Best Western Pembina Inn & Suites

Bright weekend up ahead for Broadway

2010-09-08T09:22:00.000-05:00

Just because it's time for the kids to go back to school doesn't mean all fun has to stop. I think this is what the downtown BIZ was thinking when they planned the 5 events 1 weekend which includes Lights on Broadway, this weekend.

5 events 1 weekend looks like it will be lots of fun and the best part is it's like one last hurray to summer. I know no one wants to hear that, but yes summer is over, fall is here I said it! The weather is changing but that doesn't mean we have to stop having fun and the downtown BIZ is making sure of that.

This weekend expect to find lots of music, dancing and food on Broadway. The full schedule looks like this:(from the downtown BIZ website)

Lighting Design Competition, Sept 11 & 12, starting at sun down--Watch as the elm trees lining Broadway are brought to life with a spectacular lighting display created by three world-renowned lighting designers. Hosted by Manitoba Homecoming 2010 and Manitoba Hydro.

Taste of Downtown Winnipeg, Sept 10, 11am-10pm; Sept 11, 11am-10pm; Sept 12, 1pm-6pm--Sip cabernets and chardonnays during this wine and cheese event being held in Memorial Park. Hosted by the Independent Wine Merchants of Winnipeg.

The Big Dance on Broadway, Sept 11, 4pm-11pm--It's a dance party like no other with two stages playing various genres of music. Jive, swing, bop and groove beneath a canopy of light. Hosted by Winnipeg Cultural Capitals of Canada 2010.

Winnipeg 10+10, Sunday, Sept 12, 8am-11am--Lace on those runners and enjoy the scenic route of a 10 km or 10 mile run that starts and ends in Memorial Park. Hosted by the Running Room.

Ciclovia, Sunday, Sept 12, 11am-7pm—In its second year! Walk, jog or cycle your way all the way from Assiniboine Park to The Forks during this eco-friendly festival. Stop at Broadway to enjoy a farmers market, fitness demos, kids zone, bike zone, music and more. Hosted by the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ.

What I'm most excited about is obviously Lights on Broadway, I think it's a great way to draw attention to the downtown area, and the beautiful street of Broadway.

If you have never been to Broadway I suggest you go soon while the trees are still green. This street is just so wonderful, full of heritage buildings, beautifully large trees and friendly atmosphere. The perfect place to hold a great street festival this weekend.

So I hope everyone who is in town this weekend makes their way down to Broadway at least for one day to take in this amazing event.

Cheers
Janis

Travel Green in Winnipeg

2010-09-01T11:51:00.000-05:00

Being "eco-friendly" is on everyone's mind. How can it not be, everywhere we look we see the push to be eco-friendly. It's not bad thing either, I mean how can sustaining our planet where we live be a bad thing?

We all know how to be nice to our environment at home, but how do we stay that way when on the road? While researching this idea I came across an article by Canadian Living called "Ecotourism: How to make your vacations greener." They have several ideas on making your traveling easy on the planet.

1. Pick eco-friendly activities
This is a wonderful suggestion and so easy to accomplish here in Winnipeg no matter what the season is. In summer or fall as it is now turning, consider going on walking tours. They may not be led by a tour guide but information can be picked up online. The Exchange District is one of the most beautiful and historical places in Winnipeg. Although the walking tours have ended for the season, they have brief information about spots here.

(picture from worldguids.com)

2. Stay at eco-friendly accommodations
I think this a great idea, not only because the Best Western Pembina Inn & Suites is eco-friendly in many ways, but because it is such an easy way to contribute. At the hotel, we do all the work for you and you still get to feel good about helping the environment.

In each of our rooms we have blue recycling boxes like this:

This way all you have to do with your water bottles is toss them in and we take care of bringing them away. One way that you are the boss at our hotel is you can tell us when you want new towels, or sheets. If you are here for a few days and don't need your fresh towels, it helps us save water and in turn helps conserve water.

