Where to Stay in Kelowna: Best Hotels & Areas Guide

Kelowna is a funny city when it comes to choosing where to stay because there isn’t really one obvious area. Downtown usually gets most of the attention, but depending on what you actually want to do while you’re here, it might not be where I’d tell you to book.

If you’re planning to spend your days at the beach, I’d look at the Lower Mission. Coming mostly for the wineries? Well, West Kelowna might make way more sense. And if you want to walk out your hotel door and have restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and the lake right there, then I’d stay downtown.

I’ve lived in the Okanagan my whole life, so I know these areas really well, and they all give you a slightly different version of Kelowna. In this guide, I’ll break down the areas you should consider staying in based on what you’re planning on doing, who each area is best for, and the hotels to look at in each area.

Where Should You Stay in Kelowna?

If you already know what kind of trip you’re planning, here’s the quick version! These are my first picks in each area, and I’ll cover more options (and why you might want to stay there) below.

Downtown Kelowna: Best Overall

If it’s your first trip to Kelowna, downtown is probably where I’d tell you to stay. It’s usually more expensive, especially in summer, but you’re paying for the ability to leave your car parked and easily walk places.

The lake is right there, Bernard Avenue has tons of restaurants and coffee shops, and you can easily wander over to the breweries in the north end. If you’re coming for a concert or hockey game at Prospera Place, staying downtown is especially handy.

Delta Grand Okanagan Resort: Best Overall

If you want the full Kelowna vacation experience, the Delta is your obvious choice downtown. It’s right on Okanagan Lake with the waterfront boardwalk outside, and you can walk to Bernard Avenue (aka main street) in just a few minutes. You’re also right beside Waterfront Park, so this is about as central as you can get while still feeling like you’re staying at a lakefront resort.

There are indoor and outdoor pools, plus a hot tub and a full-service spa. In the summer, the outdoor pool area is especially nice because it overlooks the lake and has its own poolside bar. OAK + CRU is downstairs too, with a lovely waterfront patio that’s great for breakfast or drinks without having to go anywhere.

Bike rentals are included, which is such a nice perk here. You can hop straight onto the waterfront path and bike through downtown, or keep following the trails farther north along the lake. The resort also has kayaks and other water activities available, so you can actually spend a decent amount of your trip here without needing to drive anywhere.

There are quite a few different room options as well. Along with regular hotel rooms and suites, the Delta has one-, two- and three-bedroom vacation homes with full kitchens and balconies. So while I think of it as more of a traditional resort, it can work really well for longer stays too.

The Delta is definitely one of the pricier options in Kelowna, especially once you add parking and the seasonal resort fee, but the location is really hard to beat. If this is your first trip to Kelowna and you want to be on the lake and able to walk almost everywhere downtown, this would be my pick.

Royal Kelowna: Best for Families & Groups

The Royal is right beside the Delta and also directly on the lake, but instead of regular hotel rooms, you’re getting what basically feels like a really nice downtown condo. The one-, two- and three-bedroom suites are huge, with separate living and dining areas, full kitchens, and in-suite laundry. Some of the larger suites can sleep up to eight people, so this can make a lot more sense than booking multiple hotel rooms if you’re travelling with family or friends.

The rooftop is probably my favourite part! There’s a heated infinity pool overlooking Okanagan Lake (it’s stuuuuuning), plus hot tubs and a lounge area where you can hang out around the firepit. There are also BBQs guests can use, which is handy when you already have a full kitchen back in your suite.

You’re getting an amazing downtown location too! The waterfront boardwalk is right outside, and you can easily walk to Bernard Avenue, City Park, or Prospera Place. They also have bikes and beach gear you can borrow.

If you’re staying for longer than a weekend and want all the benefits of being downtown without everyone crammed into a regular hotel room, I’d seriously consider staying here. It gives you a lot of space to settle in, while still putting you right in the middle of Kelowna.

The Royal Anne Hotel: Best Value

The Royal Anne isn’t a fancy lakefront resort, but its location is fantastic! You’re right on Bernard Avenue with restaurants basically right outside your door, and you can walk down to City Park and the waterfront in just a few minutes. If you’re staying downtown because you want to actually be downtown, this puts you right in the middle of everything.

The hotel itself is more straightforward than some of the other options in this guide, but you still get some nice extras. A continental breakfast is included every morning, and there’s a fitness room and infrared sauna. Most rooms also have little Juliette balconies, with some looking toward the lake or mountains.

The limited on-site parking is complimentary too, although it’s first come, first served, and the hotel usually has a separate summer parking advisory, so I’d double-check that when booking.

I think the Royal Anne makes the most sense if location and saving matters more to you than having a pool or full resort experience. You still get to stay right in the heart of downtown Kelowna, but you can hopefully save a little on the hotel and spend that money on dinner, wine tasting, or whatever else you came to the Okanagan to do.

