Varscona Hotel On Whyte

The location, friendly front desk staff, ease of check in and check out.

When I inadvertently left a pair of shoes by the desk of my hotel room, and called the hotel the next day, it took two further days for hotel staff to locate them, which surprised me. However, once located, the shoes were sent to my home immediately. I must add that the head of housekeeping demonstrated good customer service skills throughout. And for me? Lesson learned; always do one final check of the hotel room before leaving it to check out.

The staff, location, valet parking and breakfast are all great.

Good breakfast included. Scrambled eggs alternating with bacon or sausage. Bacon could be cooked a bit more. Yoghurt. fruit, cooked oatmeal, pastries and coffee are also offered. Loved the fact that they use stainless cutlery and “real” plates. No plastic, throwaway here! The included wine and cheese is also a very nice touch! Walking is easy to the Strathcona market or to the University. Good shopping and eating around. O’Byrnes pub is attached to the hotel. Valet service for parking was efficient and timely.

Parking is an extra charge per day ($15?) but the charge for valet service was the same as parking yourself. Opted for valet service. The lane behind the hotel is not recommended for driving or walking down on the evening. Can be “sketchy”.

Location is great, and the breakfast buffet was very good.

The room was quite warm even though the thermometer was turned down, and the windows were difficult to open because it was cold at night.