Sweet Retreat At The Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown
Downtown Edmonton is as vibrant as ever. If you’re looking for a place to stay there are many choices of hotels but one that really stands out is the Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown. It’s location is great (Rogers Place! The River Valley! Jasper Ave!) and downtown Edmonton offers unlimited options when it comes to dining and entertainment. I found the price point of the Sandman Signature Downtown Edmonton really fair as well.
On a solo weekend without the kids I was lucky enough to stay at The Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown and got to experience the brilliance that is Edmonton’s downtown magic.
With over 50 hotels to choose from, The Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown is one of the wonderful hotels included in the Edmonton’s Best Hotels group. When you book a hotel through Edmonton’s Best Hotels ; you get extra incentives like gas cards, gift certificates to restaurants or prepaid mastercards. No catch - you just gotta book through the Edmonton’s Best Hotels website. Why not boost your next vacation to the next level? It’s EASY with Edmonton’s Best Hotels!
WHERE I STAYED
The Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown has been a part of the Edmonton skyline for years. It boasts 26 floors with 313 beautifully designed rooms and suites, including a two-story gem, the Royal Suite.
The location can’t be beat. Just a quick 10-minute walk to Rogers Place, home of the Edmonton Oilers of the NHL. There is always something happening in ICE District and The Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown sits right on the cusp of it all.
Very convenient is the fact that you don’t even have to go outside to be connected to everything downtown! There are pedways connecting you to all the shops, event centers and of course Rogers Place.
There is also a restaurant attached; CHOP which offers amazing steak and seafood. (More on this below).
A rooftop pool and fitness center are also onsite. The hotel is just steps away from Edmonton’s iconic river valley and it’s over 160 kms in trails throughout.
Check in time is 3pm and check out time is 12pm. There is a business center and significant meeting space (18, 603 square ft!) available.
I found the staff super friendly and Hannah at the front desk was so helpful. She offered up lunch suggestions ( I was downtown early and wanted to explore - see my itinerary) and she even gave me a few extra water bottles for the room. Nice encounters like that can make all the difference in someone’s day so I thank her for that!
MY ROOM
I stayed in the Grand Suite at the Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown and it was exactly that - VERY grand! It was huge! It offered two bathrooms, a living room and dining room as well as a separate bedroom area that was also quite large. This room would be perfect for groups as it has the option of a Murphy bed and a pull out couch. It was also very nice to have all that room to myself too!
All of the rooms and suites are a generous size; offering overstuffed pillow-top beds, fluffy duvets and contemporary furniture. There are lots of options to choose from; King Rooms, 2 Doubles or 2 Queens, and Grand Rooms with a little more space.
Something I had never seen before was the choice of pillows. On the side they said if they were “firm” or “soft”. And there were lots of them! I had a GREAT sleep.
Each room has a coffee maker, a mini fridge, a flat screen TV, hair dryer and USB charging ports. Comfy bathrobes are also available. The coffee was really delicious; sometimes as you know hotel coffee can be a gamble haha!
You can enjoy free access to high-speed Wi-Fi throughout every area of the hotel; including your room.
WHERE I ATE
One of the most convenient things about The Sandman chain is that there is usually a CHOP Steakhouse & Bar attached right to the hotel. I absolutely love this restaurant. They specialize in steak and seafood and our dishes did not disappoint. I’m still dreaming about the Ahi Tuna appetizer, and the blue cheese crust on my 7oz sirloin steak was delectable.
I was lucky to have my mom and step dad Bill join me for dinner before they head out of town for a while. CHOP offered the perfect backdrop for a family catch up over great food. They also met my boyfriend Kody for the first time! The staff were so friendly to all of us - I think they could sense our nerves haha. BTW - they loved him ;)
CHOP Steakhouse is open all day - we went for a 7pm dinner and a 10:30am breakfast. Both were fantastic. If you do end up having the kids - they do offer a great kids menu for all meals and the service was outstanding at dinner. You can see the menu HERE.
The Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown also offers room service (After 11:30am) and that is through CHOP as well.
If you forgot something or have a craving for a snack - they also have a tiny store that you can buy from. Pop, juice, chips and toiletries are all available.
THE POOL & FITNESS CENTRE
The Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown has a real gem in their rooftop pool. It’s gorgeous! With exposed beams and sunlight pouring in; the vibe is perfect. They also have a whirlpool and lots of lounge chairs. Towels are provided and there are change rooms on site.
Right beside that is a fitness centre with a gorgeous view. Both the pool and the fitness centre are open from 7am. -11pm.
Many think pools are just for the kids - but I beg to differ. Nothing beats a morning lap session. My absolute fav.
MY ITINERARY
I always seem to get VERY lucky when it comes to hotel stays and hockey! The Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) were having their season home opener against the Red Deer Rebels over the weekend so with the hotel being only a few mins walk away I checked it out!
There is also a Landmark Cinema’s nearby at Edmonton City Centre. Literally a 3 minute walk. Since I was early and was looking for some things to do downtown I decided to buy a ticket and treat myself to a movie. No kids, just take it all in. I saw “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey”. It was an interesting perspective on if you could relive certain moments in your life; what would you do differently. A few tears were shed.
Here is an idea of what you could do if you are staying in downtown Edmonton at the Sandman Signature!
3pm: Arrive at the hotel, check in and get settled.
