Radisson Edmonton South

Set on a busy commercial strip, this four-story Radisson is built around a sprawling atrium courtyard. Key design elements in the lobby -- think gold oak trim, oversized floor tiles, and outdated ceiling styles -- bely its '80s roots. The atrium itself is a more attractive spot, with an airy feel, curved stone planters filled with greenery, and a water feature. Ample tables, where guests can grab a bite to eat, allow the mostly families and corporate event attendees to spread out. An impressive fitness center and indoor pool are also welcome features. Prevalent noise and occasional maintenance problems are a downside, but the rates here are a good value.

Well-positioned for business types, the hotel is within a 12-minute car ride of the Edmonton Research Park, assorted industrial complexes, and the offices clustered around the provincial legislature building. Plus, easy access to Whitemud Drive (a major highway) gives it wider appeal. Shoppers, for instance, can hit the big-box stores and boutiques of South Park Shopping Centre, South Edmonton Common, and Old Strathcona in even less time. Additionally, the massive West Edmonton Mall, North America’s largest, is just a 15-minute free hotel shuttle ride away. Sports fans, meanwhile, can make it to the Oilers home ice or the Eskimos home turf in under 20 minutes. The airport and train station are both approximately a 20-minute drive.

• Seven-minute drive to South Edmonton Common
• Eight-minute drive to the Edmonton Research Park
• 10-minute drive to Fort Edmonton Park or Old Strathcona
• 11-minute drive to the University of Alberta
• 12-minute drive to the Alberta Legislature Building 
• 14-minute drive to Churchill Square
• 15-minute drive to West Edmonton Mall or Rogers Place (hockey arena)
• 15-minute drive to the Edmonton Valley Zoo
• 17-minute drive to Commonwealth Stadium
• 18-minute drive to Telus World of Science
• 19-minute drive to Edmonton International Airport  
• 21-minute drive to the Edmonton Train Station (Via Rail)

Rooms are rather generic, though not unpleasant, featuring dark wooden furniture, dark carpet, pale-yellow walls, and black-and-white photographs. Striped armchairs and plant-motif curtains could use an update. Also on the downside, many past guests have complained of too-firm or faulty Sleep Number beds. Nevertheless, rooms are spacious and come with quality amenities such as work desks, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, individual climate control, ironing equipment, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Some add atrium- or outdoor-facing balconies. Note that rooms facing the atrium courtyard can be noisy. Jacuzzi Suites have whirlpool tubs by the beds, and all suites come with living spaces and microwaves. Simple bathrooms have granite countertops, shower/tub combos, free toiletries, and hairdryers.

Radisson tends to be a business-friendly brand, and this Edmonton outpost reflects that. Corporate travelers will likely appreciate the hotel’s 30,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including a ballroom large enough for 1,000 guests. Access to audiovisual equipment, an on-site coordinator, and in-house caterers are added bonuses. Moreover, there is a dedicated Corporate Cafe, as well as a fully staffed business center. All guests, meanwhile, are free to take advantage of the 23,000-square foot fitness center: an impressively equipped facility complete with an indoor running track, racquetball courts, and saltwater swimming pool with an adjacent hot tub and sauna. For those dining on-site, there are the all-day Atrium Restaurant and British-inspired Lions Head Pub, as well as room service. Some rates include a breakfast buffet with hot and cold options. Free heated underground parking is a major perk on frigid winter nights.