Lifestyle, Travel

Delta Calgary Downtown Ultimate Staycation

If time has taught me anything, it’s that many things get better with age – and I’m adding girls’ trips to that list. While we may be long past the definition of ‘girls’,– my long-time friend, Alicia, and I had an incredible getaway this October at the Delta Calgary Downtown which rivalled any trip we’d taken together in our 20s.

Blogger Holly Hunka enjoying stay at Delta Calgary Downtown

We did it ALL – from enjoying some of the city’s incredible restaurants and cocktail lounges to cheering in the stands at a football game, visiting the Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival and checking out the view from atop Calgary’s new $80 million parkade.Beautiful fireplace at Shoe and Canoe Calgary, a restaurant inside Delta Calgary Downtown
Here are some highlights from our trip in case you’re looking to take a ladies’ staycation of your own!
Girls trip to Calgary staying at the Delta Calgary Downtown

Where We Stayed: Delta Calgary Downtown

Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown, a newly renovated hotel right in the heart of downtown Calgary, hosted us for this staycation.

With chic, comfortable rooms, a great location and delicious onsite restaurant, we loved the Delta. I absolutely plan on staying here again.

Renovated lobby at Delta Calgary Downtown - lobby at Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown

Exterior shot of Delta Calgary Downtown -exterior shot of Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown
Rooms

With renovations unveiled in November 2018, our guest room was stylish, modern, clean and comfortable – with gorgeous views overlooking the river and a well-lit bathroom (you know how important that is when getting ready for a night out, lol)!
Room suite at Delta Calgary Downtown - renovated room at Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown

Location

The Delta Downtown Calgary is the first hotel you come to when entering downtown from Memorial Drive.

Alicia and I joked that we were just a quick walk or an $8 uber ride from wherever we wanted to go, whether it was the BMO Centre for wine fest, 17th ave for cocktails or the river pathway for a scenic walk.

And if you’d prefer to drive, there’s an onsite parkade.

Delta Calgary Downtown

Pool and Fitness Area

Great for some downtime or as an activity with kids, the Delta has a heated indoor pool and hot tub with scenic views of downtown Calgary.Pool at Delta Calgary Downtown - indoor pool at Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown

Hot tub at Delta Calgary Downtown - indoor jacuzzi at Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown

And for those who want to fit in a workout, there’s an impressive 24-hour fitness centre onsite.

Fitness Centre at Delta Calgary Downtown - indoor fitness centre at Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown

Delta Calgary Downtown Elite Pantry

I’m going to go ahead and crown the Delta Elite Pantry the Queen of Convenience. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium and Ambassador Elite Members can access The Delta Pantry for a convenient, healthy, on-the-go continental breakfast, premium snacks and beverages.

Elite Pantry inside Delta Calgary Downtown

Open 24 hours, 7 days a week, you bet we stopped in here for some late night ramen and candy…. And it was the BEST.

Where We Ate + Drank

Shoe & Canoe Public House and Restaurant

The cherry on top of an amazing hotel is having a great restaurant only steps away!

Beautiful fireplace at Shoe and Canoe Calgary, a restaurant inside Delta Calgary Downtown

Located right off the Delta Calgary Downtown lobby, Shoe & Canoe is a hit with travellers and Calgary locals alike – and for good reason.

Brick walk - beautiful decor at Shoe and Canoe Public House Calgary, a restaurant inside Delta Calgary Downtown

First of all, the space is stunning. High ceilings, natural light, industrial decor and a statement fireplace provides a gorgeous aesthetic and comfortable vibe.

Great meals and ambience at Shoe and Canoe Calgary in Delta Calgary Downtown

Beauitful hotel in Downtown Calgary: Shoe and Canoe

Shoe and Canoe Calgary downtown in Downtown Calgary Delta

We liked it so much, we dined here for breakfast, lunch, dinner AND evening cocktails.

The food was delicious, with my favourites being the Fried Egg Breakfast Sandwich and the Salmon with Herb Crème Fraiche.

