Fairmont Palliser

My partner and I just had the best weekend stay at the Fairmont, and it was all thanks to Beckham! From the moment we walked into the lounge to the time we checked out the next day, he made us feel so welcomed and taken care of. His service and attention to detail was exceptional from start to finish, and he genuinely made us feel special throughout our entire stay. Beckham went above and beyond to make sure we were happy with everything, from the food and drinks, to our overall experience at the hotel. His professionalism, energy, and positive attitude were unmatched, and every interaction left us smiling. If you’re staying at the Fairmont, I would highly recommend paying Beckham a visit!

Fairmont Palliser in downtown Calgary feels grand the moment you arrive — marble pillars, grand columns, and soaring ceilings that carry real railway-era history. Visiting from Edmonton, it was a treat to be immersed in another part of Alberta’s relatively young but meaningful Canadian history. The spa was a highlight (a great massage and a relaxing soak in the pool), and live music with fine food at Hawthorn made the evening feel genuinely special. Even during a deep -20°C cold snap with a minor utilities hiccup, the team handled everything with tact and care so the quality of the stay never slipped. For a fuller picture — Fairmont Palliser in downtown Calgary feels special the moment you step in — marble pillars, grand columns, soaring ceilings, and a sense of history that’s easy to imagine, especially with its ties to Canada’s railway era. The atmosphere is elegant but genuinely welcoming, with that classic “grand hotel” presence that still feels comfortable and lived-in. One of the highlights was the spa: a rejuvenating massage and a warm soak in the pool that helped shake off the deep Alberta freeze — if you know, you know. Mornings were also a treat, with a bright window-lit breakfast atmosphere and a calm pace that suited the trip. Dining at the Hawthorn Dining Room & Bar was another standout. We were lucky to visit on an evening with live music, and the food and drink recommended as some of their finest impressed. The space itself is beautifully designed, with multiple dining areas that create different moods — some brighter and more modern, others with a deeper, lodge-like warmth near the grand hearth. We did run into a minor utilities challenge during the cold snap — understandable in extreme weather — but the team moved quickly and thoughtfully to ensure the stay wasn’t impacted. Their initiative and tact genuinely elevated the experience. Thank you for making the time in the heart of downtown Calgary so positively memorable — I’m looking forward to returning. In-room and restaurant dining: Vegetarian-friendly choices are typically available, and staff can usually help identify the best options. If you have serious allergies or strict dietary needs, confirm directly with staff regarding ingredients and cross-contact. Family friendly: A calm, classic stay that can work for families, especially if you want walkable access to downtown. Accessibility: Accessible, step-free entry and public areas that are generally workable for mobility needs. For specific accessible room features, request them directly at booking. Visited Winter 2025

I had a wonderful stay at the Fairmont Palliser and was truly impressed by the level of service. The staff went above and beyond, especially Neha at the Gold Concierge and Ina at the front desk, who were absolutely amazing. Neha, in particular, was exceptional, super accommodating, attentive, and genuinely caring, which made a huge difference in our experience. The service overall was absolutely outstanding and made our stay feel both seamless and special. I would highly recommend this hotel and look forward to returning.

The front desk was incredibly helpful and even surprised us with chocolates to celebrate my fiancé’s birthday. When we returned from dinner, we were delighted to find a bottle of champagne added to the celebration along with the chocolate bonbons. Dinner at the Hawthorn was delicious, and our server, Bobbie, went above and beyond by offering us a complimentary dessert for the special occasion. Breakfast the next morning was also excellent and came with truly luxurious customer service. The pool area is a wonderful place to unwind. The space is clean, calm, and beautifully maintained not mention their amazing sauna. The pool itself is warm and inviting perfect for our morning swim Overall, we had a wonderful experience and felt genuinely cared for throughout our stay!

We stayed at the Fairmont Palliser for one night at the end of our Rocky Mountaineer train journey from Vancouver to Calgary. The hotel is very centrally located, and the foyer is beautiful and welcoming.|Our junior suite with two double beds was extremely spacious and very comfortable. Unfortunately, the bathroom was the complete opposite — so small that one had to breathe in to squeeze past the door to get inside (and we are both relatively slim!). A bi-fold door would have been far more practical. Once inside, there was very little room to manoeuvre and nowhere to place toiletries.|Despite this, we did enjoy our stay overall. If staying again, we would definitely check in advance whether any rooms have larger bathrooms.

We stayed at the Fairmont Palliser during its 111th anniversary, and it was one of those rare hotel experiences where everything just felt effortless and thoughtful.||From the moment we arrived, the service was seamless. The valet was instantaneous, and by the time we reached our room, the porter had already delivered our luggage — hung up our clothes and neatly organized everything. It was such a small detail, but it immediately made us feel at home.||At check-in, Neha was wonderful. She welcomed us warmly, shared the menu with us, and arranged an amazing suite that exceeded expectations. One detail that completely delighted my wife was the Christmas tree in our room — she was genuinely excited, and it set a festive, personal tone for our stay.||The food was delicious, and the wine service was outstanding. The wine was served in the Gold Lounge, and the staff there were exceptional — they continually checked on us, always attentive without ever being intrusive. Some of the wine was even complimentary, which added to the relaxed, celebratory feel of the experience.||Back in the room, we loved the chocolates waiting for us and the perfect turndown service — exactly what you want after a great evening.||One of the most memorable moments was when the team noticed us playing cribbage in the lounge and later surprised us with a Palliser-branded deck of cards. Such a thoughtful, personal gesture that really captured the spirit of this hotel.||The Fairmont Palliser isn’t just beautiful and historic — it’s run by people who truly care. Neha and the entire team made us feel genuinely welcomed and exceptionally well looked after.||Congratulations to the Fairmont Palliser on 111 years. This stay was outstanding, and we will absolutely be back.

