The staff at the HI Calgary were very helpful and friendly. They were able to give directions and research any necessary information for visitors, and the reception was open 24 hours. The hostel was really clean and tidy and the kitchen was spacious and had some free food and plenty of utensils. Most importantly....free pancakes! Fresh towels were provided and if you'd forgotten something like your hairdryer, they had them available at the front desk no problem. We signed up for the BBQ on the Saturday night...$4 for a delicious big burger, chips and a drink...total bargain and the outdoor space was really nice. The hostel itself is very close to the city centre and right by the downtown LRT, which is free from one side of downtown to the other. Walking distance to the tower, 8th etc. Big lockers for your luggage.and clean linen. If you stay for more than two nights, you get a discount on the HI membership card. We didn't take it, but later regretted it as you can get some great discounts on attractions around Canada...would definitely recommend you get one!

Big thank you to the HI Calgary Stuff for their warm welcoming and treat during my stay at the hostel. It was for second time coming to HI Calgary, a friendly, clean and safe place. I would recommend everyone visiting Calgary here it is great place to stay.

Thank you!
Peter

We stayed here in mid-July 2011 for the last weekend of the Stampede. I had booked our accommodation at the HI well in advance knowing that much of the accommodation sells out during this busy time. Later on, a friend decided she was going to join us so I was able to extend our original booking for three people to four - unfortunately when I confirmed our reservation a few days prior to when we were due to arrive in town, I confirmed the original booking and unfortunately due to a miscommunication our fourth bed was cancelled. I realised this mistake and by the time I rang back to let them know, the hostel was booked out. They said that the fourth person would be able to sleep on a couch in the TV room and if a bed became available that we would have the preference for the bed. We would still have to pay full price for the use of the couch.

However, when we arrived, we mentioned the issue and the fantastic staff were able to do some shuffling around and somehow the four of us were booked into a private room at the hostel with our own bathroom and a bunk for two and a double bed for the other two. We appreciated this so much as one of us had been expecting to stay on the couch in the TV room - not ideal!!

The HI Calgary is wonderful - so clean and comfy. There is a really nice backyard area where they put on a free bbq prior to the stampede, as well as free breakfast and free wifi.

Thanks again!

I stayed here with friends for the Calgary Stampede.There was some initial confusion about prices when checking in (my fault) and being put in a co-ed dorm instead of a female one. However Jason (the manager) who checked us in was fantastic and went out of his way to ensure we were happy. He sorted it out so that we were in a female only dorm and worked out why the pricing was different to expected (i had forgotten about extending our stay for an extra night). Through all this he remained committed to ensuring our stay was an enjoyable one. All the staff were great and very helpful.
The Hostel itself is close to trains and buses and is easy to get to. Its a short walk to the downtown area and also the stampede showgrounds. They provide a fantastic breakfast each morning of pancakes, oats, fruit, juice etc. They have a yard out the back with a bbq area and hammocks if your looking to relax.
The only negative about our stay at the hostel was the lack of power outlets in the rooms. There was only one double one in our room of six people. There are plenty around in the common rooms of the hostel though if you have time to wait while your phone or camera charges.
Overall we had a great time at this Hostel and we would recommend it to anyone looking to stay in Calgary.
Thanks Jason for your patience and help. We really appreciated it!