Breakfast at Shoe and Canoe Calgary, a restaurant inside Delta Calgary Downtown

Eating at fireplace at Shoe and Canoe Calgary - Great downtown Calgary restaurants to try

My girlfriend Alicia was also super impressed by their Old Fashioned cocktail… and she considers herself quite the Old Fashioned connoisseur.

Old Fashioned at Shoe and Canoe Calgary inside the Delta Calgary Downtown
I, on the other hand, can’t say no to a good Caesar… and Shoe & Canoe nailed it on this one.

Tasty Caesar cocktail from Shoe and Canoe Public House and Restaurant Calgary

Shelter Cocktail Bar & Lounge

My favourite cocktail bar of the trip, Shelter is small, intimate and a TOTAL vibe. The lights are low, the decor is moody, the vibe is sexy and the cocktail list is tastefully curated. Highly recommend. Located at 1210 1 St SW.

Shelter Calgary - Best Calgary Bars - Shelter YYC

Proof YYC – Cocktails and Curiosities

Located a few steps away from Shelter at 1302 1 St SW, we visited Proof on the recommendation of several Calgarians and loved it! In 2020, it was #5 on Canada’s 50 Best Bars list.

A great place to fully immerse yourself in cocktail culture, the staff were so helpful in recommending some drinks that would suit our mood. Plus, the room itself was gorgeous with a vintage yet charming feel, romantic lighting and an impressive bookcase-style bar taking centre stage.

Lulu Bar Calgary

A chef-driven cocktail bar in the heart of 17th Ave, we stopped by Lulu Bar for some late-night cocktails and appetizers and it did not disappoint. The vibe and decor was fab.

Lulu Bar in Calgary - Calgary cocktail bar

We tried four of their creative cocktails, with the light and refreshing Venus being our favourite.

One Night Stan’s Bar Room & Divery

If you’re in the mood for a dive bar, this one fits the bill. Eclectic, loud and a little rough around the edges, we stayed for a good time – not a long time, lol! Located on 17th Ave.

Where We Went

Platform Innovation Centre’s Rooftop

We headed to the Platform Innovation Centre, a new $80 million parkade and multifunctional space close to Delta Calgary Downtown.

Its rooftop offers sweeping views of the city and is a gorgeous space to take in the skyline and snap a few photos.

Panoramic view of calgay from atop the Platform Innovation Centre - Calgary's $80 million parkade

Calgary Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival

I jump at any opportunity to sample food, wine and cocktails and we did just that at the Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival, held a short distance away at the BMO Centre.

Our friends at Shoe & Canoe were onsite, as well as many other favourites – from Eau Claire Distillery to Aperol Spritz.

Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival - Shoe and Canoe stand

Watched a Calgary Stampeders Game

We headed to McMahon Stadium to take in a fun-filled Calgary Stampeders game. The energy was electric and we were lucky to catch Light Up The Night, a dazzling post-game fireworks display.

Light up the night at Stampeders football

Our Weekend At Delta Calgary Downtown

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video must be worth a million! Here’s a quick peek at our weekend away in 12 seconds.


A big thank you to the amazing team at Delta Calgary Downtown and Shoe & Canoe for hosting us and making the weekend such a memorable experience. We can’t wait to come back!

Beautiful fireplace at Shoe and Canoe Calgary, a restaurant inside Delta Calgary Downtown

Xo Holly Hunka

Did you enjoy this trip highlighting our experience at Delta Calgary Downtown? Save it for later on Pinterest!

Take A Tour Of Shoe & Canoe


Take A Tour Of The Elite Pantry

@chandeliersandchampagne Open 24 hours, 7 days a week in the Delta Calgary Downtown for @marriottbonvoy Platinum, Titanium and Ambassador Elite Members #marriott #marriottbonvoy #deltahotel #calgaryhotel #canadahotel #hotellife #yyc #calgary #fyp #travellife #traveltiktok #traveling #yyccalgary #yycnow #wander #hotel ♬ Austin Powers (Trap Remix) – Trap Remix Guys

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