Where to Stay in Kamloops, BC – 3 Hotels I’ve Personally Tried
Finding the right place to stay in Kamloops isn’t just about choosing a hotel with good reviews and a comfortable bed. Where you stay can make a big difference to your trip, especially if you’re planning to spend time sightseeing rather than just stopping overnight on a BC road trip.
I’ve stayed at 3 different hotels in Kamloops, each in a different part of the city. During one trip, I planned to spend much of my time downtown, so staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton made sense. I could walk to the Kamloops Art Gallery, Kamloops Museum, restaurants and waterfront trails without having to drive everywhere.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or passing through on a longer road trip, choosing a hotel that suits your itinerary can save you time and make your stay much more enjoyable.
My Top 3 Picks:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
DoubleTree by Hilton Kamloops
✅ Walkable downtown location
✅ Restaurants & attractions nearby
✅ Seasonal outdoor pool
Best Western Premier Aberdeen Kamloops
✅ Easy Trans-Canada Highway access
✅ Indoor pool with waterslide
✅ On-site restaurant
Holiday Inn & Suites Kamloops
✅ Free airport shuttle
✅ Pet-friendly with fenced dog area
✅ Indoor pool & hot tub
1. DoubleTree by Hilton Kamloops – Best for Downtown Sightseeing
⭐️ RATING: 4.1/5 Stars (1,074 Tripadvisor reviews) | ⏳ BEST FOR: Walkable downtown location | ✅ Book it!
If you’re planning to spend much of your time in downtown Kamloops, the DoubleTree by Hilton is an excellent choice. I stayed here for 2 nights during a trip focused on art, culture and local food, and the central location meant I could walk to most of the places on my itinerary.
The Kamloops Art Gallery, Kamloops Museum & Archives, downtown murals and several restaurants are within walking distance. Riverside Park and the waterfront trails are also nearby, making it easy to combine sightseeing with a relaxing walk along the river.
I stayed in a King Room with a comfortable, firm bed, soft linens, a desk and an armchair. The room was spacious, clean and surprisingly quiet at night, even with the window open. I appreciated having plenty of outlets for charging my devices and reliable Wi-Fi.
The hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness room and on-site restaurant. I didn’t eat at the restaurant because there were so many dining options nearby.
One drawback worth mentioning is accessibility. The pool and fitness room aren’t directly accessible by elevator. You need to use stairs or ask hotel staff to unlock an alternative entrance. The bathroom in my room was also quite tight, which could be challenging for travellers using mobility aids.
For travellers who want to spend their time sightseeing rather than driving between attractions, I’d recommend the DoubleTree for its convenient location, comfortable rooms and friendly staff.
You can find more photos, room details and accessibility information in my full DoubleTree by Hilton Kamloops hotel review.
Top 3 Benefits
- Excellent downtown location: Walk to galleries, museums, restaurants and Riverside Park.
- Comfortable, quiet rooms: A convenient place to rest after a full day of sightseeing.
- Easy access to local attractions: Spend less time driving and looking for parking.
✅ Pros
- Walkable downtown location
- Comfortable beds and quiet rooms
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Reliable Wi-Fi
- Seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub
❌ Cons
- Parking costs extra
- Pool and fitness facilities aren’t directly accessible by elevator
- Breakfast is not included in the standard room rate
| Location | 339 St. Paul Street, Downtown Kamloops |
|---|---|
| Parking | Paid parking ($14/night at time of stay) |
| Swimming Pool | Seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub |
| Pet-Friendly | Yes, additional fee applies |
| Restaurant | On-site restaurant and lounge |
| Wi-Fi | Complimentary |
| EV Charging | Available |
| Check-in / Check-out | 3 PM / 12 PM |
Hotel amenities, pet restrictions and fees are subject to change.
2. Best Western Premier Aberdeen Kamloops – Best for Road Trips
⭐️ RATING: 4.2/5 Stars (1,830 Best Western ratings) | ⏳ BEST FOR: Road trips and relaxing after sightseeing | ✅ Book it!
If you’re visiting Kamloops as part of a longer BC road trip, the Best Western Premier Aberdeen Kamloops is a convenient choice. Located just off the Trans-Canada Highway in the Aberdeen neighbourhood, it’s particularly handy if you’re planning day trips or heading out of town the following morning.
I was hosted here for 2 nights and would happily recommend it. My room was comfortable; I loved the decor, and having an indoor pool and hot tub gave me somewhere to unwind after spending the day out sightseeing.
