1725 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, Canada | (618) 248-8274
Convenient location close to food, groceries, gas, and the highway
Big and bright rooms come with mini-fridges, Keurig machines, and mountain views
Some rooms and suites have balconies, jetted tubs, and/or canopy beds
Heated indoor pool with waterslide and big hot tub
Free breakfast buffet with hot and cold items, fresh fruit, and outdoor seating
Free Wi-Fi, outdoor parking, and daily snacks
Decent gym area with cardio and weight machines, mats, and sauna
Business center with two computers and printer, plus event space
Kids under 18-years-old stay for free
Pet-friendly rooms available (for a fee)
Pool area smells strongly of chlorine
Some reports of thin walls and noisy doors
Lots of kids running around (a pro for some)
For travelers who are looking for a lower-middle-range spot full of features and freebies that don't break the bank, the Pocaterra Inn & Waterslide is a top option. You'll be within walking distance to food and gas, but need a car to hit downtown. Families are drawn to this pet-friendly spot thanks to the indoor pool with a waterslide and a ‘kids under 18 stay free' policy. Business travelers like the decent-size gym, sauna, and event space. Free Wi-Fi, lobby snacks, and a well-stocked breakfast buffet attract everyone. The 83 rooms have massive flat-screens, balconies, fireplaces, and comfy beds. The similarly-priced Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Center is a good alternative for those wanting more modern rooms and a full restaurant (though there's no free breakfast).
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Scene
A bright and open budget property featuring typical contemporary chain hotel decor
For a value property, Pocaterra Inn & Waterslide can feel surprisingly upscale on arrival. The lobby unfolds as a bright atrium with white tile floors spliced with stylish wooden accents. A living room set of dark brown leather couches and chairs face toward a slate stone wall and fireplace crowned with a wooden shelf that holds large white candles and artwork. However, the style stops here: the rest of the property is stocked with contemporary chain hotel decor consisting of patterned carpet floors, evergreen furniture, and neutral colors. The hotel's indoor pool area feels a bit mucky thanks to the all-tile floors, somewhat dated loungers and seating, and noticeable chlorine smell. However, considering that most of the nearby competition is mostly motels, at this price point, it's hard to find real fault with this bright, friendly, and clean value property -- especially with all the quality freebies.
Location
Located on the westside of Canmore, close to the highway, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations
Pocaterra Inn & Waterslide is located a couple of turns off of Bow Valley Trail, one of Canmore's main roads. The hotel has mountain views of Hau Ling Peak and East Rundle Mountain at the back and Lady McDonald and Grotto Mountain out the front. Right next door to the hotel you'll find a family restaurant, plus a Wendy's, Tim Hortons, McDonald's, 7-11, and two gas stations within a three-minute walk.
Rooms
Large rooms and suites with mini-fridges, Keurig machines, and fireplaces; some with balconies and/or jetted tubs
All 83 rooms and suites here come standard with a mini-fridge, Keurig coffee machine and unlimited K-cups, microwave, gas fireplace, climate control, free Wi-Fi, and at least a 40-inch flat-screen TV with cable. Decor and style in both the bedrooms and bathrooms are what you'd expect to find in a typical updated chain hotel with formica sinks, bed runners, and decent artwork on the walls. Standard Rooms have either two queen beds or a king-size bed and and couch (with or without a balcony) and shower/tub combos. There's no balcony option for Hide-A-Way Rooms, but you'll get a pull-out sofa and coffee table. An upgrade to a King Room gets a sitting area, a single jetted tub with separate shower, and upgraded toiletries that include Rocky Mountain soap, bath salts, and mending kits. Deluxe King Rooms add balconies. Splurging on an Executive Suite will snag you a larger balcony, canopy bed, 46-inch flat-screen TV, double-sided fireplace, and a separate living room. Bathrooms have colorful tiles and a double jetted tub with separate shower and dual vanity sinks.
All rooms come with mountain views of either Hua Ling Peak and East Rundle or Lady McDonald and Grotto Mountain.
Features
Loaded with family-friendly features and freebies
Pocaterra Inn & Waterslide is a great bang-for-your-buck value hotel with freebies that go beyond the free Wi-Fi and parking. The free breakfast spread includes continental players like yogurt, cereal, and fresh fruit along with alternating hot dishes made up of omelets, bacon or sausage, pancakes, and hashbrowns. For after-breakfast cravings, there's a snack table in the lobby with coffee, tea, freshly baked cookies, and fresh fruit, or snacks in vending machines. Things like kids under 18 stay free, free playpen rental, coin-operated laundry, and the heated indoor pool with a twisting waterslide are big draws for families. The large event space with audiovisual capabilities, roomy gym with Spirit cardio machines and all-in-one weight machines, sauna, and a deep hot tub are pluses for others. Reception is available 24 hours. Pet-friendly rooms are available on the ground floor, for a daily fee.
