Colonial Square Inn & Suites at 1301 8th Street East, Saskatoon offers free Wi‑Fi, free parking, and three on‑site restaurants—features uncommon for a budget motel. Based on verified reviews from Booking.com and TripAdvisor, this property delivers a mixed but largely functional experience. This article combines those guest insights with historical context to help you decide if it fits your plans.
Last checked: 2026-06-20
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Property name: Colonial Square Inn & Suites · Address: 1301 8th Street East, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7H 0S7 · Room count: 78 rooms across 2 floors · Key amenities: Free parking, free Wi-Fi, free on-the-go breakfast, Keurig coffee, microwave, refrigerator, air conditioning, fitness centre, business centre, 3 restaurants, bar/lounge
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-20.
Sources reviewed: Official property website (Expedia, Hotels.com), neutral review platforms (TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Kayak), government tourism authority (Tourism Saskatchewan), historical references (Wikipedia, City of Saskatoon).
We did not conduct an on‑site visit, interview staff, or independently verify listed prices.
Snapshot: Colonial Square Inn & Suites
- 1301 8th Street East, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7H 0S7 (Expedia)
- Check‑in from 3 PM (late check‑in until 5 AM); check‑out by 11 AM (Expedia)
- Three restaurants and a bar/lounge (Hotels.com)
- Free Wi‑Fi, free self‑parking, free on‑the‑go breakfast (Hotels.com)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Property name | Colonial Square Inn & Suites |
| Address | 1301 8th Street East, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7H 0S7 (Expedia) |
| Room count | 78 rooms across 2 floors (from property listing) |
| Key amenities | Free parking, free Wi‑Fi, free on‑the‑go breakfast, Keurig coffee, microwave, refrigerator, air conditioning, fitness centre, business centre, 3 restaurants, bar/lounge (multiple sources) |
| Check‑in time | 3 PM – 5 AM daily (minimum check‑in age 18) (Expedia) |
| Check‑out time | 11 AM (Expedia) |
| Damage deposit | CAD 250 required before check‑in (Expedia) |
| Guest rating (Expedia) | Approximately 7.0 / 10 (Expedia) |
Pros and cons of Colonial Square Inn & Suites
Strengths
- Free Wi‑Fi and free parking reduce out‑of‑pocket costs.
- Three on‑site restaurants (uncommon for a 2‑star property) mean you can eat without driving.
- Central location on 8th Street East puts shops and dining within walking distance (Kayak).
- Budget‑friendly: average rates are roughly CAD 95–100 per night, often cheaper than other 2‑star options (Momondo).
Weaknesses
- Guest reviews describe the property as dated, with older‑style decor (TripAdvisor).
- Staff service receives mixed feedback; some travelers report rude or unhelpful interactions (Kayak).
- Some guests mention safety concerns about loitering and intoxicated individuals outside the hotel (Booking.com).
- Pet‑friendly policies have drawn inconsistent enforcement complaints (Google Hotels).
What is the historic hotel in Saskatoon?
When travelers ask about a historic hotel in Saskatoon, they usually mean the Bessborough Hotel—a castle‑like railway hotel on the South Saskatchewan River built in 1932. The Bessborough is a designated heritage property and a landmark of the city’s downtown.
Colonial Square Inn & Suites, by contrast, is not a historic property. It is a mid‑20th‑century motor‑inn that has been updated over the years but never listed on heritage registers. Its name (“Colonial”) evokes a style of lodging, not a connection to Saskatoon’s early colonial period. The city itself was founded in 1883 by the Temperance Colonization Society (Wikipedia), and the 8th Street corridor later boomed with automobile‑oriented businesses.
The bottom line: If you want a historic hotel stay, the Bessborough is your option; Colonial Square Inn is a utilitarian budget property with no heritage status.
Where is Colonial Square Inn and Suites Saskatoon?
The hotel is located at 1301 8th Street East in Saskatoon’s east‑side neighbourhood of Nutana. 8th Street is a major commercial strip lined with shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and services. The address is roughly 4 km east of downtown, about a 10‑minute drive to the city centre.
What is the safest area to live in Saskatoon?
Safety perceptions vary across Saskatoon. While 8th Street East is a busy commercial corridor, some guest reviews on Booking.com note that the area around Colonial Square Inn can have groups of intoxicated individuals using foul language, which some found intimidating. Other guests praise the convenience of the location for shopping and dining. For travelers sensitive to urban street conditions, the central business district or the neighbourhoods near the university may feel safer.
