The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Calgary, Canada

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.