The Fairmont Palliser

Rooms are quite comfortable in a normal hotel fashion. There is a grand restaurant - the Rimrock Room - on the ground floor and the hotel sports a magnificent old-style lobby in which you can just hang out. Old photos recount the history of the hotel and Calgary throughout the lobbies ofthe hotel. Beneath the lobby, there is a fine pool-gym-steam room area in which you can spend time, as well. Rates vary - you can pay a lot or less. I found rates of just over $80 on one internet engine while others were quoting $129 for the same room. The hotel has been a main part of Calgarian life since its inception in 1914 - and was the part-time home for Canadian Prime Minister RB Bennett who used to have his dinner table by the fireplace. Like many other grand Canadian hotels, the Palliser belongs to the Fairmont chain - the Canadian branch being developed from the Farimont's parent company, Canada Pacific.

Unique Quality: Most large Canadian cities sport that one famous hotel, which serves as one of the city's symbols - Quebec has the Frontenac, Toronto, the Royal York, Vancouver, the Hotel Vancouver and Victoria, the Empress. Here, in Calgary, that icon status belonged to the Palliser. Built by rail interests - it is right alongside the CP lines - to serve pasengers and business interests, the Palliser is no longer the only game in town, but it can still serve as a grand alternative. A great location - right next to the Calgary Tower and Stephens Street - allows one to walk anywhere in downtown within a reasonable amount of time. You can even wal over to the Stampede Grounds or the Saddledome - if you could get a ticket. Theaters and the Glenbow Museum are just beyond the Tower.