Daniela Puyos 
Are you traveling to the beautiful city of Calgary and need some guidance to the different parts of the city? Then stay with me because I have been researching where to stay in Calgary. So whether you are looking for a centrally located hotel or one in a greener area, I have the best hotel to stay in Calgary, Canada, for you!
The best area to stay in is Downtown Calgary, but there are other great areas to stay too: Eau Claire and Prince’s Island Park, The Beltline & 17th Ave, East Village, Inglewood, and Kensington.
In the end, I added 2 bonuses with the best hotels in Calgary and the top hotels near the airport.
Calgary is a very popular city, and many people visit it for the amazing cultural offers, fantastic restaurants, and fun sports events, so if you want to secure the room of your dreams, it is vital you book in advance!
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Contents
- If you are in a hurry
- 1. Downtown Calgary – where to stay in Calgary for first-timers
- 2. Eau Claire and Prince’s Island Park – for nature lovers
- 3. The Beltline & 17th Ave – for public art and fine dining!
- 4. East Village – where to stay for events and culture
- 5. Inglewood – where to stay in Calgary for fun
- 6. Kensington – where to stay for the cool and upcoming!
- BONUS 1: Best hotels in Calgary
- BONUS 2: Hotels near the Calgary airport
- FAQs about where to stay in Calgary
If you are in a hurry
Here you have the best accommodations in the city center in case you want to book right away. This area is the best for first-timers and has amazing hotels:
Check out this map to see where to stay in Calgary, depending on your taste:
- Downtown Calgary: for first-timers
- Eau Claire and Prince’s Island Park: for nature lovers
- The Beltline & 17th Ave: for public art
- East Village: for events and culture
- Inglewood: for fun stay
- Kensington: for the cool and upcoming
1. Downtown Calgary – where to stay in Calgary for first-timers
If you are visiting Calgary for the first time, the city center is ideal for you! There is nothing better than leaving your hotel room and having all the main attractions within walking distance!
Imagine you wake up in the morning and have a nice stroll in the city. You see a cute café, sit on the terrace and order a delicious latte with pastry for breakfast, and then you continue your walk through the beautiful streets while you check out the high-end clothing stores you can find on the way.
If you love shopping, Stephen Avenue Walk is a must-stop on your trip. It’s a pedestrian street filled with many cute stores!
In the downtown area, you can also find amazing buildings like the Telus Convention Center, the picturesque Calgary City Hall, and the amazing Calgary Tower. You can go to the top and admire the entire city from up high!
If you are interested in art and culture, indulge and treat yourself to a concert in Jack Singer Concert Hall, a play in Theater Calgary, or spend a wonderful afternoon looking at amazing art pieces in Glenbow Museum!
This area has the best luxury hotels and amazing options for other budgets. Let’s see some!
This downtown hotel comes with a 24-hour on-site fitness centre, an upscale on-site restaurant, and modern rooms that will make your stay in the city feel like a relaxing getaway! Staying at this hotel, you have the main attractions just a short walk away!
Other accommodation options in Downtown
What a cute boutique hotel! The rooms are a complete dream and look aesthetically pleasing, some with city views!!
Amazing budget Calgary hotel, which offers a complimentary breakfast, and some of the rooms come with a kitchen!
Amazing apartment with a balcony and views! It features 1 bedroom and can host 3 guests!
Things to do in Downtown Calgary
- Go to the top of the Calgary Tower
- Buy something nice in Downtown Core Shopping Centre
- Go to a concert at Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
- Relax in Olympic Plaza
2. Eau Claire and Prince’s Island Park – for nature lovers
Calgary Eau Claire is perfect for those who love spending time in nature and prefer to stay in an easy breezy neighborhood but with central Calgary and its attractions nearby!
One of the nicest aspects of this area is that it is by the beautiful Bow River. Imagine having breakfast looking at the river or walking alongside it after a long day visiting museums and eating in upscale gourmet Canadian restaurants while the sun is setting! If you want, you could rent a bike and explore the area in a fun way!
If you are adventurous, cross the Bow River, and go to Prince’s Island Park, the views from this Island Park are stunning, and it is the perfect environment for a picnic with all the amazing flora and fauna you can find there. If you have kids, there are many playgrounds where they can play!If you love nature, take the Trans-Canada Highway, and in less than 2 hours, you will be able to explore and even stay in Banff National Park areas. If you have furry friends and want to see the Canadian Rockies here, check out these pet-friendly hotels in Canmore with a cozy vibe!
