Calgary Airport's BEST Kept Secret: Holiday Inn & Suites Review!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the supposed secret -- Calgary Airport's Holiday Inn & Suites. And let me tell you, keeping secrets is hard when everyone's got a phone and a TripAdvisor account. But hey, I'm here to spill. Think of me as your slightly-disorganized, totally-honest, and caffeine-fueled tour guide of this place. My goal? To tell you if this is truly the best-kept secret near the airport, or if it's just… well, a Holiday Inn.
First Impressions & Accessibility (and My Slightly-Overwhelmed Brain)
Okay, so the airport. Let's face it, it's not the most glamorous arrival. But wham! The Holiday Inn & Suites looms, a beacon of… well, definitely not glamour. It's solid, dependable, like a sturdy pair of sensible shoes. And good news right off the bat: Accessibility is a thing here. They've got the ramps, the elevators, the whole shebang. Perfect for those with mobility issues, or, you know, me after a red-eye flight fueled by questionable airplane coffee. Wheelchair accessible? Absolutely. They're not messing around.
Now, a quick note on Internet access. YES, free Wi-Fi is provided in all rooms, as well as in all public areas. I can safely say that being able to actually work at the Calgary airport is so nice! They actually provide Internet services and have Internet [LAN].
The "Relaxation" Zone (and My Perpetual Skepticism)
Alright, let's be real. I never quite trust a hotel's idea of relaxation, but here's what they offer.
- Swimming pool, Sauna, Pool with view, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom: Okay, now this is something worth looking into. I walked into the pool area, expecting a sterile, chlorinated dungeon. Nope. Natural light! A decent-sized pool! And, get this… a view. Okay, maybe not a mountain vista, but it's not a wall either. The Sauna and Steamroom were decent too. I think the Spa itself is more of a "spacious room with massage beds" kind of setup.
- Gym/fitness: The Fitness center was surprisingly well-equipped.
(Rant incoming): The Safety Dance (and My Constant Neuroses)
Okay, before we get to the fun of things, let's talk about safety. I'm a total worrier, okay? Especially these days. Here's the good news:
- They actually care about cleanliness. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yep. Rooms sanitized between stays? You betcha.
- I was pleased to see Individual-wrapped food options and Hand Sanitizer everywhere.
- Cashless payment service and Contactless check-in/out are also available, which makes sense during these times.
- First aid kit: always a plus.
- I feel like the Staff trained in safety protocol did an adequate job.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (and My Stomach's Ongoing Demands)
This is where things get interesting. Honestly.
- Restaurants: Okay, they have a restaurant. The good news is they have a ton of breakfast options. Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast. They also have things like Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, and Happy hour.
- Room service [24-hour]: This is a lifesaver after a long flight. And you know what? The burgers are surprisingly good. I mean, not gourmet, but solid.
- Snack bar: Because, you know, snacks.
- Poolside bar: Yes. I didn't use it, but it's there!
Services and Conveniences (and My Need for Organization)
Okay, I need a place that is convenient, plain and simple.
- Concierge: Helpful, not overly intrusive. A pro.
- Convenience store: Got it. Snacks and essentials. Check.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery: Easy to find and helpful.
- Luggage storage: A godsend for early arrivals or late departures.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Outdoor venue for special events: If you're there for business, you're covered.
For the Kids (and My Inner Child's Approval)
I don't have kids, but I did notice their Family/child friendly atmosphere.
Candid Room Review (and My Love for Blackout Curtains)
Here’s where the rubber meets the road. The rooms are actually… better than you think.
- Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains.
- Coffee/tea maker: essential.
- Desk: I value a good desk to work.
- High floor: I like to feel on top of things.
- In-room safe box: Always a relief.
- Internet access – wireless: Okay, so the Wi-Fi is decent.
- Non-smoking: Thank goodness.
- Private bathroom and lots of things.
- Wi-Fi [free]: So I could work.
- Window that opens: Fresh air, always a win.
- Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub Chef's Kiss.
Getting Around (and My Hatred of Airports)
- Airport transfer: They've got it.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Yes, you're covered.
- Taxi service, Valet parking: Easy peasy.
The Verdict? (And Did I Find a Secret?)
Alright, is the Holiday Inn & Suites Calgary Airport a secret? Maybe not a hidden treasure, but it's definitely a solid, reliable choice. It delivers on what it promises: convenience, comfort, and a decent experience near the airport. It has more perks than you’d expect, really. The free Wi-Fi is great, the breakfast buffet is a lifesaver, and the rooms are comfortable.
My Quirkiness (and the Stuff No One Else Tells You)
- The coffee: I'm a coffee snob. The in-room coffee is… weak. Bring your own, coffee fiends.
- The location: It's close to the airport. REALLY close. Like, you can practically smell the jet fuel.
The "Secret" Offer: Stop Worrying, Start Relaxing
Okay, here's the deal. You're probably stressed. You're probably tired. You probably need to be near the Calgary airport.
Book your stay at the Holiday Inn & Suites Calgary Airport today! Enjoy:
- Free Wi-Fi, because, let's face it, it's 2024.
