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Oct 18, 2016
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Calgary Zoo
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Editor's Top 10 Picks
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$91
Popular and pet-friendly downtown Calgary hotel with indoor pool, restaurant and free Wi-Fi
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi
- Rooms were clean, quiet with comfy beds
- Great views from higher floors said guests
- Breakfast and other dining very well liked by guests
- Location central to downtown restaurants, attractions, shopping and entertainment
- Staff were well liked and accommodating
- Wi-Fi was rated as excellent by guests online
Cons
- Weekday parking is $22 for self-parking and $32 for valet, per day
- Weekend parking is $10 for self-parking and $20 for valet, per day
- Some felt the hotel was getting dated and due for a refresh
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$95
Pet-friendly downtown Calgary hotel near Calgary Tower with indoor pool and restaurants
Pros
- Free amenities: pet stays and newspapers for all guests, and Wi-Fi for Marriott Rewards members only
- Rooms were very clean, and nicely updated with comfy beds said guests
- Location in the city centre, across from Calgary Tower, in walking distance of dining, shopping and public transit
- Staff were very friendly and helpful
- Guests enjoyed dining on site
Cons
- Wi-Fi is $7.95 for non-Marriott rewards members
- Valet parking is $40 from Sunday to Thursday and $20 Friday and Saturday
- No free Wi-Fi to all guests disturbing for some
- Parking was a challenge for some guests, due to the high cost for valet and the difficulty finding self parking in the downtown
- Some were bothered by noise from within the hotel and from outside at times
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$127
Stylish luxury hotel in downtown Calgary with modern amenities, day spa, restaurant & lounge
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, wired Internet, continental breakfast, newspapers
- Rooms were spacious, very clean and modern said guests
- Location was prime, in walking distance of restaurants, shops, attractions and public transit
- Staff provided great service said guests
- Many guests enjoyed the restaurant on site
- Wi-Fi was excellent according to guests
Cons
- Valet parking is $42 weekdays and $20 weekends, per day
- Several guests felt the free breakfast could use more imagination and selection
- Bathrooms and showers did not provide full privacy due to sliding doors and glass shower walls with venetian blinds
- Some wished for blackout blinds to fully block out light
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$133
Highly praised downtown Calgary hotel near Eau Claire Market with indoor pool & waterslide
Pros
- Free amenities: pet stays and Club Members get free Wi-Fi
- Guests loved the clean and spacious suites
- Staff were absolutely amazing said guests
- The location was excellent, close to dining, shopping, the Bow River and trails
- Guests liked the quality of the breakfast buffet
- Many thought the hotel provided good value
Cons
- Wi-Fi costs $12.60 or $22.60 per 24 hours
- Valet parking costs $30 for Fri & Sat and $44 for Sun-Thurs per night
- There was the occasional complaint of noise either from inside or outside the hotel
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$68
Good value Calgary airport hotel 14 min to YYC with free shuttle, indoor pool & waterslide
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, parking, hot buffet breakfast, airport shuttle, weekday light meals, all day coffee, guest laundry
- Clean, comfortable, large rooms, according to guests
- Guests said the staff were excellent and accommodating
- Guests raved about the breakfast buffet and the weekday dinners provided
- Some guests were thrilled about the value offered
- Some guests liked the location for being close to transit and in walking distance of fast food dining and groceries
- Hotel has indoor pool with waterslide and hot tub
Cons
- Some guests had difficulty locating the hotel and accessing the parking lot
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$57
Calgary airport hotel 18 min to YYC with free: shuttle & parking, indoor pool & waterslide
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, parking, hot & cold breakfast, airport shuttle, 24-hr coffee bar
- Rooms were clean, quiet and spacious said guests
- Wi-Fi rated as very good by guests overall
