OverviewLocated about a 12-minute drive from Calgary International Airport (YYC) and about a 2-minute drive from Deerfoot Trail (also known as Hwy 2, a major north-south artery), this hotel is popular with families and with air travellers before or after flights.
All rooms include free Wi-Fi, a 42" flat-screen TV, a microwave, a mini-fridge, a coffeemaker, a hair dryer and an iron and ironing board. There are standard rooms (king or queen beds) as well as suites. Suites come in a variety of sizes and can accommodate up to 6. Some suites come with a jetted tub and/or a fireplace. Pets are allowed at this hotel for $15/night.
Guests can dine on site at Sky Harbour Restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. There is also a lounge/bar and a coffee shop open daily. There are a few other dining options located within about a 5-10 minute drive of this hotel.
On-site amenities include the "Waves Waterpark" (which is an 8000-square-foot waterplay facility, which includes 2 waterslides, 2 hot tubs, a splash pad and a wading pool). For those who don't want to play in the water park, there is another indoor pool in a separate location. There is also a fitness centre (which includes a gym and squash courts). Free parking is available on site for guests as well. Guests are welcome to use the 24-hr complimentary airport shuttle.
Attractions in north Calgary include the Calgary Zoo (open year-round), which is about a 12-minute drive from this hotel. The downtown area, which is where some popular attractions like the Stampede Corral and the Calgary Tower are located, is about a 19-minute drive south of this hotel. (All distances and driving time estimates: Google Maps)
Confirmed with a front desk agent: free Wi-Fi, parking and airport shuttle (call date: August 23, 2012).
The GoodThe reviews consulted for this analysis were overwhelmingly positive. Reviewers were particularly enthusiastic about the waterslide and pool area and about helpful service from staff.
Many guests, particularly those with children, reported thoroughly enjoying the waterslide and the pool area and described it as fun and clean.
Guests received good service from staff and words like friendly and helpful surfaced frequently in comments. There were several comments praising front desk staff members who were particularly accommodating to guest needs. Several guests also said that that their check-in/check-out process was smooth.
Rooms here were clean, spacious and comfortable, according to many guests. Several guests reported staying with larger parties (4 or more) and said that they had enough room.
There were some additional comments from guests who enjoyed the fitness facilities (and who appreciated the wide choice of activities at this hotel, like squash courts and a big gym with lots of equipment). A few guests commented on comfy beds as well.
The Bad
The vast majority of guest comments for this analysis were positive, but some guests did have some issues with the hotel, although they did not seem to be reflective of overall guest experience.
Disappointment with the on-site dining options was expressed by more than one guest. One guest said that the food in the on-site lounge was sub-par. Another guest was disappointed with the coffee shop (particularly that it was closed when he wanted to visit it). Another was disappointed that there was no continental breakfast included with the room rate.
TripAdvisor.com guest reviewers ranked this hotel #11 out of 97 Calgary hotels, based on 135 reviews.
Expedia.ca guest reviewers rated this hotel 4.1 out of 5, based on 26 reviews. 96% of guests would recommend this hotel.
Hotels.com guest reviewers rated this hotel 4.2 out of 5, or "excellent", based on 32 reviews.
Confirmed with a front desk agent: free Wi-Fi, parking and airport shuttle (call date: August 23, 2012).
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Analyzed by Heather W.
Driven by the sense that every person, place or thing has a story to tell and a skill for being in the wrong place at the right time, Heather is a well-traveled writer.
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