Escape to Edmonton's BEST Kept Secret: Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre!
Escape to Edmonton's BEST Kept Secret: Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre - A Chaotic, Honest, and Surprisingly Cozy Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the Edmonton secrets on you. Forget the glitzy, sterile hotels downtown – if you're looking for a genuinely good experience, a place to actually, you know, relax without feeling like you’re trapped in a lab, then listen up. We're talking about the Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre. And let me tell you, after my recent stay… well, it’s complicated. But mostly in a good way.
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Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Thumbs Up!
Okay, let's get the practical stuff out of the way first. Accessibility. HUGE deal, right? And Sawridge Inn? They TRY. They really do. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, various hallways, elevators and a good amount of rooms are. That’s a solid win. They've got facilities for disabled guests, which is promising. Elevator? Absolutely, and thankfully, it wasn't the slowest elevator on the planet. No complaints there. But the devil, as always, is in the details. Some doorways felt a touch narrow, and navigating the restaurant with a chair could be a itsy bitsy squeeze during busy times. Let's just say, I'm glad I'm more of a klutz than a wheelchair user on this end, and I'm sure improvements are always being made.
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic Priorities, and The Odd Dust Bunny
This is where Sawridge shines. They are obsessed with cleaning. And I'm here for it. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yep. Rooms sanitized between stays? You betcha. I even noted (and this is a small win, because I am not particularly patient), there was hand sanitizer readily available. And the staff seemed genuinely committed to the whole hygiene thing. They've got all kinds of certifications, even…Hygiene certification! It's a relief to see that they're taking COVID precautions seriously. Now, the rooms? Generally clean. My room sanitization opt-out available option meant I wasn't harrassed to clean the room. There was the occasional dust bunny under the bed (Hey, nobody's perfect!), but overall, I felt safe.
Rooms: Comfort, Convenience, and the Occasional Oddity
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. The rooms. My stay included…
- Air conditioning: Thank the heavens! It was Edmonton in summer, and the thought of not having it makes me shudder.
- Free Wi-Fi: Crucial, obviously. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Absolutely!
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential for my morning caffeine fix.
- Mini bar: Always a nice touch, though my willpower rarely holds up.
- Blackout curtains: Perfect for those late-night Netflix binges.
- Desk: For those of us who actually work on the road.
- Extra long bed Yes! Finally, a hotel that understands tall people.
- In-room safe box: Always a great feature.
- Satellite/cable channels: Because sometimes you just need mindless TV.
- Alarm Clock: Actually worked!
- Bathrobes and Slippers Awesome touch!
- Soundproofing: Could use a little improvement. The hallway noise and the very occasional vehicle sounds from the streets could be heard, but nothing major.
- Air conditioning in public area: Helpful in the summer heat.
- Mirror Yes, and extra points for the vanity mirror in the bathroom.
The Imperfections: The decor… well, let's politely call it "classic." I'm talking beige walls, maybe a slightly dated floral pattern somewhere. It's not bad, just… not exactly Instagram-worthy. But hey, I’m not here for the decor, am I?
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Plethora of Choices (and the Occasional Food Coma)
Okay, let's talk food, because that's where things get interesting. And by interesting, I mean… potentially dangerous for your waistline.
- Breakfast Buffet (buffet in restaurant): HUGE. The usual suspects were Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, fruit, cereal, pastries, the works. Okay, let’s just say I went to town. I’m a sucker for a good breakfast buffet, but the sheer variety at Sawridge is impressive.
- Restaurants: They've got a few options. Restaurants: I tried the buffet, which was an experience (see above). They have other options to try out. My stomach's still recovering.
- Bar & Poolside Bar: Good drinks!
- Room Service (24-hour): Because sometimes you just want to order pizza at 2 AM. A lifesaver.
- Coffee Shop: For that much-needed caffeine boost.
- Happy hour!
The downsides? The service in the restaurant could be a tad slow at times (but hey, they're busy!). The food quality and variety are decent.
Things to do, Ways to Relax: More Than Meets the Eye!
Don't let the "conference centre" part scare you. Sawridge is way more than just suits and meetings.