Decent hotel, sometimes took a while to get our vehicle from the valet. The shower head was fixed and a little high which didn’t provide much water pressure for shorter people. Bathroom and room were on the smaller side. Pillows were a little flatter than I would like. TV was not a smart tv. Hotel staff were very good and friendly. Lobby is fancy looking and nicely decorated for Christmas. Room was clean and quiet.

I had an excellent stay at the Fairmont Palliser while attending the CTF 2025 Annual Tax Conference. I chose the Gold Floor, and the experience was outstanding from start to finish. Check-in and check-out were both very easy and efficient, which made the whole stay even more convenient. The Gold Lounge was a highlight of my visit. I stopped by a couple of times each day and always enjoyed the food and beverages, which were consistently fresh and high quality. The staff in the lounge were exceptional — friendly, attentive, and very customer-focused. They handled all of my requests quickly and professionally, and their warm service really enhanced my overall experience. My room was comfortable, quiet, and well maintained. Housekeeping was truly five-star: the room was cleaned thoroughly and in a timely manner every day, and it was a pleasure to return to a fresh and organized space. Room service was also prompt and efficient, with everything delivered as ordered and nicely presented. Overall, I am very pleased with my decision to stay at the Fairmont Palliser. The combination of the Gold Floor experience, excellent staff, smooth check-in and check-out, and high standard of service made my trip both productive and relaxing. I would not hesitate to stay here again and would happily recommend the Fairmont Palliser, especially the Gold Floor, to anyone visiting for business or attending a conference.

My Wife and I elected to both start and end our exploration of the Canadian Rockies at the Fairmont Palliser. The timing of our arrivals and departures allowed us to experience aspects of the hotel that many guests miss. Specifically, our flights had us arriving to Calgary very late in the evening and then departing very early in the morning. Often traveling during this time result in interactions with staff that are barely awake and or not in the most service-oriented frame of mind. Not at this hotel, they were amazing! They were fully engaged and a pleasure with whom to interact. Despite the properties age it was in great shape. We did sample Hawthorn, the hotel's restaurant. It offered a sophisticated menu that was backed up by quality cuisine and affordable prices. The Palliser's location is right in the heart of downtown, providing easy and safe access to many great venues. While we were traveling for pleasure, I can see how this hotel would be the place to stay if in Calgary on business.

We stayed here just one night as we flew out of Calgary the next day. No point in risking any issues in the road from Banff to Calgary the day of your flight. Bonus was that the hotels in Calgary are less expensive than Banff, plus we found an excellent nearby place for tacos. We self parked which was a bit confusing and so I think we ended up paying Valet rates anyway. The hotel was immaculate, beds were very comfortable, staff very helpful. Highly recommend.

I came here for a work event and really enjoyed my time here. The staff were friendly and helpful. I asked to an early check in and they were able to accommodate me. They even sent up some lovely snacks which was so thoughtful. I was upgraded to a suite which was a lovely experience. I also really loved how there was a Starbucks attached to the hotel on the bottom floor. overall it was a great experience and the next time I'm in Calgary, I would definitely consider this Fairmont Property.

Unacceptable! Can't call this hotel a Fairmont! Really wanted to like Palliser just having come from Banff and Lake Louise but unfortunately Palliser received a one star. Hotel greeters are half asleep when you approach the counter for assistance. It was only 4:00pm! When we got to the room, the toilets have not been washed as there was dried urine everywhere on the seat. Unacceptable! Please improve! Customers are paying money to stay because it is a Fairmont and I think I would get better cleaning service from other hotels. Dinning experience downstairs was good but lacking wait staff. Oysters were delicious but the squash soup tasted bitter.

The Fairmont was a must when I wanted to treat my mother. The atmosphere made the event that much more special. Personal pots of tea and individualistic tea cups made it easier to please everyone. No one wants to compromise on whose tea is chosen! Starting at the bottom with freshly made scones, cream, and homemade jam. But don't fill up because there's soooo much more! Petite sandwiches with enough variety there's something for everyone. With a variety of fillings and breads it's a wonderful time and a great conversation piece with your date. And to top it off - literally - bite sized desserts. I was happily surprised with the variety but after the first 2 courses (scones and sandwiches) had to take the majority home to snack on later - not a bad thing! A little pricey but it's worth it!

My partner and I recently spent two nights at the Fairmont Palliser. We had much higher expectations from what is supposed to be Calgary's finest hotel. There was only one individual, Trent, checking in guests when we arrived. He neglected to tell us where anything was located and, because we purchased the "Bed and Breakfast" package, any details regarding breakfast. We waited 30 minutes for our luggage to arrive before calling the front desk. In the meantime, we went to the Hawthorn Dining Room & Bar for a cocktail. The hostess, Patti/y, whom we interacted with the following morning at breakfast too, was personable and had a great sense of humor. The bartender, Sara(h), was friendly and made an excellent Hawthorn Old Fashioned. My hamburger was beyond well done. It was charred. It ultimately took nearly 2 1/2 hours for our luggage to arrive to our room. Despite only having decaffeinated K-Cup pods in our room, the attendant, Inessa, provided us with caffeinated ones for the following morning. She was efficient and very friendly. We had breakfast both mornings. While there were many options on the buffet, nothing was warm. As a result, we opted to order from the menu on our second morning. Our waitress on the first morning was very overwhelmed. I used the gym each day and, despite it being small for a hotel with 407 guest rooms, it served its purpose. The lobby has very little seating. Other than one long sofa and two coffee tables (both of which had "Reserved" signs on them during our two-night stay), all of the seating to the left is reserved for the Hawthorn Dining Room & Bar. There were special events during our two-night stay and, as a result, the entire area to the right was off limits.

