Calgary hotels

The Fairmont Pallister is the most historic hotel in the city and dates back to 1914. It was originally built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in an attempt to bring tourism to Western Canada, and it’s still one of the best hotels in Calgary (and my favourite place to stay while in town).

Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, I still recommend making a reservation for afternoon tea — Fairmont is known for its exceptional afternoon tea offering in its properties in Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. It’s a must-try for food lovers.

You can also book a spa treatment at the RnR Wellness Spa, which has earned recognition for being one of the best spas in the country. I recommend the warm stone Reiki massage.

Every time I’ve visited the Hotel Le Germain Calgary, I’ve left feeling rested and very well-fed. The property is exactly what you’d expect from a true city hotel. It’s centrally located and makes a great spot for inviting friends in to share a cocktail or a bite to eat before heading out on the town.

I really like the Charcut Roast House, an Italian and French fusion restaurant that—in my opinion—is nothing short of fantastic. There’s also the Lounge Central 889 bar that specializes in Champagne by the glass and all-organic cocktails. It has stunning views of the streets of Calgary from its expansive ground-level seating area, too (in other words, it’s great for people-watching).

The Westley Calgary Downtown might be part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, but there’s absolutely nothing big-box or bland about this spectacular property. Locals and visitors alike love this Calgary mainstay for its Art Deco-inspired interior design. Staying here feels like you’ve stepped right back into the 1920's.

But the best part about The Westley is on-site dining. The well-respected Fonda Fora restaurant is a Mexican-influenced hotspot created by Cody Willis of Thank You Hospitality. It features a corn-forward menu with fresh seafood as the highlight. The menu items change seasonally, but I recommend ordering the Ceviche Yucateco—ceviche with shrimp and octopus—if you see it on the menu.

I was extremely taken with The Dorian, Autograph Collection when I visited due to its whimsical yet sophisticated approach to interior design. I recommend paying close attention to the details in all the different wallpapers throughout the space to see what you can spot. But the hotel’s excellent service and amazing location are also worth writing home about.

This stand-out property was inspired by author Oscar Wilde, and focuses on living well and savouring the finer things in life.

Don’t miss the chance to make a reservation at The Wilde on 27 rooftop restaurant, which offers a bird’s eye view of Downtown Calgary alongside excellent cocktails and an ever-changing menu curated by acclaimed chef Joshua Dyer.

The little sister property to Hotel Le Germain Calgary, Alt Hotel Calgary East Village is a more easygoing alternative for a casual stay in the East Village neighbourhood.

I love this property because there’s nothing pretentious about it, but it still offers a comfortable stay with all the amenities you need. It’s also right next to the Bow River, which means your room will either have a stunning city view or look out onto the famous waterway.

I also really like that the on-site gym is open 24 hours a day and each room comes with yoga mats, which made it easy for me to keep up my fitness routine while away from home.

If you’re looking for a wellness-focused hotel in the centre of town, check into the Hyatt Regency Calgary. One of the best hotels in Calgary, this downtown property is well-loved by locals and travellers thanks to its excellent spa.

The Stillwater Spa specializes in OxyGeneo Facials, which is essentially a facial designed to increase oxygen levels in the skin while blasting away dead skin cells. Trust me, your skin will feel like a newborn baby’s after this unique spa experience — mine certainly did.

The property also has an indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the Calgary skyline, perfect for taking in the city and getting in a swim in the winter months (when the last thing you want to be doing is swimming outside).

Hotel Arts might be a little further outside of downtown compared to other options on this list, but it’s still very easy to get around Calgary on foot from here. I really like this hotel because it’s a bit quieter than some of the other spots in town.

This is one of the best hotels in Calgary for those who love a swim on vacation. The hotel’s open-air courtyard features an outdoor pool surrounded by lounge chairs that feels very intimate and cozy.

I also love that Hotel Arts has on-site golf simulators. My parents live on a golf course and can be very competitive, so having the option to practice my swing right at the hotel is a great addition to the amenities.

If you like your hotel stays to come with a familiar, home-away-from-home vibe, I’d recommend the Courtyard By Marriott Calgary Downtown. I found this property felt almost exactly like other Courtyard hotels I’ve stayed at, but in a very comforting way.

I liked knowing exactly what to expect from my room—cozy but still well-appointed, with an espresso machine I already knew how to use. One of the best hotels in Calgary, the property is right in the middle of town, which means you’re pretty much guaranteed to get an awesome city view.

The hotel is also comfortably within walking distance of several big Calgary attractions, like the Bow River and Calgary Zoo.

I’m a full-time international traveller, so I really appreciate a good airport hotel. The Westin Calgary Airport certainly falls into that category, and in my opinion, is one of the top hotels in Calgary near the airport. First and foremost, it’s a Westin, which means you get to sleep in a famous Westin Heavenly Bed.

I also love that this hotel places emphasis on health and wellness. The gym is open 24 hours and has everything you need for a great cardio workout or strength training session. Afterwards, you’ll find lavender essential oil in your room to encourage relaxation.

There’s also a free shuttle bus that takes you from the airport to the hotel or vice versa, so you don’t have to worry about booking an Uber.

If you’re looking for a resort hotel but don’t want to drive to neighbouring Banff or Canmore, consider the Grey Eagle Resort. It’s just outside the city centre, but it’s considered one of the best hotels in Calgary for a stay away from the downtown core.

This resort and casino offers incredible views of the natural splendour that Alberta is so well known for, as well as plenty of on-site dining and entertainment options.

I particularly love the stunning patio space at the hotel, which is coupled with an outdoor hot tub and pool. It’s a great spot to spend a few hours with an expertly made cocktail or an iced coffee and a good book.