The Varscona Hotel on Whyte is a smaller, more personal hotel in Old Strathcona, the south-side district that locals recommend first to visitors. Whyte Avenue is its backbone, with independent shops, cafes, restaurants, theatres and live music within a few minutes' walk. The hotel suits travellers who would rather stay in a neighbourhood than a business district, who enjoy browsing and eating out, and who prefer a boutique scale to a large chain. It is a good counterpart to the downtown hotels, and a favourite during the Fringe Festival, when the whole area comes alive.
Location and getting around
Old Strathcona is south of the river and around ten to fifteen minutes from downtown by car, bus or the LRT. From the hotel, you can walk to the Whyte Avenue strip, the Saturday farmers' market, the Princess Theatre and a long list of small restaurants and pubs.
The river valley trails and the Strathcona area parks are also within easy reach, and the University of Alberta campus is close. Taxis and ride-hailing are easy to find, and a car is useful only if you plan to visit Elk Island National Park, Fort Edmonton Park or West Edmonton Mall.
Rooms and style
Expect comfortable, well-kept rooms with a boutique feel and a range of categories, from standard rooms to suites. Hotels of this size usually have fewer facilities than the large towers, so check when you book whether you need a gym, breakfast, a restaurant or parking, and what they cost.
Whyte Avenue can be lively on weekend nights, so ask for a room away from the street if you are a light sleeper. A winter stay is cosy here, since cafes, bookshops and theatres are close by, and you can duck from one warm place to another between short walks.
Who it suits
Couples, friends on a weekend away, theatre and music lovers, university visitors and food-minded travellers who want to wander on foot. It also suits repeat visitors to Edmonton who have already seen the main downtown sights and want a different side of the city. Good to know: August is the busiest month because of the Fringe Festival, and rooms are hard to find, so reserve far ahead if you plan to attend.
Winter weekends and shoulder seasons can be much cheaper. If your plans centre on Rogers Place or the Royal Alberta Museum, you can still use the LRT, but a downtown hotel will be more convenient for late nights. Pair a stay here with a morning in the Muttart Conservatory, an afternoon browsing on Whyte and an evening of live music or theatre, and you will understand why Old Strathcona is the neighbourhood locals love.
Why stay here
- ✓Old Strathcona location
- ✓Walk to Whyte Avenue
- ✓Near theatres and live music
- ✓Near the Saturday farmers market
- ✓Boutique scale
- ✓LRT and bus links to downtown
- ✓Close to the river valley trails
- ✓Near the university campus
Good questions
Where is the Varscona Hotel on Whyte?+
It is in Old Strathcona on the south side, a short walk from Whyte Avenue's shops, cafes and theatres.
Is it far from downtown?+
Downtown is roughly ten to fifteen minutes away by car, bus or the LRT.
Is it a good base for the Fringe Festival?+
Yes, it is right in the festival district, but August rooms sell out early, so book well ahead.
