This was my second stay at The Varscona, and my husband's third or fouth stay. (We have been travelling back and forth to Edmonton for appointments.) Great location on Whyte Avenue with many eateries and shops within walking distance (The Continental Treat Cafe, Chapters, etc). It is easy to get downtown by public transit and equally easy to take car to reach other parts of the city. The hotel is quiet but the service lacks attention to detail. We arrived late and were not informed that the hotel was having problems with the Internet. (The towers were down and had been down off and on all evening.) We wasted an hour trying to access the internet, which included a fruitless call to the IT 800 number suggested by the front desk. The IT person finally said that we needed a cable and he would contact the desk to send us up one. More waiting, no cable. Called desk. Response: We have no more cables. We have given them all out to other guests. The desk sent night person to refire towers, suggested we wait a bit longer and try again. Tried again, no results. Next, the night person did go offsite to get a loaner cable for us (thanks) but internet still not working. By the following morning the internet was working. But why not just tell us that upon arrival? Next, the continental breakfast. Good selection, especially fresh pastries. But no cream on Day 1 (sour, couldn't put it out) and Day 2 (none, and no explanation.) A little thing , sure, but details matter. Day 2: We decide to meet back at the hotel for the much-touted Wine and Cheese Hour which we have enjoyed in the past. SIgn up on Hospitality Suite door but no one there. We wait a bit and then call the Desk. Response: We don't offer that anymore. Really? Then update the sign that is screwed into the wall and update your website which still advertises it under Services. Just annoying. We decided to have a bottle of wine (a good VQA) from the mini-bar instead. A note on rooms: Clean but showing age, old style TV, no fan in bathroom, bathrooms are small and by no means luxurious. Bed comfy. Not what we consider 'boutique' quality with 'Old World Charm." We did give our feedback on the advertised but non-existent Wine & Cheese hour to the desk clerk when checking out. He comped us the bottle of wine from the mini-bar, a gesture which we appreciated. Bottom line: Yes, we'd stay there again because the location suits our needs, but if asked to recommend it to others, not so sure we would. The Varscona does not live up to its hype.