The bottom line: The hotel’s convenience on 8th Street comes with some street‑level activity; choose accordingly if you prioritize a quieter setting.
What is the history of colonial inns?
Colonial inns emerged in North America during the 17th to 19th centuries as way‑stations for travellers moving along stagecoach routes and early roads. They offered a simple bed, a meal, and stables for horses. Inns were often family‑run and served as social hubs where locals gathered to exchange news and conduct business.
In the area that became Saskatoon, the Temperance Colonization Society from Toronto established a dry colony in 1883 on the east bank of the South Saskatchewan River (City of Saskatoon). This settlement later grew into the Nutana neighbourhood, where 8th Street developed as a commercial corridor. Modern motels like Colonial Square Inn are distant descendants of those early roadside lodgings, adapted to the automobile age.
Editor’s tip
The word “colonial” in Colonial Square Inn refers to a generic architectural or thematic style, not a direct link to Saskatoon’s 19th‑century colonial period. The hotel opened decades after the city’s founding.
Who typically stayed at Colonial inns?
Historical colonial inns served a diverse clientele: merchants and traders moving goods between settlements, stagecoach passengers making long journeys, and early settlers migrating to new lands. Wealthier travellers could pay for a private room, while poorer guests often shared dormitory‑style accommodations. Inns also functioned as meeting places where local farmers, craftsmen, and travellers exchanged news and conducted business.
Today, Colonial Square Inn & Suites attracts a different demographic: budget‑conscious travellers, workers on short‑term contracts, and visitors who value the east‑side location for access to shopping and medical facilities. A Facebook post in the Saskatoon History group noted that the Colonial Hotel historically also housed lower‑income locals on a longer‑term basis (Saskatoon History group).
The pattern: From way‑station for 19th‑century travellers to modern budget lodging and occasional long‑term housing, the Colonial name has consistently served those who need affordable, no‑frills accommodation.
Alternatives to Colonial Square Inn & Suites
| Hotel | Location | Room count | Key amenities | Guest rating (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colonial Square Inn & Suites | 1301 8th Street East | 78 | Free Wi‑Fi, free parking, 3 restaurants, bar, fitness centre | 7.0/10 (Expedia) |
| Bessborough Hotel | 601 Spadina Crescent East (downtown) | 225 | Historic property, riverside, restaurant, pool, fitness centre | 8.2/10 (major platforms) |
| Riviera Hotel Saskatoon | Near 8th Street East (details not verified) | Not available | Pool, restaurant, bar | Approx. 7.5/10 (varies by site) |
The Bessborough is the historic downtown landmark; the Riviera is another mid‑priced option on 8th Street. Colonial Square Inn offers the lowest price point and the most on‑site dining choices among the three.
Our pick: Colonial Square Inn & Suites
Colonial Square Inn & Suites suits travellers who:
- Are budget‑conscious and want to keep accommodation costs low.
- Prefer free breakfast and on‑site dining to avoid extra meal expenses.
- Want an east‑side Saskatoon location near shops and restaurants.
If you need a quiet, heritage‑rich stay or higher service reliability, the Bessborough or a newer chain hotel may be a better fit. But for a functional, affordable base with three restaurants under one roof, Colonial Square Inn does the job.
Frequently asked questions
What is the check‑in/check‑out time at Colonial Square Inn & Suites?
Check‑in is from 3 PM to 5 AM daily; check‑out is by 11 AM. Early or late check‑in is subject to availability (Expedia).
Does Colonial Square Inn & Suites offer free breakfast?
Yes, a free on‑the‑go breakfast is available, according to multiple booking platforms (Hotels.com).
Is parking free at Colonial Square Inn & Suites?
Yes, free self‑parking is provided for all guests (Momondo).
How many rooms does Colonial Square Inn & Suites have?
The hotel has 78 rooms across 2 floors (from property listings).
Is Colonial Square Inn & Suites pet‑friendly?
The property is described as pet‑friendly, though some guest reviews mention inconsistent enforcement of the policy. Specific fees or weight limits are not consistently published on booking platforms (Google Hotels).
What restaurants are on‑site at Colonial Square Inn & Suites?
Three on‑site restaurants and a bar/lounge are available. Exact names and cuisines are not consistently listed across all platforms (Hotels.com).
How far is Colonial Square Inn & Suites from downtown Saskatoon?
The hotel is about 4 km east of downtown, roughly a 10‑minute drive.