Calgary Hotels

The grande dame of Calgary’s hotels, the Fairmont Palliser has been welcoming guests since 1914. Rooms are elegant and luxurious, and there’s a posh health club and spa with an indoor pool. You can enjoy cocktails and craft brews in the sophisticated Oak Lounge or treat yourself to a fancy afternoon tea.

Setting foot in Hotel Arts on a hot day is like arriving at a Miami beach party, with the cool and the beautiful draping themselves, cocktails in hand, by the outdoor pool. Calgary's chic, sexy and independently owned designer hotel is within walking distance of all downtown venues. Rooms are stylish, and the hip Raw Bar serves ‘Vietmodern’ cuisine.

In trendy Kensington (a short walk from the business district), overlooking the Bow River and downtown Calgary, this 19-room hotel is a real gem. The spacious rooms are individually decorated, with plush bedding and free Wi-Fi. Some have fireplaces or garden patios. The Chef's Table restaurant features grain-fed, fresh, organic food.

This trendy boutique hotel is bang in the heart of Downtown opposite the Calgary Tower. It’s just one component of a cutting-edge development - a wood-grain-clad hotel and gleaming, glass office tower linked by swanky penthouse apartments. The 143 rooms are thoroughly 21st century, kitted out with bamboo and cotton linen, goose-down duvets, comfy armchairs and rainforest showers.

Handy for the bars and eateries along nearby 17th Avenue, Hotel Elan has bright, modern rooms, plus one- and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens and separate living areas. Rates include an extensive continental breakfast and 15MB Wi-Fi. If you’re here during Calgary’s chilly winter, you’re sure to appreciate the heating toilet seats.

Just a couple of blocks from the trendy shops and bars of 17th Avenue, this hotel suits families who want to eat in now and again. All rooms have fridges and microwaves or kitchenettes, while the larger suites come with living rooms and full-size kitchens. Included in the price are a hot buffet breakfast and underground parking.

This place does what it says on the tin: it’s cheap. Free Wi-Fi, breakfast and parking make it an even more attractive proposition to the budget traveller. All rooms come with a fridge and microwave, while some have a kitchenette. Plus there’s an indoor pool and fitness centre. The hotel is near the university and light rail.

This charming B&B enjoys an excellent river setting in northwest Calgary and offers good-value accommodation, a friendly welcome and a substantial breakfast. There are just two rooms, both cosy and comfortable, with en-suite facilities. You can chill out with books and games by the open fireplace, pot a few snooker balls or relax in the tranquil back garden.

Northwest of downtown, near the Bow River, Centro Motel is a little bit of affordable chic. Rooms are smart and spacious, with pillow-top beds and high-end linens and cosy duvets. Wi-Fi, parking and a continental breakfast are all included in the price.