I love staying in hotels that are more on the modern side, but as I was part of a room block for an event and the Fairmont was available, I booked a standard room here. The lobby, decor, and architecture at Fairmont's are always nice - as a history gal, I can't help but envision people in the early 1900's coming here for extravagant events and meetings. Ok back to the review of my latest stay in Calgary.... The staff were friendly, the lobby bar is a good spot to grab a pre-dinner drink or night cap (doesn't open until 4pm though). The rooms were just basic to me, nothing truly special out out of the ordinary. The beds were comfortable and I always like when robes are included in the rooms. The in-room dining didn't open until 5pm and we were starving before dinner. We called down and it just so happened a staff member was in early. We ordered the charcuterie/hummus plate and he said he could send it up ASAP! Thank goodness for that! It was pretty good. I loved most of what was on the plate. I definitely enjoyed my stay here, it was downtown and close to the wedding venue I needed to be at. If I had more of a choice in the future, I'd probably opt to stay somewhere with a river view and modern updated decor.

Went for Yuletide lunch to celebrate my partner's birthday. It was a three course meal and cost per person was $45. First Course Winter Squash Bisque, Pumpkin Seed & Gingerbread Croutons Second Course Spiced Turkey Breast, Confit Leg Stuffing, Carrot, Cranberry, Gravy Third Course Spiced Rum Eggnog Crème Brulée, Raisin Biscotti Everything tasted fantastic. Staff were courteous and pleasant. Definitely a must go!

Terrible hotel, high price for below par accommodation. Relies heavily on its name but offers inferior rooms, with worn out plumbing, and mechanical systems, worn out furniture, and dishonest staff. The bottom rating here is one star, but even one star is too many. The Chinese really let the quality deteriorate when they bought the Fairmonts.

We had a great time here in this historic hotel. The staff was friendly and our room was quick and clean. We brought our two dogs and the fairmont hotels are always very accommodating to dogs. The latest addition to Fairmont the Hawthorn Dining Room and Bar is now officially open and it is beautifully decorated. ( I just wish they had a patio like the Mc Donald) At night we had a drink and expensive tea and in the morning a great breakfast. My husband had the buffet while I had the avocado toast ( there are a few plant based options) the hotel is very very close to many restaurants and patios. We got the package with the free valet parking and I'm glad we did. The hotel is situated right downtown town so I think parking would have been annoying. I highly recommend this hotel. Check website for deals.

I am a Hilton guy but I had a work meeting at this hotel and decided to make it my home away from home for a night. First off, the Fairmont Palliser is gorgeous. A classy look from the moment I walked up the entrance stairs. The lobby was stunning, the ceilings so high, the fixtures so bright and beautiful. From the colors to the patterns to the fixtures everything spoke first-class. The staff could not have been more friendly. I was completely unfamiliar with Calgary and they answered the (many) questions I had about where to grab a bite to eat, where to go shopping, where to find Calgary/Alberta-themed items. They went out of their way to make sure I was completely comfortable. I am not a Fairmont member but I was told that I was upgraded (likely because I asked while making my reservation) and so I was provided a great room with a nice view, access to the Executive Lounge, and was able to get whatever I needed when I needed. The room itself was super cozy and spacious enough to feel like I was not walking all over everything. The bed was extremely comfortable and the amenities in the room were excellent. I slept like a baby. I enjoyed wearing the super soft robe, sitting on the leather chair and watching television to wind down. Breakfast in the Executive Lounge was delicious and the windows provided a nice view. Since the Calgary Tower was closed at the time I was there this turned out to be my highest view from above the city. There is a Starbucks located in the basement in case you need a tea fix and the hotel is a full-amenity hotel so you can splurge in the wellness spa after a long day of exploring the city. The weather was unseasonably cold and rainy and I am thankful that the Fairmont Palliser gave me a warm welcome for my first trip to Calgary!

One of the most vexing hotel stays and I haven't even checked out yet. Staff is friendly and informative regarding tips for restaurants but that's it. Called to request for a room change 2x and they call me back after an hour. Fine - I was busy chipping away at work emails so I didn't mind. However, when they called back and said that someone would bring the keys up after confirming I'm all packed and ready to go...CRICKETS. NOTHING. 30 minutes rolls by and I'm getting annoyed. I call concierge to let them know I'm coming for the keys instead. After another 10 minutes with them, it appears suspiciously like they didn't transfer me to another room like I was told and they're actively doing that as I'm waiting. They didn't remember the reason for the room change either when it's been mentioned each time we've been on the phone. Who knows how long I would've been waiting and kept hostage at the room if I didn't proactively go downstairs for the follow up. Saving grace is the glass shower door and a clean shower head. What's THE MOST ABSOLUTELY ANNOYING is that the WiFi keeps dropping me every 20 seconds to 1 minute (not an exaggeration) or chugs for so long that I have to abandon site. Mind you, it's not like I'm steaming YouTube videos or anything...I'm simply checking emails. I've stayed at other Fairmonts and this is the most dated and fraught with issues.

