Hotel in Calgary...
 

Anyone been to either one of these and have comments?

Westin Calgary or Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire

Currently debating between the 2... Planning to go in May or June 2014... They are pretty close to each other and are located in central Calgary..

Thanks for any input

doesn't matter, cause there is not a lot to do in downtown calgary, you'll be driving lots so.

there is not like a huge robson or downtown to hang out so don't expect much from downtown.

I've stayed at both. It just comes down to a preference between the two hotels. I personally prefer the Westin myself but both hotels have been fine. I don't really have anything to add unless you have a specific question.

6793026,

Not sure when you were last in Calgary but it has changed quite a bit, compared to maybe 5 years ago? There have been more pubs/bars and restaurants that have popped up in the downtown core but like you said, it's nothing like Robson or Downtown Vancouver. Pretty much everything after 5pm in Downtown Calgary is closed save for the establishments I mentioned.

Just an FYI for the OP - the Eau Claire Market across from the Sheraton is not all that exciting. It's nothing like Lonsdale Quay or Granville Island. :D

Stayed at the Westin. Not bad. There's also the Marriott downtown as well. If you want something close to the airport, the Best Western Freeport is pretty good.

Good to know you were able to visit Calgary back in 1957.

Now there is actually a lot of good places to go to in downtown Calgary, especially on 17th ave. The ship and Anchor is a great pub to check out or you can try National if you are interested in one of their MANY draft brews.

As for a good hotel, the Sheraton on 32nd ave is where my friends Company meetings are EVERY year. They have been going since eternity and it always seems pleasant for them. Its close to the airport, but about 10 minutes from Downtown.

Eau Claire market is definitely not the place to go to at night. It is more of a relaxing place to hang out at the park in the afternoon. What day are you going?

I see.. the last time I have been to Calgary was 3-4 years ago...
I will plan a day trip out to Edmonton but probably wont be staying there...

Where are some good places to eat/recommend?

I've been there 3 times this yr and I visit there every year for the last 6 years and it's not for work. My X was from Calgary, lives in downtown core, relatives own two restaurants and pubs in downtown and all my buddies are there.

No one walks on the street in downtown as everyone is on the +15s cause it's so mofo cold. Just like how people don't normally walk in downtown Toronto as they use the underground.

You guys are right 17th ave is "hip" (as they named it the RED strip) but it's like our poor man's version of commercial drive. Yes, you do have the "awesome" Analog Coffee house, Tubby Dog (western version of Japadog) etc.
You know how you can walk down Robson on Sat and Sunday here with people everywhere, well it's pretty much a dead city in downtown in Calgary.

I don't know you but I host 10+ out of town guests from Calgary each year and they are blown away with our Yaletown, Gastown, Downtown, Davie street and Denman. I have yet to see someone from Vancouver saying they MISS and LOVE the vibrant 17 ave.

Cooooool story, man. By the sounds of it you seem to be in Calgary a lot, you should probably just move here if you like it so much.

Oh and sweet facts about 17th ave but btw, its called red MILE, not red STRIP. But why am I telling you, you pretty much know everything about Calgary :rofl:

He must be a WASP and staunch conservative too. :troll:

I stayed at the Westin & Marriot before.

There's nothing much to do in downtown Calgary and you probably wont be staying indoors for long.

Don't listen to this guy. He has no idea what is he talking about. Commercial Drive is NOTHING like 17th, and, frankly, 17th ave is just as lively and vibrant as anything Vancouver has to offer. Not saying one is better than the other, but there's definitely plenty there. Also, aside from tourists and out-of-towners, nobody calls it the Red MILE, it's just 17th Ave.

Tubby Dog and Japadog have nothing in common, aside from the fact that they both serve hot dogs.

The only thing he's right about is that most of the downtown core is pretty bland, especially on weekends. Exception: shopping areas have some life, like Stephen Ave and TD Square.

However, you can leave downtown and hit a lot of places that are close by (aside from 17th). There's Chinook Centre, which is a massive shopping mall, there's Kensington, Inglewood (which IMO is the closer approximation to Commercial), etc. etc.

There's nothing much to do in Calgary unless your partying it up at flames central.

During the summer downtown was pretty much dead... since most Calgarians go to the mountains such as Banff and chill at lake louise enjoying nature.

lol.. sounds like I should cancel my calgary trip... was thinking hitting edmonton for a day trip and check out the West Edmonton Mall...

:fulloffuck:

Flames Central?! Cant say I have been there in probably 3 years nor has anyone I know. Not sure where you are getting your info from...

Fixed. Dude you have no idea what you are talking about :rofl:

Both a calgary trip and W.E.M are the worst ideas in life. I grew up in edmonton. You might as well just head to saskatoon for a vacation. Banff is an awesome visit from Calgary, and Jasper is an awesome visit from edmonton, but other than catching a hockey game, getting tattooed, or getting blackout drunk with my friends from high school, both cities are pretty lacking considering where we live and whats around us here. If you do end up in Calgary, check out hotel arts if its still around. Very nice hotel, easy walks places and can usually find a good deal.

All i know is they go to the rockys because that's what 8/10 locals says, unless i asked the wrong people

Hotel Arts gets my +1 and yes, it's still around. :)