When you want to go modern, hip, and chic in Saskatoon, stay at the Alt Hotel Saskatoon. The hotel sits on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. In the heart of downtown, it’s surrounded by plenty of eating, shopping, and parks to explore. If you’re an art lover like me, you’ll appreciate that the world-class Remai Modern art gallery sits right across the street.
On a recent trip to Saskatchewan’s biggest city for a conference, I was pleased to stay in this buzzy hotel. Part of the Germain Hotel family headquartered in Montreal, the hotel is 15 stories high and opened in 2019. It offers 155 guest rooms.
Looking around, I could sense the Alt Hotel Saskatoon offered a fun and casual vibe, completely different from Saskatoon’s more conventional business hotels. Even the lobby had a fresh, modern yet homey feel.
I checked in smoothly and zipped up to my 14th-floor room on a quick elevator.
Cleverly Designed Rooms
When I opened the door to my unit, I found my King bedroom compact but cleverly designed. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a city view, and storage shelves lined the walls. A work desk and a mini drawer-style fridge sat under the mounted TV.
While there wasn’t a walk-in closet, a clothing rack with hangers tucked into the wall handled my needs. I didn’t have drawers to store clothing, but that wasn’t a problem since I tend to keep my items rolled up in my suitcase so I don’t forget them at checkout.
Sleek and space-efficient at 225 square feet, the room included free WiFi, a coffee maker, and a comfy high-backed chair. When I inquired at the front desk about other options, the staff explained that guests can also book river-view King rooms, Queen rooms with a sofa bed, and rooms with two Queen beds, which are 315 square feet in size.
Fitness facility at the Alt Hotel, Saskatoon
I didn’t have time to use it, but I saw a fitness room just off the lobby on the ground floor. It was small but equipped with everything you need for a basic workout, including exercise balls, a treadmill, a stationary bike, an elliptical machine, and free weights, all set against a brightly colored wall.
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A Fusion of Food Styles in the Hotel’s Restaurant
At Bokeh on the Plaza on the ground floor, you can sip and savor indoors or, depending on the season, out on the patio. I chose to sit indoors, enjoying the subdued lighting and warm, earthtone decor. I joined a few friends, and we decided to share one of the grazing boards.
The Prairie Homestead board featured salami, fennel sausage, house capicola, and maple-bacon sausage. Cheeses included garlic dill cheddar, smoked cheddar, gorgonzola, and jalapeño jack. For sweet, tart, and crunchy flavors, we enjoyed cayenne raspberry jam, fig relish, and rosemary walnuts. We also tried duck rillette, similar to confit, paired with Saskatoon berry marmalade. I noticed the menu also offered a meat-free board with cheeses, veggies, pickles, and lentil-eggplant dip.
You can also order larger plates such as Korean spicy pork, chicken adobo, or pasta, along with noodle bowls. If you want to share small plates, options include meatballs, duck confit, ceviche, and gnocchi.
At the bottom of the menu, I was glad to see the restaurant proudly supports Saskatchewan producers, listing and thanking all who supply ingredients for their dishes.
Bokeh also serves as a spot for guests and locals to grab a drink. You can order beer (including local draft), wine, spritzes, and spirits, or enjoy a craft cocktail like the Dusk till Dawn made with LB Saskberry Liqueur.
One thing to note: Bokeh’s hours are 4:00–10:30 pm weeknights, and 11 pm Friday and Saturday.
Breakfast and Snacks at the Alt Hotel Saskatoon
In the morning, I found the same space set up with a continental, self-serve breakfast. Flaky croissants, fresh fruit, cheeses, cured meats, and granola were available, along with coffee, tea, and juices. Breakfast runs from 6:30–10:00 am on weekdays and from 7:30–11:00 am on weekends. The cost is $20. I’d advise getting there earlier rather than later. Things can get picked over by the end of the time slot.
If you still need a bite or a quick snack, the hotel’s Altcetera kiosk offers a selection of packaged nibbles, cold soft drinks, and sandwiches, wraps, and salads for lunch or dinner.
Meetings and Special Events
The hotel offers 4,500 square feet of meeting space and can host business meetings, special events, and weddings.
Nearby Nature and Attractions
For fresh air, I walked the riverfront trail in front of the hotel along the Saskatchewan River, the same river Joni Mitchell sang about so poignantly in River.
When I visited the Remai Modern, I was impressed with this sleek, modern art gallery, which holds the most complete set of Pablo Picasso’s linocuts in the world. The museum features four levels, 11 gallery spaces, learning studios, a theatre, and a restaurant.
For Indigenous culture, I highly recommend visiting Wanuskewin Heritage Park. The site offers exhibits and demonstrations and is home to Canada’s longest-running archaeological dig. It’s a beautiful, inspiring location where Northern Plains peoples have gathered for more than 6,400 years.
Persephone Theatre is also conveniently located near the Alt Hotel Saskatoon. It offers diverse programming for all ages. Housed in the Remai Arts Center, it is next to the Remai Modern.
Rates at the Alt Hotel Saskatoon
One King Bed: $180. Riverview King: $210. One Queen Bed with Sofa Bed: $220. Two Queen Beds: $220. Pets: $45 per stay. Make sure to inform the hotel when booking. One pet per room. Parking is available at an adjacent lot for a fee.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