Keeping up with The Fairmont standard, The Palliser in Calgary is a good extension of the brand. The rooms are not huge but good sized and certainly not small. The bar is big enough to find a quiet corner to work or sit at a more boisterous bar. Breakfast comes in two forms, buffet or a la carte. My colleagues have tried the buffet with good reviews while I prefer the menu options. I've not had lunch or dinner here yet. There's a Starbucks downstairs near the spa. Enjoy finding it. This is the only place I stay when in Calgary.

Horrible WiFi for a four star hotel. Constantly falling off and over complicated login process. The 2010s called. Nice penthouse lounge but not a place to do business with this teams' IT

This is an incredible restaurant and hotel, I keep returning only because the staff are so amazing and they always make us feel at home. Hoping this year once again they have an incredible Stampede breakfast, I'm going to call them right now and check to see because the breakfast happens right while the parade is marching by the front door it's definitely something to see.

The fairmont is a hotel known for its excellent customer service and hotel experience, or so I thought. This Fairmont location in Calgary has been by far one of the worst experiences for a such a high price tag. I will list the pros and cons of this hotel: Pros: -Nice lobby -Okay bar (heavily overpriced) Cons: -Terrible parking. If you're planning on bringing a car, the parking is extremely far away and heavily over priced. Getting to the hotel from the parking garage is like navigating a maze. -very poor service. The service was downright embarrassing. The hotel employees had an attitude and are VERY disorganized. When we arrived at the hotel, it took them over an hour and 30 minutes to figure out our reservation. When they finally figured it out they sent our bags to the WRONG ROOM. We booked 2 queen size beds and they initially gave us 1 king bed. Then we had to go through the reservation step by step and then after so long, they finally said us up with a room - Terrible Rooms. The room they set us up with had a broken AC and dirty carpets. We called them 5 times over the course of 6 hours and they would not send someone to fix the AC because their maintenance crew was not available. After hours of speaking with the manager, Loretta, who was incredibly rude, her "resolution" was to give us a single fan. -EXTREMELY overpriced. Every single thing in this hotel is overpriced and absolutely not worth it. The restaurant food is similar to fast food (chicken tenders, frozen burgers, etc) except it is 10x the price. The chicken is cooked improperly and the chefs only know how to make a well-done burger with bits of lettuce and 1 pickle for $30. MAKE SURE TO BRING YOUR OWN WATER. The tiny water bottles are $7 each at this hotel. They do not offer complementary water bottles to customers that have traveled hundreds of miles and are too tired to go to the nearest grocery store which is out of town. Fairmont claims to be a 5 star hotel, but there are motels that offer better service and quality of care. It is a 5 star joke. By far one of the single worst places to spend your money. There are many other hotels in the area that care about their customers and treat them with respect. It's unfortunate that the Fairmont hotel does not treat their customers well. It is an embarrassment of a hotel, especially for the high price tag and bold claim of being a luxury hotel. Overall, please consider these points prior to picking this hotel. It is absolutely not worth the money. It's not worth the time. The quality was terrible, and so is the overall experience. Your time and money is valuable and the Fairmont hotel will waste both of them. I hope that one day Fairmont management realizes that caring about your customers is more important than extorting them. Good luck with your travels!

Had to grab a meal at the Palliser's restaurant when I stopped by to scope out the area for an event. The hotel lobby is beautiful, pack full of vintage and heritage decor. Looked at some of the rooms, palliser suite, heritage suite and a few others. The rooms appeared very tidy and comfy. Having stayed in hotels often for work, this one seems a bit more expensive then others; but given the location it's to be expected. The rooms didn't seem all too noteworthy, but the food in the local restaurant was absolutely delicious. I mean like flavourful to no end. I plan on visiting again. Happy dining and stay!

I grew up in Calgary and always wanted to know what it was like to stay at the Palliser. We stayed here Christmas night and had a lovely meal and amazing breakfast with really great service. The reason for two stars really was for the room. There was a LOT of short black curly hairs in the tub. Also no creamer in the room but honestly we are more grossed out by the hair. When we told Reception on the way out they really didn't care. Not staying here again.

Overall I liked this hotel and had a decent stay. I found the rooms clean and tidy and I did enjoy the separate bathroom heater which can be used to warm the room prior to showering. I was on the third floor and the street noise was significant. The hotel staff was friendly and efficient. Lobby restaurant was good and had nice size portions but I think my waiter went on break before he brought my hot tea as it didn't arrive until I reminded him just before I finished my meal.

We stayed overnight, it was our 34th anniversary. We informed the person checking us in that we had actually been married at the Palliser on that very day 34 years ago ( and we brought a wedding picture to prove it!). She immediately upgraded our room and issued us with a chit for free Prosecco. For an upgrade, the room was OK, nothing special, and had only one comfortable armchair which was odd and inconvenient. Dinner was exceptional from food to service, with our server being the most helpful and professionally unobtrusive we've encountered in a long while. However, breakfast was a different story. The service was still good, but it took ages for our meal to arrive, and it arrived borderline cold. Small details were missing: no salt & pepper on the table; we were never offered jam or marmalade, you get the idea. And for this, $63! Oh for the corner diner! Fairmont Hotels no matter where are totally overpriced, but I guess once in a while for a special occasion the wallet can be loosened. Total for one night, room, drinks, dinner with wine and breakfast: $750. As the Romans said, Caveat emptor!