Prestige Beach House: Best Boutique Stay

The Prestige is directly across from City Park and Hot Sands Beach, so you can be on the beach in about two minutes after leaving your room. You’re still right downtown too, with Bernard Avenue only a couple of blocks away. I really like this location if you want easy access to the lake but don’t necessarily want the bigger resort experience of the Delta or Royal.

It’s a smaller hotel, with just 67 rooms, and every room has its own balcony. There’s an indoor pool and hot tub downstairs, and you can borrow bikes from the hotel for free. They also have complimentary beach and sporting equipment, which is a fun little perk if you’re visiting in the summer.

There are quite a few room styles, including larger two-bedroom suites with kitchens. Then there’s the Beverly Suite, which is their very fancy room with a fireplace, huge soaker tub, and wine fridge. I’ve stayed in this suite before and it definitely feels like a completely different experience from booking one of their standard rooms.

You also have West Coast Seafood and Raw Bar downstairs, along with 27 Lounge if you want cocktails without going far. Of course, with this location, you also have a ridiculous number of downtown restaurants within walking distance.

Prestige is a BC-owned hotel group too, which I always like supporting! I’d look at staying here if you want something smaller than the big downtown resorts while still being able to walk to the beach and everything happening downtown.

Lower Mission & Pandosy: Best for Beaches & Families

If your ideal Kelowna trip involves spending a lot of time by the lake, I’d look south of downtown toward Pandosy and the Lower Mission.

I especially like the Pandosy area because you can grab coffee or dinner and walk down to Gyro Beach. Head a little farther south toward Cook Road and it becomes much more resorty, with some of Kelowna’s nicest lakefront hotels. You’ll probably want a car either way, but this is such a good part of the city for a summer trip.

Manteo at Eldorado: Best for Families

Manteo is right on Okanagan Lake and has its own private beach, so it’s a great choice if you want to spend some time enjoying your hotel rather than just sleeping there. There’s a waterfront boardwalk running along the resort, with docks where you can head straight out onto the lake. You’re also only a short drive from Gyro Beach and the shops and restaurants around Pandosy (which is Kelowna’s second downtown).

There are several pools around the resort, including indoor and seasonal outdoor options, plus hot tubs. In the summer, you can rent paddleboards and kayaks from the marina, or book a boat if you want to spend a day farther out on the lake. There are also tennis and pickleball courts, so there’s actually quite a bit to do here without leaving the property.

You can book a regular hotel room or go for one of the larger suites and villas. The two- and three-bedroom villas are especially good for families because you get way more space to spread out, along with a full kitchen and in-suite laundry. Some are even right along the beach, with patios facing the lake.

There’s a restaurant right at Manteo too, and you can walk next door to Hotel Eldorado for even more dining options. The two hotels are part of the same Eldorado Resort, so you get access to amenities across the broader property rather than being limited to Manteo itself.

I especially like Manteo for families because it gives you plenty to do between whatever else you have planned in Kelowna. But honestly, the lakefront location makes it a great summer option for pretty much anyone. If part of your ideal Kelowna trip is waking up and immediately heading down to the water, this is a really good place to do it.

Hotel Eldorado: Best for Couples

The Eldorado is right next door to Manteo, but it has a completely different feel. It’s a historic hotel that dates back to 1926 and only has 53 rooms and suites, including some gorgeous lakeview options. There’s a lot more character here than you’ll find at a typical hotel, with the older heritage style mixed in with all the perks of staying at a lakefront resort.

This is where I’d book if you want a nice lakefront location, but would rather have a cozier and more romantic stay. You can walk straight outside and wander along the boardwalk, hang out on the private beach, or head down to the marina. Guests also have access to the pools and hot tubs across Eldorado Resort, including an adults-only outdoor pool in the summer.

And then there’s the Lakeside Dining Room. The patio sits right over the water and is such a good place for dinner, especially on a warm summer evening. You can also grab a drink in the Eldorado Lounge or Whisky Room without leaving the hotel.

Because the Eldorado and Manteo are part of the same resort, you still get access to a lot of the activities I mentioned above. You can rent kayaks or paddleboards from the marina, play pickleball, or just spend the afternoon by the lake.

I think the Eldorado is especially good for a couples trip because you get the smaller, more intimate hotel experience without giving up all the fun resort amenities next door. And if you’re coming in 2026, the hotel is actually celebrating its 100th anniversary, which is pretty cool!

Siesta Suites: Best Value

If you want to stay near Okanagan Lake without paying lakefront resort prices, Siesta Suites is worth a look. It’s about an eight-minute walk from Gyro Beach and right across from Mission Park Shopping Centre, which is really handy if you want groceries or somewhere casual to grab food without getting in the car.

