OverviewLocated a 7-minute drive from the University of Calgary, about a 2-minute drive north of Hwy 1 (the Trans-Canada Hwy), this hotel is popular with visitors to the University of Calgary, as well as with visitors to the Foothills Hospital (about a 3-minute drive away).
All 53 rooms have free Wi-Fi, a microwave, a mini-fridge, a hair dryer, a coffeemaker and an iron and ironing board. There are a limited number of rooms with full kitchens. Different bed types (king or queen) are available, as well as smoking and non-smoking options. Pets are permitted for a cost of $15/day.
There is no dining on-site, but guests are offered a complimentary continental breakfast daily. There are a number of dining options located within a 5-minute walk of the hotel. On-site amenities include free parking and an outdoor pool (open seasonally).
Area attractions in the northern part of Calgary include McMahon Stadium (home of the Calgary Stampeders, about an 8-minute walk away) and the Calgary Zoo (about a 15-minute drive away). Popular downtown attractions, like the Calgary Tower and the Calgary Stampede, are about an 11-minute drive away. The C-Train (which travels through the downtown core) is accessible via a stop less than a minute away by foot.
Air travellers should plan on a 23-minute drive to cover the 19 km between the hotel and Calgary International Airport (YYC). (All distances and driving time estimates: Google Maps)
Confirmed with a front desk agent: Wi-Fi, breakfast and parking (call date: August 23, 2012).
The GoodThe bulk of reviews used for this analysis were positive. Comments on the location and on a positive perception of value for the price point were common.
Guests liked being close to the C-Train (less than a 1-minute walk), restaurants and to Hwy 1 (2-minute drive).
There was a sense from several guests that there was good value received for the price paid. A number of guests felt that the price was affordable, and that they got a lot in return for the price that they paid.
This hotel was clean and comfortable, according to many guests.
Staff were courteous and helpful. They routinely went above and beyond to meet guest need. One guest mentioned how staff went to great lengths to correct a mistake and to make sure that he was satisfied.
There were some additional comments from guests who enjoyed the complimentary continental breakfast.
The Bad
Although the majority of reviews used for this analysis were favourable, there were a few common points among guest complaints, most notably about aging decor.
Guests commented on the age of the hotel, and suggested that updates were in order. There was specific mention of the decor and of the bathrooms, as well as of the exterior of the building. One guest said that the hotel was "dingy".
There were a number of other peripheral comments, mostly centring on items like tight, limited parking spaces, small beds and problems regulating room temperature.
Booking.com guest reviewers rated this hotel 7.3 out of 10, based on 171 reviews.
TripAdvisor.com guest reviewers ranked this hotel #47 out of 97 Calgary hotels, based on 51 reviews.
Expedia.ca guest reviewers rated this hotel 3.4 out of 5, based on 9 reviews. 78% of guests would recommend this hotel.
Confirmed with a front desk agent: Wi-Fi, breakfast and parking (call date: August 23, 2012).
