10 Best hotels and motels in Kamloops British Columbia
Kamloops is located in the south central part of British Columbia in Canada near the Thompson River and adjacent to Kamloops Lake. The word "Kamloops" is derived from a Shuswap Native American word that means, loosely translated, "the meeting of many waters".
The city was founded in the early 19th century as a place where European traders, mainly of French origin, could meet with one another to conduct matters of commerce as well as trade with the local Native American population. The settlement experienced slow but consistent growth until the 1880's when the gold rush brought in additional settlers. The city has now reached a population density of nearly 100,000 residents because of the high value timber industry.
While not known as a major tourist destination, Kamloops does offer a nice mixture of both urban life as well as access to the sort of wilds that many city-dwellers have come to associate "getting back to nature". The area offers great camping during the warm summer months but if you are the sort that would rather stay in a hotel or are just visiting for business, we have come up with a list of the best hotels in the area.
Top 10 Places to Stay When Visiting Kamloops
1. Riverside Bed & Breakfast
Located near downtown and right next to the Thompson River, they feature modern architecture with a heavy emphasis on the quality of their customer's experience. The majority of vacationers and business travelers that have stayed there once would stay their again if available. With their close proximity to the river, they offer great fishing from the dock and a plethora of northern bird species - including Bald Eagles and Osprey.
Each of the four master suites offer a private guest entrance, up-to-date furnishings and electronics, private bathrooms in each suite, in-suite coffee maker, flat screen television, microwave, mini-fridge, and free wireless internet.
They also offer a great assortment of breakfast favorites like fresh fruit from their own fruit orchard served in a dining room that overlooks the Thompson River. There is even a hot tub for guests to relax in later in the evening.
Space is limited so be sure to book in advance if you are looking to stay in one of the best-kept secrets in Kamloops.
2. Kamloops Guesthouse
Located just a few short miles from the airport, Kamloops Guesthouse is a fantastic place for backpackers looking to enjoy a great place to stay with all the comforts of home that isn't going to murder their pocketbooks! Owners, Gary & Lisa have done their best to provide their guests with a "down home" atmosphere that feels more like staying at an old friend's house than it does at a Bed & Breakfast.
They offer amenities such as, free internet access (with computers provided), a fully equipped kitchen, laundry services on-site, freshly laundered sheets and bath towels on a daily basis, private and shared bathes, a beautiful garden with pickable cherries during the early summer, and door-front parking.
The costs to stay are quite reasonable so if you are looking for a great place to stay a few nights while backpacking through British Columbia, take a look at the Kamloops Guesthouse.
3. Sun Rivers resort
For the vacationer looking for some athletic action, skiers and golfers looking to spend some time on the greens or the slopes at the Sun Rivers resort - the Tenth Bed & Breakfast offers all the amenities you would expect from a top-of-the line B&B.
Offering stunning scenery, excellent service, high-quality rooms, and featuring totally high-quality furnishings and ultra-modern electronics. The Tenth is one of the most luxurious B&B's in the area and comes highly recommended by many travelers.
Whether you are a golfer or are interested in skiing and snowboarding, the close proximity of The Tenth to the Sun Rivers resort make it the best location for anyone looking to give their muscles a good workout - no matter what the season.
4. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
If you are looking to stay at a chain, the new Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is a good option. They offer 114 rooms and suites and include a hot item, complimentary breakfast each morning. With rates comparable to what you would expect to pay at other hotels of a similar nature, the Fairfield Inn & Suites meets the ideal criteria for the weary business-traveler to get a good night's sleep while traveling onward to Alberta or Vancouver.
5. The Hampton Inn by Hilton
Located just 20 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes from downtown. Offering easy walking-distance access to attractions such as, the Abderdeen Mall and cuisine from local favorites Milestones and Joey's Only Seafood. In addition an indoor pool, fitness center, free wifi, and whirlpool are all offered as amenities for guests. A complimentary hot breakfast is also included with your stay.
6. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kamloops
Another Hilton-family owned property that offers a solid combination of value and luxury. Their in-house restaurant and lounge Citrus is known for excellent international-style cuisine. A complimentary 24-hour fitness center, outdoor heated pool, and hot tub all contribute to a relaxing stay.
7. The Holiday Inn Suites Kamloops
Blends value with a convenient location near Thompson Rivers University. Nearby attractions like the BC Wildlife Park, Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park, and the Hoodoos hiking range are all in close proximity. They are also a convenient distance from the Sun Peaks Resort and are the closest hotel to the Kamloops airport. If you are in a hurry to just get a room and relax after a long flight, this is your best bet.
8. South Thompson Inn and Conference Center
A 6-year and counting winner of tripadvisor's Certificate of Excellence award and for good reason! This beautiful, manor style hotel boasts old world charm and evokes Edwardian luxury that newer hotels just cannot match. Located on 55 acres of verdant property, the inn is as breathtaking as a national park. Located directly across from the Rivershore Golf Links and featuring a wide-array of rooms that will suit the needs of everyone from business travelers, honeymooners, and families. The South Thompson Inn is a also a great place to host corporate retreats, conferences, and seminars. If you will accept nothing less than the best Kamloops has to offer, you must stay at the South Thompson Inn and Conference Center.
9. The Plaza Heritage Hotel
A modest and charming downtown hotel that has recently experienced over 8-months of heavy, multi-million dollar renovations making it a great combination of heritage charm and modern convenience. Located in a central location downtown, it makes accessing local attractions as easy as walking outside. Expect all the modern conveniences of other hotels without the high prices.
10. The Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre
Finally, last and most certainly not least The Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre. It offers modern, spacious rooms that include all of the expected mod-cons of other, pricer hotels, and in-house bar and restaurant, a 30,000-square-foot conference centre, and is less than an hour's drive from Sun Peaks Resort. Also, if you feel like having a little bit of excitement, the Cascades Casino is a short walk away and if you are just a little too tipsy to make it back on your own, they also offer a complimentary shuttle service back to the hotel.
As you can see, when traveling to Kamloops, British Columbia - don't be fooled into thinking that just because it is off the beaten trail that it doesn't offer the high-class accommodations. You will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of your stay at any one of the previously mentioned locations.
Click here to see a complete list of Kamloops British Columbia Hotels