One of my favourite parts of the stay was Heaven Sushi + Sake Bar, the hotel’s on-site restaurant. I was also hosted for dinner and breakfast here, and both meals were delicious. The restaurant was busy with people coming in for celebrations, so it felt like a destination in its own right rather than somewhere guests only eat because it’s convenient.
Having breakfast downstairs before setting off towards McAbee Fossil Beds and eventually home made my last morning much easier. Sometimes it’s nice to have a proper breakfast without having to pack everything up and drive somewhere first.
Travelling with your dog? The Best Western Premier welcomes up to 2 dogs in designated pet-friendly rooms, subject to availability and an additional fee. You’ll want to arrange this when booking rather than arriving with your dog and hoping there’s a suitable room available.
The hotel also has an indoor pool with a waterslide, a hot tub and a fitness centre. Guest rooms include a refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, which are useful additions for longer road trips.
The main trade-off is the location. Unlike the DoubleTree downtown, this isn’t somewhere I’d choose if I wanted to spend most of my time walking between galleries, cafés and restaurants. It’s better suited to travellers with a car who appreciate quick highway access and having useful facilities at the hotel.
Read my full review on Best Western Premier Aberdeen Kamloops
Top 3 Benefits
Great facilities for downtime: An indoor pool, waterslide and hot tub offer somewhere to relax after a day out.
Convenient highway access: A practical base for road trips through BC, with easy access to the Trans-Canada Highway.
Excellent on-site dining: Heaven Sushi + Sake Bar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, so you don’t have to drive elsewhere for a meal.
✅ Pros
- Convenient location near the Trans-Canada Highway
- Comfortable rooms with attractive decor
- Indoor pool, waterslide and hot tub
- On-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Dog-friendly rooms available
- In-room refrigerator and microwave
❌ Cons
- Not within easy walking distance of downtown attractions
- Breakfast costs extra
- Limited pet-friendly rooms, with an additional daily fee
My 2-night hotel stay and meals at Heaven Sushi + Sake Bar were hosted. My recommendations reflect my own experience.
| Location | 1175 Rogers Way, Aberdeen, Kamloops, BC |
|---|---|
| Parking | Free on-site parking |
| Swimming Pool | Indoor pool with waterslide and hot tub |
| Pet-Friendly | Up to 2 dogs in designated rooms, subject to availability. $25 CAD per day. Maximum weight of 80 lb per dog. |
| Restaurant | Heaven Sushi + Sake Bar, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner |
| Breakfast | Available at the on-site restaurant for an additional charge |
| Wi-Fi | Complimentary |
| EV Charging | Available on-site |
| Check-in / Check-out | 4 PM / 12 PM |
Hotel amenities, pet restrictions and fees are subject to change.
3. Holiday Inn & Suites Kamloops – Best for Visiting Friends and Family
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars (1,001 Expedia reviews) | ⏳ BEST FOR: Family visits, airport access and pet-friendly stays | ✅ Book it!
The Holiday Inn & Suites Kamloops is located on Tranquille Road in the city’s North Shore neighbourhood. It’s a practical choice if you’re visiting friends or family, flying into Kamloops or looking for somewhere with comfortable spaces to spend time outside your room.
One thing that stood out to me during my stay was the spacious lobby and the variety of seating areas. Rather than having just a few chairs near reception, the hotel has several places to sit, including quieter corners where you can enjoy a coffee or have a conversation.
There’s a seating area near a coffee machine, a large shared workspace with a table and chairs, and an on-site White Spot Restaurant. I particularly appreciated how the seating areas were arranged, with decorative wooden partitions creating smaller, more private spaces within the larger lobby.
Royal Inland Hospital is also within 5 km of the property, making this a location worth considering for people visiting family members receiving medical care.
My room had contemporary decor, comfortable-looking furnishings and a reading chair with a small table and floor lamp. The hotel also offers connecting rooms and larger suites, which may be useful for families travelling together.
For guests arriving by air, there’s a complimentary shuttle to and from Kamloops Airport. The hotel also has an indoor heated pool, hot tub and fitness centre, along with a fenced dog run for guests staying in designated pet-friendly rooms.
The main consideration is that you’ll likely need transportation to visit most downtown attractions. If your trip revolves around galleries, museums and restaurants in the city centre, the DoubleTree may be more convenient. However, for family visits, airport access and comfortable shared spaces, I’d recommend considering the Holiday Inn & Suites.
Read my full review on Holiday Inn & Suites Kamloops.
Top 3 Benefits
Pet-friendly facilities: Designated dog-friendly rooms and a fenced outdoor dog run.
