Edmonton Vacation - Day 5

It’s moving day! Heather and I checked out of the Crowne Plaza in the morning and while she waited in the lobby with our luggage, I walked to a nearby Thrifty’s to rent a car. I wanted to have a car today so that at least we’d have a place for our luggage while we were transitioning between hotels. After completing all necessary paperwork, we ended up with a Suzuki SX4, a small hatchback.

Our rental car.

Once we were all packed up, we went for another breakfast at Denny’s. Again, I asked for grits and again I was warned by our waitress. After breakfast, we went back to the West Edmonton Mall, mainly because Heather wanted to exchange a shirt she bought the day before. To waste some time, we pointlessly wandered the mall. At 2:30pm we decided we’ve had enough and drove to the Marriott on the outskirts of Edmonton.

The hotel is technically located in Enoch on an Indian reserve thus its full name is Marriott at River Cree Resort and Casino. Yes, the hotel has a casino which we’d visit later in the week. The hotel caters mainly to business travelers as it has numerous conference rooms, which is one reason why the Association chose to have its annual meeting here. I found the Marriott to be less desirable for my needs – it is located in a remote area, nearly 20 minutes walking distance from the closest civilization of west Edmonton; Wi-Fi in rooms costs an outrageous $16.95 per day although there is business centre with free Wi-Fi on the main floor of the hotel but it consists of two computers, a single Ethernet cable for those with laptops and a printer.

Marriott at River Cree.

Once we were checked in, Heather spent most of the evening with her Association colleagues in the hospitality suite while I explored the hotel and the casino.