Fairmont Palliser

Convenient location in the heart of downtown a few steps away from the restaurants and bars of Stephen Ave and a beautiful, huge and impressive lobby but don’t be fooled by the grandeur downstairs. The first room we were given on the 11th floor smelled so badly of cigarette smoke we had to request a room change (even though the hotel has a strict no smoking policy). The staff were very understanding, helpful and friendly, but the next room on the 3rd floor also smelled bad - fusty and stale - but there were no other rooms available as the hotel was full of elderly tourists on coach tours. The room was cramped with a very small and old fashioned bathroom - only one sink for a twin double room with no place to put toiletries and a shower in the bathtub. The room was also very dark with terrible lighting and the view out the window was of a solid office block wall, which further blocked out the light. No water provided in the room. Other frustrations included the elevators stopping at every floor to collect guests. We had been planning 4 nights here but changed our reservation to the Marriott across the road where the rooms are generous, light, comfortable and have beautiful modern bathrooms at a fraction of the cost of the Fairmont. We have enjoyed Fairmont hotels in Banff and Vancouver but this is not a patch on what they can offer. On the upside the staff are great and the beds and pillows were comfortable. It was also impressive to see a clothes steamer in the room.

Love this hotel from the moment I walked in and the bell boy said hello. The hotel is opulent but not too much so. The room is very nice with a fantastic bed but the layout of the bathroom is a little weird with the toilet right almost on top of the actual door. Not much room for your legs but ok if you are a child. The Fairmont Gold on level 12 I think is very good with a great selection of hot appetisers and breakfast items. Definitely 5 stars with exceptional staff.

Still our favourite place to stay when in Calgary, still amazing staff. Thank you to Jill on the Gold Floor, who is always outstanding, and thank you to Esmeralda for keeping our room clean and neat, and Neal at Valet Service - just for being there! Keep it up Palliser management!

My wife and I are staying at the Fairmont Palliser hotel in Calgary Alberta, Canada. This hotel is a Fairmont, in name only. Let's see: Phone in the room doesn't work, PPV movies don't work (they claim we're not "checked in" to the hotel, and my wife's key doesn't work. Restaurant service was courteous, but slow. Also, our room wasn't ready for an hour after promised check in. Besides these failings. It's a wonderful hotel (all sarcasm intended). Follow my advice, and stay somewhere else. -Chris Wilmot, Rochester NY

My stay at Fairmont Palliser is the most extraordinary experience I’ve had in all hotels. I called about a slow-draining shower at 10 PM but did not expect the housekeeping staff and engineering to show up at 10:20 PM and resolve the situation. On top of that, the reception offered to move me to another room! The situation was resolved so quick that I declined the offer to move. The next day, the manager followed up to ensure my satisfaction and delivered some food to my room :-) while I was at a party. I told my friends who were staying in another hotel how amazing Fairmont was. Thanks Georgen! Definitely will choose Fairmont next time. As the Uber driver said - Fairmont Palliser is the best hotel in Calgary!!!