Choosing a Hotel in Calgary
Hotel and motel accommodations across the spectrum are available in Calgary, a burgeoning and vibrant city of Western and metropolitan influences located in Alberta's south. Whether needs are for business or leisure, the city offers amenity-filled chain properties, independently-run motels, budget-friendly options, hotels with conference facilities and upscale boutique-style accommodations. Comfortable beds await in all corners of the city, readily available for those exploring or requiring access to the inner city, neighbouring communities, outlying destinations and the airport area.
BARLOW TRAIL & AIRPORT AREA
Over a dozen hotel accommodation providers line this northeast corridor, a location that offers easy access to the Calgary International Airport, highways 1 and 2, numerous restaurants, shopping centres and other traveller amenities and attractions. Many hotels in this district offer complimentary airport shuttles, on-site restaurants, pools, conference and meeting facilities and modern fitness centres. While offerings are primarily mid-range to upscale chain-style properties, a few budget-friendly options are available, including the Super 8 Motel Calgary Airport.
A number of car rental agencies are situated along this route and numerous bus connections, many of which lead to the city's Light Rail Train (LRT, or known locally as the C-Train) system, are provided by Calgary Transit and offer convenient access to all quadrants of the city. Flat-rate airport sedan transfers, popular with business travellers and groups, are available, as are 24-hour city-wide taxi services, which follow a rate structure as regulated by the city's Livery Transport Service. Fares originating from the airport include an airport departure fee.
DOWNTOWN
An advantageous accommodation destination for those exploring the sights and attractions of the core, partaking in the annual Calgary Stampede or attending to business, the downtown area offers an extensive selection of hotel choices for all budgets and travel needs. Upscale international-chain hotels nestled in bustling shopping districts, boutique properties, family-appropriate suite selections, history-filled urban getaways and lodgings geared toward the business traveller are available.
In addition to the many mid-range and upscale chain hotels situated in the core, the architecturally distinctive and historically significant Fairmont Palliser Hotel is a notable choice for those seeking luxury. Transportation via city transit is an extremely convenient way to get around the core; many bus routes intersect the downtown area and the LRT line offers a fare-free zone along its Seventh Avenue line between Third Street East and 10th Street West. As aforementioned, the inner-city area is also a very popular location for Stampede attendees, making accommodation vacancies difficult to come by during the 10-day July celebration. Visitors are advised to reserve well in advance to avoid disappointment and to anticipate peak rates.
CALGARY SOUTH
Hotels are also highly concentrated along the MacLeod Trail corridor, which extends just south of the downtown core in a north-south direction. Numerous mid-range chain properties are available in this district, including family-friendly and amenity-filled hotels from the Days Inn, Holiday Inn and Best Western families. Offering easy access to many restaurants, large shopping centres and attractions, the area is popular with budget-minded families, leisure tourists and business travellers alike.
Properties along this roadway are handy to the adjacent LRT line, which offers ease of access to the amenities and attractions of downtown, Stampede activities and other notable sights, including the Calgary Zoo. Train users should note that high traffic is to be expected during the morning and after-work rushes, which typically run from 7am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm. During Stampede, the C-Train offers extended operating hours but visitors should anticipate crowds and possible extended wait times due to increased ridership.
CALGARY WEST
Known as a gateway to Alberta's Rocky Mountains, Calgary is just a short journey to the villages of Bragg Creek, Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise. Many day trippers choose to stay in the city's west end along Highway 1 to allow for easy passage to this majestic mountain playground. Close to a dozen hotels and motels located in a concentrated area known as Motel Village at the junction of the Trans-Canada Highway and Crowchild Trail offer options for those travelling on a budget. An array of amenities are located within this densely grouped accommodation spot, including family restaurants and bus and train services, which provide transport to downtown and other city attractions.
Within short walking distance of Motel Village is Foothills Athletic Park, which houses McMahon Stadium, home of the Calgary Stampeders, and the Foothills Stadium, home to the Calgary Vipers of the Golden Baseball League. Farther west along Highway 1, another small cluster of hotels is located across from Canada Olympic Park.
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