JW Marriott Edmonton
Sometimes, life gets too busy and you need a break to unwind.
Vacations can get pricy and time-consuming, which is why staycations come into play. I’ve recently had the opportunity to have a staycation with my boyfriend at the JW Marriott Edmonton Ice District. After my visit, I don’t think I’d go anywhere else for a staycation in Edmonton. At one point, my boyfriend mentioned how he felt like we weren’t even in Edmonton anymore!
The JW Marriott is a brand new luxury hotel that opened up in August 2019. Taking place in the centre of the Ice District in downtown Edmonton, it’s steps away from Rogers Place. If you want to get some shopping done, it’s only a 5-minute walk away from Holt Renfrew (we can confirm). Aside from that, we felt like we didn’t really need to leave the hotel with its multiple dining options, spa, gym, and pool. Of course, none of them are your average hotel amenities. At the JW Marriott, you can expect everything to be modern and high-class.
Executive Deluxe Room
We stayed in an Executive Level Deluxe King Room on the 18th floor. Our room had access to the Executive Lounge on the 22nd floor which was a nice bonus! The room had a king-sized bed that was very comfy and perfect for snuggling. It also had great downtown views, including the roof of Rogers Place. It was pretty cool to see the top of Rogers Place, I’m not sure when else I’d get the chance to!
Hotel bathrooms are important.
Our room views with the top of Rogers Place on the right!
Dining
One of the most attractive things about the JW for me is the numerous dining options. They are all run by Toronto-based hospitality group Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants. If you’re feeling like some casual fare, go to Kindred Food + Drink. Want to sip on a cocktail? Check out Alchemy or The Lobby Bar. Craving a heavier meal? Braven Restaurant is your calling. If you’re too lazy to leave your hotel room, In-Room Dining is one phone call away. During my staycation, I had the chance to dine at Alchemy and Kindred Food + Drink, and order In-Room Dining.
Alchemy Bar: A Cocktail Haven
I fell in love with Alchemy Bar from the moment I saw its hidden bookcase entrance. The interior, the atmosphere, the snacks + cocktails. It kind of reminded me of a restaurant I had been to in Vegas, Rose. Rabbit. Lie., but the cooler version of it. Alchemy is located on the 5th floor and has a large heated patio with views of the Ice District. The menu is more focused on cocktails but they also serve bar snacks. My food recommendations: Mac + Cheese Balls and Chicken Potstickers. My drink recommendation: Pandean Express.
Snack time at Alchemy: Chicken Potstickers, Empanadas, Mac + Cheese Balls.
Kindred Food + Drink: All-Day Dining
Although Kindred Food + Drink serves food all day, I’d particularly go there for weekend brunch and that’s what happened. It’s located on the main floor of the JW Marriott with an inviting feel. The decor and tableware were cute and perfect for Instagram photo ops, too! Its brunch menu consists of breakfast classics like Eggs Benedict but you can also get Millenial favourites like Avocado Toast. However, the highlight of our meal was Oliver’s Carrot Cake. If my favourite season autumn came in the form of dessert, it would be this cake. Not only was this the biggest slice of carrot cake I’ve ever had, but it was also moist (in a good way) with rich cream cheese on top. I’d definitely recommend not eating this all to yourself because it can be a lot. Unless you want your whole meal to be just this slice of carrot cake.
Oliver’s Carrot Cake. Good job, Oliver.
Braven Restaurant: Steaks + Seafood
I had visited Braven Restaurant on a separate occasion, during the influencer event in the JW Marriott’s Grand Opening phase. It’s a classy, fine-dining restaurant on the main floor of the hotel. Braven specializes in quality steaks, chops, and fresh seafood. The Iced Seafood Tower was quite memorable with oysters, half lobster, snow crab legs, shrimp, salmon tartare, octopus, and more. I will definitely be back here for a date night!
Skinny Fries: the perfect complement for a Beef Tenderloin.
In-Room Dining: A Comfort Meal
In-Room Dining is honestly a lifesaver, especially for someone like me. Once I get comfy in bed, it’s hard for me to leave. There is 24-hour In-Room Dining, with a special late-night menu for the night owls. My boyfriend and I shared a Steak Sandwich and Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza. The Steak Sandwich was accompanied by Truffle Herb Fries. The steak itself was cooked to a perfect degree of medium-rare and we loved the fries. As for the pizza, it satisfied our craving.
Steak Sandwich
Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza
Our room had an Ice Menu – something I’ve never seen before in any other hotel! Sadly, we didn’t have the chance to order from it. There’s always next time though.
Executive Lounge
We had access to the Executive Lounge on the 22nd floor so of course, we took advantage of it! It features many seating areas with tables if you need to catch up on work. The best part was that food was offered. During the day, we had small snacks such as cookies and chocolate. In the evening, hors d’oeuvres were made such as Beef Kebobs and Spinach Dip. We also came back later in the evening after our dinner at Alchemy Bar to see that it was dessert time! I snacked on a mini S’mores Tart, Cheesecake, and Carrot Cake. There was also a breakfast buffet on Sunday morning but we didn’t wake up in time.
Hors D’oeuvres
Mini Desserts
Spa by JW
A staycation is not complete without a trip to the spa. The Spa by JW is meant for hotel guests only, offering massages, body treatments, and express treatments. My boyfriend and I had a 50-minute Couple’s Massage booked on Sunday morning. We were situated side by side in the calming treatment room and got to each choose an essential oil for our massage. I was so relaxed that I ended up taking a little nap during my massage!
The Spa by JW lounge where you can relax before & after your service.
Pool
This is probably the nicest indoor pool I’ve seen in my life. Relaxing in the hot tub right before check-out time was the perfect way to end our staycation. The one hotel amenity that I regret not having a chance to check out was Archetype, the state-of-the-art fitness facility.
Overall, my staycation at the JW Marriott Edmonton Ice District exceeded my expectations. The customer service was superb, the food was delicious, and the hotel was luxurious. I can definitely say that we will back for another staycation. It was a Legendary Experience indeed!
Disclosure: Although my staycation was complimentary thanks to the JW Marriott Edmonton Ice District, my review is 100% unbiased and based on my own, sincere experience.
JW Marriott Edmonton Ice District
10344 102 St NW
Edmonton, AB
For more details about the hotel & bookings, please visit their website here.
