Hotel4Real!

My stay at the Renaissance was semi-unexpected as my flight out was delayed quite significantly, so I decided to simply spend another night here instead of wasting a whole day waiting at the airport. “It’s Edmonton, it’s an airport hotel, it’s just a quick night” I thought to myself when I booked. How good could it be?

First impression was great – the hotel was connected with the airport’s departure level via a fancy pedway, and the walkway and lobby were appointed with thoughtful design and artistic decors, to the point I thought I was walking in a museum of sorts. Check-in was efficient and pleasant, the lady at the front desk went above and beyond and was able to find me a huge suite last-minute.

Speaking of the suite, it was definitely much more than I expected from a quick stay at a transit hotel. In addition to the large size, it was very modern with great design touches and ample lighting, including natural lights. Being an aviation nerd I also enjoyed the 270-degree view of the runways – but hey, what else is there to see at an airport except for, well, planes?

The hotel also featured a lounge but during my stay it was not fully open. That being said, there were some packaged snack options on offer, though they weren’t replenished during my stay (as the lounge was technically not open). Coffee machine was available and powered on, but was out of order and needed maintenance the whole time. Aside from the lounge, I also spent some time in the library – a must for a Renaissance stay IMO. It wasn’t anything impressive but definitely interesting enough.

Breakfast was offered in the restaurant in lieu of the lounge closure, and quality was great. They did not cheap out with the elite breakfast offerings, so I went with the steak and egg option. It was awesome, and the steak was actually a well-cooked, actual piece of steak, unlike some breakfast “beef products” I’ve had before.

I’ve always been a fan of the Renaissance brand, but I didn’t know what to expect (and to not expect) from an in-terminal version of it. I’m happy to report that the added convenience of the location is only a plus here, and not an excuse to get rid of the many quirks and features that made the brand awesome in the first place, unlike some some other in-terminal transit hotels. If you are looking for somewhere to stay near YEG that is the most convenient for your morning flight and that isn’t boring, this absolutely is the place.

RealScore

Service: 9.0

Design and Room Size: 8.5

In-room Amenities: 8

Bathroom Size and Layout: 8

View from (my) Room: 7

Hotel Location: 10

Available Guest Facilities: 8

Food Quality: 8

Food and Beverage Service: 7

Executive Lounge Quality: 6

Final RealScore: 8.37

Final RealRating: AA

Hotel is built/opened: 2013

Total number of rooms: 213

Length of stay: 1 night

Membership level at check-in: Platinum

Room type experienced: One-bedroom Suite