Home comforts and a tropical atrium of leisure facilities help Coast Kamloops Hotel jostle for top billing in a hub of hotels and restaurants in the centre of Kamloops. Remembering the easily accessible location will help forgive the forgettable styling.

Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre is one of a gaggle of hotels just off the main highway that slices through the town. Its central location makes it a great base for Canadian explorations. Not only are there plenty of shops and restaurants in the immediate vicinity, but you’re well placed for getting out and about. The slopes and trails of Sun Peaks Resort are less than an hour away, and British Columbia Wildlife Park lies to the east. The hotel is proud of its tropical atrium. Some guestroom balconies face inwards to overlook a saltwater pool, whirlpool, sauna, kids’ wading pool, and fitness centre. Rooms that don’t look out over the atrium tend to have valley views instead. The styling isn’t exactly an attempt to get into the pages of Elle Décor – more play-on-the-safe-side corporate greige. But they’re comfortable nevertheless and have little home-from-home creature comforts including a coffee and tea maker, mini-fridge, and microwave.

3.5 stars
Vancouver: 9½ hours Calgary: 9 hours