Top Five Edmonton Accommodation Central and Downtown

Where to stay in the central and downtown area

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Edmonton, you will first need to decide what you plan to see and do while you are there. For inspiration, see our 29 Best Things to Do in Edmonton in 2022 post.

We prefer to stay in the central/ downtown area when in Edmonton. We find it’s close to most activities we are planning, and when there are activities outside of a walkable area, transit is available to take us to other areas of the city.

You may want to review our top five restaurants in the central downtown area.

As with any downtown or central area in any city anywhere, there is a bustle of people. That’s part of the charm for us. Be aware though that you will want to stick to well lit well populated areas if out walking especially at night. For instance, when leaving Rogers Place after a hockey game, you may be tempted to get away from the large groups of people and walk down a less frequented street or avenue to get back to your hotel. You will want to stay with the crowd. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and stay safe no matter where you go. This is true in all cities we’ve visited around the world. Staying downtown usually means you will meet people from all walks of life. This is normal, and rest assured we felt safe walking around Edmonton during the day and into the evening.

Top five accommodation within Edmonton Central/ Downtown area

There are many hotels in Edmonton downtown and central area. Here’s our list of the top five places we’ve stayed.

Canterra Suites Hotel

Canterra Suites Hotel 11010 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta

This is one of our top picks for a hotel in Edmonton. Canterra Suites is close to amenities at Canterra Centre, otherwise known as Save-on Foods Plaza. This centre also includes restaurants, fast food, ice cream and a coffee shop (in Save-on Foods). Canterra Suites has 44 suites comprised of one, two and three bedroom units. The longer you stay, the less you will pay per night. Each suite has a kitchen, and washer and dryer as well. If you’re staying for a few weeks, give them a call directly to see what’s available and the rate. There is complimentary parking in the Save-On Plaza parking lot next to the hotel. If you wish to park indoors, there is parking within the hotel, which has a charge and is subject to availability. The cost is approximately $20/night to use the indoor parking.

We enjoyed our stay at this hotel, and found it to be safe and secure. There’s an intercom system at the front door when you first check in which connects to reception. They will let you in once you’ve confirmed you have a reservation. Once you’ve checked in and have your card key, you use it to scan/enter the main door or the rear door if you prefer. If there’s ever an issue you can use the intercom to connect with reception.

The rooms are quite spacious. We’ve stayed in the 2 bedroom suites (different units on different occasions) based on our requirements and number of travellers. There’s a dining table, as well as televisions in each bedroom and living room area.

The staff working at this hotel are absolutely amazing! Any requests we had were quickly and happily responded to. They truly care whether their guests are comfortable, and put in that extra effort to ensure everything is going well for your stay. At the beginning of our stay, for example, we set up housekeeping to occur weekly and at a pre-determined time. This was a thoughtful process so we knew when to expect the cleaners each week.

Matrix Hotel

Matrix Hotel 10640 100 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta

The Matrix was a comfortable place to stay. The room was clean and spacious, and the area where this hotel is located is close to amenities and is easily walkable to the downtown core. Breakfast was included in the price we paid and available for pick up upstairs. Parking was extra when we stayed there, and is approximately $25/night. Access their website to view specials and promotions being offered at the time of your stay.

MacEwan University Residence

MacEwan University Residence 10700 104 Ave NW Edmonton

When an AirBnB we booked fell through, on very short notice we began searching for alternate accommodation for the next 2 weeks. It was summer, and the rooms that came up first on our search were at the McEwan University Residence. The price was reasonable and we booked immediately. In the summer months, MacEwan University Residence offers “dorm room” style accommodation, normally in use by students, for very reasonable rates to the public. After the first night, as we were staying for a longer period, we became aware of other options – more “hotel like” accommodation which was available.

The staff allowed us to look at a couple of the rooms, and consequently, we decided to upgrade to a carpeted 2 bedroom suite with closets, a full size fridge with freezer, stovetop and microwave. The room was also stocked with pots, pans, dishes and utensils for use. The room was contained along with other “hotel like” rooms in a separate secure “wing” of the Residences.

There are a few different guestrooms to choose from, which you can review fully on their website. Contact McEwan University Residences by telephone to confirm that the room you’re interested in is available. Availability of rooms can change quickly at certain times of the year. As noted earlier, this facility is primarily used by students and families of students. There is laundry on site, and you can purchase a laundry card. The card may or may not have a dollar balance on it when you receive it, depending on whether it was fully utilized by the previous person (most likely a student). For example, when we checked out, we left a balance on the card for the next person.

If you require interior parking it would be approximately $17/night.

For an additional charge per night, we could have used the fitness centre a short walk away. We decided based on our plans while in Edmonton that we would forego this additional option. We did however have a look at the sports and wellness centre. It looks amazing and if this is something you think you might use, ask about it when booking your room.

We enjoyed this location. It’s close to Safeway and other shopping options in Unity Square East and West. Restaurants, banks, drug stores and liquor stores are all within walking distance from the Residence, and it’s a nice walk.

Both trains and buses are easily accessible from this hotel and location.

The Westin Hotel

The Westin Hotel 10135 100 Street, Edmonton, Alberta
This hotel is in the heart of downtown, and there is easy access to transit, shopping and restaurants. The rooms are spacious and there are many options for guest room choices. We have stayed at this hotel from time to time and when we had pets, the staff were extremely accommodating. There is a restaurant on site, and breakfast is available at a cost. Parking is underground and there is a charge for parking (unless you choose a room package which includes parking). Check available parking pricing options on their website.

As with most downtown hotels, you will likely find this area to be fairly popular with many central activities taking place. City Hall, the library, art gallery and Citadel Theatre are all close by.

Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel

Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel 10155 105 Street, Edmonton, Alberta
Over the years, we have recommended this hotel to friends and family. It has a nicely renovated interior, check in is easy and quick, and it’s close to many activities and restaurants. The room is spacious and comfortable.

Parking if you require it, is approximately $21/night.

Once again, as you are downtown, most everything you would want to do and see is walkable from this hotel location. Transit is available close by as well should you decide to travel to other areas during your visit to Edmonton.