A guide to where to stay in Calgary from someone who has stayed there several times
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I have been to Calgary several times and figuring out where to stay in Calgary was something I had to work out through trial and error. I usually visit as a starting point before heading out to Banff or Canmore (or even after), but I always make sure to spend at least a couple of nights in the city itself. Calgary is a good place to spend more than a quick stopover. The food scene, the neighbourhoods, the views of the Rockies from the downtown core, it all adds up to a city that surprises you every time.

Calgary is one of those cities that surprises you. You discover it gradually, by walking around, trying the restaurants on 17th Avenue, following the Bow River path, or climbing the Calgary Tower for your first proper look at the skyline with the Rockies behind it.

In this post I am sharing the best areas to stay in Calgary based on my own experience, plus a comprehensive guide to the best hotels in each neighbourhood to help you find the right place for your trip. If you are planning to continue on to Banff after Calgary, check out my Banff National Park itinerary for everything you need to know before you go. For what it is worth, I have personally stayed at the Westley Hotel downtown and the Alt Hotel Calgary East Village, and both were excellent for very different reasons. I will go into detail on both below.

Quick Tips: Where to Stay in Calgary

Find your perfect stay in Calgary! Click hotels on the map to check rates & availability.

Best area for first-time visitors and sightseeing: Downtown Calgary
Best area for nightlife and the Calgary Stampede: Beltline / 17th Avenue
Best area for an up-and-coming neighbourhood feel: East Village
Best area for a boutique neighbourhood experience: Kensington
Best luxury hotels in Calgary: Hotel Le Germain Calgary, Fairmont Palliser, Hotel Arts Kensington
Best budget-friendly hostels and hotels: Wicked Hostels, Holiday Inn Express, Ramada
Best Calgary hotels for families: Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire, Homewood Suites, Best Western PLUS Calgary Centre Inn
Best hotels for the Calgary Stampede: Hotel Arts, Fairfield Inn and Suites, Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Downtown

A Few Things to Know Before You Book

Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, one of the youngest and fastest-growing cities in Canada, and home to the famous Calgary Stampede every July. If you are visiting during Stampede, book your accommodation well in advance. The best hotels fill up months ahead and prices go up significantly.

The downtown core is very walkable and the C-Train (Calgary’s LRT) is free within the downtown zone along 7th Avenue. This is genuinely useful to know. I got around mostly on foot, the C-Train, and Uber during my visits and never felt like I needed a car within the city. A rental car is useful if you are planning day trips to Banff, Lake Louise, or the Alberta Badlands, but for the city itself public transit and walking cover most of what you need.

One more useful thing to know: many downtown buildings are connected by the +15 network, a system of indoor pedestrian bridges. In winter this means you can get from your hotel to meetings, restaurants, and the mall without going outside, which is a genuine bonus when temperatures drop below zero.

Getting to the city: Calgary International Airport is about 20-30 minutes from the downtown area by taxi or Uber. There is no direct C-Train link to the airport so I usually take a taxi, Uber, or pre-arranged shuttle.

Getting around: The C-Train is free in the downtown core. Outside the free zone, buy tickets at any station. Walking is easy in the flat downtown area. Uber is reliable and affordable.

Best time to visit: Summer (June to August) for festivals, patios, and Banff day trips. July for the Calgary Stampede. September and October for quieter streets and fall colours in the nearby mountains.

If you are wondering where to stay in Calgary for the first time, downtown is where I always end up and honestly it is the best choice for most first-time visitors. Everything you want to see is either within walking distance or a short C-Train ride away. Stephen Avenue, the Calgary Tower, the Glenbow Museum, Prince’s Island Park, and the Bow River are all easily accessible from any hotel in the downtown core.

The downtown area is also where you will find the widest range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels to some of the best luxury hotels in the city. The streets are flat and easy to walk, and the downtown location puts you at the centre of everything. One honest caveat: during the Calgary Stampede in July, downtown gets very busy and noisy. If you are sensitive to that, consider booking a hotel on the quieter western end of downtown rather than near the Stampede grounds.