Spacious gathering areas: Multiple comfortable seating areas, quiet corners, a coffee station and a shared workspace make it easy to meet friends or family.
Convenient for family visits and airport access: Within 5 km of Royal Inland Hospital, with complimentary transportation to Kamloops Airport.
✅ Pros
- Large, comfortable lobby with quieter seating areas
- Shared workspace and coffee station
- On-site White Spot Restaurant
- Complimentary airport shuttle
- Indoor heated pool and hot tub
- Pet-friendly rooms with fenced dog run
- Connecting rooms and suites available
❌ Cons
- Less convenient for walking to downtown attractions
- Breakfast costs extra unless included in your booking package
- Pet restrictions, fees and a damage deposit apply
| Location | 675 Tranquille Road, North Shore, Kamloops, BC |
|---|---|
| Parking | Complimentary on-site parking |
| Airport Shuttle | Free shuttle to and from Kamloops Airport, daily from 4:30 AM to midnight |
| Lobby Amenities | Spacious seating areas, quieter seating corners, coffee station and shared workspace |
| Nearby Hospital | Royal Inland Hospital, within 5 km |
| Swimming Pool | Heated indoor pool and hot tub |
| Pet-Friendly | Up to 2 dogs in designated rooms. $25 CAD per night, $150 CAD damage deposit and 9 kg weight limit. Book directly with the hotel to arrange a pet-friendly room. |
| Dog Facilities | Fenced outdoor dog run behind the hotel |
| Restaurant | White Spot Restaurant & Lounge, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner |
| Breakfast | Available at White Spot for an additional charge unless included in the room package |
| Fitness Centre | Open from 5 AM to midnight |
| Wi-Fi | Complimentary |
| EV Charging | Available on-site |
| Check-in / Check-out | 3 PM / 11 AM |
Hotel amenities, pet restrictions and fees are subject to change.
Read my full review on the Holiday Inn North Shore.
Best Areas to Stay in Kamloops
Kamloops is spread across the Thompson Valley, with neighbourhoods on both sides of the river and up into the surrounding hills. Choosing the right area can save you time driving between attractions, especially if you’re only visiting for a night or two.
Downtown Kamloops
Best for sightseeing, restaurants and exploring on foot.
Downtown is my first choice for a trip focused on art, culture and local attractions. You’ll find the Kamloops Art Gallery, Kamloops Museum & Archives, restaurants, cafés and colourful murals within a relatively compact area.
Riverside Park and the Rivers Trail are also nearby, making it easy to add a waterfront walk to your day. If you’d rather park and walk between attractions, downtown is a good choice.
DoubleTree by Hilton Kamloops:
I loved being able to walk to the Kamloops Art Gallery, museums, restaurants and Riverside Park without needing my car. It’s my top pick for a downtown stay, especially if you’re planning to spend a few days sightseeing.
Aberdeen
Best for road trips, shopping and highway access.
Aberdeen sits above downtown Kamloops, close to the Trans-Canada Highway. It’s a convenient location if you’re driving through BC, planning day trips or want to get an early start the following morning.
You’ll also find Aberdeen Mall, restaurants and shopping nearby. The main drawback is that you’ll generally need a car to visit downtown attractions, and the hilly terrain makes walking between different parts of the city less practical.
Best Western Premier Aberdeen Kamloops:
I enjoyed the comfortable rooms, indoor pool and hot tub, and having Heaven Sushi + Sake Bar right downstairs. With easy access to the Trans-Canada Highway, it’s a convenient choice for a BC road trip.
North Shore
Best for airport access, visiting family and sporting events.
Located across the Thompson River from downtown, the North Shore has its own restaurants, shops, parks and community facilities.
McArthur Island Park is a major destination for sporting events, with walking paths and recreational facilities. Tourism Kamloops also highlights the North Shore’s independent businesses and dining options.
This area can be particularly convenient if you’re visiting friends or family, attending an event or flying through Kamloops Airport. However, you’ll likely want a car or other transportation to reach many of the city’s attractions.
Holiday Inn & Suites Kamloops:
I particularly liked the spacious lobby with its quiet seating areas, coffee station and shared workspace. It’s a practical choice for visiting friends and family, with the added convenience of an airport shuttle and on-site restaurant.
Areas to Avoid Staying in Kamloops
There isn’t one neighbourhood I’d automatically tell visitors to avoid. However, some locations are less practical depending on what you have planned, and a cheaper hotel isn’t necessarily a better deal.