The rooms are pretty straightforward and a little more old-school than some of the newer hotels in Kelowna, but that’s also kind of the point. You’re paying for a practical place to stay in a great location rather than a fancy resort experience. There are studio suites with kitchenettes and larger one-bedroom suites with full kitchens, so you can make breakfast or keep some groceries around instead of eating out for every meal.

There’s an indoor pool and hot tub that you can use year-round, plus a big outdoor pool in the summer. You’ll also find a sauna and BBQ areas around the property, and parking is free.

I think Siesta Suites makes a lot of sense for families or if you’re staying for more than a couple of nights. And if you’re visiting Kelowna in summer and nearly fall over when you see what some of the lakefront hotels cost, this is a good way to stay close to the beach without paying an arm and a leg.

West Kelowna: Best for Wineries

If you’re coming to Kelowna mostly to drink wine, staying across the bridge in West Kelowna might actually make more sense.

West Kelowna puts you close to Mission Hill, Quails’ Gate, and all the wineries scattered around Mount Boucherie. You’ll definitely want a car or wine tour because things are pretty spread out over here, and I wouldn’t choose it if you plan on spending every night downtown. But for a trip built around wineries with some lake time mixed in, I’d happily stay on this side of the bridge!

The Cove Lakeside Resort: Best Overall

If you want to stay in West Kelowna and still get that full Okanagan vacation feeling, The Cove would be my first pick. It’s right on Okanagan Lake in Gellatly Bay, with its own private beach and two outdoor pools in the summer. One of the pools even has a waterslide, which makes this an especially good option if you’re travelling with kids. There are hot tubs too, plus plenty of spots around the property where you can slow down and enjoy being by the lake.

The rooms are condo-style suites with one, two, or three bedrooms, so they feel much more like staying in an apartment than a regular hotel room. You get a full kitchen, separate living space and in-suite laundry, plus a private balcony or terrace. Some suites overlook the lake, while others face the surrounding mountains.

There’s quite a bit to do around the resort too. You can play tennis or pickleball, hang out around the fire pits, or rent paddleboards and other watercraft right from the lake. There’s also an on-site spa if your version of a lake day involves doing as little as possible, which I fully support.

I especially like The Cove if you’re splitting your trip between wine tasting and lake days. You’re not right in the middle of the wineries, but you’re close enough that getting around the Westside Wine Trail is easy. Then, once you’re done wine tasting for the day, you can come back and actually feel like you’re on vacation rather than just returning to a hotel beside the highway.

TownePlace Suites: Best for Longer Stays

Okay, this might not be the romantic wine-country hotel you pictured when you started planning your Okanagan vacation, but it’s really practical and the rooms are actually quite nice. It’s an all-suite hotel, and every room comes with a full kitchen, so you can make breakfast or dinner yourself. That alone can make a pretty big difference if you’re staying for a week or travelling with kids.

Breakfast is included every morning, and parking is free too. There’s also an indoor pool, hot tub, and waterslide, which makes it a surprisingly good family option. Outside, there are BBQs and a firepit area if you want somewhere to hang out in the evening.

You’re right near Highway 97 here, so I’d choose TownePlace more for convenience than atmosphere. That said, the location works really well if you’re planning to explore West Kelowna. You’re only a short drive from the wineries around Mount Boucherie, and getting to beaches or down toward Gellatly Bay is easy too.

For a quick romantic weekend, I’d probably choose somewhere else in this guide. But if you’re staying for several days and want a comfortable room with a kitchen while still being close to the wineries, this is a good pick.

A View of the Lake: Best Unique Stay

This B&B is the complete opposite of the two hotels above. A View of the Lake is a tiny four-room B&B tucked into a residential neighbourhood above Okanagan Lake, with some spectacularly good views toward Kelowna. Because it’s so small, it feels much more personal than staying at a larger hotel, and I’d stay here if you want somewhere quiet to come back to at the end of the day.

The rooms are all a little different, but each has its own ensuite, and the whole property is really built around the lake and city views. It’s also adults-focused, so I’d especially consider this for a couples trip rather than a family vacation.

But the breakfast might actually be the best part! One of the owners is an award-winning chef and breakfast is a full three-course affair rather than a sad muffin you grabbed from the hotel lobby. That alone makes it feel a lot more special than your typical hotel stay.

Location-wise, you’re still close to the wineries in West Kelowna, but you’re tucked away from the busier commercial areas around Highway 97. I’d look at staying at A View of the Lake if you want a more relaxed home base between days of wine tasting and exploring, especially if waking up to an Okanagan Lake view sounds better than being right in the middle of everything.

