Fairmont Palliser

The hotel is widely celebrated for its historic elegance and ability to blend timeless charm with modern luxury, making it a memorable destination. Its exceptional staff consistently receives high praise for their attentive and personalized service, contributing significantly to guest satisfaction. The comfortable beds and beautiful public spaces, including the grand lobby, are frequently highlighted as key features. The exclusive Gold Floor service offers an elevated experience, while the central location provides unparalleled access to the city's attractions. This hotel is an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway or celebrating special occasions, business travelers requiring convenience and comfort, and families looking for a luxurious staycation. Sightseers also benefit immensely from its prime position. To enhance your visit, consider upgrading to the Gold Floor for an elevated experience, and be mindful of potential external noise, particularly from street traffic or nearby train tracks, when selecting a room.

Facilities & Amenities
Most guests commend the hotel's beautiful lobby and public spaces, which often feature live music, adding to a sophisticated ambiance. The pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam room are frequently highlighted as clean, relaxing, and excellent for unwinding after a busy day. The fitness center is noted as well-equipped, providing ample opportunity for guests to maintain their routines. However, feedback on the spa is mixed; while some guests enjoyed massages and facials, others found treatments disappointing or encountered billing issues. A significant point of contention is the Wi-Fi; many guests express frustration over the lack of free Wi-Fi and report poor signal quality, especially for a hotel of this caliber. In-room amenities such as coffee makers and Le Labo amenities are appreciated, though some found the mini-fridge ineffective.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, describing them as spotless and well-maintained. The comfortable beds and high-quality linens are frequently highlighted, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Many appreciate the spacious rooms and well-appointed interiors, with some enjoying pleasant city views. However, a recurring concern for some guests is noise, particularly from nearby train tracks and street traffic, which can be disruptive, especially at night. Issues with room temperature control are also noted, with some finding rooms too cold or too hot due to ineffective HVAC systems. The bathrooms receive mixed feedback; while some are described as clean, many guests find them small or tiny, and some report issues with shower pressure, temperature regulation, or outdated fixtures. Despite these points, the overall comfort and cleanliness are largely well-received.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers diverse dining options, with the Hawthorn Dining Room & Bar frequently praised for its delicious food, elegant atmosphere, and live music. Many guests highlight the breakfast as incredible, whether enjoyed as a full meal in the restaurant or as part of the Gold Lounge experience, which also offers canapés and snacks. Room service is generally described as fast and accurate, with tasty options. However, feedback on food quality can be mixed; while many find it excellent, some specific dishes, like steak, have received criticism for being overcooked. Some guests also noted that the Gold Lounge can become crowded during peak times, and occasionally, items like desserts or hot breakfast options were not consistently available or warm. Despite these isolated issues, the overall food quality and variety are largely well-received.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location in the heart of downtown, making it highly convenient for guests to explore Calgary. It is within easy walking distance of numerous attractions such as the Calgary Tower, Stephen Avenue Walk, and a wide selection of restaurants, bars, and shops. Its accessibility by both car and public transport is also a significant advantage for business and leisure travelers. However, parking is a consistent point of contention for many guests; while some appreciate the convenience of covered parking options, the cost is frequently cited as very expensive, and the process of drop-off and pick-up can be challenging due to the hotel's location on a busy street.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives overwhelming praise for their exceptional friendliness, attentiveness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight the seamless check-in and check-out process, the helpfulness of the concierge, and the warm greetings from the housekeeping team. The valet and bell services are also commended for their efficiency and helpfulness. The Gold Floor staff are particularly noted for providing personalized service, remembering guest preferences, and going above and beyond to make stays special, often including complimentary room upgrades for special occasions. While most interactions are positive, some guests experienced minor issues such as occasional delays at the front desk, isolated instances of unhelpful bell staff, or billing discrepancies that required follow-up. Despite these few exceptions, the staff's dedication to providing excellent service is a defining characteristic of the guest experience.

Additional Information
The Fairmont Gold experience is frequently highlighted as a truly elevated and memorable aspect of a stay, offering guests a sense of being "at home" or even "royalty" through private penthouse checking and exclusive amenities. Beyond individual stays, the hotel serves as a popular and well-regarded wedding venue, with many couples praising the seamless execution of their special day. It also frequently hosts conferences and other large events, demonstrating its capacity for diverse gatherings. During the holiday season, guests particularly appreciate the charming Christmas decorations, which add a festive and welcoming atmosphere to the historic property.