Edmonton’s ICE District is not named after the city’s winter weather, although many locals actually enjoy the often below-zero winter nights, but after the Edmonton Oilers, the city’s revered National Hockey League team, and Rogers Place, the team’s ice hockey arena that opened downtown in 2016. The arena is physically connected to the new JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District Hotel and, despite the use of the word ICE, both venues are the hottest destinations in Edmonton’s newly revitalized neighborhood.
Driving from the new Edmonton International Airport, 18 miles from downtown, cattle ranches and vast agricultural farms give way to suburban malls, housing developments, office parks, a lush green river valley and the gleaming glass skyscrapers of the city.
At 5 p.m. the JW Marriott’s lobby was filled with city office workers, fancy-suited business travelers and tourists in hockey jerseys and sweat pants, everyone socializing with drinks and snacks at the Lobby Bar. With its high ceiling, comfortable furniture and large marble bar, the lobby is sleek and modern, casual and sophisticated. During the evenings a DJ or live band plays until last call. On the “plaza” side of the lobby, behind large glass windows, an outdoor skating rink nears completion, to be repurposed as an outdoor food and beverage patio during the short but sweet summer months.
I made my way to the check-in desk, located in a quiet corner off the lobby, and was in my room in minutes. Each of the 346 guestrooms at the new JW Marriott property, opened August 2019, is decorated with three iconic works of art — a framed, multi-panel work from Crow Design showing oil rigs on the Alberta prairie, created with gold leaf on black paper; and two small sculptures that symbolize the hotel’s “fire, ice and snow” design concept.
The room has carpeting in muted colors, a 55-inch Samsung TV with many channel selections and complimentary WiFi. A locally made “distressed” wood bench sits at the foot of the bed, and a comfortable blue couch is great for reading. Large windows overlook ICE District streets, Rogers Place and into the windows of the 66-story Stantec Tower next door.
There is plenty to explore within the hotel. I enjoyed visiting Archetype, a cutting-edge health and fitness club that offers lots of new equipment, including Sorinex rig systems and a high-end Somadome meditation pod. Numerous rooms accommodate group yoga, boxing and spin classes. The fitness equipment is so high-tech, and the workout spaces so large, the facility handles organized workout visits from Edmonton Oilers players as well as visiting NHL teams with time in their schedules.
The Spa by JW is Edmonton’s only full-service luxury hotel spa, offering five treatment rooms, some with private outdoor balconies. A sauna, steam rooms and a beautiful indoor swimming pool are also within the spa facility.
In addition to the Lobby Bar guests have access to four restaurants and bars, including Braven, a fine-dining destination; Kindred Food + Drink, an all-day eatery focusing on locally sourced seasonal cuisine; and Alchemy, a cocktail bar with the look and feel of a speakeasy. In the hotel’s 22nd-floor Executive Lounge, members can access private breakfasts and evening hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
The property’s extensive meeting and conference level includes the Wayne Gretzky Ballroom, the city’s largest all-event ballroom. All the meeting rooms are named after former Edmonton Oilers players, including Jari Kurri Ballroom, Mark Messier meeting room and others.
Edmonton’s ICE District is the largest urban mixed-use sports and entertainment district in Canada, and within walking distance of the hotel are museums, art galleries, live theater and a light rail line.
JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District Hotel & Residences
10344 102 St. N.W.
Edmonton, AB T5J 0K9
Canada
tel 780 784 7950
Read This Next
Amansara Review
eFlyer Reviews
Apr 17, 2024Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedBhutan
Apr 17, 2024Mindfulness City in Kingdom of Bhutan Unveiled as Future Economic Hub
In front of an audience of 30,000 Kingdom of Bhutan residents and officials, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck presented his vision for a new economic hub in Bhutan. Located between India to the south and China to the north, Bhutan is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Bhutan came late to global tourism. It opened its borders to international visitors in 1974 and, while tourism definitely increased, residents are enduring “light” rush-hour traffic in Thimphu, its capital city, as the only Asian capital without traffic lights.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
Daily
Apr 17, 2024Regent Santa Monica Beach to Debut This Summer
Regent Santa Monica Beach is slated to debut this summer, steps away from the iconic Santa Monica Pier.
eFlyer News
Apr 17, 2024Aurora Expeditions Welcomes Third Small Ship, “Douglas Mawson,” to Fleet
Earlier this month, Aurora Expeditions announced plans to soon welcome its third small ship, Douglas Mawson, to its fleet. Slated to set sail in 2025, the revolutionary small ship will take an average of 154 passengers to the world’s wildest places. The ship, named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, embodies Mawson’s spirit.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
eFlyer News
Apr 17, 2024Icelandair, Expedia Launch New Rewards Program
Icelandair and Expedia officially partnered to launch a new rewards program. Travelers can now earn more rewards from bookings.
Birder’s Delight at Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa
eFlyer Deals
Apr 17, 2024Love and Let Fly at Sandals, Beaches Resorts
eFlyer Deals
Apr 17, 2024Daily
Apr 16, 2024All Aboard for Plant-Based Sailing with GetMyBoat
When it comes to private cruises and short-distance excursions, GetMyBoat is regarded as the world’s largest “Airbnb of Boats” and water experiences. Its Wellness on the Sea, a wholly plant-based wellness and fitness eco-tour experience, is among 130,000 listings in 184 countries worldwide that include guided whale-watching trips, kayak and canoe trips, scuba and snorkeling trips, indulgent luxury yacht journeys, and more.
Daily
Apr 16, 20246 Over-the-Top Suites for Special Stays
Are you planning a honeymoon, anniversary trip or other special getaway? Go all out and book a stay at one of these worldwide resorts with over-the-top suite accommodations.
ShareThis