OverviewLocated on Banff Trail North West, approximately a 7-minute drive from the University of Calgary and a 7-minute walk from McMahon Stadium, this hotel appeals to guests who want to be close to the university. Guests who are visiting the Foothills Hospital (a 4-minute drive) find this hotel convenient as well.
Guests should know that this hotel is undergoing extensive renovations as of August 2012, with an estimated completion date of December 2012. Rooms and common areas are among those slated for renovations.
Guests can choose from standard rooms (with a choice of king, queen or double beds) or more spacious suites that include a king bed as well as a sofabed. Some suites have a jacuzzi. In all rooms, guests can expect free Wi-Fi, a mini-fridge, a microwave, a hair dryer and an iron and ironing board. Pets are not permitted at this hotel.
Delicious Thai Restaurant, located on site, serves lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday. Guests are offered a complimentary continental breakfast daily. On-site amenities include a spa, a gym, an indoor pool and a hot tub. Free parking is also available on site.
Attractions in the northern part of Calgary include the Olympic Oval (a 4-minute drive) and the Calgary Zoo (a 13-minute drive). The downtown Calgary area is about a 10-minute drive away (or if guests prefer, the C-Train, which provides easy access to the downtown area, is a 2-minute walk away). The Saddledome, the Calgary Tower and the business district are all located within the downtown core. For guests travelling by air, Calgary International Airport (YYC), is about a 22-minute drive (17 km) away from the hotel. (All distances and driving time estimates: Google Maps)
Confirmed with a front desk agent: Wi-Fi, parking, renovation status and breakfast (call date: August 18, 2012).
The GoodAlthough the majority of the reviews used for this analysis were critical, there were a few common points among guest compliments, including some appreciation for the hotel's location.
Several guests liked the location of this hotel and its proximity to the University of Calgary. Many guests liked the convenience of having a C-Train stop so close by (a 2-minute walk).
There was a sense from some guests that there was a good perception of value for price paid. Some guests indicated that they were satisfied with what they received for the amount that they were charged for the stay.
There were some additional comments on things like the selection and quality of food offered at the continental breakfast.
The Bad
The bulk of reviews used for this analysis were negative, and, although many of the guests acknowledged that their complaints had to do with the renovations (dust, noise, and general inconvenience), several more guests said that their disappointments were unrelated to the ongoing work.
There were several comments on dirty hallways and common areas, and guests noted specifics like dirty floors in the lobby, dirty carpets in the hallways and in the rooms and dirty linens, curtains and walls.
Several guests complained of odours, including cigarette smoke (even in non-smoking rooms) and strong moldy smells in the rooms.
A number of guests complained about the location of their rooms and felt that the hallways were extremely long, and that a significant walk was required to reach their rooms.
There were a couple of additional comments about things like weak hair dryers and about uncomfortable beds.
TripAdvisor.com guest reviewers ranked this hotel #74 out of 97 Calgary hotels, based on 49 reviews.
Hotels.com guest reviewers rated this hotel 3.4, or "good", based on 20 reviews.
Expedia.ca guest reviewers rated this hotel 3.3 out of 5, based on 31 reviews. 58% of guests would recommend this hotel.
Confirmed with a front desk agent: Wi-Fi, parking, renovation status and breakfast (call date: August 18, 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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