3. Eat local
In Winnipeg it is so easy to eat at local restaurants, you barely have to try. Even close to our hotel there are several local ethic places to eat. Just across the street we have a great Chinese place that I've raved about many times. Winnipeg is also littered with pizza joints like you wouldn't believe, my favourite being River City Pizza not far from the hotel either.

(Image from River City Pizza's Facebook page)

So although I have adapted these ideas to fit traveling to Winnipeg, they apply to anywhere the wind takes you. If you have any other tips on traveling eco-friendly please let us know by leaving a comment or @replying to us on twitter.

Cheers,
Janis

Ready to Run!

2010-08-27T09:36:00.000-05:00

It's nice to keep routine when you are away from home. Wake up at the same time, eat at the same time and exercise as much as you would at home.

At our hotel we have a great fitness room that is open 24/7. In there you will find a treadmill, elliptical, and one of those all in one weight machines. These are all wonderful machines to help you keep on your regiment while away from home.

My favorite type of working out is going for a run, but not on a treadmill. This has come from many guests as well and they want to know where they can run outside. Our hotel is right on a main city highway and can get pretty busy and running on the sidewalk isn't always easy. Behind our hotel, before you reach the Red River is a small little running path. It may not look like much but if it is followed south towards Bishop Grandin you will find the most amazing running paths in Winnipeg.

This stretch is fairly new to the area and is miles of paved pathways with the option of weaving in and out of St. Vital Park. This pathway for the most part is adjacent to Bishop Grandin Blvd but not right next to it so you are more secluded and can focus on the task ahead of you.

Another thing I like about this path is that they are expanding it towards the West (right now it's mostly east on Bishop Grandin). This means that those runners who are looking for a long workout can have it.

So tie on your running shoes and hit up the great pathways just a hop skip and jump away from the hotel.

Eating In Winnipeg

2010-08-26T10:56:00.000-05:00

I have been thinking about this a lot lately, more so right now because I am hungry and wish it was lunch time. Anyway what I've been thinking about is "Where should I go to eat in Winnipeg?"

I have lived in Winnipeg for just over three years and sometime I feel myself in a restaurant rut, which over the last few years is probably okay because as a student I shouldn't be eating out a lot anyway. However I have graduated and love going out, and I feel like it is my responsibility to our guests to recommend great places to eat that aren't the usual family restaurants that are in every city.

So where do I eat then? I love Chinese food and my favorite Chinese place happens to be right across from the hotel. I'm not just saying this because they are close by, it is actually great food and they have a cheap lunch buffet.

A guest at the hotel also told me about One Night in Bangkok. She said it was awesome and would go again in a heart beat. I found the menu online and it looks like fantastic Thia food. The guest said to make sure that you order 'not spicy' though otherwise your mouth will be on fire.

(This is the chicken skewers with peanut sauce that an online commenter uploaded and oh boy it looks tasty!)

One Night in Bangkok is just downtown on Edmonton St. so it's not too far from the hotel and looks like a place I might venture to in the near future.

If anyone has any suggestions of great places I should go to for some yummy food please let me know. Either leave a comment or email me at bwpembina@shawcable.com.

Cheers,

Janis

More at The Forks

2010-08-25T09:37:00.000-05:00

Whenever I think about The Forks, I think about your typical tourist attraction. This is especially true to me since I started working at the Best Western, however I think I'm starting to re-think that idea.

This week The Forks and Arts for All are hosting The River Barge Festival. Basically this is a music festival where the performers are on a barge on the river. I happen to think that this is a really cool idea. Now when people go to The Forks they not only get the typical Winnipeg attraction but they can also listen to some great local performers.

Another great thing about this festival, it's free!

The festival runs from today until the 29th so make sure you get out to The Forks and take in some amazing local music.

Cheers,

Janis
Best Western Pembina Inn & Suites

Cead Mille Failte- 100,000 Welcomes!

2010-07-27T10:50:00.001-05:00

One of our city's greatest cultural events is almost here! Folklorama is a two week celebration of all the different cultures and traditions in our city and our country. There are 45 pavilions to visit this summer, all of them spread across Winnipeg.

