Calgary, located in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, is a dynamic city that seamlessly blends urban sophistication with outdoor adventure. Just an hour’s drive from the city, visitors can experience world-class skiing and snowboarding in the nearby resorts of Banff and Lake Louise, both nestled in the stunning Banff National Park.
Calgary itself is home to iconic landmarks such as the Calgary Tower, offering sweeping views of the city and the surrounding mountains, and the Calgary Zoo, where visitors can explore diverse animal exhibits. The city’s vibrant downtown also boasts plenty of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it an ideal destination for a winter getaway.
Winter in Calgary offers a wide range of outdoor activities and attractions. Canada Olympic Park (COP) offers downhill skiing and snowboarding right in the city. Calgary also boasts picturesque winter spots like Prince’s Island Park, where visitors can enjoy scenic walks or ice skate on outdoor rinks. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or someone seeking winter events, Calgary has something to offer.
Location
The Marriott in Downtown Calgary offers a prime location in the heart of the city’s vibrant entertainment and cultural district. This hotel provides easy access to some of Calgary’s most iconic landmarks, just a 7-minute walk from the CORE Shopping Centre, a few blocks from the Glenbow Museum, and a 5-minute stroll to the striking Wonderland Sculpture.
Wonderland sculpture in downtown Calgary Photo Credit Margarita Ibbott via DownshiftingPRO
Guests can also enjoy stunning views of the city and foothills of the mountains from Calgary Tower and the TELUS Convention Centre, just a few minutes away. The hotel is within walking distance of the C-Train light rail transit system for added convenience. It is free within the downtown core and makes exploring the city’s attractions simple. Whether in town for business or leisure, the Marriott’s central location puts you at the doorstep of Calgary’s best dining, shopping, and cultural experiences.
Room Features & Room Rates
My King room was very large and spacious. There was a sitting area with a small work table, but there was a larger desk with a desk lamp in the corner. This room has large windows that bring in that big blue sky you see in Alberta. Facing downtown, I was looking down towards 8th Ave., a pedestrian street, and faced the beautiful nightly light show from the TELUS Tower.
King Bedroom Calgary Marriott Downtown Photo Credit: Marriott Bonvoy
The bathroom was bright and had a large walk-in shower. There is a coffee bar, a mini-fridge, and a glass bottle for fresh water that can be refilled at various water stations. I love that there were NO plastic water bottles.
Room rates vary seasonally, but the most significant difference is for a room with access to the M Club Lounge. A regular King room can be as low as $177/CDN to $254/CDN for a larger room with access to the M Club Lounge in low season. For comparison, during The Calgary Stampede, King rooms will range between $949-1,169/CDN per night – the peak of high season.
_Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
Amenities
The M Club Lounge offers 24-hour access and a relaxing space with comfortable seating, a business center, and large-screen TVs. If you’re not already a Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program member, it may be worth considering the minor upgrade and increased cost to enjoy this exclusive perk.
M Club Lounge Calgary Marriott Downtown Photo Credit Marriott Bonvoy
The lounge serves a delicious buffet breakfast on weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. and weekends from 7 to 11 a.m. In the evenings, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., you’ll find a generous selection of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres—perfect for a light meal. After this time, desserts are available until 11 p.m. You can enjoy wine and beer (at a cost) served by the attentive staff, who keep the lounge well-stocked throughout the day. You can have a tour of the M Club Lounge here.
The hotel features a spacious fitness center on the third floor for those who want to stay active. Valet parking is available for $50 per night, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
The hotel is conveniently located just across the street from public transportation, including the #300 city bus. This affordable and efficient bus service provides a direct route to the airport in just 30-45 minutes, making your travel plans hassle-free.
OneUp Patio Calgary Marriott Downtown Photo Credit Tourism Calgary
If you are in a rush or don’t have access to the M Club Lounge, you can pick up a coffee and pastry at Starbucks in the lobby. One 18 Empire – is the hotel’s restaurant and cocktail bar. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It features vegan and gluten-free options and celebrated Alberta beef – the best in the country, in my opinion. After a fine meal, consider indulging in a whiskey flight to cap off the night. With a selection of Scottish, Japanese, or Alberta flights, you will be pleasantly surprised at the variety.
Why Visit Calgary
Most people consider visiting when the Calgary Stampede is on during the summer, but I would encourage you to visit in the winter for a Great White North experience. In 1988, Calgary hosted the Winter Olympics, which remains an attraction for winter sports enthusiasts. You can ski or take lessons locally at the Canada Olympic Park or drive 75-90 minutes to Sunshine Mountain, close to Canmore or Norquay Mountain in Banff National Park, respectively.
Calgary Stampede Grounds Credit Graham McKerrell via Tourism Calgary
There is a very prominent Indigenous culture in Calgary. You can enjoy an exquisite meal at Little Chief Restaurant in the Grey Eagle Resort & Casino located on Tsuut’ina Nation territory south of downtown Calgary. You can also take a traditional beading workshop at Moonstone Creation. During the summer, at The Calgary Stampede, experience the cultures of the Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, Stoney Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina First Nations of Treaty 7 in Elbow River Camp. You will find 26 tipis to visit, local artisans selling jewelry and art, eat bannock and Saskatoonberry jam and admire traditional dancing.
Overall Recommendation
I loved my stay at the Calgary Marriott Downtown. The room was spacious; the hotel was quiet, but more importantly, it was located within walking distance of many attractions, restaurants, and shopping. My favorite perk was access to the M Club Lounge, which provided a haven for me when my flight was delayed and I needed a place to do some work. There is nothing better than great wifi, snacks, and a large worktable. The last day I was in Calgary was very cold, but I was warm and comfortable at the hotel, pondering my trip to Banff and Calgary. I will not let years go by before another return.
Disclosure: I was invited by Tourism Calgary as part of an individual press trip. I was a guest of the Calgary Marriott Downtown, Little Chief Restaurant, and Moonstone Creation part of the activities. All opinions are my own.