- Location was convenient to Hwy 1, airport, restaurants, shopping and downtown
- Staff were great said many guests
- Shuttle worked well and was timely, according to guests
- Many appreciated the free breakfast
- Good value at this hotel according to guests
Cons
- Breakfast not that inspiring according to a few guests
- Carpets could do with better cleaning said some
- A few guests found their beds uncomfortable
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$62
Good value south Calgary hotel with jacuzzi suites, indoor pool, waterslide, free breakfast
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, parking, hot & cold breakfast, local calls, coffee in lobby
- Several guests enjoyed the location's proximity to downtown, shopping and restaurants
- Many guests said the staff were very good
- Many guests enjoyed the free breakfast with hot choices
- Many guests liked their clean rooms with comfy beds
Cons
- A few guests complained about a $2 safe charge that was added to the bill
- Some guests thought the fitness room was too small
- A couple of guests complained about noisy AC units
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$74
Popular Calgary airport hotel 13 min to YYC with free shuttle, free parking and waterpark
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, parking, airport shuttle, pet stays
- Many guests liked the location for its proximity to the airport, downtown and restaurants
- The waterpark was a hit with many guests
- Guests found the rooms and beds comfortable
- The staff received lots of praise from guests
Cons
- Some guests felt the rooms and the food on site were expensive
- Guests who had poolside rooms found them noisy until 10 pm at night
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$41
Calgary airport hotel 13 mins to YYC with free shuttle, free parking and restaurant
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, parking, airport shuttle
- Clean, comfortable rooms, according to guests
- Good service from staff, according to guests
- Guests felt that they received good value for their money
- Some guests enjoyed meals on site
Cons
- A few guests were bothered by noise
- Decor could use updating, according to some guests
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$75
Highly praised northeast Calgary hotel with waterpark, restaurant and jacuzzi suites
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, underground parking, airport shuttle
- Spacious, comfortable rooms, according to guests
- Water park with 2 waterslides, hot tubs & wading pool
- Guests really liked the staff and service at this hotel
- Several guests raved about the hotel's cleanliness
- Some guests enjoyed meals on site, impressed with the quality
- Guests liked the location, by the airport and close to Cross Iron Mills mall
Cons
- A couple of guests complained about the pool water temperature being too cold
6 Other Hotels Close to Calgary Zoo
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$115 
Highly praised downtown Calgary luxury hotel with indoor pool, day spa, restaurant & lounge
Getting Around
This hotel is a 7-minute drive from the zoo's north parking lot, or a 27-minute transit ride, which includes a 12-minute walk from the transit stop to the zoo. It is a 30-minute walk, which includes a stroll along the Bow River Pathway.
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, wired Internet, bike rentals, newspapers
- Rooms were clean and well appointed said guests
- Wi-Fi is excellent according to guest surveys
- Location was perfect, in walking distance of restaurants, shopping and entertainment
- Guests enjoyed dining on site
- Staff were well liked and professional
Cons
- Self parking is $29 per day and valet parking is $39 per day
- Some guests complained of noise from the C-Train
- Some felt the hotel was a little dated and pillows were small and uncomfortable
- A few guests felt the rooms, dining and parking were expensive
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$120 
Highly praised luxury hotel in downtown Calgary with excellent customer service and dining
Getting Around
This hotel is an 8-minute drive from the zoo's north parking lot. The trip takes 31 minutes by public transit, including a 12-minute walk between the transit stop and the zoo, or 34 minutes on foot, which includes a stroll along the Bow River Pathway.
Other Tips
Children aged 5 and under eat free from the children’s menu while children aged 6 to 11 eat for half price off the regular menu.