Stephen Avenue, also known as 8th Avenue SW, is one of the best streets in the city. It is partly pedestrianized and lined with restaurants, bars, boutique shops, and some of the most interesting modern architecture in Calgary. I walked it several times during my visits and always found something new. The Core Shopping Centre, which spans three city blocks and includes the Devonian Gardens, an indoor botanical garden with fountains and green space, is worth a visit even if you are not shopping.

The Calgary Tower is a must on a first visit. The Calgary Zoo is also worth a half day, one of the best zoos in Canada and located just east of the downtown area (the free transit does not cover the zoo). The Glenbow Museum nearby is also worth a morning or afternoon, one of the best cultural institutions in western Canada with a strong focus on the history of the Canadian prairies and Indigenous peoples of the region. For more information on things to do in Calgary, check out out my Calgary guide.

Where to Stay in Calgary: Downtown Hotels

The Westley Hotel Calgary
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 8.9/10 (492 reviews)
Check current prices here

I stayed at the Westley on one of my Calgary visits and it was easily one of my favourite hotel stays in the city. It sits on 4th Street SW in the downtown area and has a chic, design-forward personality that most chain hotels lack. The guest rooms are stylish and well thought out and the front desk service was genuinely excellent throughout my stay. I was able to conveniently walk to the Bow River, Calgary Tower and Stephen Avenue.

If you want a boutique hotel feel with a central downtown location, this is the one I would personally recommend first. Prices typically start around $180 to $250 CAD per night.

Hotel Le Germain Calgary
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 9.0/10 (683 reviews)
check current prices here

The only true 5-star hotel in Calgary and one of the best luxury hotels in the city. Hotel Le Germain Calgary is just steps from the Calgary Tower on Stephen Avenue, right in the heart of downtown. It has modern rooms, on-site dining, a 24-hour fitness centre, in-room massages, and free WiFi with continental breakfast included daily.

If you are visiting as a couple or on a business trip and want the best location in the city, this is it!  I didn’t stay here, but it is 100% on my list for next time. It feels like the perfect spot for a romantic trip or a honeymoon kind of vibe.
Prices typically start around $300 to $400 CAD per night.

The Fairmont Palliser
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 8.7/10 (390 reviews)
Check current prices here

The Fairmont Palliser is honestly one of the hotels I most want to try on my next visit. This historic hotel has been a landmark in the downtown core since 1914, located on 9th Avenue SW just 100 metres from the Calgary Tower. It is connected to the Calgary Telus Convention Centre via the +15 network and has a large indoor pool and hot tub, a spa, fitness centre, room service, and multiple on-site dining options including fine dining. The historic rooms are beautiful, the modern amenities are excellent, and the character of the building is unlike anything else in downtown Calgary. Prices typically start around $250 to $350 CAD per night.

The Westin Calgary
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 8.7/10 (252 reviews)
Check current prices here

The Westin sits in the Eau Claire area of downtown, right along the Bow River and a short walk from Prince’s Island Park. It has a rooftop heated indoor pool and sauna, in-room spa services, free WiFi, and an on-site restaurant. If you want to be close to the river and the park rather than in the busiest part of downtown, this is a great location. Prices typically start around $200 to $280 CAD per night.

Hyatt Regency Calgary
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 8.5/10 (997 reviews)
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One of the most reliable 4-star hotels in the downtown core. The Hyatt Regency Calgary sits on 9th Avenue SW just few metres from the Calgary Telus Convention Centre and the Calgary Tower. It has an indoor pool, a fitness centre (fitness center), an on-site restaurant, and free WiFi. I stopped by this hotel to see a friend and the room was really spacious! It is consistently well-reviewed and a solid choice for both first-time visitors and business travellers. Prices typically start around $180 to $250 CAD per night.

Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 7.8/10 (214 reviews)
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This hotel is connected to the Calgary Tower via the +15 network on Centre Street S, and is one of the most convenient downtown hotels for sightseeing. It is about 2 minutes walk to the Calgary Tower (almost opposite). The Marriott Calgary Downtown has an indoor pool, hot tub, fitness centre, on-site restaurant, free WiFi, and a 24-hour business centre. The Glenbow Museum, Studio Bell, and Stephen Avenue are all within walking distance. 

I actually stopped at this hotel briefly on one of my visits as it was the pick-up point for the Brewster Express when I used the bus from Calgary to Banff. If you are planning to get to Banff without a car, check out my guide for everything you need to know.
Prices typically start around $180 to $240 CAD per night.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 8.8/10 (621 reviews)
Check current prices here

A well-located 4-star hotel on 4th Avenue SW with views of the river and the downtown skyline. It has an indoor swimming pool, seasonal sun deck, on-site restaurant, and free WiFi. Good value for a 4-star hotel in a good downtown location. Prices typically start around $160 to $220 CAD per night.

Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire

Right in the Eau Claire area on Barclay Parade SW, the Sheraton Suites is one of the best hotels in Calgary for families. All suites include a full kitchen, flat-screen TVs, an indoor pool with a waterslide, a hot tub, a fitness centre, a restaurant and pub, and a business centre. The location is excellent, a short walk to Prince’s Island Park and the Bow River. A great option if you want more space than a standard hotel room. Prices typically start around $180 to $250 CAD per night.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Calgary Downtown

One of the best-selling hotels in Calgary and a great option for families or anyone staying more than a couple of nights. Located on Riverfront Avenue SE in the East Village area, each suite includes a full kitchenette, complimentary breakfast, a fitness centre, a business centre, and free WiFi. Walking distance to the Calgary Stampede and Studio Bell. Prices typically start around $140 to $190 CAD per night.

Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Downtown

The Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Downtown sits on Riverfront Avenue SE in the East Village, consistently well-reviewed and in a great location. It has an on-site restaurant, fitness centre, indoor pool, free WiFi, and pet-friendly rooms. A reliable choice that delivers exactly what you expect from the Hilton brand. Prices typically start around $160 to $220 CAD per night.

Best Western PLUS Calgary Centre Inn

A great value 3-star hotel on Macleod Trail SE, just five minutes from the city centre (city center) and less than a 10-minute walk from the C-Train. It has an indoor pool, hot tub, gym, free WiFi, and a continental breakfast. A solid budget-friendly option if you want a central downtown location without paying luxury prices. Prices typically start around $110 to $150 CAD per night.

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Calgary

One of the best budget-friendly options in the downtown area, located on 8th Avenue SW near the west end of downtown. Rooms have flat-screen TVs and balconies, and the hotel has a fitness centre and free WiFi. Walking distance to Eau Claire Park, the Bow River, and Kensington. Prices typically start around $110 to $150 CAD per night.

Hampton Inn Calgary Downtown

The Hampton Inn Calgary Downtown is a brand new hotel that launched in 2026, located at 614 6th Avenue SW right in the heart of the downtown core. It is one of the newest additions to the Calgary hotel scene and worth considering if you want modern amenities in a fresh, well-located property. As a new hotel it brings updated rooms and facilities to a great downtown address, just steps from Stephen Avenue and the C-Train. Prices typically start around $130 to $170 CAD per night.

The Beltline and 17th Avenue

If you are thinking about where to stay in Calgary for nightlife or the Stampede, the Beltline sits just south of the downtown core and is the best area, the Calgary Stampede, or a Calgary Flames hockey game. 17th Avenue SW is the main strip, lined with bars, restaurants, boutique shops, and some of the best patios in the city. I spent a good amount of time on 17th Avenue during my visits and it has a genuinely lively energy, especially on summer evenings.

The area is also known for its proximity to the Saddledome, where the Calgary Flames play, and the Stampede grounds. During the famous Calgary Stampede every July, 17th Avenue is one of the places to be in the city. The street fills up with people in cowboy hats, the bars are packed, and the atmosphere is electric.

