I'm having 2 nites in Calgary, Which hotel is good location and rates that near train station and in down town? Is Best western suite hotel is good one? Please advise...

Hi!<BR><BR>Have fun in Calgary - it is a wonderful place! I would suggest the Palliser in downtown Calgary (it is one of the Canadian Pacific classic, historical hotels and is where Queen Elizabeth stays in Calgary) or the Delta Bow Valley Hotel on the river. I love the Canadian Pacific (now Fairmont hotels) because they are true Canadian classics, but I've stayed at the Delta Bow Valley and it is newer, reasonably priced and has a good location. <BR><BR>Best,<BR>Julia

Just a note: there are no passenger trains that come through Calgary any longer (except the extremely expensive Rocky Mountain Railtours).

Dear Julia,<BR><BR>Tks for your reply. I have made decision to rent a car and drive ourself. <BR>Have you got any idea how far and how long it takes to drive to Jasper? <BR>What to see in Jasper? And if i just walk in at nice reasonnable inn in jasper how much it's gonna cost for 4 person.<BR>Appreciated your reply.<BR>Anne

Jasper's about a 5 hour drive from Calgary. A reasonably nice hotel for 4 could range anywhere from $150 upwards.

I suggest the Elbow River Inn and Casino located just a few blocks from the train station and much more resonable than the Pretentious downtown hotels in Calgary.

Ann,<BR><BR>The Palliser Hotel (formerly a CP hotel now mananged by Fairmont) is a historic rail hotel built in downtown Calgary. It literally sits right on the train tracks and was the location of the train depo when Calgary used to have rail service. It can be classified as a five star hotel.<BR><BR>The Delta Bow Vallley is NOT located on the river. Contrary to what Julia wrote it is located about five blocks from the Bow River in downtown Calgary. The higher rooms (depending on the way they look) may have a view of the river valley. It too can be classified as a five star hotel.<BR><BR>The Elbow River Inn is a dubious suggestion . . . ! Located just outside of the downtown core in an area beside the Stampede grounds it is surrounded on both sides by MacLeod Trail, one of the major traffic arteries into downtown. It is an isolated pocket so to walk anywhere would not be the most enjoyable experience. It does face on to the Elbow River but it also has a large casino attached to it. Get the wrong room and you'll look out onto a parking lot with gamblers coming and going at all hours. I would rate it a two star.<BR><BR>Your other options would be the Kensington Inn. It is a small hotel located in a lovely residential neighbourhood along the river across form downtown.<BR><BR>If you are looking for amenities and location I would suggest the Sheraton Suites at Eau Claire. Beautiful location on the Bow River close to downtown (3 blocks). The Eau Claire Market is right there (shopping and restaurants) along with Princess Island Park (a wonderful urban park surrounded on both sides by the Bow River).<BR><BR>There is also a new Hyatt in downtown along with a rennovated Marriot. The choices are limitless . . . have fun.<BR>

Having recently stayed at the Delta Bow Valley, I would not class it as 5 star but rather (rooms) as about a 3 star. It is aging but still very nice. The rooms are clean but basic unless you stay in a suite but even the suites don't compare at all to the Sheraton, Palliser or the Westin. They do have a wonderful dining room and very good coffee shop.<BR><BR>The Sheraton Eau Claire Suites in excellent. As is the Palliser. (Downside of the Sheraton is that they don't have a first class dining room but they are so close to so many, it really isn't a problem.) But they are quite a bit more cash the some of the others. The Westin is about a 4 star IMHO.<BR><BR>The Elbow River Inn? Not a chance. If you are looking for budget accomodation it may do but otherwise, I find it a bit seedy. <BR><BR>By the train station OP, do you mean the LRT? Most downtown hotels are within easy walking distance to the LRT.