Econo Lodge Inn and Suites sits at 392 Centre Street, at the corner of Railway Avenue, in the middle of downtown Drumheller. Its position is its greatest strength. The Badlands Historical Centre and the Napier Theatre are about a two-minute walk away, the World's Largest Dinosaur and the Drumheller Aquaplex are about eight minutes on foot, and the river pathways are close by, so you can park the car and walk to dinner, to the dinosaur and to the shops. Few other hotels in the valley offer that, because most sit out on the highway or on the edge of town. The rooms are standard hotel rooms, all non-smoking, with options for different party sizes. A room with one queen bed suits two guests, a room with two queen beds suits four, and there are larger arrangements, including a queen bed with a sofa bed and a room with two queens and a twin that sleeps five. A free continental breakfast is included, and parking is free. The hotel has a gym and air conditioning, and business services are available. It accepts pets, with a limit of two per room and a size limit, and a nightly fee per pet, so check the details when you book. In-room Wi-Fi may carry a charge, so ask when you check in.
Location and getting around
Being downtown means you can walk to most of the town's attractions and restaurants, which is a real advantage in the evening, when you may not want to drive. The Fossil Shop is about a ten-minute walk, and the Aquaplex, with its swimming facilities, is a short stroll for children who need to burn off energy. The Royal Tyrrell Museum, the Hoodoos and Horseshoe Canyon all need a car, but the drives are short, and downtown parking at the hotel is free.
The rooms
The layout options make it a flexible choice for families and small groups. The five-person room with two queens and a twin is the most useful for a family of five, and the queen with a sofa bed works for a small family. Rooms are fairly compact by the standards of newer hotels, so travelling light helps. Check-in is in the late afternoon and early evening, and check-out is at ten in the morning, which is earlier than at some other hotels, so plan your morning accordingly.
What is good to know
There is no pool listed, so families who want one should consider the 2nd Street hotels instead. Breakfast is a simple continental offering rather than a hot meal. The hotel is a good value, and the downtown position gives it a different feel from the highway hotels. It suits couples, walkers, budget travellers and families who prefer an easy base near the town centre, and guests who like to explore the pathways and the dinosaur on foot.
Why stay here
- ✓Free continental breakfast
- ✓Free parking
- ✓Downtown location
- ✓Rooms for up to five guests
- ✓Fitness room
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Pet-friendly rooms (fees apply)
- ✓Non-smoking rooms
Good questions
Where is Econo Lodge Drumheller?+
It is at 392 Centre Street, at Railway Avenue, in downtown Drumheller. The Badlands Historical Centre is about a two-minute walk, and the World's Largest Dinosaur is about eight minutes on foot.
Is breakfast included?+
Yes, a free continental breakfast is included. It is a simple cold-style offering rather than a hot cooked meal.
Does it have a pool?+
No pool is listed. Families who want a pool and waterslide should look at the hotels on 2nd Street Southeast.
