I have traveled all over the world and have paid some high prices for dives and lower prices for more than modest accommodations. Considering the high prices for hotels in Edmonton in the summer, I would say that this hotel is more than reasonable for the price you pay. I have no idea what other customers were expecting - if you are going to pay $80 in a $160 market, you are going to get average accommodations. Only by sheer luck will you get the Ritz for cheap (which, by the way is possible if you know when to look). I stayed in a smoking room and it smelled pretty clean to me. The room was spacious and, yes, the decor is a throwback to a couple of decades ago. The windows open, there is air conditioning and, in the non-kitchenette rooms, they even supply you with a mini fridge and a microwave oven. There is complimentary continental breakfast in the morning and the customer service was reasonable. I was quite satisfied for my $80/night room. It is, however, off the beaten path so having a car is probably a good idea.

Driving up we realized we had booked in the wrong area of town. That is your first warning.
Secondly, the hallways and elevator smelled like someone had been sick and it hadn't been cleaned up. Our room appeared relatively clean but everything was old and smelled like old smoke and urine. There was cigarette melt marks on the sheets as well, and the bathroom felt like it was not truly clean. Spend an extra 10 or 15 bucks and stay anywhere else!

I found the Argyll Plaza hotel in Edmonton to be clean but lacking in any charm or decor. The lack was somewhat surprising given that the hotel placed a $100 additional charge on my credit card "in case I damaged the room." Given that most who stay at the hotel are probably going to a hockey game at the ring next door, maybe the charge is justified.

I'm not sure what the meaning of renovated is to some people but the two rooms we had were like a set of the 70's show! The hallways are clad with dirty bricks and the rooms have cement stones separating them...very strange. Two of the blankets were covered with stains. The towels are cheap and one even had a hole in it!! However, having said that my husbands wedding band mysteriously went missing from our room!! We were going to the waterpark and he did not want to wear it at the park and deliberately left his wedding band on the counter. I put out the please make up room sign on our way out. When we returned, his ring was gone! So far the staff don't seem too concerned about questioning their staff. If anyone knows of a hotel association that they can be reported to please mention it on here! I will be following up with a police statement but I doubt we will ever see his ring again. It's a valuable ring with a diamond in the centre. I hope the lowlife who had the gull to steal it has bad carma. Given the fact that the hotel employs thieves and is musty and old and gross I would not recommend it.