Beautiful lobby decor, exceptional service at the lobby, but teeny tiny rooms! My boyfriend and I stayed for one night in Calgary so we decided to spurge a little bit and stay at the Fairmont Palliser. Though the building and amenities were nice, we couldn't get over how small the rooms were! There was barely any room from the bed to the tv stand and the bathroom felt like a closet. I guess you can't expect much space at a downtown hotel? The pool and jacuzzi was nice. The steam room does take a while to heat up. Getting a key to use a locker without getting a massage was a little confusing since the spa receptionist said the key should be in there. But as I went inside there were no keys. I had to ask another lady inside the locker room who had to ask the receptionist again where were the keys. In the midst of walking back and forth I dropped and cracked my brand new Iphone X! Major buzz kill! Finally someone came in a brought out keys for lockers #1-4 (hotel guest lockers). The lobby was beautiful with fresh flowers in the middle. They had cut outs of Harry and Megan at the lobby-- celebrating the royal wedding. That was super cute! Even though our room was small we did have an epic view of the Calgary Tower so that was nice. We decided to order room service breakfast in the morning and luckily the spread fit in our room. The breakfast was exceptional and would definitely order it again. The Fairmont Palliser is an excellent location in downtown Calgary. It's walking distance to many restaurants and Prince Island Park.

Definitely not what I expected from a Fairmont. The service and hospitality is all there but the rooms feel like a cheap Motel. The room was so small if you take two steps your literally on the other side of the room. All I'm saying is if you're spending top dollar on a hotel your room should be top dollar as well and not just the amenities. I get the whole historical feel but other Fairmont's have the same feel with upgraded rooms. On a positive note, the pool and spa area was everything you would expect when you're on vacation and you want to unwind from a long flight. Customer service has always been five star at the Fairmont, they truly make you feel like a guest of honor. From the front desk to the valet parking, they never break cadence. Oh also, Room service was worth every penny!

I love the Fairmont hotels and make concessions because they generally tend to be historical buildings. The Palliser is one of those types: historical and beautiful. I could sit in the lounge area and people watch for days if allowed. The quality of the staff was great as usual and the room comfortable. The location is also good as it's in the middle downtown and close to the Sky Tower and excellent restaurants. Only two drawbacks: parking sucks (and due to construction, getting there is a bit confusing even with GPS) and the amenities were less than spectacular for the price (the swimming pool (with the jacuzzi) were more decorative than functional for adults.

Beautiful hotel with a great location, but not as extravagant as I expected it to be. This is an old hotel, and because of that I think the basic rooms lacked any extra grandeur or indulgence that you'd expect from staying at a Fairmont. Bed was very comfortable though, and room was spacious. Internet is not free unless you are a member. Customer service was nowhere near 5-star at this hotel. Hit or miss. Most awkward, indifferent welcome I've had in a hotel recently. I didn't really feel welcome much of the time as some staff members were friendly as others completely ignored me despite eye contact. Canadians are supposed to be nice, eh??

The staff here are arrogant. Not friendly at all compare Fairmont, Lake Louise and Fairmont Lodge in Jasper. In those two other locations the food, wait staff and hotel staff were amazing. Not here poor food service, I had to asked the server for coffee twice and still waited 8 mins to get it. Overly price for the quality of food and service I brill not be staying here again.

IF You Like your Hotels Dark, dingy and depressing, then upon entry, you are home. One of THE darkest lobbies I have ever seen in my entire life. You walk in from a clear bright day into what is very dark interior. The lack of a seating area inside the lobby is also a major Faux Pas. I dont know of too many top notch hotels that lack a sitting area. If you are looking for anything more than a nice room, you are not going to find it here at this Fairmont. The service is 5 Stars. The hotel room is 5 Stars. Everything else ? Its just absent. A well lit lobby ? Not here. Seating in the lobby ? Not here. Views out of the room ? Not here. What you do have is a train - thats right a train - a freight train - directly below, that runs underneath the hotel - and boy do you hear it - several times throughout the day and night. I can see why the original owners abandoned the hotel and sold it off. This is no longer a 5 star experience. Its no longer even an acceptable experience. Whatever this hotel was when it was built, that area is no longer here. You have buildings in front and sides of it. It would be wise of the proprietors herein to build up above to command some sort of view, some sort of basics found in luxury hotels. This is supposedly the most luxurious hotel in the city. I really dont see that at all. The surroundings have grown up but the Palisser has failed to do so, making it an extraordinarily awkward little hotel on top of a horrific freight trains that come through underneath it. Check the map ! The hotel is ON Train Tracks. Functioning, active freight trains ! Purchase the Royal Canadian next door, now up for sale and build outwards. Otherwise ? This hotel is Texas Toast. Its a Tear Down. The closest hotel resembling the Palliser is the San Francisco Fairmont, which was actually build a few years before this was. And yet, they, also a Fairmont, seem to have got it right, but this one, not so much so. Both are historic hotels, both under Fairmont. Yet one is still a grand hotel and this one - is not. Better brush up on your A Game or there will not be a Palliser hotel in a couple of years. I did bump into Christopher Lloyd here, and the look on his face was much like mine, How in Gods Name is this the Top Luxury Hotel in town ?

