Kelowna Airport's BEST Hotel? Four Points Sheraton Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this is not your average hotel review. We're diving headfirst into the Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport, and honestly, I'm still sorting through the luggage of feelings this place left me with. But hey, that's life, right? And this review? This is my life, in the context of a Kelowna hotel.
First Impressions & Accessibility: Can a Hotel Be a Hug?
Okay, let's be brutally honest: I'm a sucker for a good hug. And the Four Points? Well, it tried. It's directly across the street from the Kelowna International Airport (YLW). That's HUGE. Especially if you're like me and just want to collapse into a bed after a soul-crushing travel experience. Accessible? Yep. Wheelchair accessibility throughout. Pretty damn important. Elevator? Check. The whole shebang felt…efficient. Not exactly a warm embrace, but more like a firm handshake welcoming you in. We're off to a decent start.
(Slight detour: I totally forgot my phone charger. Classic. Thankfully, there was a convenience store practically in the lobby. Saved my life. See? Efficiency.)
The Room: My Personal Fortress (with a Few Quirks)
Okay, let’s talk about the actual room. Now, there are a lot of things listed that are available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
I’m happy to report MOST of these were spot on. I especially appreciated the blackout curtains after that red eye. Slept like a log! The free Wi-Fi worked flawlessly across my multiple devices (thank god). The desk space was perfect for my laptop and, you know, the important stuff. But…(sound of me sighing deeply)…the bathtub. I love a bath! But it was one of those slightly awkward, not-quite-deep-enough situations. Minor, sure, but a small, quirky imperfection. It does make you appreciate the little things. And the complimentary tea? Delicious. Simple pleasures people, simple pleasures.
Dining & Drinking: Fueling the Wanderer
Okay, let’s talk food. The restaurant a la carte menu was solid – solid, not spectacular. The Asian cuisine that I ordered was well-prepared and they provided good alternative meal arrangement options for gluten-free and vegan options if needed. I did order a breakfast [buffet]. It was the classic spread I'm used to. The coffee shop in the lobby? Necessary. Early wake up calls and caffeine are a must. The Poolside bar was a nice touch – perfect for that pre-dinner cocktail or a casual snack. The happy hour seemed legit, and the bar was a pleasant place to unwind and meet fellow travelers.
(Rambling thought: I once spent an entire afternoon at a hotel bar in Prague, just listening to people and drinking local beer. Best. Afternoon. Ever. This bar wasn't Prague, but it did the job.)
Wellness & Relaxation: Attempting Serenity
Okay, THIS is where things got interesting. They have: A Pool with a view, a Gym/fitness, a Spa/sauna, a Steamroom, and of course Swimming pool [outdoor]. I love a body wrap and a massage, so I was excited. But the spa services were available by appointment only and I completely spaced on calling, d'oh. But I loved using the swimming pool and the gym. The views were nice, and it gave a respite from a long day!
(An aside: I once went to a spa where they fed me cucumber water. Seriously, best. Cucumber. Water. Ever. This wasn't that spa, but the idea is the same.)
Cleanliness, Safety & Those Annoying Details:
I'm a germaphobe. Sue me. So, the anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, hand sanitizer, room sanitization opt-out (wow!), and staff trained in safety protocol really put me at ease. I witnessed all of that. They also have a Doctor/nurse on call, a first aid kit, and 24-hour security, which is comforting. They have a lot of safety/security feature as well! The Cashless payment service was also convenient. The individually-wrapped food options were a nice touch, too.
(Deep breath: I hate talking about things like this, but it's important. I felt safe. That's all I wanted.)
Services & Conveniences: The Grunt Work
Everything was there. Stuff you need but you would never think about it: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. Did I use all of it? No. Did I need all of it? Probably not. But it was there, and that, my friends, is peace of mind.
(Anecdote: I once tried to use the fax machine on a business trip. Let’s just say…it didn’t go well. So the fact that they offer it is a bonus for anyone who is more competent than me.)
For the Kids: The Family Factor
Didn't have kids with me BUT the hotel has Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids meal options!
(Quirky observation: I did see a family with a tiny person in a stroller. They seemed happy. That’s always a good sign.)
Getting Around: The Logistics
Airport transfer? Yes! Bicycle parking? Yes! Car park [free of charge]? Yes! Car park [on-site]? Yes! Car power charging station? Yes! Taxi service? Yes! Valet parking? Also yes! The location is great. Right by the airport. Easy peasy.
(Emotional Reaction: It's the little things. And not having to stress about getting to the airport is a huge little thing.)
The Imperfections: Let's Be Real For A Second
No place is perfect. And at the Four Points, I had my quirks:
- Like the bathtub, it was a little underwhelming.
- The spa was closed.
- The elevator broke down once.
But what's life without a little mess, eh?
Overall Impression: Is It the Best?
Look, is the Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport the most luxurious, life-altering hotel experience? No. But it's a solid, reliable option. It's efficient. It's clean. It's convenient for the airport. It tries to be a hug. And sometimes, that's all you need.