Courtyard by Marriott Calgary, Eau Claire
A super nice contemporary hotel that features a lovely restaurant and bar, and every morning you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast! It offers 2 types of rooms: for 2 guests and groups of up to 4 people.
Other accommodation options in Eau Claire and Prince’s Island Park
Beautiful, stylish hotel with free breakfast and offering rooms for up to 4 guests, some with bathtubs!
Offers shared rooms and private rooms, all guests get free breakfast, and there is a laundry service available!
This apartment comes with 2 bedrooms, a lovely patio where you can have breakfast and access to a fitness center!
Things to do in Eau Claire and Prince’s Island Park
- Enjoy a 3-hour bike tour by Bow River
- Take a city 2-hour scooter tour
- Go for a hike in Prince’s Island Park
3. The Beltline & 17th Ave – for public art and fine dining!
The Beltline is an amazing area for all of those who like visiting a city and feeling like a local. This area is one of the most popular amongst the residents and has a lot of amazing fine dining options of a very diverse range of cuisines, cafés offering delicious pastries and views, and last but not least, bars with craft beer so that you can try all sort of crazy beer combos during your trip and become a beer connoisseur!
Another great aspect of this district is the wide range of festivals during the summer and winter time. For example, you could visit the BUMP, which features amazing murals and has DJs playing, and BIG Winter Classic, a craft beer festival during winter with local artists and awesome tunes to dance to while tasting top-class beer!
And if that isn’t enough, while you walk the beautiful streets of the area you will encounter the most amazing art pieces made by local artists – there is nothing better than an open-air museum kind of city!
Overall, this area is great for those looking for art, fantastic food, and entertainment!
This hotel comes with the most amazing rooftop terrace with incredible views of the city, perfect for relaxing after a long day of walking in the city! The rooms are super trendy and come with everything you need!
Other accommodation options in The Beltline & 17th Ave
Incredible accommodation in The Beltline! Comes with a nice futuristic vibe and an amazing pool!
This cute condo is super cozy and is the perfect place for a homestay for 3 guests!
This penthouse comes with unbeatable views of the city and a spacious balcony with a grill
Things to do in The Beltline & 17th Ave
- Enjoy a play at Martha Cohen Theatre
- Go on a craft beer tasting and street art walking tour
- Visit the Lougheed House National Historic Site & Museum
- Take photos in a historical site Beaulieu Gardens
4. East Village – where to stay for events and culture
This neighborhood is perfect for all the travelers looking for modern architecture and trendy cafés where you can relax with your book while you let go of all your worries! Apart from the modern architecture visible in buildings like Calgary Central Library, an architectural masterpiece, and old historic buildings like King Edward Hotel, which works as a concert venue and restaurant!
Another nice plus about the East Village is that it’s close to Victoria Park district, which is host to the world-famous Calgary stampede grounds, and if you are lucky enough, you might be able to watch the Calgary Flames play an exciting ice hockey game at Scotiabank Saddledome! Is there a better way to make the whole trip even more memorable?
The city center is not far away from the East Village, and there is public transport making access to that area even more easy, but if you wanted, you could walk or bike to the center!
Here you have some great accommodation options in the area!
Homewood Suites by Hilton, East Village
This incredible hotel is only a 3-minute walk from the center and comes with a great wellness center with a hot tub and an indoor pool! A complimentary breakfast will be served to all those staying in any of the spacious rooms, with the biggest one hosting 6 guests!
Other accommodation options in East Village
This hotel looks super modern and trendy! It is perfect for young people looking for a stylish stay
A great option for those looking for shared dormitories in the area or private rooms with shared bathrooms
Super modern industrial style, with floor-to-ceiling windows and incredible views, hosting up to 5 guests!
Things to do in East Village
- Visit Fort Calgary
- Have an afternoon filled with music National Music Centre
- Discover the area on a walking tour
- Go on the Ferris wheel at Stampede Park
5. Inglewood – where to stay in Calgary for fun
Inglewood is called the entertainment district for a reason! This amazing area has everything you need for a fun and cozy stay!
First, it has amazing architecture and is home to one of the oldest buildings in the city, and at the same time, it stays young with the never-ending options of hip cafés and restaurants in the area, which get the attention of a lot of young people! This neighborhood is super peaceful, and if you love biking, you will be more than happy to stay here!
