Before we get into telling you why you should be staying at the Alt Hotel Winnipeg, we’re going to let some of North America’s biggest and most fashionable media outlets do so first.
Take for instance Vogue, where travel writer Alyssa Schwartz states, “The year-old Alt Hotel is the hippest option downtown… Alt successfully hits the intersection of affordable style and function, with a minimalist aesthetic and arty local touches….”
Or how about the The Globe and Mail, where writer Catherine Dawson March, in regards to the hotel’s design, writes, “This is where the Alt brand really shines. Step into the lobby and you can’t take your eyes off a permanent exhibit of photography by local Bryan Scott” before continuing with:
“Before you even check in, you’ll want to enjoy the lobby: Sit on the dowel stool, lean back into the ribbon bucket chair or put your feet up in the lazy rocker. In the rooms, the art again stands out (this time, index-card canvases by Cliff Eyland); there’s an amazing, bendable Italian-designed armchair and natural light floods through an almost-three-metre-high rectangular window.”
And let’s not forget National Geographic Traveler, who, in their list of Best Trips for 2016, wrote:
“The 20-story Alt Hotel, which opened in April 2015, is arguably the coolest recent addition to downtown. Located near the Exchange District and across the street from the MTS Centre, the city's major sports and entertainment venue, the 160-room Alt blends local flavour and an ultrahip, minimalist aesthetic.”
The lobby (Alt Hotels)
Now, let’s examine just what that hype is all about.
The Lobby
If we were British, we would use the adjective “swish” when it comes to the Alt’s aesthetic.
The centre piece is of course the large art installation that features more than 2,000 images by Bryan Scott, the Winnipeg-based photographer who has a real knack for capturing our river city’s inherent beauty. As part of the installation, there is a screen in the middle where you can see your own photographic work if tag a photo with #altexpo on Instagram.
The lobby is one chic hub, with super comfortable fashion-forward furniture, wine service in the afternoons, and an express snack bar for when you are looking to grab and go. Plus, every morning as a guest you have access to the hotel’s excellent breakfast bar, which includes pastries and goodies from some of Winnipeg’s best local shops.
Plus, the staff! We guarantee the people who greet and assist you from the front desk will be helpful and charming. As Catherine Dawson March wrote in The Globe and Mail, “For a “no-frills” hotel, the staff treat you like a five-star client. It’s been a while since I’ve been so taken with hotel employees. I guess they don’t call this “friendly Manitoba” for nothing.”
Check in at the Alt Winnipeg (Alt Hotels)
The Rooms
The groovy thing about the rooms at the Alt is that every one has its own unique touches, including several small pieces of original art work from artist Cliff Eyland (for a grandiose staging of Eyland’s work, you should take a one block stroll over to The Millennium Library, which features a massive wall of his work).
The beds are a dream (or should that be capable of bringing a nice dream?). They are the ideal mix between firm and plush, with the right amount of support.
There are also fun features that couples will enjoy, including the shower which is slightly visible (via a cloudy glass wall) from the bedroom (oh la la!). The sleek bathrooms also contain excellent natural bath and body products.
You also get a wingback chair that overlooks the floor-to-ceiling-window (if you're above the 9th floor, you will have sweeping views across the city and prairies) along with a flat-screen TV and all the basics that hold up to the hotel’s minimalist aesthetic, including super fast Wi-Fi.
As far as amenities go, there is a modern, stylish gym, and numerous meeting rooms if you are on a business trip with colleagues looking for a space to promote synergy. Come spring/summer/fall, your room also gets you access to their free bikes, so you can explore the city. Here’s a handy guide you can follow on just that.
Every room features floor-to-ceiling windows (Mike Peters/@93mp)
The Location
In a word, prime.
The Alt is located just 115 steps from the MTS Centre (they have counted) and just over 500 steps to the Burton Cummings Theatre. Needless to say, this makes it a prime time place to stay when you are coming to Winnipeg for upcoming concerts like I Love 90s (April 12, featuring acts like Salt N Pepa, Rob Base, All 4 One, Color Me Badd, Young MC and Biz Marki), Stars on Ice (May 10) and Red Hot Chili Peppers (May 26) – all at the MTS Centre, along with Brian Wilson (April 15) and Jackson Browne (April 22) at the Burt.
You are also just one block from the start of The Exchange District, while other major Winnipeg attractions like The Forks (and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights), the Winnipeg Art Gallery, and the Manitoba Museum are all just a few blocks away.
Located right inside the hotel too is The Merchant Kitchen, one of downtown’s best and liveliest restaurants. The menu focuses on global street food (the Korean Fried Chicken and Thai fried rice are must-haves) while the cocktail menu is killer. Of course, you can also order food to-go from The Merchant if you want in-room dining.
The Price
Possibly the best part is the price! A one-bed room is only $149/night, while a room with two beds is just $169.
The Alt Hotel Winnipeg is located at 310 Donald Street. For reservations call toll free 1 844 946 6258 or by email at RESERVATIONS.WINNIPEG@ALTHOTELS.CA
