When I think of Kamloops, the first images that come to mind are the sunlit hills, the endless blue skies, and the relaxing rhythm of a city that feels simultaneously adventurous and calm. Tucked in the heart of British Columbia’s Thompson Valley, Kamloops is often called the “Tournament Capital of Canada,” but beyond the sports and outdoor activities, this city has a side that speaks to travelers who crave comfort, indulgence, and refined hospitality.
On my most recent journey, I dedicated myself to experiencing the very best luxury accommodations the city has to offer. Over several weeks, I stayed in and explored a number of Kamloops’ finest hotels. What follows is not a rushed list but a deeply personal exploration—my impressions of the rooms, the service, the little touches that made each stay unique, and the lessons I learned about booking wisely in Canada.
Why Kamloops for Luxury?
Kamloops is not always the first name that pops up when one thinks of Canadian luxury destinations. Cities like Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal often dominate those conversations. But Kamloops holds its own unique charm. Its location in the Thompson-Okanagan region means that wineries, golf courses, ski slopes, and hiking trails are just minutes away. This balance of outdoor adventure and urban convenience creates the perfect setting for upscale stays.
Luxury here is not ostentatious. Instead, it’s woven into warm service, spacious rooms, stunning views of the Thompson rivers, and easy access to both relaxation and recreation. I found myself surprised, more than once, by just how thoughtful and refined some of Kamloops’ top hotels have become.
Hotel 540 (Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops) – Downtown Sophistication
Location: 540 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC
My first stop was Hotel 540, now rebranded as Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops. It is right in the heart of downtown, steps away from Riverside Park and a short walk to Kamloops’ best restaurants and boutiques.
Overview and Features:
From the moment I stepped into the lobby, I felt the contemporary atmosphere: sleek lines, polished stone, and an urban-chic vibe that felt more metropolitan than small-town. The rooftop pool area became my favorite escape. With sweeping city and mountain views, it was the perfect spot to watch the sun dip into the Thompson Valley while sipping a glass of Okanagan wine.
The rooms were generously sized, and I appreciated the modern workspace as much as the soft bed linens. The service was consistently professional—prompt but not intrusive.
Guest Impressions:
Many travelers rave online about the central location and the rooftop pool. A few note that the parking can feel tight, but most agree that the convenience outweighs this minor detail.
Cost and Booking Tips:
My room averaged around CAD \$230 per night during summer. Booking directly through Marriott’s website gave me a member discount, and I also recommend checking platforms like Expedia Canada and Booking.com, where I occasionally spotted lower last-minute rates.
Personal Feel:
What stood out to me was the balance of urban polish and approachable comfort. It never felt cold or too corporate—it was refined, but still welcoming.
The Plaza Hotel – Historic Charm Meets Boutique Luxury
Location: 405 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC
Staying at The Plaza Hotel felt like stepping into Kamloops’ history. Opened in 1928, this heritage property has been lovingly restored to blend its vintage soul with modern amenities.
Overview and Features:
The high ceilings, ornate woodwork, and classic details instantly transported me to another era. Yet the rooms had plush mattresses, updated bathrooms, and flat-screen TVs. It’s the kind of hotel where one can sense the decades of stories the walls have absorbed.
The on-site Red Collar Brewing Co. Pub offered excellent craft beers and hearty meals. I enjoyed ending a day of exploring with a pint and conversation with locals.
Guest Impressions:
Many visitors adore the hotel’s character, though a few note that the heritage nature means smaller bathrooms. For me, the character outweighed any quirks.
Cost and Booking Tips:
Rates hovered around CAD \$180 per night in shoulder season. I booked this one through Hotels.com, which gave me reward nights I could later use elsewhere. Tip: for historic properties like this, calling the front desk directly can sometimes get you the best rooms—especially corner suites with larger layouts.
Personal Feel:
There’s a warmth in staying at a place that has hosted guests for nearly a century. I felt connected not just to Kamloops but to its cultural fabric.
The Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre – Comfort on a Grand Scale
Location: 1250 Rogers Way, Kamloops, BC
The Coast Kamloops Hotel sits on the hillside above the city, offering wide views and easy highway access.
Overview and Features:
This hotel is known for its spacious atrium, complete with a tropical-like indoor courtyard. The large pool and hot tub area were a magnet for both families and couples. I especially enjoyed the on-site restaurant, Romeo’s Kitchen + Spirits, which delivered surprisingly innovative dishes.