The Beltline is a popular area primarily residential with lots of apartment buildings and condos, which means it has plenty of local amenities including coffee shops, grocery stores, and services. It is a popular place to live in Calgary and that local energy comes through when you stay there. One thing to know: the area around 17th Avenue can get loud on weekend nights. If you want the Beltline location but a quieter stay, choose a hotel on the western side of the area away from the main strip.

Where to Stay in Calgary: Beltline and 17th Avenue

Hotel Arts

One of my top picks in the whole city. Hotel Arts is on 12th Avenue SW, very close to the Stampede grounds and 17th Avenue. It is a beautiful design boutique hotel with an outdoor pool with a retractable roof, a fitness centre, free WiFi, an on-site restaurant, spa services, complimentary bike rentals, and free parking which is genuinely rare for a hotel this good. The hotel room designs are stylish and the whole place has a personality you simply do not find at standard chain hotels. If you are visiting for the Stampede or just want a hotel with real character, this is the one. Prices typically start around $160 to $220 CAD per night.

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Calgary Downtown

The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott sits on 9th Avenue SW in the Beltline, about a 15-minute walk to the Stampede grounds and close to 17th Avenue restaurants and bars. Modern spacious rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi, and a complimentary breakfast. Good value for money in a well-located area. Prices typically start around $130 to $170 CAD per night.

Best Western Plus Suites Downtown Calgary

A solid 3-star hotel on 12th Avenue SW, close to 17th Avenue with an on-site gym and sauna, microwaves and refrigerators in every guest room, a daily hot breakfast buffet, free WiFi, a business centre, and underground parking. Very close to 17th Avenue SW and the Stampede grounds. Prices typically start around $110 to $150 CAD per night.

Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel

A comfortable and reliable option on McLeod Trail SE near the Beltline. The Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel has modern rooms, free WiFi, and easy access to both the downtown core and 17th Avenue. A good option if you want to be between downtown and the Beltline without paying higher prices. Prices typically start around $120 to $160 CAD per night.

East Village

East Village is one of the most interesting answers to where to stay in Calgary and in my opinion one of the most underrated. It sits between the downtown core and the Beltline at the east end of downtown, right next to the Stampede grounds and the Saddledome. A decade ago this was a neglected part of the city. Now it is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Calgary with some of the newest and most interesting buildings in the city sitting alongside carefully preserved historic ones.

The standout landmark here is Studio Bell, the National Music Centre. It is a genuinely remarkable building and a great museum covering the history of music in Canada. The Calgary Central Library nearby is another architectural highlight, one of the most beautiful new public buildings in Canada. Fort Calgary, a national historic site and museum covering the fur trade, early settler life, and the Canadian Pacific Railway, is also in this area.

The Riverwalk pathway runs along the Bow River and Elbow River through East Village, connecting to St. Patrick’s Island and Calgary’s wider cycling and walking path network. It is a great neighbourhood to walk around and it has easy access to downtown, the Stampede grounds, and Inglewood.

I stayed at the Alt Hotel Calgary East Village on one of my visits and really enjoyed it. It is a hip Canadian-owned hotel with a great location and a distinct personality. One honest note about East Village: it is still a developing neighbourhood so some streets feel a bit bare compared to downtown or the Beltline. But the key landmarks are all right there and it is improving quickly.

Best Hotels in East Village

Alt Hotel Calgary East Village

I stayed here and genuinely loved it. The Alt Hotel Calgary East Village is one of the best new hotels in the East Village, sitting on 5th Street SE, a short walk from the National Music Centre, the Calgary Central Library, the Stampede grounds, and the downtown core. The guest rooms are well designed, the on-site restaurant is good, and the hotel has a distinctly local Canadian character that bigger chain hotels simply do not have. If I go back to Calgary tomorrow, this is probably where I would book first. Prices typically start around $160 to $220 CAD per night.

Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Downtown

Also in the East Village on Riverfront Avenue SE, the Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Downtown is one of the most popular hotels in this part of the city. It has an indoor pool, on-site restaurant, fitness centre, free WiFi, and pet-friendly rooms. A reliable and well-reviewed option with easy access to both downtown and the Stampede grounds. Prices typically start around $160 to $220 CAD per night.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Calgary Downtown (3-star hotel)

Also in the East Village on Riverfront Avenue SE with full kitchenettes in each suite, complimentary breakfast, a fitness centre, and free WiFi. Walking distance to the Stampede grounds and Studio Bell. A good choice for families or anyone planning a longer stay. Prices typically start around $140 to $190 CAD per night.

Kensington

Kensington is one of the most charming neighbourhoods in Calgary and one of the best places to stay if you want a more local, neighbourhood feel rather than a hotel district experience. Connected to downtown by the 10th Street Bridge and the Peace Bridge, a beautiful pedestrian-only bridge over the Bow River, Kensington has a distinctly independent character with local coffee shops, wine bars, boutique shops, and great restaurants along Kensington Road and 10th Street NW.

The neighbourhood has a slightly British character and is popular with students, young professionals, and families. The pathway along Memorial Drive follows the Bow River and is a great place for a morning walk or cycle. One thing to know: Kensington is a 15 to 20-minute walk from the main downtown attractions so it works best if you enjoy walking or do not mind taking the C-Train. Hotel options here are limited but the one available is excellent.

Best Hotels in Kensington

Hotel Arts Kensington

The only hotel in Kensington and one I really want to stay at on my next Calgary trip. Hotel Arts Kensington is in Memorial Drive NW, steps from the Bow River and a short walk across the Peace Bridge to downtown. It is a contemporary boutique hotel with a lobby that feels like a living room, an award-winning on-site restaurant, elegant rooms with high ceilings, French doors, modern furniture, flat-screen TVs, and beautiful contemporary artwork throughout. If you want a boutique hotel in a genuinely lovely neighbourhood away from the main hotel district, this is the one. Prices typically start around $200 to $280 CAD per night.

Which Area Is Right for You?

Still not sure where to stay in Calgary? All three main areas, downtown, the Beltline, and East Village, are great depending on what you are looking for. Here is my honest take based on my own visits.

If it is your first time in Calgary, stay downtown. You will be within walking distance of all the main attractions, you can use the C-Train for free within the downtown zone, and you have the widest range of accommodation options at every price point. Downtown Calgary is also the best place to stay if you are using Calgary as a base for Banff day trips, since most rental car pickup locations are accessible from downtown and the drive to Banff takes about 90 minutes on the Trans Canada Highway.

If you are visiting for the famous Calgary Stampede or a Calgary Flames game at the Saddledome, either the Beltline or East Village will put you closest to the action. Hotel Arts on the Beltline is particularly well known for its Stampede atmosphere and 17th Avenue is the place to be in the evenings during Stampede week. The Alt Hotel Calgary East Village is also a great choice for Stampede given its proximity to the grounds.

If you want a quieter, more residential neighbourhood feel, consider Kensington. It is a short walk or C-Train ride from downtown, has great local restaurants and coffee shops, and Hotel Arts Kensington is one of the nicest boutique hotels in the city.

Practical Tips for Staying in Calgary

Calgary Stampede: Every July the city fills up and accommodation prices increase significantly. Book at least 3 to 6 months in advance if you are visiting during Stampede.

C-Train free zone: The C-Train is free along 7th Avenue in the downtown core between City Hall and the Downtown West/Kerby stations. Outside this zone you need to buy a ticket at the station.

The +15 network: Downtown Calgary has an indoor pedestrian bridge network connecting many of the major buildings. Very useful in winter. Hotels connected to the +15 include the Fairmont Palliser, Calgary Marriott Downtown, Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire, and several others.

Getting to Banff: Banff is about 90 minutes west of Calgary on the Trans Canada Highway, a short drive that takes you through beautiful Alberta foothills. You need a car to get there. Most major car rental companies have locations in the downtown area. Pick up your rental car on the day you leave for Banff and drop it back when you return. For a full guide on what to do and see, check out my Banff National Park itinerary.

