Planning a vacation in a place you don’t know very well can be daunting, especially when it comes to where to stay. This handy guide can help you with booking Okanagan hotels, particularly in our own beautiful backyard – Kelowna.
Motels & hotels in Kelowna, BC
Located in the heart of the beautiful Okanagan Valley, Kelowna is a tourism hot-spot. There are approximately 2,500 rooms to stay in town. That’s a lot of hotels, motels, vacation rentals and other places to stay. But, if you think about the amount of visitors Kelowna gets every year (2 million!), it’s really not that much space by comparison.
Tourist season in the Okanagan
Peak tourist season in Kelowna is the end of June to early September. During this time, the area is busier and prices are significantly higher. Visiting in the fringe seasons (early- to mid-June and late September to early October) may be a great option if you’re trying to avoid the crowds and save money. The weather is beautiful, with temperatures typically in the mid-20s, and there’s still lots to do and see.
The best time to book Kelowna hotels
While there’s a theory that the ideal time to book is two weeks ahead of your trip, we believe ‘the earlier the better’ when it comes to booking a hotel in Kelowna. Because it’s such a popular tourist destination, rooms book up quickly and well in advance. As soon as you know your travel plans, we recommend you start looking for accommodations.
The best place to book Okanagan hotels
Often, the best rates can be found through booking directly on a hotel website. If you know where you’d like to stay, you can type the name into Google search (ex. “The Shore Kelowna”) or search directly by the URL (ex. theshorekelowna.com). Booking directly helps to avoid booking platform fees and any miscommunication between the booking engine and the hotel.
If you’d like to compare a few places, sites like TripAdvisor are a great place to start your search. You’ll find reviews, amenities listed out, and more. You can also Google terms like “hotels in kelowna” to browse what’s available. While we may be a bit biased, as Kelowna locals we know the area well. To help get you started in your search, we’ve put together some suggestions of great places below.
Thinking about an extended stay?
If you’re in Kelowna for longer than the weekend, or even a week, it’s important to consider the amenities you’ll need for an extended stay. They can make or break your time here.
Kitchenette
Takeout is convenient and delicious, but over time you’ll want the ability to cook your own food. Choosing accommodations with in-suite kitchenettes means you’ll always have the choice between going out and staying in. Cooking your own food can help you eat healthier and save some money, a win-win when you’re traveling for extended periods.
Pet-friendly
Depending on how long you go for, you’ll probably want to bring your furry friend(s) with you. Thankfully there are many pet-friendly options in Kelowna to choose from. In addition to The Shore Kelowna’s pet-friendly suites, the Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre on Harvey Ave and The Cove Lakeside Resort in West Kelowna also offer pet-friendly accommodations.
Spacious
If you’re staying in one spot for a while, you won’t want to be too cramped. Especially if you’re going to be working remotely. As well, if you’re a family or couple booking a holiday, it’s always nice to have a space large enough for separate time.
In-suite or on-site laundry
Nothing says luxury like being able to do laundry at your convenience. With regular access to a washer and dryer, you won’t have to worry about finding a laundromat nearby and carting your clothing around. Accommodations designed for extended stays typically offer in-suite laundry. If you can, try to get this on your “must haves” list.
Local amenities
When choosing a home-away-from-home, it’s important to have access to places that you typically frequent in your routine. Look for things like grocery stores, access to a gym, and a close cafe or coffee shop for your morning pick-me-up.
Our top picks for the best Kelowna hotels
Depending on what you’re looking for, our fair city has a wide range of hotels and accommodations to choose from.
Right downtown there’s the eccentric Hotel Zed Kelowna and Prestige Beach House across from City Park, where you’ll find spectacular lake views and close access to Kelowna’s nightlife. The elegant Delta Grand Hotel is also nearby on the water, a great option if you’re interested in spending time at the Kelowna Yacht Club.
South of downtown in Kelowna’s prestigious Lower Mission area, you’ll find us, The Shore Kelowna. We’re right on the edge of Boyce-Gyro Beach Park and a 5 minute walk to plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes in Pandosy Village. Walk along Abbott Street towards downtown and enjoy historic homes and many beach access spots.
Across the bridge in West Kelowna, you’ll find Towneplace Suites, close to one of our favourite wineries – Mission Hill Estate Winery. Or check out Casa Loma Lakeshore Resort for private suites with beautiful lakeshore views.
Enjoy life at The Shore
We hope these tips and suggestions help make your vacation or long-term stay in Kelowna a pleasant one. While there are many great options available, we hope that you’ll consider staying with us!
The Shore Kelowna is a modern apartment-hotel within walking and driving distance from some incredible tourist spots and local gems. Each suite is fully equipped with modern amenities including a state-of-the-art kitchen, an in-suite washer and dryer, a flat-screen TV and high-speed internet.
With mobile digital key entry, you can easily come and go as you please. Plus, your private balcony makes a great spot to enjoy dinner with a glass of wine from your new favourite local winery.
Rooms book up quickly, so book your stay today!