One of the most eagerly awaited projects in downtown Edmonton officially opened its doors yesterday - the JW Marriott Hotel. The Marriott welcomed its first guests on the morning of August 1st, 3½ years after it was announced that the brand was coming to ICE District, and about five years since construction began on the downtown mega-project that also includes Rogers Place arena and the 251-metre Stantec Tower.

Overhead view of the JW Marriott Lobby, photo by Dave Sutherland

Media were treated to a preview tour ahead of the public opening of Canada's third JW Marriott hotel. 

The JW Marriott Hotel welcomes its first guests, photo by Dave Sutherland

Judging by the size of the crowd, it was evident that this event was one not to be missed. 

Chef Jason Greene talks food at Kindred in the JW Marriott hotel, photo by Dave Sutherland

The tour included introductions to the chefs operating Kindred and Braven - the two ground-floor restaurants in the hotel lobby - as well as the bartenders at the Lobby Bar who gamely demonstrated their signature cocktails. 

Braven offers a fine-dining experience at the JW Marriott hotel, photo by Dave Sutherland

All of the hotel's restaurants and bars are operated by the Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality group, the high-end furnishings and decor part of the modern, elegant, luxury aesthetic that both restaurant line and the Marriott  are known for.

Making a signature cocktail - a smoked lemonade - at the Lobby Bar, photo by Dave Sutherland

One of many highlights of the tour, the entertainment value inherent to watching a beautifully made cocktail be created was not lost to the group. To this end, the food prep demonstrations were equally beguiling, especially as the tour wound on. 

Executive Chef and "Beat Bobby Flay" winner Kiran Patnam, photo by Dave Sutherland

The tour continued to the conference and meeting centre, which includes the 9,000-square-foot Wayne Gretzky Ballroom, the largest ballroom in Edmonton, with a patio overlooking the soon-to-be-completed ICE District Plaza. The ballroom features built-in projectors and screens, and offers guests the ability to customize the LED lighting to suit their needs. 

The 9,000-square-foot Wayne Gretzky Ballroom, photo by Dave Sutherland

A total of 22,000-square-feet of meeting and conference space is available for rent at the hotel.

The Jari Kurri ballroom (divided in two), photo by Dave Sutherland

The tour continued to the upper floors of the hotel tower, where some of the most exclusive offerings could be found, including the 22nd-floor Executive Lounge overlooking downtown Edmonton.

The spacious Presidential Suite of the JW Marriott Hotel, photo by Dave Sutherland

Next was a stop at the impressively appointed Presidential Suite, available as a spacious, $4,500 per night luxury offering.

The 22nd floor Executive Lounge offers exclusive amenities, photo by Dave Sutherland

The last stop on the tour showed off the wellness amenities - a Spa by JW and Archetype Fitness Club - located on the fifth floor. The spa offers many services including massages, manicures and pedicures, and hydrotherapy pools.

Hydrotherapy pool at Spa by JW, photo by Dave Sutherland

Archetype's gym is loaded with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, and offers coaching, as well as group studios for activities like yoga and spin classes.

Row of treadmills at Archetype, photo by Dave Sutherland

The JW Marriott hotel contains 356 guest rooms now available for booking. The hotel component will soon be joined by The Legends Private Residences - a 262-unit luxury condominiums that make up the rest of the 191-metre Hariri Pontarini-designed tower above the hotel - which will welcome permanent residents to the ICE District.

Putting the finishing touches on the JW Marriott hotel tower, photo by Dave Sutherland

What do you think of the new JW Marriott Hotel and its offerings? Let us know in the comments below, or join our discussion forum. You can also find more information and photos in our project database.