St John’s Alt Hotel Review: Best Mix of Comfort and Fun 2024

At the turning-around point of my coast-to-coast EV road trip in St. John’s, Newfoundland, I wanted to stay somewhere comfortable and convenient. I had just driven over 7,000 kilometers and was ready for a nice break in Newfoundland’s capital city. I was exhausted and ready to recharge. Thankfully, I found exactly what I needed in the St. John’s Alt hotel.

This is my St John’s Alt Hotel review.

  BOOK HERE:   Find the lowest rates at the Alt Hotel St John’s

What Are Alt Hotels?

As the name implies, Alt Hotels are distinctively different. As part of the Le Germain family, Alt Hotels provides guests with “the best of what they want without any extra fluff.” This philosophy prioritizes a comfortable stay in a modern, eco-friendly manner, avoiding unnecessary extras like valet and concierge services. The eco-friendly Alt Hotel St. John’s utilizes geothermal heating, aligning with their commitment to sustainability while ensuring a comfortable and unique guest experience.

I’ve enjoyed staying at several Alt Hotel locations, including one in Montreal, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg, and was eager to see how their St John’s property compares. I appreciate these hotels’ spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and workspaces, and, as I found out, the Alt Hotel NFLD is no different.

Where is the St John’s Alt Hotel Located?

alt hotel st john's newfoundland exterior with couple walking in front
The Alt Hotel St John’s exterior

One of St John’s newest hotels, the St John’s Alt Hotel, is conveniently located on the waterfront between downtown and the world-famous George Street. Staying here means you have the best of St. John’s at your doorstep.

More specifically, George Street and all the great bars and restaurants along it are just a 10-minute walk away. Heading the other way, Single Hill is a 5-minute drive, as is the photogenic waterfront neighbourhood of Quidi Vidi.

As you can see, the St John’s Alt Hotel is within reach of everything St John’s offers. Even out-of-town attractions such as Cape Spear, the most eastern point in North America, are 17 minutes away by car, as is Petty Harbour.

The St John’s Alt Hotel Guestrooms

St John's Alt Hotel room with Puffin image on shower glass separator
St John’s Alt Hotel room with Puffin image on shower glass separator

The St John’s Alt Hotel Guest Rooms

During my stay at the Alt Hotel St. John’s, I was accommodated in a room with two queen beds and stunning harbor views. The room’s bright and contemporary design, combined with cozy window seating and exceptionally comfortable beds, created a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere.

The room was thoughtfully decorated with a modern touch, featuring comfortable and stylish furniture. The decor was mostly neutral with striking pops of color, and a delightful puffin mural added a unique, local touch to the space. The walls were adorned with hardwood paneling, adding warmth and elegance to the room.

The bathroom was spacious, featuring a glass shower stall with a rainfall shower and controllable mood lights, a separate washroom, and a wooden bench. Canadian-made Bella Pella products and plush terry cloth towels added to the comfort and luxury. The work area was equipped with a Canadian-made ergonomic chair, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers.

Each guest room at Alt Hotel includes a Nespresso coffee machine, perfect for enjoying coffee while relaxing in the window seat. The fog rolling through St. John’s Harbor made this experience even more mesmerizing. Additionally, the room featured a 50-inch flatscreen TV, goose down duvets, and feather pillows for ultimate comfort.

The room with two queen beds at Alt Hotel St. John’s is designed to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers, with everything you need right at your fingertips. For an even more breathtaking experience, opt for the room with a harbor view. Queen and King Bed rooms at Alt Hotel St. John’s are also available, each spaciously designed at 225 ft² (20 m²), ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests.

Amenities at the St John’s Alt Hotel

Aside from its fantastic location and incredibly comfy rooms, the St John’s Alt Hotel has plenty of perks to offer its guests.

An Active Lobby Hub

St John's Alt Hotel lively lobby
St John’s Alt Hotel lively lobby

Each time I entered, the St. John’s Alt Hotel lobby was a lively and inviting space. Bright and contemporary, the lobby features large windows that bathe the area in natural light, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. With a variety of comfortable seating options and an eclectic mix of decor, it’s an ideal spot for guests to relax and unwind.

