Fly Me To The Hotel! Where To Stay When You’re Flying Out of YEG

Summer is the season of travel! If you find yourself flying out of the Edmonton International Airport there are some incredible options for hotels. Whether it’s an early morning flight you have to catch or you’re getting in late and want to rest up; there are 2 hotels within about a 2 minute commute (one is attached).

This is a special DOUBLE feature blog as I recently stayed at the two hotels closest to the airport. The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott and The Renaissance which is attached directly to the Edmonton International Airport.

Both of these hotels are a part of the Edmonton’s Best Hotels  group! You know I love a good deal and Edmonton’s Best Hotels is exactly that! When you book through their website, get extra incentives like gas cards, gift certificates to restaurants or prepaid Mastercards, even tickets to exciting events! No catch - you just gotta book through the Edmonton’s Best Hotels website. Why not get EXTRAS for a booking you were already going to make? It’s EASY with Edmonton’s Best Hotels!

THE FAIRFIELD INN

First up is the Fairfield by Marriott Inns & Suites. While it is more budget friendly; they certainly do not cut corners. The hotel is large, beautiful and very clean. The rooms are generous in size and there are a lot of amenities included like breakfast, a fitness studio and a gorgeous pool. They offer a complimentary shuttle to and from YEG International Airport and it’s about a 2 minute ride. There is also a shuttle to nearby attractions like Century Mile Racetrack and Casino and the Premium Outlet Collection mall.

ROOMS

I stayed in a King Suite with a sofa bed for this stay. It was great. The room was BIG. If you are travelling with young kids; more than enough room for a pack and play crib. The sofa bed IS a bed too.

The King bed was really comfy with lots of pillows. When it comes to the bathroom; I’m a shower snob haha and this one passed the test. Large, glass and extremely clean. They also offer “Alice & Co” products.

I especially liked that they had a little sign that let you know if you’ve forgotten anything they would be happy to get it for you.

Two huge TVs were also in my room and I love that they had direct hook ups to your fav streaming accounts, Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime etc.

All rooms have a microwave, mini fridge and a coffee maker . They also have the USB direct plug ins so if you’re like me and always forget the “block” no worries!

WiFi is included and is strong throughout the hotel.

Check in is 4pm and Check out is 12pm.

THE FOOD

Wings is the lobby lounge and restaurant bar. Dress code is casual and they offer a dinner service. The portions are huge and I HIGHLY recommend the cheesecake. It was amazing.

In the morning, breakfast is also served here. Breakfast is offered 6am to 9am Weekdays & 6am to 9:30am Weekends. It is a self serve style with hot food items like bacon, eggs and sausage. There is also fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal and a waffle bar!

If you are not able to make breakfast due to an early morning flight they do offer a “to go “ breakfast with fruit and yogurt that you can take with you. Just let them know the night before.

There is a coffee station available 24/7 for guests.

They also have a “Corner Market” where you can purchase chips, bars and other snacks you might need for the day or night.

THE POOL & FITNESS CENTRE

The Fairfield Inn and Suites has a beautiful pool area with floor to ceiling windows letting lots of light in. The whirlpool is very relaxing and they offer towels right inside the pool area. Both the hot tub and the pool are open 9am - 10pm.

The fitness center is bigger than I expected! It has a whole array of equipment including a Peloton bike. It is open 24 hours a day ( with room key access) .

PETS

Unfortunately pets are not allowed at this hotel. Only service animals are permitted.

PARKING

There is complimentary on site parking (and lots of spots!). There is also the option of long term parking. You can leave your vehicle for up to 2 weeks at the rate of $12/day or $80/wk.

They also have an electric car charging station.

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THE RENAISSANCE

For night two of this feature we went for about a 3 minute drive over to The Renaissance. This hotel is attached directly to the Edmonton International Airport so you will not get closer than this!

It is Edmonton's ONLY 4 Diamond Lifestyle Hotel. What does this mean? Unmatched attention to detail along with a unique hotel stay unlike any other.

Whether you’re in need of a hotel because you’re flying out early or coming back late; or perhaps you need a staycation or a date night; The Renaissance offers 213 distinctive rooms that bring you back in time with modern luxuries all the while offering superior service and great food ( more on this later!) .

