OverviewLocated a 14-minute drive from Calgary International Airport (YYC) and just over a 15-minute walk to Sunridge Mall (one of Calgary's largest), this hotel is popular with air travellers and those seeking extended-stay facilities or preferring to stay outside of the downtown core.
All 96 rooms have free Wi-Fi, a full kitchen (including a fridge, a microwave, a dishwasher and a stove), premium cable TV, a CD and DVD player, work space, a coffeemaker, a hair dryer and an iron and ironing board. There are standard rooms (choice of king or queen beds) or suites available (some with a separate bedroom/living area). Pets are allowed at this hotel for $75 for stays between 1-6 nights and $150/pet for stays of 7 nights or more.
While there is no on-site restaurant, guests are offered a hot buffet breakfast for free daily. There are a number of restaurants located within a 5- to 10-minute walk from the hotel. On-site amenities include free parking, a free airport shuttle, a business centre, a gym, an indoor pool with a waterslide and a hot tub.
One of the most popular attractions in the north end of Calgary is the Calgary Zoo (a 10-minute drive away). The downtown area (which is where the Stampede Corral, the Calgary Tower and the business district are all located), is about a 18-minute drive away. (All distances and driving time estimates: Google Maps)
Confirmed with a front desk agent: Wi-Fi, airport shuttle, breakfast and parking (call date: August 29, 2012).
The GoodMost of the reviews used for this analysis were positive, and compliments about staff and the rooms were common.
Several guests commented on how eager staff were to please and how they consistently went out of their way to meet guest needs. Staff were described as kind and considerate.
Guests found the rooms exceptionally clean. Several guests commented favourably on the layout of their room and said that the rooms were much larger than they had expected. Within the reviews used for this analysis, a number of guests were either travelling with children or in large parties of 4 or more and felt that the size of the rooms was more than adequate. A number of guests thought the decor contributed to the overall comfort of the rooms as well.
Several guests liked the selection and the quality of the food offered at the complimentary hot breakfast. Many felt that breakfast items were well stocked throughout the breakfast hours.
There were some additional comments about comfy beds and from guests who enjoyed the pool area.
The Bad
The bulk of the reviews used for this analysis were complimentary (in fact, negative comments were far and few between). A few negative points surfaced, but they did not seem to be reflective of overall guest experience.
A few guests had issues with access to the hotel. A couple of guests felt that signage was confusing and that the hotel was difficult to find. A few guests indicated that the on-site parking was awkward (you can't access it from the main street) and difficult to access.
There were some peripheral comments from guests in rooms on the Barlow Trail (west) side of the hotel, who were bothered by street noise.
TripAdvisor.com guest reviewers ranked this hotel #15 out of 97 Calgary hotels, based on 105 reviews.
Booking.com guest reviewers rated this hotel 9.6 out of 10, or "exceptional", based on 7 reviews.
Expedia.ca guest reviewers rated this hotel 4.5 out of 5, based on 13 reviews. 92% of guests recommend this hotel.
Confirmed with a front desk agent: Wi-Fi, airport shuttle, breakfast and parking (call date: August 29, 2012).