- Comfortable rooms (with those glorious blackout curtains) to help you catch up on sleep.
- Easy airport access (no more airport nightmares!).
- A convenient location to start or end your trip stress-free.
- And hey, maybe a dip in the surprisingly nice pool.
Stop fretting about travel hassles. Book your room now and discover why the Holiday Inn & Suites Calgary Airport remains a solid, dependable choice for a stress-free Calgary airport experience. Don't wait! Your sanity (and your stomach) will thank you!
Escape to Paradise: Hilton Garden Inn Lima Surco - Your Peruvian Getaway
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because this isn't just an itinerary, it's a vibe. This is my potential Calgary Airport North layover, Holiday Inn-style. Consider yourself warned.
The Great Calgary Airport North Odyssey (or: When Life Gives You Layovers, Make 'Em Interesting)
(Day 1: The Arrival and the Realization)
- 1:00 PM - Land of the Living (ish): Touchdown at the Calgary International Airport. Ugh, airports. The smell of jet fuel and over-priced coffee. The usual suspects: stressed-out families, business bros in ill-fitting suits, and yours truly, perpetually running late with a half-packed suitcase. Finding the Holiday Inn shuttle is a competitive sport, right? It's like the Hunger Games of luggage handling.
- 1:45 PM - Check-In Chaos (and a Slight Panicked Sweat): Finally, the shuttle! Praying it's a quick ride. Seriously, because I'm already late. The hotel lobby, thank god, is clean and… well, it's a Holiday Inn. Predictably beige. The check-in clerk, bless her heart, seems to have seen it all. "Another delayed flight, eh?" she murmurs, with a weary smile. I nod, already fantasizing about the hot tub. I booked a suite, mainly for the space to unpack and not feel like I’m breathing on myself. I think I may be addicted to suites.
- 2:15 PM - Room Reconnaissance: The Good, the Bad, and the Questionable: Okay, suite is… fine. Bed looks comfy. A weird, slightly unsettling painting of a mountain range on the wall. Seriously though, what is it with hotel art? Is it supposed to inspire, or just… exist? The bathroom is clean, which is a victory. The mini-fridge is the real problem. I NEED that mini-fridge filled with ice-cold beverages.
- 2:30 PM - Fridge Frenzy (or: My Love Affair with Ice): Okay. The fridge? Empty. The ice machine? On the other side of the hotel? Fine. I'll fetch the ice. This is where inner peace is challenged.
- 3:00 PM - The Quest for Caffeine (and a Reason to Live): Coffee maker in the room. Praise be! The coffee is… Hotel Coffee. You know, the kind that promises to wake you up but mostly just makes you slightly jittery. I need to find a better spot. Perhaps a coffee shop? Ugh… more shoes on, more people… fine. It's all for the caffeine.
- 3:30 PM - Food Foraging (and an Existential Crisis in the Hotel Restaurant): The hotel restaurant. Decisions, decisions. Too tired to go outside. Okay, chicken strips. The epitome of solo travel sorrow. The waiter is a little too friendly. I need a hug (kidding… mostly).
- 5:00 PM - Poolside Musings (or: Judging the Towel Arrangement): Okay, the pool. It's… chlorinated. The hot tub, however, is calling my name. Yes, the hot tub. So tired, but so excited.
- 6:00 PM - Hot Tub Haven (and Deep Philosophical Thoughts): Okay, in the hot tub. The water is hot. Life is good. People are talking about their families. A small child accidentally kicks water in my face. I don’t even care. The jet streams are soothing. I contemplate the meaning of life, the merits of room service, and why hotel towels are always so aggressively fluffy.
- 8:00 PM - Remote Control Rage (and Netflix Regret): Back in the room. The remote. Won't. Work. Argh! After fumbling with batteries I turn on the TV. Netflix. Then, I get caught for hours. What a mistake.
(Day 2: Departure and Lingering Regrets)
- 7:00 AM - The Wake-Up Call of Doom (and a Desperate Plea for Extra Sleep): My alarm blares. Flight is early. I hit snooze. Twice. Okay, three times. This is a terrible idea.
- 7:45 AM - The Buffet Battle (or: How to Win at Hotel Breakfast): The breakfast buffet. Now this is a game I can play. Scramble eggs that taste suspiciously of plastic, but at least there's toast. And fruit.
- 8:30 AM - Packing Panic (and the Triumph of the Carry-On): Suitcase. Packed. Barely. Somehow still have my passport. Victory!
- 9:00 AM - Checkout Catastrophe (and the Final Nail in the Coffee Coffin): Checkout time. Everything is rushed. Final goodbyes to "suite life". The check-out process is seamless.
- 9:30 AM - Shuttle Shenanigans (round 2): The shuttle to the airport. Another round of Hunger Games. This time, I'm prepared. I'm a seasoned veteran of the luggage wars.
- 10:00 AM - Airport Aversion (and the Promise of Freedom): At the airport. Security. Lines. More jet fuel. But I'm free! I'm escaping! Calgary, you've been… an experience. But I'm heading home.
