Hoo-Doo Motel is a small, budget-friendly motel in Drumheller, and its name is a nod to the odd, mushroom-shaped rock pillars that make the Alberta badlands famous. Information about it is thin, and we prefer to say so plainly rather than guess. What is mentioned is that it has decent parking and sits in a calm part of town, which is the kind of detail that matters to a road-tripper arriving after a long drive. Room types, bed sizes, bathrooms, kitchenettes, breakfast, Wi-Fi and pet rules are not something we have confirmed, so check them when you book, and ask in particular about air conditioning for summer and heating for the colder months. As a rule, small motels like this one trade facilities for price and simplicity, so expect a clean, plain room rather than a pool, a restaurant or a lobby bar. For many visitors that is exactly right. Drumheller is a town where the days are spent outdoors, at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, along the Hoodoos Trail, at Horseshoe Canyon and on the drive around the Dinosaur Trail loop, and the room is mostly somewhere to rest, wash off the dust and charge a camera. A motel in a quiet part of town does that job well, and the money saved can go toward a tour, a museum ticket or a good dinner.
Location and getting around
The motel is in Drumheller, but we have not confirmed exactly how far it is from the main sights, so check the map and the driving time before you book. In general the town is compact, with most dining and services close together, while the major attractions are a short drive out along the valley.
Plan to travel by car, since the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Midland Provincial Park, the Hoodoos and Horseshoe Canyon are spread out, and the Dinosaur Trail loop is a drive of its own. Parking is mentioned as decent, which helps if you are towing a trailer, but confirm that before you rely on it.
Rooms and atmosphere
A small motel generally means a row of rooms with the car parked close to the door, which is convenient for loading gear and for visitors who want to come and go without passing through a lobby. Ask about the layout, floor level and noise, and whether rooms have a microwave or refrigerator. Summer in the badlands can be very hot, and a room with working air conditioning is worth asking about. Check whether linens, towels and daily housekeeping are standard or on request.
Who it suits and good to know: it suits budget travellers, road-trippers, solo visitors and couples who plan to spend most of their time outside. It is probably not the right choice for guests who want an indoor pool, an on-site restaurant or a full breakfast, and families who want a waterslide should look at the larger hotels on this page.
Confirm the check-in window if you are arriving late, ask about pets if you travel with a dog, and check the cancellation terms before you pay. Rooms in a small property can sell out on summer weekends, so reserve early, and compare the alternatives if your dates are fixed. When you check availability, please also check what is included, since the details can change.
Why stay here
- ✓Parking (check when you book)
- ✓Simple motel rooms
- ✓Quiet part of town (check when you book)
- ✓Kitchenette or fridge (check when you book)
- ✓Wi-Fi (check when you book)
- ✓Air conditioning (check when you book)
- ✓Pet policy (check when you book)
- ✓Check-in times (check when you book)
Good questions
Does Hoo-Doo Motel have parking?+
Parking is mentioned as decent, but confirm the details when you book, especially for trailers or larger vehicles.
Is breakfast included?+
Do not assume so. Check when you book and plan a stop in town.
Do I need a car to stay here?+
Yes, in practice. The main sights are spread along the valley, so a car or a tour is the easiest way to see them.