Central Kelowna: Best for Value & Convenience

I’ll admit, nobody comes to Kelowna dreaming about staying beside Highway 97 (the main highway through town), but if lake views aren’t important to you (and you want to save money!), this part of town can be a really smart place to stay.

You’re basically in the middle of everything, parking is generally easier, and you can usually get more hotel for your money than you would downtown or directly on the lake. It’s especially worth looking here if you plan on spending most of your days out exploring anyway.

Coast Capri Hotel: Best Overall

Coast Capri has been around forever and it’s kind of a Kelowna staple at this point. It’s not in a particularly scenic part of the city, but the hotel itself has more going on than you might expect from its Highway 97 location.

The big draw in summer is the heated outdoor pool, which is in a courtyard with loungers and poolside service from Vintners, the hotel’s on-site restaurant and lounge. There’s also a spa inside the hotel, plus a fitness centre if you’re feeling ambitious on vacation.

Vintners is downstairs for breakfast and dinner, and Capri Centre Mall is basically next door, so you’ve got a grocery store and other shops within a couple of minutes. It’s not glamorous, but it’s very convenient.

Parking is free too, which is a nice change from staying downtown. And because you’re right in the middle of Kelowna, you can get downtown pretty quickly, head south toward the Mission, or drive north without adding a ton of extra time. I’d look at staying at Coast Capri if you want somewhere comfortable and full-service without paying lakefront prices.

Accent Inns Kelowna: Best Value

Accent Inns is a good pick if you don’t need anything fancy and would rather save some money for exploring Kelowna, maybe on one of these adventure tours.

The rooms are pretty straightforward, but they’re comfortable and practical. You get free parking, which is always a win, and some rooms have kitchenettes. There’s an outdoor pool in the summer, and you can borrow bikes for free too, which is a fun little bonus. Since you’re fairly central, it’s also easy to head downtown or over toward the Mission without much of a drive.

It’s not where I’d book for a romantic weekend away, but as an affordable home base, it’s a great option. If your plan is to spend most of your time out exploring anyway, I’d rather save on the hotel and put that money toward actually doing stuff in Kelowna.

Kelowna Airport: Best for Early Flights

I probably wouldn’t choose the airport area for your first Kelowna vacation, but there are definitely times when staying up here makes sense. If you have a painfully early flight, arrive late at night, are visiting UBC Okanagan, or plan to spend more time around Lake Country, it can be really convenient.

You’re about 15 to 20 minutes from downtown depending on traffic, so you’ll want a car if you’re using this as your base. The upside is that you’re also closer to Lake Country wineries, golf courses, and the north end of the city.

P.S. I also have a guide to things to do near the Kelowna airport if you have enough time to squeeze a little Okanagan exploring into your stop.

Hampton Inn & Suites Kelowna Airport: Best Overall

The Hampton Inn is right across the highway from Kelowna International Airport, so this would be my first pick if catching a flight is your priority. There’s a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle, which is especially nice when your flight leaves at some terrible hour of the morning.

A hot breakfast is included, and there’s an indoor pool if you have some time to kill before or after your flight. The rooms are modern and straightforward, with connecting rooms available if you’re travelling with family.

I’d also consider this if you’re visiting UBC Okanagan since the campus is only a few minutes away. It’s definitely an airport hotel rather than somewhere I’d book for the Kelowna experience, but when convenience is more important, this is your spot.

Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport: Best Full-Service Option

Four Points is also just across the highway from the Kelowna airport and it offers a complimentary airport shuttle. Unlike the Hampton, there’s a full restaurant on-site, so you don’t necessarily have to venture out again once you’ve checked in.

There’s an indoor pool and fitness centre, and some of the suites have kitchenettes if you need a little more space. The rooms have also been renovated, so it feels a bit more polished than your average airport stopover.

I’d probably choose Four Points if you want a slightly more full-service stay, especially if you’re arriving late and would rather check in, get dinner, and be done for the night.

So… Where Should You Stay in Kelowna?

There really isn’t one single best area to stay in Kelowna. It depends on the kind of trip you’re planning.

If it’s your first visit and you want to walk places, I’d stay downtown. For beach days, I’d look at the Lower Mission. If wine tasting is the main event, West Kelowna can make way more sense. And if you mostly need somewhere comfortable to sleep while you’re out exploring all day, central Kelowna will usually give you more for your money.

Kelowna is pretty spread out, so I’d choose your hotel based on where you think you’ll spend the most time. Saving $50 on a room isn’t nearly as exciting when you end up driving back and forth across the city every day.

Once you’ve picked where to stay, the fun part is figuring out what you’re actually going to do here! I have lots more Kelowna guides covering beaches, hikes, wineries, restaurants, and some of the slightly more adventurous things you can do around the Okanagan.

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