OverviewThis hotel is located in Calgary's northwest quadrant, about a 13-minute drive from Calgary International Airport (YYC) and about a 5-minute drive to the Sunridge Mall (one of Calgary's largest). The hotel's large water park makes it popular with families, while its proximity to the airport and its airport shuttle attract air travellers.
All of the 306 rooms at this hotel include free Wi-Fi, voicemail, a hair dryer and a coffeemaker. There are standard rooms available (which offer king or queen beds, and a 32" flat-screen TV), club rooms (which grant guests access to a club lounge, where continental breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres are served daily) and suites (some of which have a separate bedroom and/or a jacuzzi). Pets are permitted free of charge. There is an airport shuttle available as well (ride to the airport is free, from the airport is $5/guest).
There is on-site dining at this hotel. Carver's Steakhouse serves dinner daily. Colours Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. There is also a pub and a lounge on site. Other on-site amenities include free parking, a 3,000-square-foot water park (which has 2 waterslides, 2 indoor pools, a splash pad and a hot tub) and a gym.
Attractions in the north part of Calgary include the Calgary Zoo (an 11-minute drive). The downtown area (where attractions like the Stampede Corral, the Saddledome and the Calgary Tower are located) is about a 19-minute drive away from this hotel. (All distances and driving time estimates: Google Maps)
Confirmed with a front desk agent: Wi-Fi, parking, pet policy and airport shuttle (call date: August 23, 2012).
The GoodGenerally, guests enjoyed their stay at this hotel, based on the reviews used for this analysis. Positive comments about the water park and about the hotel's convenient location surfaced most frequently.
The water park was fun and clean, with lots to do, according to a number of guests (many of whom were travelling with children). For many guests, the water park was the highlight of their stay.
There were a number of positive comments about the hotel's location. Several guests appreciated how close the hotel was to the airport, shopping (Sunridge Mall) and attractions (Calgary Zoo).
Guests received good service from staff here, and frequently used words like helpful and friendly to describe them. Some guests said that staff often went out of their way to assist them, doing things like offering advice on the area, and printing out directions.
Rooms were clean, comfortable and spacious, according to a number of guests.
There were a couple of additional comments about nice updates and renovations in the rooms.
The Bad
The overwhelming majority of reviews used for this analysis were positive, but there was a handful of complaints about price and perception of value.
Room rates were an issue for some people who felt that they were on the expensive side. One guest felt that the food in the on-site steakhouse was overpriced and not suitable for "family dining".
There were some peripheral comments about slow Wi-Fi connections and on noise coming from other guests in the hallways.
TripAdvisor.com guest reviewers ranked this hotel #19 out of 97 Calgary hotels, based on 169 reviews.
Expedia.ca guest reviewers rated this hotel 4.4 out of 5, based on 86 reviews. 92% of guests would recommend this hotel.
Priceline.com guest reviewers rated this hotel 8.39 out of 10, based on 8 reviews.
Confirmed with a front desk agent: Wi-Fi, parking, pet policy 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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