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi for President's Club members (free to join)
- Rooms were spacious and comfortable said guests
- Location was prime, walking distance to dining, shopping, attractions and public transit
- Staff were highly trained and accommodating
- Dining on site was very well liked by guests
Cons
- Wi-Fi costs 14.95 plus tax for 24 hours (for non-club members)
- Valet parking is $40 Sunday-Thursday and $25 Friday and Saturday
- Self-parking is $33 Tuesday-Thursday. $24 Monday and Friday, and $12 Saturday and Sunday
- Some found the dining on site expensive
- A few guests found rooms near the train tracks noisy
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$123
Well-liked and trendy boutique hotel in downtown Calgary with outdoor pool and restaurant
Getting Around
This hotel is an 8-minute drive from the zoo's north parking lot.
On foot, the trip is a pleasant 40-minute walk, or guests can reach the zoo with a 12-minute bike ride. Both options include a stretch along the Bow River Pathway. There are bicycles available for guests at the hotel at no additional charge.
Public transit is a 9-minute walk from the hotel to the #9 bus. The trip takes approximately 36 minutes, including a 12-minute walk to the zoo from the final stop.
Other Tips
This hotel has a pool that is open from the May long weekend to October 31st.
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, summer bicycle rentals, local calls
- Location was convenient to downtown attractions, restaurants, airport express and Hwy 2
- Staff were accommodating and helpful said guests
- Rooms were clean with comfortable beds
- Guests often enjoyed the decor of this hotel
- Many felt the hotel provided good value
Cons
- Self parking (outdoors) costs $21 per day Sunday-Thursday and $7.50 Friday and Saturday
- Heated underground parking costs $24 for Sunday-Thursday and $10 Friday and Saturday
- Valet parking costs $30 per day Sunday-Thursday and $20 on Friday and Saturday
- Some guests rooms and suites are accessed by a short staircase
- Guests offered mixed opinions of the on-site dining
- Some rooms were older with loud and ineffective AC units
Editor's Picks
Book Now
Downtown Calgary all-suite hotel with mini-kitchens, balconies, indoor pool & free breakfast
Getting Around
This hotel is a 7-minute drive from the zoo's north parking lot, or 30 minutes by public transit, including a 12-minute walk between the transit stop and the zoo. Alternatively, guests can travel 30 minutes on foot along the Bow River Pathway.
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, hot breakfast buffet, newspapers
- Rooms were clean, spacious and well equipped said guests
- Free hot breakfast was well liked by the guests
- Location ideal for downtown attractions, restaurants, shopping and public transit
- Staff were friendly and accommodating said guests
- Breakfast was well liked for selection
- Wi-Fi was excellent according to guests
- Many felt the hotel provided good value especially for downtown
Cons
- Parking is $10 per day on Fridays and Saturdays for outdoor lot or parkade
- Parking is $40 for the outdoor lot and $31 for the parkade Sunday to Thursday
- Elevator was slow and noisy
- Hotel was a bit dated said some guests
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$99 
Popular downtown Calgary hotel with indoor pool, restaurants and lounge and free pet stays
Getting Around
This hotel is a 7-minute drive from the zoo's north parking lot.
The trip takes 32 minutes by public transit, including a 12-minute walk between the transit stop and the zoo, or 32 minutes on foot, which includes a stroll along the Bow River Pathway.
Other Tips
This hotel has a rooftop pool open year round. Children under 17 stay free.
Parking
Self-parking at this hotel is free on weekends for guests. From Sunday to Thursday, self-parking is $28 + tax per night, with an additional $10 for valet parking.
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, pet stays, newspapers
- Rooms were peaceful, spacious and had great beds
- Prime downtown location, in walking distance of restaurants, shopping, attractions and public transit
- Staff were excellent and well liked by guests
- Guests enjoyed breakfast and other dining on site
- Good value according to several guests
- Wi-Fi was rated very good
Cons
- Self parking is $28 Sun-Thurs and $19 Fri-Sat, per night, plus tax
- Valet parking is $38 Sun-Thurs and $25 Fri-Sat, per night, plus tax
- No hot tub a disappointment for some guests
- Some complained of small bathrooms with a sliding door that did not provide full privacy
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$79
Good value and popular downtown Calgary all-suite hotel with full kitchens and free Wi-Fi
Getting Around
This hotel is a 9-minute drive from the zoo's north parking lot, or 40 minutes by public transit on the #9 bus, including a 12-minute walk between the transit stop and the zoo. If you travel on foot, the trip takes 35 minutes, which includes a stroll along the Bow River Pathway.
