The Chateau Lacombe Hotel is one of the most recognisable buildings in downtown Edmonton, a distinctive round tower on the north rim of the river valley. Its position is its great strength: from many upper rooms you look across the North Saskatchewan River valley to the south side, and the downtown streets, the river-valley trails and the Ice District are all close at hand. It is a hotel with a long local history, a mid-century character and a practical, mid-range price, and it suits visitors who want a central base with a view rather than a polished luxury address.
Location and getting around
The hotel is on the edge of downtown, within walking distance of the Alberta Legislature grounds, the Art Gallery of Alberta, the Royal Alberta Museum and the Ice District with Rogers Place. The river valley funicular and the trails below are very close, which makes the hotel a good choice for walkers and runners, and the LRT can take you to Old Strathcona and the university.
In the cold months, much of downtown can be connected by indoor pedway routes, which is a real help when the temperature falls. Drivers should ask about parking costs before arrival, as downtown charges vary.
Rooms and facilities
The round tower design gives rooms an unusual shape, and the best ones, on higher floors, have sweeping river-valley views, especially lovely at sunset and in autumn colour. Rooms range from standard to larger suites, and the hotel traditionally offers dining and meeting space, but exact facilities change, so check when you book what is available and whether a pool, restaurant or fitness area is included on your dates. If the view matters, request a high floor facing the valley, and confirm the room type before you arrive.
Who it suits
First-time visitors who want to be downtown, couples who like a view, hockey fans heading to Rogers Place, and business travellers visiting the Legislature or the central offices. It also suits walkers who want the river valley on the doorstep. Good to know: older tower hotels have their quirks, so rooms differ in size and layout, and renovations may mean some categories feel fresher than others.
Rates tend to rise on event nights at Rogers Place and during festivals such as the Fringe, and they fall in quiet periods, when this can be good value for a downtown address.
Pair a stay with a morning at the Royal Alberta Museum, an afternoon in the river valley and an evening game or show in the Ice District, and you have a classic Edmonton weekend on foot with very little need for a car.
Why stay here
- ✓Landmark round-tower building
- ✓River valley views from upper floors
- ✓Walk to the Ice District
- ✓Near the river valley funicular
- ✓Walk to the Royal Alberta Museum
- ✓Near the Alberta Legislature
- ✓Downtown pedway links nearby
- ✓Good mid-range value
Good questions
Where is the Chateau Lacombe?+
It is on the north rim of the river valley in downtown Edmonton, close to the Ice District, the Legislature and the funicular.
Are the views good?+
Upper floors facing the valley have wide views over the North Saskatchewan River. Request a high floor when you book.
Is it good for hockey fans?+
Yes. Rogers Place and the Ice District are a short walk away. Rates can rise on event nights, so book early.