. Fairmont Palliser As I am used to staying in the most beautiful hotels in your group, I would like to share with you my recent experience about my stay at the FAIRMONT PALISSER hotel in CALGARY. The oldest palace in the city where the Queen of England was already coming down! When I arrived in my room (458) at midnight I noticed that the temperature displayed was 17°... I didn't want to disturb the staff of this hotel at midnight and used at my disposal in a cupboard a micro heater that could only increase the temperature by 2°... The floor of the marble bathroom was freezing... This malfunction of the air conditioning was also due to a bad closing of one of the windows by the staff...( lock with a special key) The switches on the old School metal bedside lamps only worked every other time... In 2019 there was no USB plug in the room! On the other hand, there was a Web socket, which was also old school. Seeing your concern for ecology, I noticed that you bring from France glass bottles of Evian water (invoiced to the customer) which is not a guarantee of carbon savings to preserve the planet.... Finally, by going down to breakfast for breakfast after a very poor signage obliging the customer to ask the concierge where this breakfast room is located, which is actually a horrible corridor, to access it you have to cross the entrance of a spa and pool with its specific smell of bleach... What was served for breakfast and for me a shameful Benedictine egg prepared in advance on a non-toasted bread, smoked salmon with dried and shrivelled slices, no bowl to put fruit in it (probably bought from COSTCO because they had no taste) espresso coffee even worse than the nearby Starbuck.

I couldn't be happier. Everyone has been extremely helpful and accommodating. Special thanks to the wonderful Tatiana who has been working with me over the past couple days via email. It was so nice to finally meet her. She got me squared away and had all sorts of informational brochures for things we discussed. And what a gorgeous hotel in the heart of one of my favorite cities. Do yourself a favor and spend a little extra to upgrade to Fairmont Gold. And don't forget to sign up for Fairmont's President's Club.

I stayed at this hotel and they provided a fabulous rate of $99 for the conference rate! The check in was very quick and I had a room on the 6th floor. It was a bit of a walk from the elevators, almost of the end of a hall but I didn't mind if it was quiet and it was. The room was nicely renovated and it wasn't the biggest room I've stayed in but comfortable for one person. The décor was modern and sleek and in the closet there was a safe which was nice. There was also a Keurig machine with 6 coffee k-cups which was nice. But don't expect anything else for free here, except the use of a robe. Unless you sign up for their Presidents Club, the wifi is about $15/day. You'll also find a fridge stocked with pop cans and bottles of booze, and snacks for ridiculous cost. The bed was comfortable but I couldn't control the heating in the room easily as the temperature either stayed too cool or a bit too warm. The one thing awkward in the bathroom was how close the toilet was to the door. When using it, the robes would be hanging in front of you! The whirlpool and pool were busy on a Saturday evening and they have a great gym with 4 ellipticals and 2 treadmills with tvs and open early and stay late. I wish I had more time to enjoy a spa treatment but maybe next time. Location is great! Lots of restaurants nearby and walking distances to many places to shop, eat, and drink. I recommend eating outside of the hotel unless you don't mind paying more for an ok meal. Also close to the train line and not far from the Red Arrow too. You might be able to get a special last minute deal, as one time I saw they were offering $105/night.

Calgary flagship historical grand dame. Part of the Fairmont rail hotel line. Adjacent to historical rail lines to Vancouver and east. Nice business hotel. Plush appointments and wide halls. Not opulent but full of history and serious for business but fun enough to let your hair down and have some fun. In my second stay at this property I used a fpc (Fairmont Presidents Club) certificate to upgrade my room to a suite. I was in a corner room with a nice living room and desk area and a separate bedroom. It was nice. Not huge but certainly did the trick. I grabbed a quick bite in the lobby bar and was nicely surprised at the reasonable prices and friendly service. The food was excellent. The fitness center was small but plenty adequate. I didn't take advantage of the spa services so can't comment there.

Disappointing.. Staff are amazing, each and everyone are so thoughtful and considerate. However if there is a wedding party you will not enjoy the lobby area as the wedding area is adjacent and will spill over and over take the common space. The music, DJ and Wedding announcement flood the whole lobby floor including the deepest recesses of the lobby restaurant (only one in the hotel).

I went to the restaurant and wish I had not gone there for lunch. I am planning to charge back my lunch bill due to poor customer service. I asked that manager Ken Flores return my call but he did not. I spoke with representative Sue on two occasions. I also called their corporate office. Do not go here for lunch.

Erronus Billing Practices I am a huge fan of Fairmont Properties And have stayed in their gold floors in Winnipeg Whistler & Vancouver Airport As well as have stayed at the Fairmont San Francisco & The Palliser in Calgary Prior to this stay The service was good the room was good but sorry Billing is a nightmare I booked & prepaid my room online directly through Fairmont and prepaid the valet parking as well Then the put the standard hold for possible extras this is okay it's the norm Then in the Saturday if my stay ( Thursday April 26 to Monday April 30 ) They charge $18 to my card and no one at the hotel knows why and were very nonchalant bout it Not a big amount but the principal Then upon check out they charge me $120 for the prepaid valet parking And again I was met with a less then favorable response to my inquiry about the charges I will continue to use Fairmont properties in future But not in Calgary I do not appreciate billing errors and nonchalant attitudes when it comes to my funds. I have zero problem paying for services just not over & over again. Erronus Billing Practices I am a huge fan of Fairmont Properties And have stayed in their gold floors in Winnipeg Whistler & Vancouver Airport As well as have stayed at the Fairmont San Francisco & The Palliser in Calgary Prior to this stay The service was good the room was good but sorry Billing is a nightmare I booked & prepaid my room online directly through Fairmont and prepaid the valet parking as well Then the put the standard hold for possible extras this is okay it's the norm Then in the Saturday if my stay ( Thursday April 26 to Monday April 30 ) They charge $18 to my card and no one at the hotel knows why and were very nonchalant bout it Not a big amount but the principal Then upon check out they charge me $120 for the prepaid valet parking And again I was met with a less then favorable response to my inquiry about the charges I will continue to use Fairmont properties in future But not in Calgary I do not appreciate billing errors and nonchalant attitudes when it comes to my funds.

