Edmonton accommodation is not difficult to find, due to the demand of business travelers. In comparison to Calgary, more budget accommodation is available in Edmonton, though perhaps with a bit less personality. Even so, hotels in Edmonton tend toward the mid price range, rather than the lower-end of the scale.

For budget travelers, there are a few options beyond the average cheap hotels in Edmonton. Hosteling International Edmonton Hostel is located in Old Strathcona in a former convent. This hostel has lots of perks including a large kitchen, bike rentals, a library and laundry facilities. The YMCA offers rooms for both males and females at a decent price in a prime downtown location. Another alternative Edmonton accommodation option is staying at St. Joseph’s College on the U of Alberta campus. Rooms are for rent at the college in the summer months.

Budget hotels in Edmonton are a bit tricky to find in the downtown core, though they do exist. Of the cheap hotels in Edmonton Alberta, the Grand Hotel is probably the best bet for location and value, though it is not at all as “grand” as the name implies. Some of the rooms do not have private baths and many are used by long-term residents.

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In the mid-range category of Edmonton accommodation there are many motels along Stony Plain Road and the Yellowhead Highway, west of downtown. South of the city, you can find the most reasonably priced motels on the Calgary Trail. Most of the motels have plug-ins for your car, so that during the cold winter months you can keep your engine warm.

One of the best hotels in Edmonton is the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. This historical hotel was built in 1915 as one of the first “railroad” hotels. The Hotel Macdonald is the only Four Diamond-rated luxury hotel in the city, and definitely some of the classiest Edmonton accommodation available.

If you can’t afford the Hotel Macdonald, but are looking for a step up from the cheap hotels in Edmonton Alberta, you may be interested in staying at a Bed and Breakfast. Ask at the Visitor Information Centre when you arrive in the city for information on the B&B’s in the area. Prices are comparable to budget and mid-range hotels in Edmonton, with the added perk of being able to meet a friendly Edmonton host.

There are several camping areas close to Edmonton if you plan to be in the city during the warmer months. Androssan Campground is 18km east of the city on the Yellowhead highway, and offers 24 campsites for a minimal cost. There is no water available here, but there are fire pits. Similarly, Bretona Campground offers 28 sites and is just south east of Edmonton. Half Moon Lake Resort and Rainbow Valley Campground have showers and laundry facilities but are a bit further from town.