Townplace by Marriott is one of seven hotels partnered with the Medicine Hat Accommodation Association.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Hotels in Medicine Hat are quickly filling as Stampede weekend nears, Medicine Hat Accommodation Association executive director Elisha Ammann says.
Established in 2006, MHAA is an organization which facilitates partnerships and promotions between seven local hotels, with the goal of attracting more visitors to the city.
Ammann and her team always notice an increase in the number of visitors during Stampede, though she admits the total has been difficult to estimate since the beginning of the pandemic.
“During Stampede, traditionally, we are very busy,” Ammann told the News. “It is almost a guaranteed sellout week for the hotels in Medicine Hat. Of course, the last two or three years, things went awry, but this year we’re definitely looking at (a sellout week) again.
“Most hotels are currently sitting at close to 70 per cent full already.”
While Ammann is happy to see the return of Stampede-goers, she is urging those planning to stay in a hotel to book now, before rooms sell out.
“Many people feel like Medicine Hat is an OK place to book last minute, but that’s not going to be possible this year,” said Ammann. “You shouldn’t wait to book if you are coming from out of town or your family is coming from out of town. You should be booking the rooms now. Because driving in and expecting (to find) a room is going to be very difficult.”
Stampede is not the only driving factor in dwindling hotel vacancies, Ammann says; other local events and regional work opportunities are also having an effect.
“From a hotel occupancy perspective, they’re very busy with workers for construction projects, and then community events,” she said. “There are quite a few oil workers staying in the hotels – they’re long-term stays. And we have something like the Alberta Pickleball Championships come to town, and that just bumps us to full.”
Ammann says hotel staff are working around the clock to prepare for the scheduled influx of guests.
“Hotels are trying to prepare for Stampede by trying to get a little more staff on. And so, many hotels are hiring right now,” Ammann said. “And then, they’re trying to just get the word out to people to book in advance.”
Ammann recommends anyone looking to book a hotel room, visit MHAA’s website – stayinmedicinehat.com – or contact hotels directly, so to avoid third-party booking fees. She reminds everyone many hotels offer discounts based on age or organization membership, as well as packages.
“If you have the time to stay an extra night, we have some great packages to add value,” she said. “We’ve got a brewery package, which is fantastic. It’s another $30 onto your stay, but you can go and visit four different breweries. Golf packages are also popular.
