The Best Cheap Hotels to Book in Calgary, Canada

In several Calgary locations, these one-, two-, three-bedroom and studio apartments are for short and long stays. At the three-story walk-up in the hip Beltline neighborhood, you’ll have laundry and a kitchen, as well as a compact living space – you won’t be in much with retro boutiques and locavore restos all around; it’s also just half an hour’s walk to the Stampede grounds. There are more options at the downtown tower near the Eau Claire Market and Bow River, ideal for those needing a more central location. Townhouses in upscale Mount Royal are more spacious and you’re close to Calgary’s 17th Ave entertainment district. Take your pick!

This is an elegant all-suite budget choice, with a convenient downtown location, 10 minutes on foot to Eau Claire and the Bow River pathways. You’ll enjoy a free hot and cold buffet breakfast – not just scrambled eggs and bagels, but rotating items including frittatas and pancakes. There’s also a coin-op laundry and a fitness center. There’s a range of suites to choose from and whichever you choose, you can prep and serve a glamorous dinner in the sleek kitchen, all sleek black appliances (including dishwasher), and equipped with everything from a Dutch oven to measuring spoons.

This budget Calgary hotel throws in lots of extras: your pick of pillows, blackout shades and a heated pool with a spiraling red waterslide and a whirlpool. The complimentary continental breakfast features warm cinnamon buns, fresh fruit, bacon, sausage and eggs; there’s also the Holiday Inn’s self-serve pancake machine (pre-packaged selections in a to-go bag are offered in pandemic times). In-room minifridges and microwaves give you a few more options. You’re just off the busy Macleod Trail highway – but note that it’s also only a 20-minute walk to Fish Creek Provincial Park. Stop for picnic essentials at the Avenida Food Hall on the way.

A 15-minute drive from downtown, this cheap and cheerful motel is in a hub of hotels and casual places to eat – it’s across the highway from McMahon Stadium and close to residential Capitol Hill. Geometric-print bed scarves add zing to the decor in comfy rooms with handy microwaves and minifridges – some have a kitchen and fireplace too. There’s a free grab ‘n’ go breakfast every morning – you could take it on the 40-minute walk to the Bow River. If you’re staying for a while, ask about reduced rates for weekly, monthly and extended stays. A pet is allowed in some rooms for a $10 fee. Upstairs rooms have a balcony, but note there’s no elevator.

This is in the same hub as the Econo-Lodge Motel Village, albeit on a quieter part of Banff Trail rather than overlooking the busy Highway 1. It’s a contemporary hotel with thoughtful extras – that includes heated underground parking. You’re just a four-minute walk to the CTrain for an eco-ride downtown. The large lobby is welcoming with its fireplace and lounge space. The pool has a twisty waterslide and hot tub. The 96 rooms are larger than you’d expect for check-in at this price point – some have enough space for a couch. Breakfast – included – is a simple affair of grocery-store bagels and hard-boiled eggs.

Want to shop ’til you drop? This two-story hotel is the closest one to the Chinook Centre – just a five-minute drive away, on the other side of McLeod Trail. Here to watch the Calgary Flames play or see a concert? The Saddledome is 15 minutes by car and you’re along the CTrain’s red line to get downtown. In summer, splash in the outdoor saltwater pool. Rooms are done out with contemporary beiges and gold with spick-and-span floors of wood laminate or carpet; they’re equipped with a minifridge and microwave – nicely tucked around the corner from the bed.

Whether you’re flying or driving, Days Inn is convenient for the airport (free shuttle at the ready) and the TransCanada Highway. With the complimentary continental breakfast and in-room minifridge and microwave, you’ll save on meals. The indoor pool has both a waterslide and hot tub. If you want to splurge a bit, some rooms have hot tubs too. Keep a few loonies and toonies (Canadian $1 and $2 coins) handy if you want to use the coin-op laundry. The views are mostly of cars parked at other airport hotels and zipping by on the Barlow Trail, but you won’t be spending much time inside – there’s fast food right next door and it’s a five-minute drive to Sunridge Mall.

Cheery throws on the beds perk up these no-nonsense airport-hotel rooms, which are perfect crash pads for guests wanting to be out and about. You’ll have a mini fridge, and rather than a closet, a hip-height in-room rack (just fine for ski jackets, maybe less so for ball gowns). Investigate the smattering of breakfast items – yours to grab and take aboard the airport shuttle or wherever you’re off exploring. You’re about 20 minutes from the airport and the busy Barlow Trail/32 Ave. And the location means several fast-food and casual dining joints are within easy reach.