The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Calgary, Canada
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
The Westin Calgary, in Downtown
Hotel
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
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
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
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
Hotel Blackfoot, in Highfield
Hotel
Applause Hotel by CLIQUE, near Calgary airport
Chain Hotel
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.