Calgary
Where to Stay
When finding a place to stay in Calgary, your choice of activities will likely play a major factor in picking an area to stay. The most luxurious accommodations, which are also surrounded by the best dining and entertainment in town, can be found in the Downtown and Eau Claire districts. For those who desire the peace and quiet of a romantic getaway, one of the hundreds of bed and breakfasts scattered throughout the city and Rocky Mountain Foothills can satisfy even the most demanding guest. Hotels catering to business travelers and conventions can be found near the Calgary International Airport and in the Banff Trail area. The more adventurous may prefer the lodging in the Bowness region for its proximity to the mountains of Banff and Kananaskis Country.Downtown
Built by the Canadian National rail company, the first major hotel in Calgary wined and dined investors before introducing them to the splendor of the mountains. The Palliser Hotel still stands as a monument to the faded railroad history that first put Calgary on the map. Although airplanes have replaced trains in transporting travellers to Banff, the Palliser continues to provide luxurious accommodations for those who desire nothing but the best, along with such newer hotels as the Sheraton Cavalier and the Westin Calgary. Other good choices are the comfortable Sandman Hotel, the classic Calgary Marriott Hotel and the elegant Regency Suites Hotel Calgary.
Bowness
Adventurers and skiers on their way to Banff can watch the rising sun blaze scarlet off the eastern slopes of the Rockies from the balconies of the Bowness hotels. Conveniently located beside the Trans-Canada Highway directly across from Canada Olympic Park, these hotels offer easy access to the mountains while still allowing you the pleasures of Calgary nightlife. These hotels are best suited to travelers with their own vehicles, as it is a lengthy bus ride to downtown or a C-Train station and taxi service is often slow to arrive this far from the city center.
Macleod Trail
If you want to be right in the thick of the action, the hotels along the Macleod Trail Strip are located amongst the biggest shopping centers and nightclubs in Calgary, and are only a five-minute drive from the Stampede Grounds, the Saddledome and Downtown. Most of these hotels are moderately priced franchises of large international chains, and are a good place to stay while enjoying the sporting events and festivals in the Stampede area. There are several C-Train stations close to the hotels, which allow for quick and easy access to downtown. The Carriage House Inn, Blackfoot Inn and EconoLodge South have well-appointed rooms with excellent guest service. The Howard Johnson Express Inn-Calgary and the Stetson Village Inn are two other no-frills options that offer guests spectacular views. The Best Western Calgary Centre Inn is a popular choice among families with small children.
Banff Trail
The Banff Trail hotels cater to business travelers who want to be close to the downtown business district, but want a more affordable stay with modern amenities. These hotels are also popular with football fans, as they are right across the street from McMahon Stadium and the University of Calgary. Early reservations are very important during the football playoffs in October and November when exuberant fans flood the area. The decked-out lounge at the Quality Inn University is popular with guests, while the Super 8 Motel is located near many attractions, such as Olympic Park. Those staying at the Bow River House or the Inn on Crowchild are able to get downtown in just minutes.
Southwest
This area is filled with accommodation mostly of the B&B variety. You'll feel right at home; you might even have a private balcony, the use of a kitchen, laundry facilities or a complimentary breakfast thrown in. Barb's Bed & Breakfast, the Bed & Breakfast Inn of Calgary and Betty's Bed & Breakfast are all excellent choices. If you're looking to stay for the longer-term, check out the apartment-style quarters at the Pinnacle, where guests have a full kitchen, a housekeeper and laundry service.
Outskirts
There are many places to stay off the beaten path. Try the Delta Calgary or the Holiday Inn Calgary if you'd like to stay close to the airport. The deluxe Greenwood Inn & Suites, Coast Plaza Hotel and Four Points Sheraton Hotel & Suites Calgary West offer spacious, high-quality rooms with features like jacuzzis and fireplaces. B&B's are also aplenty. Along River Ridge B&B is close to many shops and restaurants, and the Edwardian-period architecture and details of the quiet Bankview House B&B offers a nice break from the noise of the city.
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