If you’re visiting Kamloops for sightseeing, I’d avoid booking accommodation in outlying areas such as Dallas or Valleyview without checking the driving distances first. Both are east of downtown, so you’ll be relying more heavily on a vehicle to visit central attractions.
I’d also be cautious about booking rooms directly beside busy highways or major roads if you’re sensitive to traffic noise. Check recent guest reviews rather than assuming a hotel will be quiet because it’s outside downtown.
As for safety, I wouldn’t label an entire neighbourhood unsafe based on reputation or isolated incidents. Instead, check recent hotel reviews for comments about the immediate surroundings, parking security and guests’ experiences after dark.
My advice is to choose your location based on what you’ll actually be doing in Kamloops. Saving $20 or $30 on a room may not be worthwhile if it means additional driving, parking costs or transportation arrangements.
FAQs About Staying in Kamloops
What is the best area to stay in Kamloops for first-time visitors?
Downtown Kamloops is the best area for first-time visitors who want to walk to restaurants, museums, galleries and Riverside Park. It’s particularly convenient for a short stay focused on sightseeing.
Do you need a car when staying in Kamloops?
You don’t necessarily need a car if you’re staying downtown, where many attractions are within walking distance. However, a vehicle is useful for visiting places outside the city centre, including BC Wildlife Park and nearby hiking trails. Kamloops also has public transit.
How many days should you stay in Kamloops?
I’d recommend staying in Kamloops for at least 2 nights if you want time to visit local attractions, enjoy the restaurants and get out into nature. An overnight stay works for a road trip, but 2–3 days allows for a more relaxed itinerary.
Is it better to stay in downtown Kamloops or Aberdeen?
Staying in downtown Kamloops is better for walkability, restaurants and cultural attractions. Aberdeen is more convenient for travellers arriving by car who want easy access to the Trans-Canada Highway.
When is the best time to book hotels in Kamloops?
It’s worth booking Kamloops hotels early for summer weekends, long weekends and major sporting events. Prices and availability can change considerably depending on local events, so compare rates for your travel dates before booking.
Make the Most of Your Stay in Kamloops
Where you stay can make a real difference to how you experience Kamloops. I’ve enjoyed staying at all 3 hotels, but for different reasons. If I’m planning a trip focused on downtown attractions, I’d choose the DoubleTree. For a road trip with an early start, the Best Western Premier Aberdeen makes more sense. And if I’m visiting friends or family, I’d appreciate the spacious gathering areas at the Holiday Inn & Suites.
But don’t treat Kamloops as somewhere to simply stop for the night on your way to somewhere else. There’s plenty worth making time for, from art galleries and museums to riverside walks and fascinating landscapes just outside the city.
Planning your visit? My 3-day Kamloops itinerary will help you put together a trip that includes local attractions, food stops and time outdoors without rushing from place to place.
More Articles to Help You Plan Your Trip to Kamloops
- Is Kamloops Worth Visiting? Here’s My Honest Take
- 3 Days in Kamloops Itinerary: Nature, Culture, and Foodie Stops
- Things to Do in Kamloops Beyond the Outdoors: Art, Museums And Culture
- Things to Do in Kamloops at Night
- 21+ Cheap or Free Things to Do in Kamloops, BC
- Murals and Street Art in Kamloops: The Best Spots Downtown
- 10 Best Places for Vegan Food in Kamloops, BC + Map
- 17 Things to do in Kamloops in Fall Amongst the Autumn Leaves
- Drive From Vancouver to Kamloops: Routes and Road Trip Stops
- Things to Do Between Kamloops and Revelstoke: Best Stops
- DoubleTree by Hilton Kamloops Hotel Review: Downtown Stay
- Holiday Inn & Suites Kamloops Review
- Best Western Aberdeen Kamloops Review
- Where to Stay in Kamloops
Plan Your Canadian Adventure
A few trusted resources I use and recommend:
- Booking.com (Hotels + Stays) – Find places to stay across Canada
Compare hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals using a handy map tool. - Discover Cars (Rental Vehicles) – Search Canadian car rentals
Easily compare prices from major rental companies for your road trip. - Busbud (Intercity Buses) – Book Canadian bus routes
Affordable bus travel between cities and small towns across Canada. - Viator (Tours & Activities) – Browse tours across Canada
From guided walks to scenic day trips, find local experiences worth booking. - Airalo (eSIM Cards) – Get a Canadian travel eSIM
Stay connected while you explore without needing a physical SIM card. - Safety Wing (Travel Insurance) – Explore travel insurance options
If you're visiting Canada from abroad, travel insurance is worth looking into. This platform helps you compare plans. (Not financial advice.)
