Edmonton hotels
 

I am attending a conference at the Shaw Centre. I'm not familiar with that part of Edmonton. The conference is suggesting the Westin and the rate is decent. Is the Comfort Inn okay and convenient (the CAA does not list it) or is it a low end operation? I could also try for some 3* places (Coast and Crowne Plaza). Any advice from a local will be much appreciated.

I found the Westin to be good, it was my hotel of choice in Edmonton and I'm annoyed that it has been removed from my corporate "approved" list for 2008.

The Crowne is not so good, my one stay there recently the room decor was in desperate need of an update, especially the beds. There was no gift/tuck shop and signs that other things were under repair. I would avoid it.

Stayed at the Coast 10/06 for several days, found it not bad except for some inconsistency with housekeeping.

I'm local...the Westin's my hotel of choice in the downtown area, close to the Shaw, about a block's walk, and also a block from my favorite restaurant, Sorentino's.
Stay there...the food's good, the rooms are clean and the ambience is great.:-:

The Comfort Inn is ok, more mid-range budget than low end.
Still, the Westin's great, so don't look elsewhere!

I'd definitely agree with the recommendation of the Westin. There is a Mariott property that's a bit closer, but I'm not sure what it's like...

The Westin is very nice, definately reccomend it. The courtyard Marriott is right next to the Shaw and is also suppose to be nice (but not Westin nice). Of course the Fairmont is right next to the Marriott - it is nice. YOu can also check out the Sutton Place a little further away and the Union Bank Inn (boutique hotel).

If you are going out for dinner and want some of the best food in Edmonton check out the Hardware Grill

The only hotel I would suggest is the Fairmont MacDonald.

Also the Hardware Grill is a good choice for dinner as already mentioned.

Thanks
 

Everyone of you who posted in response to my OP - your insights and opinions have been a great help.

Yes to Hardware Grill ^

No to Fairmont :td:

As a local I have stayed at the Fairmont and the service was not excellent. For what they charge in Edmonton these days, I would expect it to be exemplary and perfect!

Location wise the Westin, the Courtyard and the Union Bank Inn are the closest, along with the Fairmont.

The Courtyard is indeed the closest and the distance could almost be measured in millimetres it's that close to the Shaw Conference Centre. BTW, it's actually between the Shaw and the Hotel Mac.

:)