Located along 100 Street NW, south of Jasper Avenue, the hotel is situated in the eastern end of downtown Edmonton, and overlooks the North Saskatchewan River.

In 1983, Canadian National Hotels ceased operations, and demolished the building's expansion wing in the same year.

Grierson Hill NW bounds the hotel property to the east and south, with the roadway sitting adjacent to the North Saskatchewan River valley park system.

[3] The façade of the building is clad with Indiana limestone, and is detailed with balustrades, balconettes, brackets, cornice, hood moulding, and overhangs.

The building main portico features five arches and four pillars, and two pilasters that are detailed with gargoyles, and the provincial shields of the four provinces of Western Canada.

[3] The building's limestone facade, copper roofing, and the interiors of five rooms, including Confederation Lounge, the Empire Ballroom, and the Wedgwood room, were recognized as a municipal historic resource on 27 November 1984, under the provincial Historic Resources Act.

[6] Grand Trunk Pacific Railway purchased the property and began construction for a hotel building in 1911, with designs from Ross and Macdonald.

[9] In an effort to meet post-war population boom of the city, Canadian National proposed an expansion in 1949 with an estimated construction cost of $4,000,000.

[11] The 16-storey wing which added 292-rooms was colloquially referred to as The Box because of its modern design and occupied the space just north of the original building.

[13] In 1983, Canadian National Railway closed the hotel and announced major renovations to the property which included the demolition of The Box and restoration of the 1915 building.

[4] In an effort to prevent the building from potential demolition, the City of Edmonton designated the hotel a "municipal heritage resource" in 1984.