The rooms were large, many with balconies overlooking the valley. I appreciated the “Coast Clean” brand standard—eco-friendly amenities, biodegradable packaging, and attention to sustainability.
Guest Impressions:
Travelers often highlight the friendly staff and consistently clean rooms. Some note that because of its popularity, the hotel can feel lively and busy.
Cost and Booking Tips:
Prices for a standard king room averaged CAD \$210 per night. I booked this one on Expedia Canada, using reward points to bring the cost down. If you’re traveling mid-week, rates are noticeably lower.
Personal Feel:
The Coast gave me the sense of a complete resort experience without ever leaving Kamloops. It’s a place where you can relax poolside one moment and explore wineries the next.
Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel – Contemporary and Central
Location: 225 Lorne Street, Kamloops, BC
This hotel, directly across from Riverside Park and the Sandman Centre, blends modern luxury with unbeatable location.
Overview and Features:
The Sandman Signature was sleek, clean, and clearly built with today’s traveler in mind. The standout feature for me was the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Thompson River. Watching the morning mist lift off the water from my bed felt like pure luxury.
I also appreciated the on-site Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill, which offered vibrant energy in the evenings.
Guest Impressions:
Reviews often highlight the river views and modern finishes. Some mention that parking fills up quickly during events at the Sandman Centre, so booking ahead for parking is wise.
Cost and Booking Tips:
Rooms averaged CAD \$220 per night in summer. I found the best rate through Booking.com, which bundled a breakfast package. A trick I’ve learned: check both Canadian and U.S. versions of booking platforms—sometimes currency conversions reveal unexpected savings.
Personal Feel:
Waking up to the river outside my window set a peaceful tone for the day. The combination of city access and natural scenery made this one of my favorite Kamloops stays.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kamloops – Warmth and Reliability
Location: 339 St. Paul Street, Kamloops, BC
A short walk from downtown shops and restaurants, the DoubleTree by Hilton offered the reliability I’ve come to expect from Hilton properties, with a local touch.
Overview and Features:
The lobby felt welcoming, with cozy seating areas and a staff that immediately greeted me with smiles—and of course, the signature warm cookie. The pool and hot tub area was intimate, and the restaurant served a satisfying breakfast.
The room was functional, stylish, and exactly what I wanted after a day of exploring the Thompson Valley wineries.
Guest Impressions:
Travelers praise the comfort of the rooms and the professional staff. Some note that parking fees can feel high compared to other Kamloops hotels, but overall satisfaction is strong.
Cost and Booking Tips:
My room cost about CAD \$200 per night. I booked directly on Hilton’s site using member points, which made it even more affordable. A useful tip: Hilton’s “Price Match Guarantee” can save you money if you find a cheaper rate elsewhere.
Personal Feel:
It wasn’t flashy, but it felt like home. That blend of reliability and warmth is something I value on longer trips.
Booking Platforms for Canadian Travel
During my journey, I relied on a few trusted platforms:
- Booking.com – Great for last-minute discounts and packages.
- Expedia Canada – Reliable for reward points and bundling flights with hotels.
- Hotels.com – Their “stay 10 nights, get 1 free” program is excellent for long trips.
- Marriott Bonvoy / Hilton Honors websites – Essential for loyalty members, often offering perks like free Wi-Fi or late check-out.
One trick I often use: compare rates directly on the hotel’s website against third-party platforms. In Canada, many hotels will match or beat online rates if you call them directly, and they may throw in small perks like free parking or breakfast.
Final Reflections on Kamloops Luxury
What surprised me most about Kamloops was how diverse the luxury hotel scene felt. Each property had a different personality:
- Delta Hotels Kamloops for modern downtown vibes.
- The Plaza Hotel for history and charm.
- Coast Kamloops for a resort-like experience.
- Sandman Signature for river views and contemporary style.
- DoubleTree by Hilton for warm, reliable comfort.
The average cost of luxury stays ranged from CAD \$180 to \$230 per night, a price point that feels accessible compared to Canada’s larger cities.
For me, the joy of Kamloops luxury was not just in the plush beds or polished lobbies—it was in how each hotel connected me differently to the city. Whether it was gazing at the river, chatting with locals over craft beer, or relaxing in a rooftop pool, every stay added a unique layer to my understanding of Kamloops.
When I left, I didn’t just feel rested. I felt like I had experienced the soul of a city through its finest hosts. And that, to me, is the essence of travel.