In the area, you can find many venues with live music and attend fun festivals like the Inglewood Night Market, where you can get nice art pieces from local artists or buy delicious food from food trucks! The Esker Foundation is a great place for art lovers who love learning different methods and engaging with fellow artists!
If you are traveling with kids, they will love visiting Calgary Zoo or the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, the perfect place to see beautiful animals in their natural habitat in the middle of the city!
This neighborhood is the closest to the Canadian Pacific Railway!
Modern and trendy, this loft can host up to 3 guests and comes with the most stunning views. Just imagine admiring the sunset from your bed while sipping wine! What a treat!
Other accommodation options in Inglewood
The perfect place for those who love feeling at home and getting a warm breakfast every morning!
Minimalistic and super clean! It comes with a bed and a sofa bed, making it great for 3 guests!
This apartment is fantastic for 2 guests, and it even has a private laundry room!
Things to do in Inglewood
- Visit the art center of Esker Foundation
- Admire nature at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
- Buy an art piece at Inglewood Night Market
- Have a picnic at Pearce Estate Park
6. Kensington – where to stay for the cool and upcoming!
The area of Kensington is known as the upcoming district in Calgary! Every year more and more people choose this vibrant neighborhood as their home or an amazing area for their short stay!
Of all the areas where you can stay in Calgary, Kensington is located closest to Canada Olympic Park at around 7 miles distance. There you’ll also find Winsport, the perfect place to visit in the wintertime if you are a fan of skiing or snowboarding. This place comes with amazing slopes to enjoy the snow like no other!
The area is filled with amazing coffee shops and restaurants, as well as amazing murals and public art, which give the area a special charm. You could enjoy a nice stroll alongside Bow River or even go jogging in the morning before visiting the most amazing attractions in the city. The city centre and Eau Claire are not far away, so you could easily walk or bike there!
A lovely boutique hotel! As its name suggests, it is an artsy hotel with amazing decorations and style. It comes with complimentary bike rentals and free breakfast.
Other accommodation options in Kensington
This hotel looks so cute and homey with the carved wood furniture in the rooms giving a comfy and artsy look!
This hotel looks so luxurious. They offer 4 types of rooms, one of them with a spa bath
It comes with an amazing rooftop terrace with a fire pit and the most amazing views
Things to do in Kensington
- Visit WinSport in the winter
- Watch a film in a historic cinema The Plaza
- Visit a cool record shop Hot Wax Records
- Play in the escape room
| 📍 Best area: | Downtown |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Hotel Le Germain |
| 💵 Best mid-range hotel: | The Dorian |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Coast Calgary Downtown |
BONUS 1: Best hotels in Calgary
After sharing with you all the amazing areas in this article on where to stay in Calgary, and cool hotels in all the areas, I thought it would be great to share some more amazing accommodations in the city since it has amazing options!
The prices per night for these accommodations go from US$150 to US$250.
1. Fairmont Palliser
If you were looking for a luxurious option, look no further. This hotel has the most exquisite style and upscale amenities that will make you feel like a royal. It comes with a spa and wellness center offering a wide range of massages as well as access to a jacuzzi. There is an indoor swimming pool available for guests and an onsite restaurant and Starbucks. The complimentary breakfast is varied and delicious!
2. Delta Hotels Calgary Downtown
Located in the amazing downtown area of Calgary and with all the main attractions just steps away from the property, this hotel features an amazing indoor pool with views of beautiful green trees! There is a fitness center on-site, and all the guests staying in any of the comfortable rooms can order room service!
3. Sheraton Suites
This hotel is great for all those looking to stay in a green area with plenty of options for hiking or having cute little picnics! The hotel features a massive indoor swimming pool with a fun slide and a lovely roof terrace where you can enjoy a lovely drink while admiring the most stunning city views!
4. Hyatt Regency Calgary
Amazing classy vibe that will make you feel like you’re in a Las Vegas hotel. The location is perfect, with the Calgary Tower steps away, and you can see it from some rooms of the hotel. There is private parking available for guests, and the family rooms can host up to 4 people. Every single guest at the hotel guest free breakfasts!
5. Hotel Blackfoot
This hotel is only a few minutes away from the downtown area, and comes with great amenities, for example, free parking, an onsite restaurant serving vegan and vegetarian options, a beautiful outdoor swimming pool with a nice sun terrace, and a complimentary breakfast, nothing better than starting the day with a yummy meal!
