Sustainable and chic are part and parcel at Alt Hotel Winnipeg.
With a location that can’t be beaten, a history of critical acclaim since it opened nearly a decade ago, friendly staff, and the gold standard in green hotel initiatives, this is a perfect hotel for your eco-conscious stay.
A sustainable stay
The Alt Hotel Winnipeg by Le Germain has been built according to eco-friendly building standards and is one of downtown’s greenest buildings.
This 15-storey, 160-guest room, Green Key Certified hotel features a geothermal heating and cooling system that recycles warm air and heats and cools the hotel’s water, while throughout the premises they recycle, recover and recharge in all their rooms and public spaces.
Every little detail about the hotel has been looked at through a sustainability lens––from the thermal envelop of the building, to the use of natural light throughout the rooms, to the systems in place to reduce water (including dual flush toilets) and energy consumption. Cleaning products used are biodegradable, the bathrooms are all equipped with refillable, eco-friendly Bella Pella bath products, and each guest room features floor-to-ceiling thermal windows that supply ample natural light.
When you are staying in spring/summer/fall, free bikes are available onsite to sustainably explore the city too.
What the critics said
On top of getting high marks for sustainability, the Alt is also a top choice in the city for some of notable publications.
Vogue calls it, “the hippest option downtown…. [which] successfully hits the intersection of affordable style and function, with a minimalist aesthetic and arty local touches.”
The Globe and Mail raves about its overall design, noting that, “Before you even check in, you’ll want to enjoy the lobby: Sit on the dowel stool, lean back into the ribbon bucket chair or put your feet up in the lazy rocker.”
When it opened in April 2015, National Geographic Traveler called it, “arguably the coolest recent addition to downtown” citing how its use of local sourcing “blends local flavour and an ultrahip, minimalist aesthetic.”
Amenities, location and vibe
The Alt is located just 115 steps from the Canada Life Centre, which is right across Portage Avenue, and just over 500 steps to the Burton Cummings Theatre.
By staying here you are also just one block from the start of The Exchange District, while other major Winnipeg attractions like The Forks, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, The Manitoba Museum and WAG-Qaumajuq are all just a few blocks away.
Located right inside the hotel is The Merchant Kitchen, one of downtown’s best and liveliest restaurants. The menu focuses on global street food and is a lively spot before any event downtown. For groups, a private dining room is available that has full A/V capabilities, while the restaurant is open late if you are looking to unwind at the bar or catch a late dinner after an event.
The hotel itself has numerous stylish rooms for business meetings and gatherings, most of which overlook downtown. Ultra-fast WiFi, televisions with Chromecast, sound-proof rooms, a well-appointed 24-hour gym, rainfall showers, flexible check-out times and yoga mats available upon request are just a few of the amenities.
And as to the Alt’s staff and general welcoming nature?
To quote from The Globe and Mail, “the service here is what you’ll really remember… [as] the staff treat you like a five-star client. It’s been a while since I’ve been so taken with hotel employees. I guess they don’t call this “friendly Manitoba” for nothing.”
Learn more at by visiting the Germain Hotels website.