Sandman Hotel Downtown Calgary

Well, where to start. First, I should mention that I am not a fussy traveller. The only thing I need in a hotel is a good bed and a clean room. I don't mind about the view and the room size. Proof to that, before arriving in Calgary, I stayed at the Howard Jonhson in Canmore which is definately not a palace but was a 5/5 for cleanliness and comfort. So my review relates real problems encountered at the Sandman and I wanted to share that with possible future guests.

First, it's true, the location, direct on the LRT line, is great. But be aware that it's not the "center-of-it-all". I didn't mind as the C-Train was free. Upon arrival, I was assigned a room on the seventh floor with what I had requested so everything seemed fine. When I arrived and lied down on the bed... ohoh, the mattress's springs could be felt (and not just a bit) even with the comforter on. Ok, let's go back to the front desk. After looking, she told me that moving was impossible. Second look by another receptionnist and she found something on the 20th floor. Upon checking this one, I moved in as the beds were much better... I realised then why it was so warm in the room. The A/C wasn't working in this one. Again, back to the front desk to report the problem. I went to Moxie's Classic Grill in the lobby as it was getting late and after, I asked If it the problem had been solved and was kindly answered: "yes, I heard the compressor running". Great, thank you... A lie. I realised that when I got back to the room. I sincerly thought about cancelling the second night and moving somewhere else. But they promised me another room the next day. Let's give them a second chance I thought. Effectively, the next day, they gave me a room on the 21st floor and everything worked in this one. Just little details like cigarette burns in the comforter (in a non-smoking room), a hole in the bathroom tile, etc, made me realise that the whole hotel was slightly run-down. True, the lobby renovations have made it great-looking, the Moxie's food is excellent (but the hotel's got no praise for this as Moxie's is a chain that simply rent the place) but that's about it for the Sandman.

Finally, other problems I encountered: Some staff said the pool/fitness area closed at 10, others at 11, bottom line, nobody came to close it after 11. Chip bags, soft drink cans lying around the pool area. No towels left in the rack. A receptionnist told me the windows couldn't be open, that was not true. So basically, the Sandman was far from being an even acceptable stay. Most staff are friendly but most aren't knowledgable about their own hotel and the hotel itself looks understaffed. A first time Sandman guest that won't return. Choose another place If you can.

Rooms were fairly small and darkish but not a bad hotel. Clean enough. We paid £57. Parking was £6 extra per day. Lots of food places around and good location. Summed up...s'ok !

Got the room for £40 per night so was not expecting much.

Arrived at the hotel and I was pleasantly surprised. The staff at reception( and throughout the hotel) were friendly and extrememly helpful.

The room was basic and clean but had everything we needed as we were not planning on spending much time in the room.

Had breakfast in Moxies eaxh morning which was really good and not too expensive for a hotel restaurant.

Used the pool and hot tub a couple of times, which while small was never busy so it didnt matter.

Location was perfect just a five minute walk from everything.

If you are looking for a bit of luxury stay at the Palliser but if you just need somewhere to lay your head stay here.

Difficult to drive to based on the address if you don't understand the city street layout. This hotel is actually on the corner of 7th Avenue South-West and 7th Street South-West. Unfortunately the address provide was 'Avenue' which is not accessible to normal road traffic - it's the Tram-line!!! Other than that - a typical city hotel, adequate and comfortable.

Stayed for 3 nights in April 2004, got a fantastic huge corner room on 22nd floor facing south and east and a full kitchenette. Staff were excellent, and could use business centre to access internet for free. Great location, fantastic stay, and good value - booked on Expedia a few days before and got this amazing room for a very good price. Would defintely stay there again and at other Sandman properties as a result.

This hoel is in a great location, you can take the C train for free right outside the door or it's only a 10min walk to the town centre!

The rooms are clean and are a fair size too. The hotel staff are very friendly and there's a good bar, restaurant and pool with gym facilities (the latter two are almost always empty!). There are a couple of shops right across the street ideal for cheap snacks and the science museum is a leisurely stroll up the road. This was a fairly inexpensive hotel and I wouldn't hesitate to book it again next time I'm in Calgary

Can't praise the staff enough - warm, friendly and very helpful.

Comfortable clean rooms. Very good location - on the same street as the C Train - therefore free transport to all the great shops. Had some of our best meals in Moxies.

A really great place to stay. Excellent large rooms, good facilities and restaurant. Exceptionally helpful staff. City Train stops right outside, giving free travel within the downtown area. Highly recommended.

Location is key for this Hotel, and it has everything you need. Pool, hot-tub, Moxies, Mbar lounge. The service is second to none.

Transportation is located right outside the doors to take you anywhere in the city. Take my word, Try the Downtown Sandman Hotel in Calgary, you will enjoy the value and service.

This hotel is basic, clean and located right downtown on the LRT line. Renovations to the common areas have improved the hotel greatly, a new Moxies and an M-Bar on the upper level were added.

The traditional y-shaped Sandman pool is located on the second level. Its a very closed-in environment that is not conducive to relaxation. The small hot tub rewards guests for their determination.

Early 80's furnishings in original fabrics adorn the guest rooms. The washrooms are replete with those early 80's essentials - brown and beige tiles and a heat lamp.

All in all, you pay for the location, and if there is value in that alone, this hotel does its job well.