It has soundproofed guest rooms, beautiful views of the airport and the runways, a restaurant, fitness facility, a pool and multiple event spaces.

And again; The Renaissance is a part of the Edmonton’s Best Hotels group. When you book your room through their website, you score extra incentives like gas cards, gift certificates to restaurants or prepaid Mastercards, even tickets to exciting events! No catch - you just gotta book through the Edmonton’s Best Hotels website.

ROOMS

For this stay, I felt like I had an apartment! I stayed in a one bedroom king suite and it offered every luxury you could imagine. A lovely living room and kitchen; complete with glassware. The giant bathroom had great lighting ( my fav) and a stand up glass shower offering Kevin Murphy products. Down a long hallway is a beautiful bedroom with that 1960s era furniture and King bed with a swivel TV so you can watch in bed or on the couch!

The Renaissance offers all kinds of different rooms including two queen / one king rooms, one bedroom suites and if you’re really feeling like going all out - a presidental suite. There are mobility accessible rooms as well.

Something really nice was having club lounge access. In the lounge there was complimentary hors d'oeuvres, desserts and a late night snack. Breakfast on weekday and weekend mornings (check the hours as they vary!). There’s an honor bar and complimentary non alcoholic beverages. This is def worth the upgrade!

All rooms have a microwave, coffee machine, a mini fridge, robes and really soft bedding. As mentioned before the windows are soundproof so don’t worry about hearing planes all night! It was a very high tech room; with USB plug ins for all of your devices. If you can snag a view of the airport runways - it’s really neat!

Check in is 4pm and Check out is 12pm.

THE LOBBY

I feel like this needed its own paragraph! The Renaissance has a lobby unlike anything I’ve seen before. You just feel very welcome as soon as you walk in those doors.

They have gorgeous artwork that rotates every 4 months (and features indigenous artists). The furniture looks like it just came from 1960s Palm Springs and you’re encouraged to be out of your room and into their living room; the Halo Bar & Bistro.

It’s a community at The Renaissance; you are never alone; even when traveling solo. If you need the time to yourself; it offers a great space exactly for that (like their Library!) ; but if you want to be connected- it also offers the perfect venue to do so.

THE FOOD

Along with the accommodations; the food is where The Renaissance really shines. There was an event going on in the Halo Restaurant (7 paintings- more on this below) so it was dinner in the lounge. Which ended up being great! There is a such a vibe to the Halo Lounge. The dress code is casual and the menu offers something for everyone. You can even check on your flight status!

Once a week there are also live events happening at Halo. You can find the schedule HERE.

The Butter Chicken came HIGHLY recommended and I can say it lived up to the hype. This night we had the butter chicken, the tenderloin, parmesan fries, roasted brussel sprouts and of course - the banana cheesecake. I love cheesecake everywhere I go haha.

For breakfast, you can enjoy it in the Halo Restaurant, if you have club access you can have it there or if you want an extra special treat….room service! Service was quick and the food was hot. Get the fresh fruit plate - you won’t be disappointed!

7 PAINTINGS

There is a very special limited time event happening at Halo Restaurant right now and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before.

“7 Paintings is a 2.5-hour sensory journey that brings the works of iconic artists like Michelangelo, Banksy, Picasso, Pollock, Warhol, Dali, and Van Gogh to life. Expect dramatic 3D projections, whimsical props, and seven courses that are as much a treat for your taste buds as for your eyes.”

To book your spot and to find out more click HERE

THE POOL & FITNESS CENTRE

I love a good lap haha! Pools are the ultimate luxury for me. Morning, day or night I could go swimming. And that’s pretty much what I did for this hotel stay. I went twice and loved this pool area so much- especially with the morning light coming in.

The pool / whirlpool is open from 6am - 11pm. Towels are provided on site and the main pool is actually heated!

The fitness centre is well equipped with towels and water provided. It is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

DOGS/ PETS

Unfortunately this hotel is NOT pet friendly. Service animals only.

PARKING

They do have parking on site.

Hourly: $7

Daily: $25;

Weekly: $175

Valet is also available at the daily rate of $40.