Tiny bathroom and noisy train outside window - used to higher standards at Fairmonts!

What a wonderful treat. My daughter and I stayed here one night after Spruce Meadows Masters. The staff couldn't be any more friendly and service was top notch. We were fortunate enough to have a gold status room and got to partake in happy hour and breakfast on the penthouse floor. Beautiful city views, comfortable big chairs, lovely attendants and the food was top notch! We will treat ourselves again next year when we are back in Calgary. The only draw back was going to the pool and hot tub for a swim and two women and their two teenagers couldn't and wouldn't respect the 'quiet please, signs'. They were talking very loud, splashing and being horrible. Needless to say, our stay there was short and they annoyed two other couples as well. I blame myself, I should have confronted them.

Rating the bar only! Very pleasant and comfortable. Well make drinks and presentation of the drinks was nicely done. Service was perfect. Never had to wait on drinks and when we had to leave, closing out was prompt and efficient. Bar snacks were generously offered. I would definitely return and expect to enjoy this place as well on my next trip

If you come to Calgary and don't stay here, you're doing yourself a disservice! The views are beautiful, the hotel is wonderfully decorated, the staff is so friendly and helpful, and the gold lounge is great! I had never been to Calgary before and by the time we were leaving, my boyfriend and I were looking at houses here on Zillow! Trust me, we are usually Marriott people! We stay at the Ritz Carlton and other Marriotts often but with the level of service in those hotel slowly decreasing while the level of service in Fairmont hotels is rapidly increasing, the choice is becoming a no-brainer!

We stay here most every time we are through Calgary. The rooms are nice and the Beds very comfortable. The staff is friendly. I have never really had any issues here . Location is great being right Downtown and a walk away from the Tower. The restaurant in the Hotel is Nice but very pricey. This Hotel can be very busy at times. With some long waits to get Checked In or Out. If you are a Fairmonts Presidents Club member, it will allow you Free WiFi and other perks.

What else would you expect from the Fairmont? Over the years, I've had the pleasure of staying at not one, not two, but three historic hotels under the same Fairmont umbrella: San Francisco, Edmonton, and now Calgary. The YYC version is quite similar to the others, maintaining the charm from decades past while keeping with the technological times. Yes, the elevators are a little slow and the carpet dated, but that's what makes a Fairmont feel like an old timey experience... because it is! Rooms are well equipped with water, fancy toiletries, marble bathroom sink and comfy beds. Flat screen TV with a fairly vast cable TV selection is the icing on top of the hotel room cake. Curl up with a candy bar and HGTV? Don't mind if I do... Extra props to the valet at the hotel, who helped me unload upon arrival and had my car waiting for me outside very, very early in the morning the next day. 5-star service all the way!

High Tea - This review is solely regarding our previous high tea experience. UPDATE: Eraj and his team at the Fairmont Palliser has proven to redeem themselves from our last high tea experience. He was generous to invite all of us back for high tea to make up from our previous experience. It was night and day compared to last time. Everything was top notch! The food and service was astounding! Thank you so much! This really made up for last time! We look forward to coming back again very soon! ________________________________________________________ This was my second time here and first for some of our party. I recommended to come here as my last experience here was phenomenal. Unfortunately, this time around was completely opposite. about 75% of the food on our plates were so dry (as though they have been sitting out for at least a day.) One of our party members requested gluten free. We thought they maybe had mistaken the whole table as gluten free with how dry everything was. Two of us are pescatarian. The first time we came, the chef offered a nice variety of 4 different selections of fresh fish and seafood. This time we were given 2 helpings of 2 kinds. (no creativity there) The smoked salmon was fishy, and the shrimp was bland and flavor-less (tasted like store bought pre-frozen cocktail shrimp.) On the upside, the scones were tasty, one of the few things on our tiers that tasted fresh and had moisture. As you can see in the photo, its very clear how dry everything is. I regret to say that this will be the last time we will be coming here or recommending high-tea at the Palliser. At $49/person, you will be paying for beautiful ambiance and mediocre service. If you are looking for food quality, take your high-tea business to the Doves Nest. You will leave very happy!

This is just such a lovely hotel, I really can't believe it is as old as it is. I will start by saying that we did stay on the club level and can only speak to that. Our room was spotless, bed was comfortable, suite was roomy. The food provided was extremely good and the breakfast was by far the best free breakfast we have had ever in a hotel. The staff were all very nice from check in, valet to club level attendants. We would definitely choose Palliser if returning yo Calgary in the future.

The Palliser Hotel was built in 1914 was named after Captain John Palliser, who was an explorer in the region during the 1850s. It's architecturally distinct as are many of the other former Canadian Pacific Railroad hotels. And like the Hotel Mac in Edmonton, my experience is limited to exploring the public areas and having a drink in the lounge so I can soak it all in. The hotel is still close to the railroad tracks, although with all the hustle and bustle of downtown Calgary, you'd hardy notice. The VIA Canadian train now travels through Edmonton, but if you want a historical and scenic railroad experience that links to Banff and Lake Louise, the Rocky Mountaineer has a nice package that can include the Palliser.