Other Tips
The Regency is currently the only one of these hotels offering a zoo package. Check the website for details, as they vary.
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, wired Internet, local calls, pet stays, newspapers
- Rooms were very clean, updated, spacious and quiet
- Staff were helpful and accommodating said guests
- Beds were comfy said guests
- Location handy to shops, groceries, restaurants, public transit, downtown attractions
- Wi-Fi was rated as excellent by online reviewers
Cons
- Parking is $15.75 including tax
- A few guests said their bathrooms were small
- Parking can be limited at times with small spaces
Tips For Staying Near Calgary Zoo
Location
The Calgary Zoo is centrally located in Bridgeland, Calgary, a 5-minute drive east of downtown. A large portion of the zoo is located on St. George's Island in the Bow River.
Getting Around: Driving
The most direct route to the zoo by car is via Memorial Drive, which is a main thoroughfare that runs parallel to the Bow River and the entrance to the zoo is on St. George’s Drive. It is a 20-minute drive from the Trans-Canada Highway.
Getting Around: Public Transit
The zoo is also accessible via Calgary's C-Train light rail system. Take the Northeast Line (Route 202), which is the Blue Line, to the stop named “Zoo”.
A one-way ride for an adult on Calgary's public transit system starts at $3. Full fare and schedule information can be found on their website.
Getting Around: Biking
You can also get to the zoo by bicycle or by foot via the Bow River Pathway, which is a pleasant network of paths running along the Bow River, connecting parks and green spaces in the city.
Parking
Parking is available at the North Lot, the main zoo parking lot off St. George’s Drive, just north of Memorial Drive with zoo access through the north gate. The West Lot is currently closed. Parking fees are currently $7 per day.
Dining
There are a number of places to eat while visiting the zoo, including The Kitamba Cafe, which is part of the Destination Africa Complex, and the Penguin Plunge Cafe, which has gluten-free options. Ingredients are listed at each of the cafes for the allergy-sensitive. For those in need of a good coffee, the Penguin Plunge Cafe has Starbucks. There are also several other concession stands throughout the zoo. Times may vary. Guests are also welcome to bring a picnic lunch.
Entertainment
There is a good selection of events and activities available. If you have little ones, there is a fun playground in the Destination Africa complex. The Kinsmen ZooVenture Playground is located at the Calgary Co-op Kids Zone, next to the Tigers Den gift shop. The Calgary Co-op Kids Zone also has the Zoo Train and the Wildlife Carousel. Tickets are available or a wristband can be purchased for $5 at the entrance gate.
There are also several activities for adults, such as workshops in drawing and photography. Some activities may need to be booked in advance, so contact the zoo directly for more information.
There are also several activities for adults, such as workshops in drawing and photography. Some activities may need to be booked in advance, so contact the zoo directly for more information.
Shopping
There are several places to pick up gifts and souvenirs of your visit, or if needed, practical items such as rainwear and sunscreen. The Penguin Plunge Cafe sells gifts and decor and the Tigers Den sells everything tiger-related. The Trading Post at Destination Africa is open seasonally.
Other Tips
The zoo is open year round, 9 am to 6 pm, except on Christmas Day. The entrance gate closes at 5 pm, however. Certain buildings, services and exhibits may operate on different schedules, opening or closing at different times, and these may change seasonally.
Tickets can be booked online or purchased at the entrance. Tickets purchased online must be printed and presented at the gate. Adult tickets are currently $23, children ages 3 to 15 pay $15 and seniors $21.
Guests are welcome to ride bicycles to the zoo, but they must be left outside the gate.
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