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The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Calgary, Canada

Sample buzzing market life near the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire
Sample buzzing market life near the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire | Courtesy of Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire / Booking.com

Its name comes from the Old Norse words for ‘cold’ and ‘garden’, yet Calgary is the sunniest major city in Canada and is often warm – everyone is grateful when the mellow Chinook winds blow in during winter. Regardless of the temperature outdoors, Calgary’s luxury hotels have cockle-warming hospitality (plus hot tubs and often saunas and steam rooms). If you’re staying Downtown, take advantage of the fare-free CTrain zone along 7 Avenue, even if it’s just to avoid getting sunburned. Here’s our pick of the best five-star hotels in Calgary, all bookable with Culture Trip.

Hotel Arts, in Victoria Park

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Cushy seating, tables and chairs, firepits and giant lamps surround the pool, topped with an inflatable roof, at the Hotel Arts
Courtesy of Hotel Arts / Booking.com
With its South Beach North vibe, you’d never guess this arty boutique hotel used to be a Holiday Inn. Splashes of citrus color accent the black, gray and white patterns on the walls and carpets, while images of birch trees line the elevators. When it’s warm, the pool is open to the sunshine; when it’s cold, it’s protected by an ingenious blow-up roof so you can still hang out in your beach togs while sipping cocktails poolside. Two of Calgary’s best-loved places to eat — the Viet-modern Raw Bar and inventive Yellow Door Bistro — are on site. Hotel Arts is in Victoria Park, walkable to downtown, both the Bow and Elbow Rivers, and to the Saddledome for hockey and concerts.

The Westin Calgary, in Downtown

Hotel

Exterior of the Westin Calgary at night, surrounded by other city skyscrapers and trees
Courtesy of The Westin Calgary / Booking.com

The 10 layers of the Westin Heavenly Bed always ensure a deep sleep – even more so with the lavender oil you’ll find on your nightstand. Glimpse the distant Rocky Mountains through the windows of the top-floor indoor pool and fitness center and dream of the ski slopes from the sauna. Sundays have a 3pm checkout to help you stretch your weekend out just a little more. The caesar — the quintessential Canadian cocktail — was invented here in 1969 by Walter Chell: only ask about ingredients after you’ve sampled one. Sleek and modern, this Downtown hotel is just a few blocks from the Bow River, Prince’s Island and the Eau Claire Market.

Hyatt Regency Calgary, in Downtown

Chain Hotel

Plush suede armchairs in the modern, dimly lit restaurant/bar area at the Hyatt Regency Calgary
Courtesy of Hyatt Regency Calgary / Booking.com

Canada was first explored from the water, something you’ll be reminded of repeatedly as you encounter canoe-inspired art throughout this Downtown Calgary luxury hotel — keep your eyes peeled for the immense upside-down specimen carved into the lobby ceiling. You’ll receive boutique five-star service thanks to not one but two Les Clef d’Or society concierges. Rooms feature shiny wooden accents and gold blackout curtains. On a clear day, look for the Rockies from the 18th-floor pool and hot tub, then adjust your temperature in the steam room with cooled eucalyptus towels. Book a treatment at Stillwater Spa, one of Calgary’s best.

Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire

Suite Hotel, Chain Hotel

Tables, chairs, umbrellas and plants on the rooftop terrace at Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire, with a view of other city buildings
Courtesy of Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire / Booking.com

Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire has a top-drawer location. The glass-walled lobby faces the Eau Claire Market and you’re just steps away from the tree-lined pathways surrounding the Bow River and the pedestrian bridges to Prince’s Island. Rooms are in shades of taupe with richly-stained wood accents. Keep your eye out for subtle nods to Calgary’s cowboy culture with vintage Stampede posters and the occasional Stetson photo. Towels are provided at the heated indoor pool (complete with waterslide and whirlpool) and the fitness center is open 24/7.

Fairmont Palliser, in Downtown

Hotel

Stools around the stylish bar at Fairmont Palliser, with grand marble columns and potted palms
Courtesy of Fairmont Palliser / Booking.com

Hosting rail travelers on their way to Banff and Lake Louise since 1914, this five-star luxury hotel, in Downtown Calgary, next to the Calgary Tower, combines old-world grandeur with comfy modernity. Have traditional afternoon tea gazing out through the tall arched windows or recreate the spa with Fairmont’s signature Le Labo Rose 31 bath amenities. Some of the 407 rooms have beds with rails and ornamental fireplaces. Executive chef Eraj Jayawickreme, known as “e”, oversaw the 2019 update to the Hawthorn Dining Room & Bar, including an in-kitchen 49in screen to make any adjustments gleaned from social media.

Le Germain Hotel, in Downtown

Hotel, Apartment

The exterior of Le Germain Hotel, lit up at night with other city buildings around it
Courtesy of Le Germain Hotel / Booking.com
With pride of place on Downtown pedestrian street Stephens Avenue, across from the Calgary Tower, Le Germain is a cool check-in indeed. Its 143 boldly-designed rooms have signature “g” throws atop their goose-down duvets. Wake up and flick on your in-room Nespresso machine – or sleep in, thanks to this top Calgary hotel’s flexible checkout times. Need a blast of exercise? Bash the gym’s boxing bag, jump ropes or get to grips with more traditional machines while admiring panoramic views of the city. Just want to laze? Book the aromatherapy Rocky Mountain classic massage at the penthouse level RNR Wellness Spa – and leave time for the infrared sauna.

Hotel Blackfoot, in Highfield

Hotel

Tables, chairs and umbrellas on the terrace at Hotel Blackfoot
Courtesy of Hotel Blackfoot / Booking.com
On the Blackfoot Trail, a 15-minute drive from Downtown, the Blackfoot is a winner – a top-notch luxury hotel with its 193 contemporary rooms (some have whirlpool tubs). The look combines striped carpets with a touch more color than that of your standard upscale hotel. Outside, tall trees help protect you from the high-altitude sun as you lie by the long heated pool, which is open only when the weather’s warm. The whirlpool and steam room are indoors near the 24/7 fitness center. The lobby bar has live jazz on Thursdays. Top tip: the Laugh Shop standup comedy club sometimes has complimentary tickets for hotel guests, so be sure to enquire.

Applause Hotel by CLIQUE, near Calgary airport

Chain Hotel

A bed, desk and chair in a modern hotel room at Applause Hotel by CLIQUE
Courtesy of Applause Hotel by CLIQUE / Booking.com

Just five minutes from the airport (handily there’s a free shuttle), Applause is one of Calgary’s better airport hotels. Pretend you’re out at the club with under-bed LED lights (there’s a remote to select the color or to turn them off completely) and the in-bathroom TV. Ward off any winter chill and watch the planes take off and land at the airport from the two outdoor hot tubs on the Skydeck; they’re wind-protected by glass walls. Rates include a voucher with which to order the breakfast of your choosing.

For a unique stay, check out our pick of the best arty hotels to book in Calgary, bookable on Culture Trip.

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