On the valley edge of the downtown core of Edmonton is the iconic and unique looking Chateau Lacombe Hotel. Built in 1966, the 24 floor Chateau Lacombe Hotel stands out from the other buildings by being like a tube standing up vertically in design. The 307 guest rooms are set up like slices of a pizza or pie and depending on the design of the floor has either 10 to 17 guest rooms, with the elevators in the center of the floor.

The hotel has been going through renovations and modernization for the past several months. They had refreshed the exterior of the hotel, which changed it from a boring grey concrete building with bland windows to something that looks modern, with shiny windows along with red, blue and white accents.

The base of the building, which is much larger than the tower, is the lobby, two restaurants that overlook the valley and several large conference rooms. Once I was checked in, I headed to my room which was just recently renovated. The room was on the Concierge Floors which are part of the top several floors of the building. Anyone who stays on those floors can access the free breakfasts as well as snacks before heading off to dinner.

When I walked into the room, the renovations made the room look like it was brand new from top to bottom. As a lot of hotels are doing during renovations or construction, the bathtub was gone, and now an amazing and spacious walk in shower. The sink had a large marble counter top with brand new fixtures. The king size bed was luxurious with several large pillows. With the location of the hotel being on the south edge of Edmonton’s downtown core, every room would have a splendid view of the city.

On the 24th floor of the hotel is the revolving rooftop restaurant La Ronde. The public can access it and is open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday, and for brunch on Sundays. It is the only revolving rooftop restaurant in Edmonton and it takes about 90 minutes to make a complete rotation. I suggest coming just a bit before the sun starts to set, so while you are eating, you can watch the sun set, and as your table rotates towards the Edmonton downtown core, you see all the bright colorful evening lights of the city.

Breakfast is also available at Café Lacombe, which is found across from the lobby which has a much larger selection than what is provided on the Concierge Floors. Next door to it is Bellamy’s Lounge. Both restaurants have been also renovated and have views of the valley.

Getting around from the hotel is easy, the hotel is located at one of the main roads coming into Edmonton’s downtown core. You can easily walk from the hotel too, or access Edmonton’s transit system since most of the major bus and LRT stops are within a couple blocks.

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Contributor Steve Polyak |

Locale Edmonton |

Topic Accommodation and Lodging | Travel |

Photo Gallery Edmonton | Travel |