With an impeccable historical pedigree, Edmonton’s Fairmont Hotel Macdonald is a commanding presence perched high on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River Valley. Emerging from major renovations, the hotel boasts contemporary styling in all 198 guestrooms and the Gold Floor suites, coupled with the Old-World styling of the outer exterior and event spaces. The Empire Ballroom and the Wedgwood Room are provincially des- ignated heritage sites within the hotel. Mimicking the decorative scroll- ing on the eponymous china, the Wedgwood Room features a domed ceiling, a circular footprint and fabulous views of the river valley. The expansive Empire Ballroom with soaring 21-ft. ceilings and decorative moulding, opulent crystal chandeliers and pillar-free space sets the stage for a magnificent event. The hotel also features one of the best patios in the city, backing onto the valley. The terrace space can be bought out for events for up to 1,000 people. fairmont.com/macdonald-edmonton Situated right at the apex of the action at the Edmonton ICE District, Rogers Place and shopping, Edmonton’s newest hotel, the JW Marriott ICE District, invites guests to experience modern luxury inspired by the natural beauty of Alberta. Its 346 guestrooms and 24 sophisticated suites feature custom artwork and wood furniture, marble bathrooms and city views. Guests can have their choice of four dining outlets, from the casual Kindred Food + Drink to the unapologetic meat-heavy menu at Braven, known for well-aged steaks and seafood. Braven is available for buyouts and can accommodate 200 people. The hidden speakeasy Alchemy, boasts high-end specialty cocktails, a rooftop patio and full range of elevated appetizers, and can hold 75 people. Event space at the hotel is arranged on two floors, and features 10 ultra-modern meeting rooms, all named after famous Edmonton Oilers hockey players. The Wayne Gretzky ballroom holds up to 600 people, has floor-to-ceiling windows and can be divided into three. marriott.com The boutique Metterra Hotel on Whyte is located on one of Edmonton’s most eclectic streets, Whyte Ave. The hotel boasts beautiful art and a welcoming lobby of wood, stone and glass. With 88 rooms and six suites, each features wall-to-wall, ceiling-to-floor windows that offer beautiful views of the historic Strathcona neighbourhood, with an eclectic range of artisanal shops, cafes and historical buildings. The hotel has four event areas: a boardroom seating 14, the Hospitality Room that can host 80 for a reception and two smaller rooms that can serve as either a small reception or meeting space. While there is a small lounge on the property serving cocktails and small bites, the hotel is close to a wide range of restaurants on trendy Whyte Ave., and hotel staff are always eager to share their favourites. metterra.com ACCOMMODATIONS STAY IN STYLE EDMONTON Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Braven at JW Marriott ICE District Lobby at Metterra Hotel on Whyte Summer 2024 | Ignitemag.ca | 65
