The Two Best Hotels in Kelowna: Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort vs The Royal Kelowna. Which One Is Worth It?

If you are visiting Kelowna and searching for the best luxury hotel experience, you have likely come across these two names: Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort and The Royal Kelowna by Bellstar Hotels and Resorts. Both are among the most popular accommodations in the city, but which one truly offers the comfort, service, and experience you deserve?

After staying at both, here is my honest review to help you decide:

The Royal Kelowna: Beautiful Rooms, But Disappointing Service

The Royal Kelowna offers spacious suites, a lovely rooftop pool, and a serene hot tub area. However, that is where the praise mostly ends. The lobby is surprisingly lackluster and understated, almost resembling that of a two star hotel. This is a stark contrast to what you might expect given the room rates. Certain areas of the hotel feel noticeably outdated, and a refresh would go a long way in restoring the elegance the name implies.

Service wise, the experience was disappointing. The reception team was not very accommodating, and assistance seemed to end after check in. Even water was not available in the room or by request, which is especially disappointing if someone has traveled from afar. While staff helped bring luggage to the room upon arrival, no help was offered during checkout. Additionally, do not expect any flexibility with your stay, not even a 30 minute extension. We mentioned likely needing a short delay to align with our travel schedule and were flatly denied, with staff citing it as “policy.”

If you are flying in or out and may need any form of scheduling buffer, this hotel is not the place to stay.

Many services are outsourced or require guests to plan and book independently, and there is no on site breakfast area.

This hotel might work if:

• You are packing light and do not require much assistance

• You are not traveling on a tight schedule or from a long distance

• You prioritize beautiful rooms and views over full service hospitality

The Royal Kelowna - TravelwithCamillaT

But if you are traveling with family, have a dynamic schedule, or simply want peace of mind, it may not be the right fit.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort: Exceptional Hospitality

Now, this is where Kelowna’s hospitality truly shines. The Delta by Marriott offered everything I hoped for in a comfortable and well managed stay. From check-in to check-out, the service was consistent, warm, and highly accommodating.

There is also an on site restaurant, OAK + CRU Social Kitchen & Wine Bar, that was so good, many guests staying at The Royal Kelowna came over just to dine. The location is also better suited for those flying in or out, with more services available on the property and a smoother overall experience.

Another standout perk? Delta offers exclusive discounts on local experiences with certain room packages. My mom and I were able to enjoy a few of those during our stay, a thoughtful bonus that made our time in Kelowna even more memorable. It is the kind of touch that shows the hotel cares about more than just your accommodation, they curate the full experience.

Delta by Marriott is the better choice if:

• You are traveling from afar and want stress free service.

  
  
  
  

• You are traveling with family or on a schedule that may change.

  
  
  
  

• You want a consistent, supportive hotel team throughout your stay.

Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort - TravelwithCamillaT

Interestingly, both hotels used to be under the Marriott umbrella before the Royal Kelowna became privately owned. Unfortunately, since that change, the difference in service has become quite noticeable.

Final Verdict:

If you are set on experiencing both, I recommend starting at The Royal Kelowna for a short visit, then spending the majority (or remainder) of your trip at the Delta. That way, you can enjoy the views without compromising on service for the bulk of your stay. It is a shame when a beautiful property loses its charm due to poor service. In the end, great hospitality is what makes a hotel memorable, and for that reason, the Delta by Marriott remains my top choice in Kelowna.

More to come: I will be sharing behind the scenes moments, additional content from both hotels, what I wore, style tips, and the activities in the Okanagan that I genuinely recommend. My full graduation series will also be available here, from the styling to the celebration.

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Have you stayed at either of these hotels? I would love to hear your experience in the comments below.

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