So I didn't even know there was a stampede ( I'm out of it) and we booked flights for Canadian Rockies (via Calgary) starting July 7 and I started looking for lodging night of July 7 & 8 in Calgary and everybody is all "honey, don't you know that's stampede week?"

well, shoot. And, of course, I can't find a room. Any suggestions for a well-mannered family of 4 (with a 10-year-old son who "absolutely, positvely" wants to go to the rodeo now that he knows there is such a thing).

Signed, City Folks.

Hi Garvin,

A random check on expedia has a few vacancies but you have to go through the ones at the end of the list that say "may have availability".

One that did was the Hampton Inn and Suites in Calgary North (also known as University). It gets quite good reviews on tripadvisor for a 2.5*hotel.

I've booked through expedia before with good results, or you could call any of the hotels directly to ensure they have availablity.


<<Overview
Hampton Inn & Suites Calgary Northwest

The Hampton Inn & Suites Calgary University NW is conveniently located in Motel Village. We are near the University of Calgary, Foothills Hospital, McMahon Stadium and SAIT. There are numerous Restaurants and a Shopping Center within easy walking distance. Some nearby attractions include Canada Olympic Park and our local Zoo. The LRT Station is just up the street and will take you directly into the Downtown area or to the Stampede Grounds in less than 10 minutes. Our prices include a complimentary Deluxe Continental Breakfast, which includes Hot and Cold items, Coffee and Tea 24 hours, Free Local Calls, TV with Cable and Movie Channel, Daily Newspaper Monday through Saturday, Hi-Speed or Wire-Less Internet through out the hotel and Heated Underground Parking. Hotel Policies Check-In: 3:00PM - Check-Out: 11:00AM Parking: No Pets >>>>

Hope that helps.

I just checked Priceline and there are several hotels available for those dates. There are some that are still affordable in Calgary (not just the surrounding area) at their guaranteed rate but I would try bidding on them an you will get an even better rate.

thanks to you both...going there now!

And if your son wants to see the rodeo, I suggest you go to the stampede website and order tickets.
www.calgarystamped.com

correction to website
www.calgarystampede.com

wow, even with the suggestions you folks made, it's still hard to find anything under $300 a night...but haven't given up! many thanks.

Hi Garvin,
The hotel I mentioned....Hampton Inn and Suites has non-smoking, 2 doubles for your dates for $229 plus tax on expedia. That doesn't sound too bad considering you're in a pinch.
If the king suite offers a sofabed, then that's $259 which still is reasonable for Stampede Days.
You could always call and check.
Good luck!!

IMO everyone should attend the Stampede at least once so it is worth it! worth it! worth it! Hopefully you'll get to see that downtown parade as well.

I agree, go to the Stampede! One year our trip to the Rockies just happened to coincide with it, and the kids really enjoyed the rodeo and the chuckwagon races.