OverviewLocated less than a 1-minute drive to Barlow Trail NE (a major north-south artery) and about a 13-minute drive to Calgary International Airport (YYC), this hotel is popular with air travellers needing easy access to the airport at the beginning or at the end of a trip.
All of the 159 rooms at this hotel are smoke-free and have free Wi-Fi, a 37" LCD TV, a mini-fridge, a microwave, a coffemaker, a workstation, a hair dryer and an iron and ironing board. Guests can choose from standard rooms (king or queen beds) or from more spacious suites (some of which have separate bedroom(s), and sleep up to 6). Pets are not permitted at this hotel.
Guests can dine on site at Ric's Grill, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. There are also a number of other dining establishments located within a 5- to 10-minute walk of the hotel. On-site amenities include free parking, a spa, an indoor pool, a hot tub and a steam room. Guests are also welcome to use the complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle (which runs on the hour).
This hotel is just under a 15-minute walk to the Sunridge Mall. The most popular attraction in north Calgary is the Calgary Zoo, and is about a 10-minute drive away. The downtown area (where the business district, the Stampede Corral and the Calgary Tower are all located) is about a 17-minute drive away. (All distances and driving time estimates: Google Maps)
Confirmed with a front desk agent: Wi-Fi, shuttle and parking (call date: September 11, 2012).
The GoodMost of the reviews used for this analysis were positive, and guests were particularly impressed with this hotel's location and with service received from staff.
A number of guests liked this hotel's proximity to the airport and to Sunridge Mall. Several guests commented on the convenience of being close to Barlow Trail as well and said that the hotel was easy to find. A few guests liked that there were a number of restaurants within walking distance.
Staff frequently went the extra mile to help guests at this hotel. Guests were pleased with the level of warm, personalized service that they consistently received at various points throughout the hotel. Front desk staff and housekeeping staff were mentioned particularly.
There were several comments from guests who said that the hotel was extremely quiet, and they were pleasantly surprised as they had expected more noise, given the hotel's proximity to the airport.
Rooms were clean, comfortable and spacious, according to a number of guests. A number of guests appreciated the modern decor.
There was a sense from several guests that there was good value received for the price paid for the rooms. Several guests made comments about the affordable price and were satisfied with what they got in return.
There were some additional comments about things like comfy beds and from guests who appreciated having a microwave in their room.
The Bad
While many of the reviews used for this analysis were favourable, there were a few common guest complaints, including disappointment with the size of the parking lot and with the size of the pool.
A few guests felt that the parking lot was small and that spaces were limited and cramped.
Some guests felt that the pool was small. Another guest thought that the pool wasn't "child friendly" (although did not state why). Some guests thought that the pool was uncomfortably cold. A few other guests had trouble operating the steam room.
There were some peripheral comments about things like scratchy linens and about low water pressure in the showers.
Expedia.ca guest reviewers rated this hotel 4.5 out of 5, based on 44 reviews. 100% of guests would recommend this hotel.
TripAdvisor.com guest reviewers ranked this hotel #22 out of 97 Calgary hotels, based on 94 reviews.
Orbitz.com guest reviewers rated this hotel 4.5 out of 5, based on 11 reviews. 100% of guests would recommend this hotel.
Confirmed with a front desk agent: Wi-Fi, shuttle and parking (call date: September 11, 2012).
