OverviewLocated within walking distance to a number of Calgary landmarks and attractions (Prince's Island is about an 18 minute walk and the Eau Claire Market is about a 13 minute walk), this hotel is popular with guests who want to be able to wander Calgary easily by foot, as well as with business travellers needing easy access to the business district. On-site amenities include an indoor pool, a whirlpool and a gym.
There are a number of different room sizes and configurations available at this 394 room hotel, including standard "Pure" rooms (which are hypoallergenic), Suites and Signature rooms and suites. Guests in Signature rooms and suites have access to a concierge lounge, and are offered a free continental breakfast daily, evening canapes and an honour bar. In all rooms, guests can expect Wi-Fi, a 37 inch LCD TV, bathrobes, a mini-fridge, a coffeemaker, a hair dryer and an iron and an ironing board. Parking is available on site for $15/day and pets are permitted for $35/stay.
While there are a number of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel, guests can dine on site at Elements Bistro for breakfast (daily 6:00am-11:00am), lunch (Monday-Friday 11:00am-2:00pm, Saturday-Sunday, 11:00am-5:00pm) and dinner (daily 5:00pm-9:00pm). Sunday Brunch is served from 11:00am-2:00pm.
Guests have access to a number of attractions within walking distance from this downtown hotel, including the Calgary Tower and the Glenbow Museum, both of which are just under a 10 minute walk away. Guests in town for the Calgary Stampede will have a slightly farther walk to the Stampede Corral, about 21 minutes. For air travellers, Calgary International Airport (YYC) is approximately a 19 minute drive (16.9km) from the hotel (distances and travel time estimates: Google Maps).
Check-in is at 3:00pm, while check-out is at 11:00am.
Confirmed with a front desk agent: Wi-Fi and parking (call date: July 13, 2012).
The GoodFor guests that had a positive experience at this hotel, much of it could be attributed to the service from the staff and the convenience of the location.
Guests praised the staff at this hotel, and used words like "friendly", "helpful" and "efficient" to describe them. There were comments like "first class service" and "top shelf". Guests said that staff were particularly helpful in offering suggestions for sightseeing, and in giving directions.
Location was a big draw for a number of guests, who said that they were able to easily walk to a number of attractions. A few guests particularly liked the close proximity to Prince's Island Park (about an 18 minute walk). Guests used words like "perfect" and "excellent" when describing the location.
There were a few additional compliments on things like the quality of food in the restaurant, on views from the rooms and from guests who enjoyed the pool area.
The Bad
Although a number of reviews used for this analysis were positive, there were a few common points among guest complaints.
A number of guests had issues with parking. Some guests indicated that the lot was small, difficult to navigate and that spaces were limited. Spaces were awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Several guests were not able to secure parking spots and had to park elsewhere, which was inconvenient. Some other guests felt that the parking fee was excessive.
There were comments from a few guests about a lack of detailed cleaning, both in the rooms and in the common areas. Elevators, bathroom tubs and coffee cups in the rooms were mentioned specifically.
A few guests felt that the hotel was expensive, and used words like "pricey", "winced at the price" and "not cheap". Some other guests commented that room service was on the expensive side as well.
Noise was an issue for some guests, who were bothered by street noise. One guest said that noise from traffic prevented him from sleeping. Some other guests felt that walls were thin, and were bothered by noise from guests in neighbouring rooms.
There were some peripheral negative comments regarding uncomfortable beds.
Confirmed with a front desk agent: Wi-Fi and parking (call date: July 13, 2012).
Hotels.com guest reviewers rated this hotel 4.3 out of 5, or "excellent", based on 80 reviews.
TripAdvisor.com guest reviewers ranked this hotel #19 out of 97 Calgary hotels, based on 243 reviews.
Booking.com guest reviewers rated this hotel 8.7 out of 10, or "fabulous", based on 187 reviews.