- Pool with View, Swimming Pool (outdoor): The pool is great! The view… well, it could be better. It overlooks the parking lot, but it's still a nice way to unwind.
- Sauna, Spa/Sauna, Steamroom: I spent a solid hour in the sauna (after a few awkward fumbles with the controls– hey, the instructions weren't the clearest!). Pure bliss.
- Fitness center, Gym/Fitness: A decent gym with all the usual equipment.
- Massage and Spa: Didn't try it, but it's there!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things that Make a Difference
This is where Sawridge Inn truly shines. They've thought of everything:
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless.
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly.
- Laundry service and dry cleaning: For the inevitable travel mishaps.
- Cash withdrawal: Always handy.
- Free Car Park: Great perk, Edmonton parking is not the best.
- Elevator: Yes! Elevators are a must!
- Convenience store: A small shop for snacks and essentials.
- Doorman: A nice touch.
For the Kids and the Family:
Sawridge claims to be family-friendly, and they do offer a few things.
- Babysitting service: But check availability.
- Kids meal: A good move.
- Family/child friendly: Kids amenities are offered.
The Quirks, The Imperfections, The Things That Make It… Human
Now, let's be honest. Sawridge Inn isn't perfect. There were a few quirks. The hallways, as previously mentioned, could use a refresh. And the decor, while clean, might not be to everyone's taste. But that’s part of what makes it charming. It's not trying to be something it's not. It's a solid, dependable hotel that prioritizes comfort, cleanliness, and service. And that, in my book, is worth a whole lot more than a fancy lobby and a minimalist aesthetic.
There was one moment, while exploring the "things to do" that absolutely made me laugh. Remember that "shrine" category? The one with the random religious element? Well, I discovered it was actually a tiny, unassuming shrine in a corner of the property. It was hilarious and a bit confusing, but it just added to the eccentric charm!
The Verdict: Your Edmonton Escape? A Qualified Yes!
So, would I recommend Sawridge Inn? Absolutely. If you're looking for a clean, comfortable, well-equipped hotel with a ton of amenities and friendly service, it's a great choice. It’s not the trendiest place in Edmonton, but it’s reliable and welcoming.
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars. (Would be 4.5 if the decor got a makeover!)
Bottom Line: Sawridge Inn might be Edmonton's best-kept secret. It’s not perfect, but it’s a genuinely good place to stay, to relax, and to… well, escape. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'
Escape to Chesapeake: Your Perfect Extended Stay Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your sanitized, brochure-perfect itinerary. This is going to be the Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre, Edmonton South, through my bleary, slightly-caffeinated, and possibly jet-lagged eyes. Let's go.
Day 1: Arrival & the Questionable Charm of the South Side
1:00 PM - Touchdown Edmonton! - Or, the Great Baggage Ballet: Landed. Canada. Finally. Already regretting not packing an extra scarf. Edmonton airport is… well, it exists. Navigating the baggage claim is an Olympic sport. Watching people frantically search for their lost luggage is oddly fascinating, like watching a slow-motion disaster movie. Prayed to the travel gods my bag made the journey. It did! Bonus points for not losing my sanity.
2:30 PM - Sawridge Inn - The First Impression: Arrived at the Sawridge Inn. The first impression… it’s there. Clean enough, I guess. The lobby décor feels like it was sourced from a time capsule of the early 2000s. Let's call it "Retro-Chic"… in a very Edmonton kind of way. Checked in. They were nice at the front desk. That's a win, right?
3:00 PM - The Room – My New Home (For Now): Okay, the room. It's functional. Two queen beds. Practical. Smells vaguely of… disinfectant? I am not a fan of bedspreads like this. Reminds me of a doctor's office. Found a fridge and a microwave! Score! I'm already envisioning late-night snacks.
4:00 PM - Exploratory Walk – South Edmonton Adventures: Decided to brave the outside world. Walked around to see what the area is like. Honestly? It's a strip-mall paradise. Every Canadian chain known to humankind seems to be represented here (Mcdonalds, Starbucks, Tim Hortons, etc.). This is starting to feel like a very long layover. Ended up at a nearby coffee shop that served a pretty decent latte and watched the world go by… mostly just people in parkas.