Calgary International Airport: About 20 to 30 minutes from downtown by taxi or Uber. Budget around $40 to $50 CAD for a taxi or Uber to the downtown core. The Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Downtown is another good option for longer stays with full kitchen suites.

Parking: Most downtown hotels charge for parking. If free parking matters to you, Hotel Arts in the Beltline is one of the few good hotels that includes it. Underground parking is available at several hotels for a fee.

Weather: Calgary has cold winters and warm summers. In summer temperatures can reach 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. In winter they can drop to -20 or below. The famous Chinook winds can bring sudden warm spells in winter. Pack layers at any time of year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay in Calgary

What is the best area to stay in Calgary for first-time visitors?

Downtown Calgary is the best answer to where to stay in Calgary for first-time visitors. It gives you easy access to all the main attractions including the Calgary Tower, Stephen Avenue, the Glenbow Museum, Prince’s Island Park, and the Bow River, plus the widest range of hotels at every price point.

Where should I stay in Calgary for the Calgary Stampede?

The Beltline and East Village are the best areas for the famous Calgary Stampede. Hotel Arts on the Beltline and the Alt Hotel Calgary East Village are both excellent choices with walking distance access to the Stampede grounds. Downtown hotels are also convenient and many are within a 15 to 20-minute walk.

What is the best budget-friendly hotel in Calgary?

For budget travellers, the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Calgary and the Best Western PLUS Calgary Centre Inn are both good options with central downtown locations. Wicked Hostels is the best choice for solo travellers looking for budget-friendly hostel accommodation.

Is Calgary a good base for visiting Banff?

Yes. Calgary is about 90 minutes from Banff on the Trans Canada Highway and many visitors use the city as their entry and exit point for a Banff trip. I always spend a couple of nights in Calgary before heading out to Banff and it works really well. You can pick up your rental car in Calgary, spend a day or two in the city, then drive out to Banff. It is one of the great Canadian road trip routes. Check out my Banff National Park itinerary for everything you need to plan the trip.

Do I need a car to get around Calgary?

Not for the city itself. I got around downtown Calgary entirely on foot, public transportation, and Uber during my visits. You only need a car if you are planning day trips to Banff, Lake Louise, or other destinations outside the city.

Where should I stay in Calgary near the airport?

The Calgary International Airport is in the northeast of the city, about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown. If you have an early flight or a late arrival, the Delta Calgary Airport and the Marriott In-Terminal Calgary Airport are both connected directly to the terminal. For most visits though, staying downtown and taking a taxi or Uber to the airport is the easier option.

My Final Thoughts

Whatever you decide about where to stay in Calgary, give the city more than one night. I used to see it purely as a gateway to Banff but over several visits it has become a destination I genuinely look forward to. The food on 17th Avenue, the walk along the Bow River, the view of the Rockies from downtown, it all adds up. If I go back tomorrow I would stay at the Westley Hotel again or finally try the Hotels that have been on my list for a while.

Whether you are looking for luxury hotels, good choices at mid-range prices, or budget-friendly guest houses and hostels, Calgary has accommodation options to suit every type of traveller. If you are heading to Alberta, give Calgary more than just a quick overnight. Spend two or three nights, explore the neighbourhoods, walk along the Bow River, eat on 17th Avenue, and visit Studio Bell. Then head to Banff. You will enjoy both more for it.

Check out my other Calgary and Alberta guides to help you plan the rest of your trip.  
Calgary Guides:
Banff National Park Itinerary:
The Best 3-4 Day Guide Things to Do in Calgary
Best Restaurants in Calgary
How to Get to Calgary
Calgary to Banff
Best Time to Visit Calgary  
Alberta Guides: Is Calgary Worth Visiting?
My Honest Review Calgary vs Banff: Where Should You Stay?
Best Day Trips from Calgary