The Best Western Plus Calgary Centre Inn is on Macleod Trail South, the long commercial road that runs south from downtown, and it is a practical choice for visitors who want space, parking and facilities at a moderate price. It has an indoor pool with a children's pool and a hot tub, a 24-hour gym, a free breakfast buffet and free self-parking, which together make it one of the better-value family stays in the city. The Scotiabank Saddledome and Stampede Park are about a three-minute drive away, 17 Avenue SW with its restaurants is about the same, and a CTrain station is a short walk, so you are well connected without paying downtown prices. It suits families, road-trippers with rental cars and visitors attending events at Stampede Park.
Location and getting around
The hotel is south of the downtown core rather than in it, which is a trade-off worth understanding. You give up the walk to Stephen Avenue and the Tower, but you gain easy parking, lower rates and quick access to Stampede Park, the BMO Centre and the Saddledome.
The CTrain station about seven minutes away on foot connects you to downtown in minutes, and the airport is roughly seventeen minutes by car. Stanley Park and the river pathway are a short walk, which is pleasant for an evening stroll or morning jog, and Chinook Centre shopping mall is nearby.
The rooms and the feel
This is a roadside-style hotel with straightforward rooms, air conditioning, free wi-fi and a business centre. The free breakfast saves money for families, and the pool is the star for children, particularly in winter when outdoor options are limited. Laundry and dry-cleaning services help on longer stays, and the property suits travellers who like to come and go by car. Do not expect boutique styling or a grand lobby, but do expect good value and friendly service.
Who it suits and what to know: families, groups attending events at Stampede Park, and travellers who plan to rent a car for day trips to the mountains or the badlands will find this hotel convenient. Rates rise during the July Stampede, when its location next to the grounds makes it popular, so book far ahead.
Outside peak periods, rooms are often easy to find at fair prices. If you prefer walking everywhere, choose a downtown hotel instead, and if you want a pool and free parking, this is a strong option. Ask for a room away from Macleod Trail for a quieter night.
A few extra tips
Check the pool hours when you arrive so that children can plan their swim, and take advantage of the free breakfast to start early before a day trip. The 39 Avenue CTrain station is the usual way to reach downtown without a car, and the line runs frequently. If you are driving to the mountains or the badlands, an early start from Macleod Trail avoids downtown traffic. Ask at the desk about laundry options on longer stays, which can save packing space.
Why stay here
- ✓Indoor pool and children's pool
- ✓Hot tub
- ✓Free breakfast buffet
- ✓Free self-parking
- ✓24-hour gym
- ✓Free wi-fi
- ✓Business centre
- ✓Laundry and dry-cleaning service
Good questions
Is it close to Stampede Park?+
Yes, about a three-minute drive to the Saddledome and Stampede Park.
Is breakfast included?+
A free breakfast buffet is offered, and self-parking is free.
Can I walk to downtown?+
It is a drive or a short walk to the CTrain, which reaches downtown quickly, rather than a walk to the Tower.