6:00 PM - Dinner – The Restaurant in the Inn: The hotel restaurant it is. I'm too tired to venture out in the cold again. Ordered the chicken fingers (because, reasons). They were… fine. Edible. Nothing to write home about, unless you want to write about the existential dread that accompanies the blandness of hotel food. The server was sweet, though. That's a plus.
7:30 PM - The Pool – A Moment of Zen (Or, That Chlorine Smell): The pool! This was a highlight. The water temp was perfect, and I needed this. But the overpowering smell of chlorine is a reminder of childhood swim lessons. I did a few laps and made it out alive.
9:00 PM - Room Service – A Midnight Snack: Settled in for the night with a grocery run of snacks. Feeling slightly overwhelmed, but also strangely content. This is life on the road, eh?
Day 2: Shopping Spree? Or Existential Crisis?
8:00 AM - Breakfast - The Free Breakfast Debacle: Free breakfast. You know what that means? A buffet of lukewarm eggs, rubbery bacon, and questionable-looking pastries. I ate a bowl of cereal and two pieces of toast. Not great.
9:00 AM - West Edmonton Mall - The Beast is Awakened: Today is the day. West Edmonton Mall. The legend. The beast. I feel like a tourist, a naive lamb being led to the slaughter of consumerism, but here we go. First impressions? Gigantic. Overwhelming. All the stores are there. I spent hours wandering. Ended up buying a scarf (remember the lack of packing?). And a weird, scented candle I'll probably regret.
1:00 PM - Lunch at the Mall - In the Shadow of the Sea Life: Ate at a mall cafe. Food was… forgettable. But the people-watching was gold. Saw a family arguing over a lost child. Witnessed a teenage romance blossom over a shared plate of fries. It's a whole ecosystem, this mall.
2:00 PM - The Deep Sea Adventure: I went to the Sea Life caverns. I stood in awe of marine life. Sharks, fish, whatever. I am a fish.
5:00 PM - Back to the Hotel - Exhausted & Overstimulated: Exhausted. Physically and mentally. The mall is designed to drain your energy. Watched TV (ended up watching reruns of Friends). The utter lack of creative writing is so real now more than ever.
7:00 PM - Dinner - More (Sad) Hotel Dinner: Back to the restaurant. It's convenient, I'll give it that. Ordered the pasta this time. Mildly better than the chicken fingers. Slightly. Starting to feel like I'm trapped in a culinary purgatory.
8:00 PM - The Pool (Again) - Back to the Water: A needed refresher. I think the chlorine is wearing off. Or maybe I'm just getting used to it.
10:00 PM - Sleep - Dreaming of… What? Will be sleeping, presumably, somewhere in the middle of reality and dreams.
Day 3: Departure & the Edmonton Echo
8:00 AM - Breakfast - Defiantly: The free breakfast. Gave it another try, but stuck to the cereal and toast. I'm becoming a breakfast connoisseur of the mundane.
9:00 AM - Last-Minute Errands & the Edmonton Souvenir Scramble: The mad dash for souvenirs. Ended up at a tourist shop. Bought a postcard. I will send it. Promise.
10:00 AM - Checkout & Goodbye-ish: Checked out. The Sawridge Inn… It was fine. It was functional. It was… a place. But no tears were shed.
11:00 AM - Heading to the Airport & Final Thoughts: On the way to the airport now. Leaving Canada! Edmonton… It's a city. I lived. I saw. I bought a scarf. It's not love. But I'm glad I saw a bit of it.
1:00 PM - Takeoff! A New Journey Begins: Landing somewhere that actually makes sense. Goodbye, Edmonton. And thanks for the memories – even the slightly bland ones. Until next time (maybe).
Okay, Sawridge Inn... Edmonton's "Best Kept Secret"? Seriously? What’s the catch?