Long term parking is not available but nearby businesses like JetSet can be used.

SAMPLE WEEKEND ITINERARY

Whether you are wanting to stay at the same hotel for the weekend or switch it up and experience a night at each; here are some ideas and an overview of what I got up to this weekend out at the Edmonton International Airport and it’s nearby hotels!

4pm: Arrive at the Fairview hotel, check in and get settled.

5:00pm: I snuck in a quick workout and whirlpool session. ALTERNATIVE: Relax in your room!

6pm: Dinner at “Wings”. The restaurant is right in the lobby of the hotel and offers a casual setting with delicious food.

7:30pm: Head on over to The Century Mile Casino with the free shuttle. Have some fun with friends and try your luck!

ALTERNATIVE: Stay in for the night and get a good rest. Relax in the gorgeous shower, curl up with a good book or watch your favourite shows via the streaming services connected directly to your hotel TV room

10:30pm: Take the shuttle back and settle in at the hotel.

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7am: Wake up and head to the lobby for the complimentary breakfast 6am - 9am.

9am: Get in that morning exercise and head to the fitness facility or do a few laps in the pool

11am: Board the shuttle to the Premium Outlet Mall Collection and shop the day away! With stores like H&M, Marshalls, Old Navy and Nike- there is something for everyone!

ALTERNATIVE: If you are staying on the weekend; there is likely some horse racing going on at the Century Mile Racetrack! Take the shuttle over and bet on your favourite horse!

12pm: Check out out to the Fairfield

4pm: Check into the Renaissance.

5pm: Head down to the Halo Bar and enjoy the atmosphere with a cocktail or a mocktail in the library

6pm: Dinner at Halo Bar ALTERNATIVE: Book a 7 Paintings Dinner experience!

8pm: Head back to the room to relax and rest up for a flight the next day. ALTERNATIVE: Head to the pool! The whirlpool is hot and ready to relax you for bed

10pm: Bedtime

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8am: Wake up and head to Halo for breakfast ALTERNATIVE: Treat yourself and order room service for breakfast

10am: One last swim in the pool. ALTERNATIVE: Enjoy the atmosphere of the Renaissance and have (Starbucks!) coffee catching up with friends or getting a bit of work done.

12pm: Check out

WHY BOOK WITH EDMONTON’S BEST HOTELS?

I absolutely love my partnership with Edmonton’s Best Hotels. It’s a website where you can book a hotel, get the BEST available rates and receive additional perks at no extra cost! You know I love a good deal and this website is awesome. Why not get something extra for something you were going to book anyways?

You get to pick your reward based on how many nights you stay!! You choose what is best for your lifestyle and your ideal vacation.

Book One Night & Choose From $50 in Rewards:

• One Night Reward 1: $50 Gas Card

• One Night Reward 2: $50 Prepaid Mastercard

• One Night Reward 3: $50 Ultimate Dining Card

(That’s $50 in FREE rewards!)

OR

Book Two Nights & Choose From $150 In Rewards:

• Two Night Reward 1: $150 Prepaid Mastercard

• Two Night Reward 2: $75 Prepaid Mastercard + $75 Gas Card

• Two Night Reward 3: $75 Gas Card + $75 Ultimate Dining Card

(That’s $150 in FREE rewards!)

OR

Book Three Nights and Choose From $225 in Rewards:

• Three Night Reward 1: $225 Prepaid Mastercard

• Three Night Reward 2: $75 Ultimate Dining Card + $75 Prepaid Mastercard + $75 Gas Card

(That’s $225 in FREE rewards!)

*Included rewards will be emailed to guests within 48 hours after checking in to their hotel. Rewards are not provided by the hotel’s front desk. While supplies last.

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If you have any travel planned this summer or fall; take it easy on yourself and book one of these fantastic hotels. They offer so much and at the top of that list is peace of mind. If you’ve got an early morning flight; you don’t have to worry about waking up in the middle of the night and everything that goes with early morning travel. With the hotels; you’re THERE already. Plus with the shuttles and amenities all around; it makes for a pretty fun getaway before your getaway even begins!

Until next time!

xoxo Jacks