We will be staying in Calgary for only one night after we fly in. Can anyone recommend a nice, clean, inexpensive hotel near Eau Claire Market? (How late do the shops stay open on a Saturday night?) Also need fun, family type restaurant in the same area. Thanks!

Kellie, I live in Calgary and I'm hard pressed to recommend a "nice clean hotel" near Eau Claire. Eau Claire is in downtown Calgary so you will be fighting for rooms with all the business people. You may find a deal because from reading your post it looks like you will be staying over a saturday night. I would try the Westin Hotel, the International Hotel, the Hyatt (just opened) or the Sheraton Suites at Eau Claire. Of all of the above I would recommend the Sheraton as it just opened and it is right across the street from Eau Claire Market. <BR> <BR>The stores stay open in Calgary until 6pm on a Saturday night. You may find that some the shops in Eau Claire Market are open until 8 or 9. As for fun family type restuarants there is a Spaggetti Factory and my personal favorite (when trying to impress kids) a Japanese Village where they cook and do a "tacky sword/food" show right in front of you. It always impresses kids. Both restuarants are down the block from the market. Alternatively you can eat in the market (there are a few restaurants) and perhaps take in an IMAX (large screen) show. <BR> <BR>Enjoy your short stay.

whoops! I meant to say . . . I would be hard pressed to recommend a "nice clean inexpensive hotel" near Eau Claire. Sorry for the confusion. The hotels I mentioned on the previous post should all be between $100 and $200 per night.

The Sheraton Eau Claire Suites is a wonderful hotel but it is nopt inexpensive. Even by Calgary standards, I would rate it as expensive. You could check out www.tourismcalgary.com and try to find a cheaper place but Calgary is not a cheap city. For a less expensive place in downtown maybe try the Delta Bow Valley. It just seems as though there is not much that is cheap there. <BR> <BR>However, if you are travelling from the States, your $ is worth $1.4 - $1.5 to our $ - So a hotel room at $140 Cdn is considerably cheaper in US $. <BR> <BR>Good luck and have fun in Calgary.

If you can't find a reasonably priced hotel downtown, look for something along the C-train route that goes through downtown Calgary. The nearest stops to Eau Claire are a few blocks south (in downtown Calgary) or across the Bow River in Kensington 1/2 mile or so north--but it's a lovely walk and there are many good coffee shops and restaurants in Kensington. <BR> <BR>My favorite restaurant in Eau Claire Market is Joey Tomatoes.

You might want to look into the Ramada which is downtown (708-8th Ave SW). It's not really close to Eau Claire Market but definitely within walking distance (approx. 10 min. walk). Moxie's Restaurant is located in the hotel and would be good for a family, but I agree with Sandy -- Joey Tomatoes is a great restaurant and has more atmosphere than Moxie's.

international is your best bet of those mentioned, i think...check expedia.ca for last minute specials...yes, the Delta Bow Valley is probably your best bet. <BR> <BR>Joey Tomatoes and an imax are a good bet. <BR>

This is my first trip to Calgary. I checked into the Internation 2 nights ago and am pleased by the accomodations. It is an excellent location, the price is great (compared to US city prices) and the staff is very helpful and friendly.

Have a wonderful trip!