Last summer was my first time going to Folklorama and it was amazing! My friends and I went to the Ireland-Irish pavilion where we were fully immersed in a culture so unlike my own German/Ukraine background. We got to see traditional dancing, folk music, and experience people of all ages enjoying their own heritage. I think that is what I like the most, seeing young people enjoying and celebrating their heritage and background. It was awesome to see kids dancing to traditional folk music and singing along.

(Photo from Folklarama)

If you are going to be in Winnipeg this summer from August 1st to the 14th I strongly recommend that you visit as many pavilions as you can. If not for yourself, for me (sadly I will be on vacation during this time).

Should you need more convincing to go to Folklorama it was also voted Event of The Year by the Tourism Association of Canada 2009.

One thing I regret not doing that I encourage everyone else to do is try the food! The line was really long and we just were not in the mood to wait but we regretted it soon after. The food did look and smell amazing and everyone else we talked to said we were crazy not to try it!

Cheers and enjoy Folklorama 2010!

Janis
Best Western Pembina Inn & Suites

Take Off!

2010-07-08T11:10:00.000-05:00

Part of what we do here at the Best Western Pembina Inn & Suites is provide our guests with an airport shuttle. We can pick you up or drop you off, just give us 48-hours notice.

Today was one of those days I got to make a run to the airport to drop off a guest who was staying with us. I always like going to the airport because 1) it gets me out of the office, 2) I get to talk to the guest and get to know their story and 3) I like to see the progress they are making on the new airport terminal and I daydream that it will be easier and more efficient to pick up and drop off guests.

This morning I got to drive through the new part of what I assume is the pick up/drop off area of the new terminal and I have to say I'm a bit disappointed. Unless they are building more than two lanes, the same pandemonium and confusion will take suit.

If you have ever been to the airport in Winnipeg, you know what I'm talking about. There are two lanes one for quick drop offs pick ups (idle and be sure to get yelled at by one of the many parking guards) and the lane for those of us who have to wait for more than two minutes. This seems like a good plan right? It would be if people wouldn't double park, idle where you're not supposed to and a host of many other problems.

My only hope that new airport terminal has something up their sleeves that will surprise us all ( in a good way of course) in terms of picking up /dropping off.

Other than this one small issue I have with the new airport, it looks great. The website james2010.ca has many illustrations of the final product and current pictures of construction. The building is sleek, clean, open and looks much more modern than the existing building.

Cheers,
Janis
Best Western Pembina Inn & Suites

Mexican food will spice up your summer

2010-07-06T10:38:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite places to eat in Winnipeg is Don Pedro's, this Mexican grill and bar is the best Mexican experience you will have while in Winnipeg.

Located in the heart of the Exchange District, this grill will exceed your expectations. The atmosphere is very brightly coloured, and decorate with an array of eclectic signs, artwork and colorful Christmas lights draped from the ceiling.

As far as the food goes, it was amazing. I had the Don Pedro's Famous Fajitas that arrived at our table sizzling, smoking and smelling delicious. Once they cooled down enough for me to assemble them, I was in heaven. Never have I tasted a better fajita. My dining companion ordered the Fish Tacos, which I will admit I was apprehensive to try, they just didn't sound appealing at all. However, once I got over that and actually tasted these fish tacos, they blew my mind! Who knew fish tacos would be so good.

Then for dessert we couldn't resist the Deep Fried Ice Cream! It was the perfect way to end our Mexican adventure in the Exchange District and is a must eat place when coming to Winnipeg.

Cheers,
Janis
Best Western Pembina Inn & Suites

Are You Coming Home This Summer?

2010-06-23T16:22:00.000-05:00

Summer is that time of the year when travelers make a journey to their home, where they grew up, where their parents live.

Is that your summer this year? If so you are in luck. This summer you won't have to worry about being stuck at the same old family gatherings, you have options of activities and events to take your family too thanks to Manitoba Homecoming!