6. Courtyard by Marriott
Located in Seton, this hotel is only a 30-minute drive away from downtown Calgary and the city’s biggest attractions. This hotel’s indoor swimming pool is simply amazing, with a slide and a relaxing hot tub next to it! The rooms are super modern, and you can order room service for maximal relaxation!
BONUS 2: Hotels near the Calgary airport
If you are visiting the city on your way to another destination and are wondering where to stay, here are some great hotels near the airport so you don’t have to worry about missing your flight!
The prices go from US$150 to US$300 per night for these accommodations.
1. Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel
This hotel is located literally less than a 10-minute walk from the airport. So if you want to sleep in a very trendy hotel while you kill time before your flight, you will love this hotel which comes with a stunning indoor swimming pool and a complete breakfast!
2. The Westin Calgary Airport
This hotel looks super trendy and modern! They offer a free shuttle to the airport, which is more than convenient! The hotel comes with a fitness centre, an indoor swimming pool, and a jacuzzi, perfect for relaxing before heading back to your room for a great slumber!
3. Applause Hotel Calgary Airport by CLIQUE
This hotel looks so much fun! Some of the rooms come with neon light under the bed, and some come with a nice and relaxing soaking tub, perfect for relaxing in a bubble bath! The hotel has 2 outdoor jacuzzis, and there is free parking and free airport shuttles available for guests.
4. Hotel Clique Calgary Airport
Offering a free airport shuttle and free parking, this hotel is the perfect option for those looking for a 1-night stay and relaxing in the meantime! The hotel has an outdoor jacuzzi, a fitness center, a laundry service, an on-site restaurant, and a bar where you can keep busy while waiting for your flight!
5. Courtyard by Marriott Calgary Airport
This hotel’s wellness center is simply amazing. It comes with a lovely indoor pool located on the top floor. The indoor pool has a door that leads you to a terrace where you can find an amazing sauna! Nothing better than a sauna session to relax and unwind before a flight!
6. Best Western Premier Freeport Inn Calgary Airport
Do you want to fit in a workout session before a flight? It is possible to do it at this hotel since it comes with a fitness center! After that, head to the on-site restaurants to get your energy back! There is an indoor pool available to all guests and a complimentary shuttle service to the airport!
FAQs about where to stay in Calgary
🌆 Which is the best area to stay in Calgary?
It depends on your personal taste and your interests. For example, downtown is the best area to stay for the first time. Some amazing accommodation options there are Hotel Le Germain Calgary and The Dorian.
👪 Which Calgary hotels are best for families?
So many of them! I have listed amazing hotels for families, Homewood Suites can host families of 6, and The Westley Calgary is located near parks and playgrounds!
🗓️ Which hotels are best for a 1-night stay?
If you need to make a quick stop in the city, these hotels are great for you Hotel Arts Kensington and Inglewood Bed and Breakfast.
🏟️ Which are the best hotels near Stampede?
Staying in the East Village is great for those looking to be near the Stampede. Some great hotels in the area are Homewood Suites and Alt Hotel Calgary East Village.
Conclusion
That’s a wrap for today, my sweet angels! If you were wondering where to stay in Calgary, now you can choose from amazing areas and hotels! And if you want more options, you can always check the 2 bonuses with the best hotels to stay in Calgary and the best Calgary hotels near the airport.
Honestly, I loved all the hotels and accommodations in all the areas, but if I had to mention my 2 favorite ones, I would go with:
- Residence Inn by Marriott – I love a luxury option, and this one comes with a stunning rooftop terrace and incredible views!
- Alt Hotel East Village – looks trendy and has a laid-back vibe. I am sure I would have the best time staying in the hotel and area!
Have you found the area and hotel of your liking? Let me know in the comments, and if you have any questions about the areas or hotels, ask away – I am here to help!
Calgary is such a popular destination, and hotels tend to book fast, so the best thing you can do after deciding on a hotel is to book the hotel room right away before someone else does!
Until the next one,
Daniela
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As someone that has lived in Calgary for 24 years, this post has a lot of misinformation. Winsport if not even close to Kensington. This article has been written by someone that it appears hasn’t even been to the city,
Hey Lise,
Thank you for pointing that out. You are correct about WinSport not being close to Kensington and we have edited the article accordingly to that information. If the writer has not visited the city, they do a lot of reserach, but sometimes even the best of us make mistakes. However, we are always happy to receive comments from locals so that we can make our articles even better regarding the information we provide, so if there’s anything else, please don’t hestitate to let us know.
Thank you again, and have a wonderful day!