Look, "best kept secret" is *always* a bit sus, right? Makes you think, "Is it actually crumbling? Are the sheets…questionable?" But hear me out. I, a weary traveler, a connoisseur of questionable hotel coffee, have stayed at Sawridge. And I'm gonna get real here. The 'catch' is…maybe it's *too* good sometimes? Like, I almost don't *want* to tell you. But here we are. Honestly, the biggest "catch" is probably the sheer number of times I've accidentally wandered in, forgot what I came for, and end up chilling by the pool. (More on that later...)
What kind of rooms are they offering? I'm fussy!
Fussy? Honey, I’m *the* fussy one. I’m talking about a person who judges a hotel by the *thread count* that’s in a towel! They’ve got a range, from your basic (but surprisingly spacious) rooms to suites that make you feel like you’ve accidentally won the lottery. I’m a fan of the suites, purely for the fact that my laptop can actually chill out and do some work without the constant temptation of the TV. (Also, the jacuzzi tub is a VERY strong selling point)
Is the Sawridge Inn convenient for getting around Edmonton? I don't want to be *stuck* out in the sticks.
Okay, “stuck in the sticks” is harsh. It’s NOT that! It's centrally located. The great thing is, you’re close to the airport (hello, early flights!), but also easy access to downtown, the West Edmonton Mall (prepare your wallet), and the River Valley. It's not *perfectly* central, but for me, it's about as good as it gets. Seriously, the short drive time to the airport makes it an actual game-changer. I almost had a mini-meltdown once when I missed my flight. Then, *bam*, less than a ten minute drive and I was back. Crisis averted. Saved me a fortune in cab fares and a lifetime of stress.
Let's talk about leisure! What's the pool situation like? And, maybe, is there a *hot tub*?
OH. MY. GOODNESS. The pool... okay, listen. This is where Sawridge *really* gets me. The pool is AMAZING. And yes, there is a hot tub. And yes, I've spent far too many happy hours in that hot tub. I went once, just to *peek* at the pool. Then I ended up in it. Then, I was there for, maybe, like, four hours, chatting with other guests, reading, and generally feeling like Royalty. (The tiny umbrella in the complimentary drink helped too).
Look, I'm a pool snob. I demand clean, warm water, decent lighting (yes, I judge lighting!), and enough space to actually *swim* a few strokes without face-planting. Sawridge more than delivers. It’s not just a pool; it's an *experience*. Plus their sauna is very nice after a long day
The last time I was there I *swear* I saw a teenager take a tumble in the Jacuzzi and instead of being emberassed just shrugged, and, started laughing. I never saw anyone so at peace. And I was envious. Like, *jealous* jealous. It was a moment. Deep, philosophical thoughts were forming in my brain.
What about food and drinks? Got any opinions?
Okay, foodie here. The Sawridge has a restaurant. *And a bar*. (Essential, obviously). And the food is pretty good. Solid, reliable, nothing earth-shattering but definitely satisfying after a long day of whatever you came to Edmonton to do. Their breakfast buffet is a winner. The eggs benedict is legit and my usual. Just a tip.
The bar…okay, the bar is where I find myself getting into trouble. It's comfy, it's got good beer on tap, and the staff are *friendly*. Too friendly, sometimes, because then you get to talking, and suddenly it's 2 AM, and you've told the bartender your life story. Happens. Every. Single. Time.
Is it a good choice for families?
Yes, absolutely. They have family-friendly options, and the pool is a huge draw (obvious, right?). The rooms are spacious, which is a bonus when you're trying to contain a couple of energetic little humans. Honestly, I've seen so many happy families there, it warms my cynical (and often cold) heart.
What if you need a conference room or event space? Business or Pleasure?
They've got that covered too, right? And a lot of people prefer the atmosphere. Sawridge Inn has a lot of space, lots of rooms, and can accommodate pretty large groups. I'd say for business it's not the most exciting, but reliable.
Okay, final verdict. Should I book it?
Look, I'm not going to promise you the perfect experience. No hotel is perfect. But Sawridge Inn is a solid choice. It’s comfortable, convenient, and has a killer pool. Sure, it may not be the newest, shiniest thing in town, but honestly, I find that refreshing sometimes. Book it. But don't tell *everyone* about it. 😉
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