I will be in Calgary next year for a Spruce Meadows tournament and I'm trying to decide between the Fairmont or the Marriott.

They are both ideal as far as location and amenities and the price difference isn't that great between the two if I reserve this far in advance. Has anyone stayed at one(or both) and can give some insight?

Also, is the Panorama restaurant in the Calgary Tower any good, or is one paying for the view?

I hope you get better weather for Spruce Meadows that we did last year in June!

I think either hotel would be good. Since I haven't stayed at the Palliser all I can say is that it has a more posh lobby but is older. If I were to stay at the Marriott again, I would get the rates in writing as they charged us more for part of our stay than they quoted over the phone. Their rates seemed a little vague. For instance, we were told there was a charge to use the computer room, but in the end they charged us nothing for that. Getting from the parking lot to the hotel (we parked ourselves) was a little baffling until we got the hang of it. Room service and buffet breakfasts were good.

Outside the Marriott on the street was a rather well done statue of a horse made from old machine parts.

Thank you.

I know what you mean about Spruce Meadows. I watch the tournaments on TV and the weather seems to be a crap shoot, no matter the time of year.

Whenever I book a hotel, I do it online and then print the confirmation to take with me. That way, if there's any monkey business, I have their documentation to back me up. Thankfully, I've never had to do that, but just in case.....

Any other Calgary tips or insights?

We've stayed at the Palliser many times, our most recent visit being this past December. Rooms vary quite a bit, so you might wish to call the hotel directly to inquire and state your preferences. We like the Fairmont properties, and seek them out when in Canada.

I have never stayed at the Marriot but have several times at the Palliser but always on the Gold Floor. It is a very nice place but extremely expensive. I must say though, that all Fairmont Hotels are incredible for service. We had a dead battery in our remote and they gave us $200 in gift certificates to compensate. The certificates have no expiry and can be used anywhere in any Fairmont Hotel. I still like the Sheraton Eau Claire the best.

As far as the rest. in the tower, last time I ate there was a few years ago but as usual, it was mediocre, expensive, but the view if fabulous.

Hope this helps.

I have not stayed at either of those hotels but the palliser is a very old hotel. I lived in Calgary for 6 years before moving to the states. I go back there twice a year and if you would like an alternative, I suggest the New Hyatt Regency downtown. It is a block away from the Palliser and the Calgary Tower. Rooms are wonderful and they have a workout room and a swimming pool and hot tub on the 16 or 18th floor. Pretty remarkable at night. Restaurant in the hotel lobby has great food and HUGE buffets with made to order omelletes. What a treat. You can park in the convention centre yourself and use the walkway to enter the hotel.
As regards eating on top the calgary tower.....you are always paying for the view. There are so many wonderful restaurants at street level.

I have not stayed at the Palliser--it is an old hotel and lobby looks very ornate but don't know about guest rooms. The Marriott is very nice-we stayed on the concierge floor and had great evening snacks and breakfast for only a little more than the regular room--book online and print out your confirmation. I have also stayed at the Westin, which we like, and at the Delta Bow Valley--don't recommend it as it seemed very run down to me.

Sorry that I took so long to reply. I got sick last week and am just getting back online.

Thanks for all the input. The reason that I zeroed in on the Marriott or Palliser is because I(along with my mother) will be taking the Rocky Mountaineer into Calgary and we wanted to stay somewhere where we could comfortably schlep luggage from the train station to the hotel without taking a taxi. Both of those hotels are attached to the train terminal by skywalk if I'm not mistaken. I have a year to figure it out, but I think that the Marriott will be the choice.

I had a feeling that the Calgary Tower restaurant was just ok. Any other recommendations within a reasonable walking distance? Neither my mom or I drive, so we won't be renting a car.

My husband thinks he stayed at the Marriott when he took the Rocky Mountaineer years ago, although he remembers it as something else - the Radisson perhaps. He loved the train trip, by the way. I don't know Calgary well at all and have no recommendations for fine dining, but there was a funky little cafe around the corner from the horse statue near the Marriott that was good for simple lunches. I'm a fan of any place that will make me a peanut butter sandwich.

Definitely, definitely stay at the Palliser - it is a former Canadian Pacific hotel, now Fairmont, and it is a piece of true Canadiana. Queen Elizabeth and the members of the Royal Family stay at the Palliser when they are in Calgary. It is historic, beautifully restored and maintained and the service is excellent. The rooms are always immaculate, in my experience. The Delta Bow Valley, which was very nice and a beautiful location along the river. But, you are right, it is a bit of a walk to the train station.

Have a great day!
Julia Elzie
E-mail: [email protected]

I stayed at the Delta Bow Valley about 6 months ago and people are correct, it is becoming a bit run down, in need of a reno. I wouldn't recommend it.

The Palliser is quite lovely.

Not cheap though. But in a great location.

Book the Sunday brunch at the Panorama Room of the Calgary Tower, it includes the pass $ to get up with an excellent buffet brunch. It's been a year or two since I've gone, but it was really cheap (around $25).

Given the option I'd stay in the Palliser every time. You can't beat it for quality of service. You might also consider the Hyatt Regency, about a block away. Its brand new and absolutely great.

You are definitely paying for the view in the Panorama restaurant, as the food is, in my view, generally mediocre. Go to the observation deck instead and eat elsewhere.

It all depends on your taste and budget, of course, but within a block or two from the Palliser area you might try:

Catch (by far Calgary's best seafood), Thompsons (variety) in the Hyatt, or Saltlik (steak). If you don't mind walking for 10 minutes to Prince's Island Park I would reccomend the River Cafe. You cannot beat the ambience, and the food is generally excellent. You could also try Murietta's for lunch (I found the dinner menu was not that good).

Have a great trip.

Kostroma,

If you do not want to carry luggage then the Palliser is the closest to the train station. In the past it has always been "the" hotel of Spruce Meadows so you may find it more decked-out and festive for the event than the Marriot.

The Calgary Tower Restaurant has just undergone a rennovation which I understand is quite nice. I have not seen it and I have not heard any comments on the food but yes the view on a clear day is amazing.

There are many restaurants within walking distance to the Palliser. The hotel is a block away from Stephen Avenue Mall which is a pedestrian mall. On the mall I would recommend Teatro (northern Italian in an old bank building with incredible ambiance); Divino has just reopened and serves a game inspired menu; Catch does serve seafood and has an Oyster Bar but frankly is a bit over rated and the prices are high (IMO); Centini is nice; Saltlik has a more casual ambience and the beef is good (barring anymore mad cow scares here in Alberta); the stroll down to Princess Island is about nine blocks to get to the River Cafe. It is a great location and you can stroll around Princess Island before or after (great brunch spot too).

At all of these restaurants you should make reservations.

Enjoy Calgary and yes . . . the weather in is always unpredictable.