Guests enjoyed the cozy space, sipping on coffee or local beer from the well-stocked pantry or engaging in a friendly game of pool. The lobby’s open layout doesn’t detract from its cozy feel, making it a perfect place to enjoy a snack, catch up with friends, or relax with a book. The thoughtful design of the area enhances the overall guest experience, offering a harmonious blend of comfort and style.

Outdoor Patio Space

St John's Alt Hotel's colourful patio
St John’s Alt Hotel’s colorful patio

Beyond the stunning views from my room, a standout moment during my stay at the Alt Hotel St. John’s Newfoundland was grabbing a coffee and pastry from the Terre Cafe and enjoying it on one of the many vibrant patio picnic tables or chairs. The outdoor area is spacious and inviting, perfect for a relaxing break. With blankets available in the lobby, you can even cozy up and enjoy the fresh air on a cool evening. The combination of delicious treats and the charming outdoor setting made this a truly memorable part of my stay.

Terre Cafe at St John’s Alt Hotel

Speaking of the Terre Cafe, enjoying a great cup of coffee on the patio is also a wonderful perk.

Nestled within the modern and stylish confines of the St. John’s Alt Hotel, Terre Cafe offers a dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador. As the in-house restaurant of this contemporary hotel, Terre Cafe has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for both hotel guests and local food enthusiasts.

The cafe’s menu showcases the best of local, seasonal ingredients, focusing on the region’s unique flavors and traditions. With its commitment to supporting local producers and artisans, the cafe also serves as a hub for celebrating the region’s vibrant food community.

Alt Hotel St John’s Restaurant – Terre

Terre, located within the Alt Hotel St. John’s, offers a culinary experience deeply rooted in the rich traditions and vibrant flavors of Newfoundland and Labrador. Chef Matthew Swift, inspired by the province’s people, produce, and landscapes, has crafted a menu that showcases the best local ingredients.

Terre provides a welcoming and comfortable dining space, reflecting and respecting its unique environment. Recognized as one of ‘Canada’s Best New Restaurants’ by enRoute Magazine in 2021, Terre invites guests to savor expertly prepared dishes while enjoying stunning views of St. John’s Harbor, creating a truly memorable dining experience.

Alt Hotel St John’s Parking

The Alt Hotel St. John’s offers underground heated parking for guests. The daily rate is $15 for 24 hours, providing convenient access via the hotel elevator. The parking facility has a maximum height clearance of 6’2″.

To locate the parking entrance, follow the signs at the intersection of Harbour Drive and Job’s Cove. The entry gates are situated at the rear of the hotel, near St. John’s Harbour.

Although the St. John’s Alt Hotel does not have EV charging, they allowed me to plug into one of the standard outlets during my stay. Since you can walk to many of St. John’s best attractions from the hotel, I was able to let the car trickle charge for a couple of days, getting more than enough power to be on my way.

Why The Alt Hotel NFLD Should Be Your St John’s Choice

alt hotel st john's newfoundland exterior with couple walking in front
Alt Hotel St John’s Newfoundland exterior

Similar to my time at the Hew and Draw hotel on the opposite side of the island, the Alt Hotel St. John’s delivered exactly what I needed during my cross-country journey—a place to relax and recharge. This hotel exceeded my expectations, providing a perfect blend of comfort and convenience.

As mentioned, one of the highlights of my stay was enjoying my morning coffee while watching the bustling harbor below, often shrouded in a beautiful, mysterious fog—a serene experience I would gladly return for. The hotel’s prime location also made it easy to explore nearby George Street, where I enjoyed some fantastic live music. My stay at Alt Hotel St. John’s was exceptional, and I’m confident yours will be too.

  BOOK HERE:   Find the lowest rates at the Alt Hotel St John’s


What say you?
Thoughts on the Alt Hotel St John’s Newfoundland?

For more reviews from Canada and beyond see HERE.


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