The hype
Travelers adore the lobby bar and the pool, but often feel the standard rooms are tight for the price.
Fairmont Palliser
$150-260/ night
Book this if You want the 'Grand Dame' experience of 1914 luxury connected directly to the Calgary Tower and convention center.
Why People Love It
- Historic Edwardian architecture that feels like a castle
- The Romanesque indoor pool is arguably the most beautiful in the city
- Direct connection to the Plus 15 Skywalk network (no winter coats needed)
Quick Take: A stunning historic landmark where the lobby impresses more than the compact standard rooms, and the train tracks are literal neighbors.
Reviewed by @BrigidaBattistessa5107291: I felt like I was stepping back in time here. The pool area is my favorite spot to unwind after exploring downtown Calgary—it’s so peaceful. Definitely the most elegant stay in the city.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
If you don't book a 'Signature' room or higher, you might be shocked by how small the bathroom is.
- You love historic architecture and 'Old World' charm
- You are attending a conference at the Telus Convention Centre next door
- You want a high-end cocktail bar (Hawthorn) right in your lobby
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Consistent and thorough. Daily service is standard.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally sparkling, though older grout and fixtures in non-renovated rooms can look tired.
- Maintenance: Historic building quirks exist—peeling paint or slow drains are occasionally reported.
- Linens & towels: High-quality, crisp Fairmont linens. Towels are plush.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of signature Rose 31 scent; rare complaints of mustiness in older rooms.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Freight trains on tracks immediately behind the hotel
- Thin walls common in historic 1914 buildings
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel connects to the 'Plus 15' skywalk, letting you walk to the mall and Calgary Tower indoors.
- Wifi is charged (~$15 CAD) unless you are an Accor Live Limitless member (free to join).
- Valet parking is expensive ($65 CAD); self-parking at the Impark lot next door is much cheaper (~$25 CAD).
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for track-side rooms)
- Swimsuit (the pool is a highlight)
- Smart casual outfits (the lobby and Hawthorn bar are dressy)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Fairmont Gold Floor (top floors, lounge access, renovated)
- Signature Room (significantly larger than standard)
- Any room on a high floor facing 9th Avenue (City View) to avoid trains
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Fairmont rooms on floors 1-5 facing the rear (direct train noise)
- Rooms near the elevators (historic elevators can be noisy)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and would appreciate a room on a high floor facing 9th Avenue (City View) to minimize train noise. If possible, I'd prefer a Signature category for the extra space.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the train noise really that bad?
Yes, for rear-facing rooms on lower floors. It is a busy freight line. Front-facing rooms on high floors are much quieter.
Is there a free breakfast?
No, breakfast is à la carte at Hawthorn Dining Room unless you book a package or stay on the Gold Floor (which includes lounge breakfast).
Does the hotel have air conditioning?
Yes, but as with many historic buildings, it can be a bit loud or finicky compared to modern central air.
Is the pool open year-round?
Yes, the heated indoor pool and hot tub are open daily and are a major perk.
Can I walk to the Calgary Tower?
Absolutely. It is practically next door, and you can walk there indoors via the Plus 15 skywalk.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, it is pet-friendly for a fee of ~$40 CAD per night.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Join the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program before arrival to get free Wi-Fi.
- ✨
The 'Impark' lot next door is less than half the price of valet if you don't mind walking half a block.
- ✨
Ask for a 'turndown service'—it's often available but not automatic in standard rooms.
5 things to know before you go
💡The elevators are beautiful but slow; factor in extra time.
💡There is a Starbucks connected to the hotel on the boulevard level if you want cheaper coffee.
💡The 'standard' rooms are genuinely tiny (approx. 200 sq ft) by North American standards.
💡You can hear the Calgary Tower bells from some rooms.
💡The steam room in the spa area is often hotter and better maintained than the sauna.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Fairmont Palliser is located and what's nearby.