Final Verdict: If you need a comfortable, well-equipped hotel near the Kelowna airport, the Four Points Sheraton is a great and reliable choice. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
The Offer (This is Where I Try to Sell You!)
Tired of Travel Trauma? Escape to Comfort at the Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport!
Book your stay NOW and receive:
- Complimentary Airport Shuttle: Skip the taxi line and arrive at your oasis with ease.
- 10% Discount on Spa Services: (when available, call ahead and book to verify!)
- Early Check-In/Late Check-Out: (based on availability)
- A Guaranteed Comfortable Stay: Relax in our well-appointed rooms with free Wi-Fi, blackout curtains, and all the amenities you need to unwind.
Why Choose Us?
- Prime Location: Directly across from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) – perfect for early flights or late arrivals.
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair-accessible, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests.
- Stress-Free Experience: Enjoy our on-site restaurant, bar, gym, pool, and more – everything you need is right at your fingertips.
- Cleanliness Above All: We adhere to the highest standards
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is my attempt to survive, maybe thrive, in Kelowna, BC, staying at the Four Points by Sheraton near the airport. Wish me luck, I'm going to need it.
Day 1: Kelowna's Embrace… or Initial Awkward Hug?
7:00 AM: Alarm blares. Ugh. I hate mornings. Especially when they start in a strange hotel room. The Four Points… it's fine. Clean enough. The pillows are the enemy though. Too fluffy, like trying to sleep on a cloud that judges you.
7:30 AM: Coffee. Glorious, life-giving coffee. The hotel's in-room stuff is… well, let's just say it's not third-wave. I'm contemplating a caffeine run, but the thought of venturing out before breakfast is terrifying.
8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant. It's the "hot buffet" situation. I approach with caution, like a detective at a crime scene. Eggs, bacon (a little too crispy, if you ask me), questionable sausage. I manage to cobble together a passable plate. The server, bless her heart, is relentlessly chipper. Early morning cheerfulness should be a punishable offense.
9:00 AM: Officially start the day. Gotta do a meeting in the hotel lobby. Find a decent spot, that actually has a plug to charge my laptop and good wifi.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Business Stuff. The meeting goes smoothly. The hotel lobby isn't too loud. I swear I saw that same chipper server again. She must be powered by sunshine and rainbows.
12:00 PM: Lunch! This is where things need to get better. Found a good place nearby. I need a good meal, after all that work.
- 12:30 PM: Okay, so it's a slightly longer walk than I anticipated. Turns out, Kelowna is hillier than I thought. My calves are already protesting. I arrive at a cute little bistro called "The Curious Cafe". The pasta is actually great. This place is cute. I order a glass of local wine, because why not?
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Explore! I need to see some of Kelowna. The lake looks tempting, the sun is shining, and I feel a sudden urge to take cheesy tourist photos. I wander around, marvel at the water (it's a gorgeous blue), and get slightly lost. Again. Thank goodness for Google Maps.
5:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Feel the need to relax, take a break, and maybe even take a nap. I think I'll use the gym.
5:30 PM: Gym. After a brief moment of contemplation and internal debate, the decision of 'to gym or not to gym' has been made. I choose to gym. This workout is more of a "pretending to be healthy" kind of thing. I mostly admire the equipment, then spend an inordinate amount of time on the treadmill, watching the scenery on the TV.
7:00 PM: Dinner! I wasn't planning on a fancy dinner, so went with the Hotel Restaurant, again. This time I'm getting the pasta. So it's probably going to be the same as the first day..
8:00 PM: Drinks in the lobby. I meet a couple of people, which is nice. Turns out, a group from my meeting is also here, getting some drinks. It's like a team-building experience, just without the forced fun.
10:00 PM: Finally, bed. Stare at the ceiling until sleep (hopefully) claims me. The pillows are still a problem.
11 PM: Lights Out…or, I think…
Day 2: The Lake's Call… and My Persistent Forgetfulness
7:00 AM: Same blasted alarm. The pillows are still plotting against me.
7:30 AM:Coffee. This time I'm going full caffeine-fiend. I need to get going.
8:00 AM: Breakfast. The buffet offers a slightly different spread. I'm pretty sure I saw a suspicious-looking sausage. Pass.
9:00 AM: Meeting. Another meeting. Another hotel lobby.
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: More Business Stuff. The meeting goes well, until..
- 10:00 AM: OOPS - I left my laptop at the restaurant! What a dummy!
- 10:30 AM: Run to the restaurant to get my laptop.
- 11:00 AM: Take the laptop for the meeting. The meeting goes well, thankfully, without more problems.
12:00 PM: Lunch. I am so doing a takeout lunch. After my previous debacle, I'm not trusting my memory.
1:00 PM: Head to the lake. After my previous forgetfulness, I decide to take it easy and head to the lake. The lake is absolutely gorgeous again. People are swimming, splashing, and just generally enjoying themselves. I can't help but feel a pang of jealousy. I'm here for work! But I do take a moment and appreciate the amazing scenery.
3:00 PM: More business work in the hotel lobby. Ah, the joys of the road.
