We stayed at the Explorer Hotel for three nights. Staff were very accommodating and friendly and efficient. Food at the main restaurant and pub was terrible. Avoid eating there at all costs. Pub was enjoyable with terrific bar staff (staff throughout the hotel were exceptional). Sadly, the hotel seems unconnected with the local indigenous community: there are very few representations of indigenous culture in the hotel (no art or information displayed), and no gift shop offering indigenous art or souvenirs for sale (only vending machines offering pop and candies). All of which suggests that the hotel is a purely mercantile operation with no connection or representation with the local community. The result is a lost opportunity to inform and educate visitors (no doubt their main clientele) and build ties with the indigenous community. It is also, importantly, a lost opportunity to build a strong and resilient hotel brand.

The hotel was to pick us up at the airport and the bus left just as we exited the airport. I called the hotel, who did not pick up the phone. So we took a taxi to the hotel and I informed the front desk I would like to talk about the bus, he very rudely said I do not want to talk about the bus and walked away from me.
Breakfast was supposed to be to be prepaid but the restaurant refused to acknowledge this and made me pay for every day so far. Tonight only one elevator worked, I personally could not recommend this hotel to anyone!
And they do not care they were rude or anything, I've complained to my travel agency to no help at all.

The Explorer hotel in Yellowknife is a perfect accomodation option for exploring the great NWT. Hotel is centrally located, the rooms are spacious and clean, there's a continuous airport shuttle, and all tour operators offer pick up at this hotel for aurora tours.
Even our midnight check-in was so warm and smooth, it definitely set the tone for rest of our stay.