Uh oh... this isn't going to be very nice.... So last night, I had some friends from a prominent TV show in Toronto arrive in town. It was their very first time in Calgary and the show booked their stay at The Palliser Hotel. First of all, they got bumped to a smoking room because the hotel was sold out. Let me clarify; They booked their suites when the hotel WAS NOT sold out, but somewhere along the way, THEIR ROOMS GOT BUMPED. It's not like the rooms are wallet-friendly... We're not talking about your local Motel 8. The rooms are PRI-CEY, so the LEAST they should be able to do at a hotel as pretigious as the FAIRMONT Palliser is get the room right. That's not too much to ask for...is it??? I understand that It's a big weekend in town (The Dalai Lama is here, as is Jack Canfield), but these Toronto peeps are ALSO important people. No, they aren't here to bless you or feed you chicken soup for the soul, but they ARE important nonetheless. So after finally deciding that they could no longer breathe in their suites, they went down to the concierge who apologized and...wait for it.... offered them an air purifier. You're joking right? REALLY?!?!??! Being their friend & their local tour guide, I was MORTIFIED. This is NOT the impression I wanted my colleagues and friends to have of our city on their very first visit to Calgary. I expected a lot more from The Palliser... but i'm understating the fact when I say that I'm disappointed to the core. Fairmont chain or not, The Palliser Hotel is now officially off my map.

I can't comment on the majority of the hotel. I mean, one day I'll opt to stay at an expensive hotel in my own city just for the heck of it, but until that day... Wow! What a great event space! They've got such a gorgeous conference room and event space located off the main lobby, which is also quite incredible. It's the closest place I know of in Calgary where you feel as if you're in a castle. With large classical chandeliers hanging everywhere, fine tall curtain hanging from the windows framed by delicate and intricate wood work detailing, it's hard for me not to put on the most over the top fake British accent whenever I open my mouth. See Archer video clip for details - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcSdZla0_do You'd swear it's a rule that everyone working here be named "Jeeves." All joking aside the Fairmont Palliser always does a good job at making me feel welcome and a part of their world. I always feel like I'm treated with care and respect whenever I walk through the doors. It doesn't matter if you're royalty - they're treat you like you are. You're a real class act, Fairmont Palliser. It's clear why you've been in business for over one-hundred years now.

The food and coffee in the hotel restaurant is terrible. Everything is stale - possibly cooked 4-5 hours before service. The coffee is so weak it tastes like hot water. They charge over $5 for this super weak coffee. Avocado toast is really store bought guacamole on toast. I'm not lying. It was gross. Also that costs about $16, I kid you not. I know the Fairmont charges higher prices but usually they have the quality to back it up. Not so much here. There were lots of stains on the wall paper in the bathroom. I didn't ask. Gross. The bed mattress was so soft, I woke up with aches in my back and neck. So not worth it and not worthy of the Fairmont label!

The Palliser Hotel offers a real sense of history in a city that doesn't have an abundance of it. A friend who came to town insisted we go to the lounge here and have a scotch. I had never been, so we did. There's a touch of elegance to the whole place and it was a good drink. I've never spent a night there, but their facilities appear to be well kept and in top shape. A cool place full of history right in the middle of the city.....

As always, the Fairmont provides exceptional service, if you're willing to pay the premium that comes along with that. The Victorian style decor is reminiscent of old colonial times and also takes one back to European vacations of the past.. I have reviewed the quality of the accommodations and service at this hotel before, so this time I wanted to mention some things that I really find baffling at a hotel of this calibre and corresponding price range. Let's start with the part that baffles me the most.. This hotel caters to upscale business people and tourists who are used to being offered cutting edge technology... and yet.. the Wifi service throughout this hotel is more reminiscent of the late 90s than this decade.. It makes absolutely no sense.. Calgary's downtown core is awash in Telus buildings and all the latest fiber optics are offered in the area, and yet the wifi (both the Fairmont SSID and the Fairmont_Gold SSID) became almost completely inoperable at times. I ran a couple of speed tests, as every nerd with a thirst for data would..at varying times during my three day stay..making sure that I wasn't accusing them of something that was a once off occurrence or due to some massive tech convention hogging the bandwidth.. At every point during my stay the speeds were absolutely abysmal.. And I had paid the $10 for the "Premium" access as well!! I shudder to think what the regular access speeds must be.. In East Asia, people in many areas have been accustomed to gigabit internet for years now, so I can only hang my head in shame to think of how backwards they must think this country is when the most upscale hotel in the city can't offer you more than a megabit and around dinner time a facebook page can take minutes to load.... i mean seriously? Before I overstate my case, I should probably leave it at that.. I don't feel angered by it in particular, just completely flummoxed that they would provide such awesome customer service and then fall SO fall short when it comes to their customers digital needs,,, Wake up and smell the 2014 Fairmont.. if you can't keep up with the times, sooner or later your customers won't be keeping up their visits with you!

We stayed 3 days the staff was great. The food on the other hand not so good. We ordered breakfast from the menu. The service was above average but the breakfast was below average. I ordered eggs with crispy bacon with brown toast. The toast was burnt, bacon was nasty. I think the bacon and potatoes were leftover from the buffet. The rooms were clean, housekeeping was average.

Wonderful hotel centrally located downtown. Stayed in a recently renovated suite that blended classic heritage style charm with modern conveniences. The Gold lounge offers a deluxe breakfast and much more too like beverages, hor d'oeuvres, etc. and it's a nice place to relax too. Pool area is not ideal for small children as there are no stairs into the water just a ladder on each side. Staff are very attentive and accommodating - stay at this Fairmont and you won't be disappointed.

Located right next to Calgary tower. Beautiful hotel that is clean, staff is exceptionally friendly, and rooms are very comfortable. Bathrooms are on the small size. They have a bar and a restaurant located inside the hotel.