Final Thoughts (or: My Holiday Inn Heartbreak):
Would I stay at the Holiday Inn Calgary Airport North again? Probably. It's clean, it's convenient, and the hot tub was a solid win. But let's be real, it's not a destination. It's a pit stop, a temporary refuge from the chaos of travel. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find a proper cup of coffee. And to dream of a suite with a fridge that actually works.
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Calgary Airport Holiday Inn & Suites: The Unvarnished Truth (and a Whole Lotta Laundry)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Holiday Inn & Suites at Calgary Airport. "Best kept secret," eh? Let's see if the secret holds any real magic, or just a slightly-less-smelly-than-usual airport hotel experience.
Is this place actually a secret? I mean, what's the "secret"?
Secret, maybe not. More like a reliable workhorse tucked away from the flashier options. The "secret" is probably the convenience: you're practically *in* the airport, connected by a covered walkway. That's gold when you're dragging a suitcase the size of a small child and praying your connecting flight isn't delayed 'til next Tuesday. But secrecy? Nope. Everyone with a boarding pass knows it exists.
Okay, okay, convenience sounds good. What about the rooms? Are they... you know... *clean*?
Mostly. I've stayed in places where you'd swear the last guest was a rabid badger, so the Holiday Inn is a step up. The rooms are generally what you'd expect: a little dated, maybe with a slightly melancholic vibe. Think "well-loved corporate accommodation." I *did* find a stray bouncy ball under the desk once, which felt suspiciously like a small act of rebellion against the usual beige. Still, I'm gonna be honest, the sheets *smelled* clean, and that's a huge win in my book. Plus, and this is crucial: the water pressure in the shower was actually decent. None of that dribbling nonsense.
Breakfast? Good? Bad? Tell me *everything* about the breakfast.
Alright, the breakfast. This is where things get...interesting. It's the classic hotel buffet experience: the usual suspects – scrambled eggs that may or may not have been real eggs, a vat of questionable sausage patties, and a dizzying array of sugary cereals. There's also a waffle maker, which, let's be honest, is the *only* reason anyone eats breakfast at these places. Here's my advice: stick to the waffles, load them up with syrup, and try not to think too hard about the origins of the orange juice. It's edible, and, crucially it comes included with the room.
The Pool and Gym? Any perks to look forward to?
The pool? Yeah, it exists. Think small, rectangular, chlorinated water. I've seen more inspiring swimming pools in a Tupperware container. The gym? A collection of standard cardio equipment and a weight machine or two, that looks like it was last serviced sometime around the first Bush administration. *If* you're desperate to burn off those waffle calories before your flight, it'll do the trick. Truthfully, I'm more likely to be found slumped on the couch, eating mini-donuts from the gift shop (more on that disaster later) and watching bad TV. The perks? I find a comfortable chair and a semi-functioning TV to be enough. But again, just because it's not a spa hotel doesn't mean its bad.
How's the service? Are the staff friendly?
For the most part, yes! Generally, the staff seems genuinely friendly and helpful. I had an issue with my key card once (classic, right?), and the front desk person had it sorted in about two seconds flat. No eye-rolling, no drama – just efficient problem-solving. Now, I did encounter one particularly grumpy barista in the lobby coffee shop once. Looked like he'd been forced to serve lattes against his will. But hey, everyone's got a bad day, right? Overall, the service is decent and inoffensive, which, in my experience, is a huge win at airport hotels.
The Gift Shop/Snack Section. How is that area? Is there anything useful or just overpriced junk?
Oh boy, the gift shop. This is where my stream-of-consciousness really kicks in. It's a classic airport hotel gift shop, overflowing with travel-sized toiletries (because who *ever* remembers to pack everything?), sad-looking snacks, and a few overpriced souvenirs. *Overpriced*. I bought a bag of mini-donuts there once, thinking I was being clever with a pre-flight sugar rush. Reader, they were awful. Genuinely, the worst donuts I've ever tasted. The sugar tasted like it was made of sand. And the cardboard? It'd be a strong contender for the Nobel prize on the resilience of cardboard. The next day, I complained at the front desk to the most cheerful receptionist. She apologized, and offered me a complimentary cup of coffee. Bless her heart.
So, yeah, the gift shop? Approach with caution. Your best bet is to grab a water bottle but save your money and find something more substantial elsewhere for a late night snack.
Overall, would you recommend the Calgary Airport Holiday Inn & Suites?
Look, it's not the Four Seasons. It's not going to blow your mind. But when you're trapped in the airport vortex, desperately needing a place to crash before your flight, it's a solid option. It's convenient, clean enough, and the staff are generally pleasant. Just lower your breakfast expectations, avoid the mini-donuts at all costs, and be prepared for a slightly "meh" but ultimately functional experience. Would I stay there again? Absolutely. Especially if I can snag a deal.
Final Verdict: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Good enough for a weary traveler. Just bring your own snacks. And maybe earplugs, if the airport noise is bothering you.