Manitoba Homecoming has taken it on as their mission to provide fun, family entertainment all summer long. They have concerts, festivals, you name it they have it. My favourite part of this initiative is that you get to see Manitoba like you've never seen it before. Especially if you grew up here you may have over looked what MB has to offer, just like I have. But with Manitoba Homecoming highlighting all the festivals and putting on concerts you now have the chance to experience Manitoba in a new light.

To see everything Manitoba Homecoming has planed for this summer click HERE.

So if you are coming home this summer make sure you take in some of the Homecoming events and experience what Manitoba has to offer!

Cheers
Best Western Pembina Inn & Suites

On a Gloomy Day

2010-06-17T14:13:00.000-05:00

I'm not going to lie to any of you, Winnipeg has it's fair share of undesirable days. Whether it be snow, rain, wind or -40 degree temperatures we often have to spend a lot of time indoors.

Today is one of those days, it's a bit chilly and rain is coming and going. Not the best day to be walking around the Winnipeg Zoo, but who wants to be stuck in a hotel room for the day, even if they are wonderful rooms.

Depending on your interests there is lots to do in Winnipeg that will keep you warm, dry and entertained.

If you like the arts
The Winnipeg Art Gallery or the WAG is a great gallery to visit. They have great exhibits and sometimes like this one We Are Sorry admission is free.

The installation, by artist Cathy Busby, has been mounted in conjunction with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission whose seven national events are intended to offer healing to those whose lives have been impacted by the Indian Residential School system, and understanding to all Canadians. The first of these events will be held in Winnipeg June 16 to 19. (WAG website)

If you like to shop
Winnipeg has two major shopping malls, one which is very close to our hotel.

St. Vital Shopping Centre is about a ten minute drive from the hotel and the second largest shopping mall in Winnipeg.

Polo Park Shopping Centre is the largest shopping mall and about a 20 minute drive from the hotel.

Winnipeg also has a few great pocket areas that have good shopping. Although the shopping is good they are independent stores that are not in a mall so you will have to walk from store to store, not always the best when the weather is bad.

However both Osborne Village and the Exchange District have very interesting stores that you won't find in every city across North America.

If you like to golf
Yes I said golf, it can be done when it's not nice outside. Meet The Golf Dome where you can take lessons, go the the driving range, and play a round of mini golf.

Good food within 2KM of the hotel

2010-06-15T09:31:00.000-05:00

There are so many places to eat in Winnipeg, it can be extremely overwhelming. Even close to the hotel there are numerous places to grab a bite that will be satisfying. But after some time spent on the road do you really want to eat at yet another nation wide chain restaurant? Sometimes yes, that is all that will satisfy your whole family or the picky eater you're traveling with.

So what is there to eat close to the hotel? Lots! Let me list a few of the choices you'll have:

Applebee's: Located a mere 1.3Km South of the hotel you can drive or walk, if you're up to it.

Earls: Also located 1.3 Km South of the hotel. Although it is close I would recommend the Earls at the St. Vital Shopping Centre. It is further away but it's a nicer location and I've found the food there to be better.

Pony Corral: If you don't want to walk more than 50 meters, this is the place to go. Right beside the hotel the Pony Corral has a mish mash of food that is pretty good. I should also note that this is a local chain restaurant but very popular in Winnipeg so I feel it fits here.

Tony Roma's: Only 800 meters from the hotel this is my first recommendation for a great place to eat. The food is amazing (ribs and wings especially!) and the price is always really good.

Now you have an idea of the food in our neighbourhood. It's good, well priced and will remind you of your hometown. But trust me this is not all there is to eat in Winnipeg, as time goes on I'll tell you about more of my favourite places to eat in Winnipeg.

Cheers,

Janis Schellenberg
Marketing and Sales Manager
Best Western Pembina Inn & Suites

Fun for the Whole Family?

2010-06-04T11:07:00.001-05:00

This is always an issue when traveling with your whole family, what can you do that will entertain everyone? Sometimes, no matter how hard you try you'll never impress everyone, and someone will always be bored. However, while you are in Winnipeg there are some things you should try that might satisfy everyone.