5:00 PM: I need to unwind, so I will be heading back to the gym!
6:00 PM: Head to dinner. This time I'm going to try to find a different restaurant.
7:00 PM: Dinner. This time I find a cute Italian restaurant, that's even better than the bistro from the first night.
8:00 PM: Drinks! Maybe a bit too much wine.
9:00 PM: Bed. Or, the attempt at bed. The pillows are still playing games, I swear.
Day 3: Departure, and Kelowna's Last Impression
- 7:00 AM: The alarm. The usual.
- 7:30 AM: Coffee. The coffee here is still bad.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. The buffet is getting boring. The sausage still looks questionable.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Wrap-up. Final tasks of the trip. Check out of the hotel. My brain already went somewhere else.
- 11:00 AM: Head to the airport. The Four Points is conveniently close. I'm grateful for that.
- 12:00 PM: Flight. Wave goodbye to Kelowna.
Overall Thoughts:
The Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport? It's fine. Functional. The staff were generally friendly, even the relentlessly cheerful server made an impression. Kelowna itself? Beautiful. I could definitely see myself coming back, maybe with more free time and a less demanding itinerary. And definitely with a better pillow.
Is This KL Bukit Bintang Hotel a HIDDEN GEM? (Ibis Styles Review)
Okay, Fine... Is the Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport ACTUALLY the "BEST" Hotel? Like, seriously?
Alright, alright, hold your horses. "Best" is a subjective beast, isn't it? Depends what you're after. If you're after *convenience* when you're flying in or out of YLW, then yes. It's basically *attached* to the airport. You can practically roll out of baggage claim and into the lobby. Seriously, I once saw a guy in his pyjamas shuffling over there at 6 AM looking utterly defeated, and I completely understood. He was me, probably. Not proud of it, but convenience… it's seductive, even for a guy who should know better.
The Free Shuttle: Good as Gold or a Glitchy Disaster? (Like My Last Relationship?)
Okay, confession time. I *rarely* use the shuttle. Why? Because I'm a creature of habit, and I just walk. But, and this is a BIG but, it's there, it runs regularly, and I’ve heard… mixed things. My friend, bless her heart, almost missed her flight *again* because the shuttle driver was "on a break," which, frankly, she found insulting. The hotel *claims* it's "on-demand"… but sometimes, the demand apparently involves a lengthy staring contest with the front desk. So, yeah. Your mileage may vary. Plan accordingly. Or walk. Exercise is good, right? (I should probably take my own advice).
Let's Talk Rooms: Cozy Comfort or Cramped Confinement?
Look, the rooms are… fine. They're not the Ritz. They're not the Motel 6. They’re somewhere in between. Clean enough, generally. The beds are… okay. They've got all the usual suspects: TV, coffee maker (pray it works, honestly). The real test? The Wi-Fi. It can be a bit… spotty. I once tried to order a pizza while staying there, and it took me an hour to load the website. An HOUR! That's a personal tragedy, people. Pizza is serious business. And sometimes, and I’m not sure this is the hotel’s fault, the walls feel… thin. You might hear your neighbours snore. Or have... other *activities*. Again, not the hotel's fault, but don't say you weren't warned.
The Restaurant: Is the Food Worth the Price (and the Potential Regret)?
Okay, the restaurant. Here's where things get interesting. It's… *convenient*. That’s the operative word here. You're tired. You're hungry. You just want something, anything, to eat. The menu has the usual suspects: burgers, salads, pasta. The quality? …Look, it’s not a Michelin-starred experience, okay? I once ordered a club sandwich and watched them put the same limp lettuce on it that they serve at the breakfast buffet. And the prices… well, they’re airport-adjacent prices. Expect to pay a bit more than you’d like. But, and this is a big "but", after a long day of travel, sometimes convenience trumps quality. Just be prepared for the potential culinary disappointment. And maybe keep some snacks in your bag just in case.
The Pool and Gym: A Refreshing Dip or a Dusty Disappointment?
The pool… is a pool. It's small. It's indoors. Sometimes it's a bit… chlorinated. But hey, at least it's *there*. A quick dip can be nice after a stressful flight. The gym… well I'm not the gym type, so I am not the best judge of it. I peeked in through the window and I did see some machines.
The "Airport Hotel Vibe": Business Travelers, Overpriced Coffee, and Endless Waiting?
Oh, the vibe. It's… very airport-y. Think a sea of rolling suitcases, tired faces, and people frantically charging their phones. It's a functional setting, not a romantic getaway. The lobby can get crowded, especially during peak travel times. And yes, the coffee is overpriced (see the food rant above). Listen, it is not the place you would pick for a vacation, but perfect if you are just landing or taking off.
So, Would You Stay There Again? Be Honest!
Honestly? Yes. Probably. If I'm flying in or out of Kelowna airport, and I need a place to crash, it's the easiest option. The convenience factor is HUGE. But I'd pack my own snacks, lower my expectations for gourmet dining, and maybe bring some earplugs. And pray the Wi-Fi works. Because, seriously, a pizza emergency is a serious situation.
