staff member walked by with this plate. I asked if I could take a photo as I thought it was fabulous. He said it was for a VIP guest and I was sure you could also order it off the menu.





Early December 2021 stay

For this stay, I was upgraded to this suite on the 5th floor. By my standards, it was extremely spacious and would be great for a longer stay with family or friends.

To the immediate right of the sliding glass door is the bathroom/shower. Around the corner on the left is a very large closet and storage area with slippers, bathrobes, iron, rug sweeper, and some other items.

And yes, another bright, sunny day in Edmonton.


















Part of the reason I stayed here again is I liked it and therefore, also booked an evening get-together here for 10 people. A number of us also booked rooms as we flew in.

I met the Director of Food & Beverage and he and his team arranged the table at the Halo Bar Bistro. We were also lucky to have outstanding service. Food and drink were great to excellent.


We ordered a variety of appetizers

Nachos



and dips



Beef short ribs & pancetta poutine



Perogies with hot bacon onion truffle dip



Yam fries and chipotle mayo



Spiced beef tikki with mango mint dressing and pickled red onion



A few in the group also ordered some mains

Pan-seared salmon with crab and green onion potato cake, spinach, roasted corn succotash



Fish & Chips




The next morning, One of our group invited me to join him for breakfast. He said his Platinum breakfast benefit was offered in the restaurant. (I don't recall if the lounge was open during our stay.)




I chose this and It was excellent.





Other comments:

For stay #1, I called a few days in advance to request some extra items for the room (e.g. towels, duvet, foam pillows). When I arrived for check-in, the person who took my call was working at the desk. She told me that she had requested the items and to let her know if I needed anything else. She also explained a few features in the rooms and about the hotel.

As my status does not include lounge access/breakfast etc, I did not inquire what facilities were open.

A short while after getting to my room and taking some photos, the phone rang and it was the person from check-in asking if everything was ok, or as per my request. I was so impressed.

***

Overall, I found the hotel to be bright, spotless clean, well maintained, and had great food and drink.

I noted in the survey I received after the first stay the staff who were outstanding. Now that I've done 2 stays in 5 weeks, I can say that the majority of the staff I met were exceedingly friendly, helpful and provided excellent service. There were a couple who seem to not focus and provided answers that were incorrect, which I mentioned to the manager on duty as I'd met him twice. And while the breakfast items were excellent, the 2 staff working that morning were not really service oriented.

While it might not be the location of choice if one were needing or wanting to be in the city - or closer to it, I would absolutely go back there for a stay.

Highly recommend.
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