If you've ever been to Winnipeg or just Google searched our city the name The Forks may have popped up. To the average traveler The Forks can seem like a huge tourist attraction that is congested and over priced. Yes, some times during the summer season this is true; however, many native Winnipeggers hang out here as well because of all it has to offer, especially in the summer.

The Forks is located in our downtown by our two rivers, the Red and the Assiniboine. So naturally it was a meeting place back when we all traveled in canoes, but now that we all travel in our gas (or electric) powered vehicles The Forks remains a meeting place.

So other than a meeting place what makes The Forks worth visiting? Like I said before it really does have thing for the whole family to do. For example, often the littlest children get dragged along to what the older kids want to do. But at The Forks the little ones can play at the Manitoba Children’s Museum and sometimes it’s even fun for some of the older children too.

The Manitoba Children’s Museum has lots of fun activities for the kids, this summer that includes an exhibit called Attack of the Bloodsuckers! Where your kids will learn all about bloodsucking insects like mosquitoes, leeches, ticks and more and how they are important to the ecosystem and how to keep them out of their system.

For more information on the Children’s Museum click here.

Now for the kids who would rather wander around and explore neat little shops, they can check out the boutiques The Forks has to offer. Everything from jewelry, hemp made clothing to pottery and ceramics is all in the shops at The Forks.

What about your son who just needs to burn off some energy after spending hours or days traveling? Well he is in luck because The Forks also has a skate park for him to jump on his skateboard and roll around in. The Plaza at The Forks is one of Winnipeg’s best skate parks, and the best thing is skaters of all ages can get together and enjoy their love for skating. Click here to learn more about The Plaza at The Forks.

Alright, now that we have the kids taken care of, what can mom and dad do at The Forks? Well once you have tired out the kids you can take them all on the Riverwalk. The Forks Riverwalk is a stone pathway that stretches along the Assiniboine River from The Forks all the way to the Legislative building.

So now hopefully you stand a chance at impressing the children and entertaining them for an afternoon! If you’ve been to The Forks, let us know how your experience was by leaving us a comment below.

Cheers,

The Best Western Pembina Inn & Suites

A Little About Us

2010-05-31T11:16:00.001-05:00

A firt blog post is always awkward. What do I say? Do I state the obivious about being new or do I just go on as though I've always been here?

Well, I'm going to do just that, state the obvious. We are new to the blogging world here at the Best Western Pembina Inn & Suites. Why join now you're asking? Good question! We thought it was about time that we talked to you online and let you know that when you come to Winnipeg our doors are always open.

We don't just want to tell you how great we (you'll have to stay with us to discover that), we want to be your guide to Winnipeg. Whether you are staying in Winnipeg for one day or a whole month we can help you make the most out of it and see and do thigns that aren't the typical 'tourist' things. Although some of our 'tourist' attractions are pretty cool.

Getting back to our first awkward blog post, let us tell you a little bit about our hotel just incase you are coming to Winnipeg and need a place to stay.

We are located on 1714 Pembina hwy, which is about 5 minutes north of Bishop Grandin Blvd. We are also right next to Wendy's and across the street from Value Village. But if you still don't know where we are just give us a call at 204-269-8888 and we'll help you find us.

Our hotel has 104 rooms ranging from our standard room with 2 queen sized beds all the way to our king jaccuzzi suite that has a jaccuzzi and a king bed in a separte room. All our rooms have mini fridges and brand new flat screen TVs. We also have a salt-water pool with a hot tub and waterslide. One of my favourite things we offer at the hotel is our free breakfast which we just expanded to include make your own waffle, hot eggs, and hashbrowns. Our breakfast also has cold and hot cereal, toast, bagels, english muffins, fruit, tea and coffee.

Now that we've given you the offical run-down of our hotel we hope that you will visit our website http://www.bestwesternpembina.com/ or give us a call if you are going to be in Winnipeg this summer 204-269-8888.

Cheers!

The Best Western Pembina Inn & Suites