4:00pm: Enjoy one of the many attractions within walking distance of The Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown. From the river valley trails to the Alberta Art Gallery (Under 18 are free! *The AGA is pleased to offer free admission from 4 to 7pm on the last Thursday of every month). There is also the Edmonton Funicular!
6:00pm: Dinner reservations at CHOP Steakhouse. The restaurant is right in the hotel lobby and does indeed offer a kids menu as well. To see the whole menu click HERE
7:30pm: Head on over to ICE district or Rogers Place to watch the hockey game! It’s about a 10 minute walk from the hotel. You can always take the pedways over and you never have to go outside!
Some ALTERNATIVES: As I mentioned, Landmark Cinemas is just a few minutes walk away. Have a date night out at the movies! OR Head to The Citadel to catch a performance, head to The Winspear to experience the latest in musical art or enjoy a stroll in Sir Winston Churchill Square right outside City Hall.
10:30pm: Settle back in at the hotel. Order a night cap to the room or enjoy one at CHOP! They have a fantastic cocktail menu.
ALTERNATIVE: Catch a quick hot tub (The pool area is open until 11pm!) OR Stay out and enjoy the night! There are tons of restaurants and bars within walking distance. Including the famed Jasper Ave and 104th Street Neon Sign Museum and bars.
……………
9am: Wake up and make yourself a delicious chocolate and cinnamon coffee right in your hotel room. Relax in bed or head to the pool for a quick lap and a hot tub!
10:30am Head to CHOP for breakfast; I highly recommend the avocado, salmon and cream cheese bagel. .
If you are staying more than just one night it would be a great idea to experience The Royal Alberta Museum or tour city hall or even go shopping on 124th street or Jasper Ave.
Side note- Have you ever been to The Russian Tea Room? It’s a fantastic place to go to get your palm or your cards read. Highly recommend and it’s right on Jasper Avenue downtown.
The brand new Stanley A Milner Public Library offering tons of programs for children and adults is also now open to the public. ALTERNATIVE: Relax by the pool after breakfast instead of before and /or sneak in a workout in the fitness facility.
12pm: Check out!
PETS
Whether you call them fur babies or furry companions, Sandman proudly welcomes your four-legged friends in their pet-friendly suites.
Pet Policy:
The pet fee is $30/day up to a max. $150/week
Each guestroom is limited to 2x pets
PARKING
Parking anywhere downtown can be a bit of a hassle but there is parking available for Sandman guests- but it does come with a charge. Please read below regarding their parking policy.
Primary Parking
Located at 103 Avenue in the MNP Building (indoor heated parking with 2 levels).
Charges: $28 plus tax per night.
Height Limit: Please note the height restriction is 6’5”. Standard-size pick-up trucks will fit if there are no lift kits or roof racks on the vehicle.
Entry Time Restrictions: Monday to Friday from 5:30 am to 10:00 am. Should you need access during this time, please contact the Hotel Front Desk at 780-428-7111 to arrange access.
Vehicle Access: The entrance is automated, and the gate will open as your vehicle approaches.
Hotel Access: There are stairs in the middle of the parkade that will bring you to the lobby. If an elevator is required, please follow the Tower and Hotel sign, located on the west wall. The elevator offloads in the lobby of the MNP Building. Follow the signs to the Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown Hotel, on the right-hand side.
Space is first-come, first-served. There are no in/out privileges.
Alternate Parking Locations
Bell Tower Parkade
Located on 103 Street NW (indoor heated parking).
Charges: Maximum of $25 per day. Starts from the time you drive in until 6:00am the next day. Timing restarts at $10 per hour to a maxium of $25 per day. (Must be paid directly at the facility using their QR code payment system)
Height Limit: Please note the height restriction is 6’5”. Standard-size pick-up trucks will fit if there are no lift kits or roof racks on the vehicle.
Hotel Access: Connected to the hotel from the 2nd Floor Pedway. Turn right out of the elevators and follow the signs to the Sandman Signature Hotel.
East Parkade
Located on the corner of 102A Ave and 100 Street (open-air parking tower).
Charges: Parking rates are indicated on the pay stations and must be paid directly.
Hotel Access: Located on the 2nd floor of the parking lot into the MNP building, follow the stairs down into the MNP building lobby then proceed left past Cookie Love to the hotel lobby.
Limited Street Parking
Located at the north and south sides of the building during non-peak hours.
Please note time restrictions posted on the street signs.
Oversized Vehicles
Vibe surface lot on the corner of 101 St NW and 103 Ave NW.
Charges: $48 per 24-hour period, guests have the option of paying directly at the kiosk or registering their license plate at the hotel.
NOTE:
Please read all parking and street signs prior to leaving your vehicle. The hotel will not be responsible for any traffic violation tickets that may be incurred.
Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown Hotel does not own or operate any of these parking facilities.
There are other lots available within short walking distance if parking around the hotel is not available.
The parking charges indicated are subject to change without prior notice.
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
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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
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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
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*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.
I hope this review gives you a little insight into the wonderful things that the Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown can offer! The hotel is absolutely beautiful and with comfy beds, a gorgeous pool and delicious food all in one location it’s the perfect place to call home for a night or two when you need a change of scenery!
Until the next adventure!
xoxo Jacks
Everything is right here at Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown