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Hotel Arts
Category: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Hotels [Edit]
119 12 Ave SWCalgary, AB T2R 0G8
(403) 266-4611
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Paid
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
18 reviews for Hotel Arts
18 reviews in English
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Review from Caroline N.
Vancouver, BC
12/27/2011
Yes, I am a fan of this hotel. I love that it doesn't look like every other hotel, that the art is indeed local art and it's tasteful and beautiful - and this extends to the rooms. Yes, they are kind of dark but we loved it. If you want beautiful and hip and pretty much every amenity you'd expect including great beds, bedding, and bathrooms you'll love it.
We went for 3 days over Christmas and other than a very grumpy and not too accommodating check-in person Christmas Eve, the staff were great, and service was exceptional.
Biggest complaint - no free wireless - $11. a day for wireless and it's free in the lobby?? Totally ridiculous in this day and age. Hopefully enough people complain about this.
Otherwise, fabulous place and just down the street from SunTerra market, a fabulous food market. -
Review from Don B.
9/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Hotel Arts is a pretty fancy hotel. Nice design and style, comfy racks with plenty of room to roam, art on the walls, music ranging form deep ambient techno to... classical? in the lobby, a hip swank pool in the lobby and a couple of high-end attached bars and restaurants. All the trimmings of a classic boutique hotel. Except some of the staff.
The night staff could use a refresher course on the art of smiling. The guy who checked me in, I believe his name tag read "Grumpy McSandypants" or something, definitely was not feeling it that night. You know how when you run into someone and you can't tell if they hate their job or they just hate you? Well, I had that same confusion checking in to Hotel Arts. And my making-light and offering up a smile and a joke to upgrade the situation didn't seem to help.
Other than the sullen graveyard shift, the rest of the folks working there seemed plenty nice and friendly when I engaged them with random questions from "did someone really just change the lobby music from a Jamiroquai remix to classical mid-song?" to "What's good around here?" The daytime staff, that is.
The wifi situation also leaves a little to be desired... free in the lobby but charge in the rooms? That's kind of backwards. I pay $200 to stay in a second-floor room and I have to pay $11 more to use wifi in my room but some random person can walk into the lobby, pay nothing and use wifi for free? Most boutique hotels have gotten over the antiquated notion that it's okay to charge for wifi. Arts should catch up.
Otherwise I enjoyed the soft bed, the plethora of pillows, the rad shower head, the Aveda bath products, the plush towels, and the sleek feel of the room. It's a swanky place that I would endeavor to stay at again, especially if I could find someone who's not begrudged to check me in at 11pm. -
Review from Karen S.
8/4/2011
I'm really glad that other people have had good experiences here, me not so much.
The hotel itself is decent. I love the art and the glass, but the bedding is horrible and scratchy. No wi-fi in the rooms... are you kidding? You want me to use a cable and you want to charge me? Not gonna happen.
Second the front desk clerks seem to have forgotten that they're working at a hotel, where customer service should be a priority. Perhaps it's not a priority there as it seems that being snarky to guests is a trend. After my run in with the clerk and the manager, I was able say in no uncertain therm that I would bever stay there again.
And yes, I did put the key card in the slot orrectly... and yes, I am sure. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 6/17/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Loyalty and regular visits do not seem to improve service here. In fact, it almost seems to reduce the care and attention paid to guests, or at least to me. I visit Calgary as often as every month, and on all but one of my stays, I've stayed at Hotel Arts. And without fail two things happen:
1. The front of house staff thinks it's my first visit, because they always inquire. Isn't it written right there on the computer that I've been there before? I guess not, because after the first visit where I was upgraded (read my first review) and someone came in, turned down the sheets and gave me complimentary water, I haven't received anything more than downgrades.
2. Every time, since the first time, I've been put on the second (read second class) floor. The floor with frosted glass half windows because it's too close to the street. The floor that's down a level off of the elevator. The rooms with no desk chairs. The room that has caused a tradition for me - to crank up some tunes and do a happy dance just to usher away the depression that sets in the moment I walk into my Hotel Arts room.
Bonus: Even though I have a corporate rate, the rate tends to fluctuate from hiked to hiked higher. I did receive some staff attention when I booked with an online deal they weren't willing to match on the phone. On that stay, under the door of my room, they slipped me a 10% off coupon if I booked directly with them.... [sarcastic] I guess that's a form of loyalty building.
Sure, it's a boutique hotel, the rooms are clean and there's Aveda products, but visit after visit, I feel like a second rate guest. If it wasn't clear yet, I'm in the market for a new hotel home.Listed in: Hotels, Bed and Breakfasts,…, Up In the Air - The Travel…, Traveling Calgarian Style
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/5/2010
From the 9th floor, Calgary's skyline shines. Walking distance to great pubs, some fashion-y places,… Read more »
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Review from Angelo T.
7/6/2011
I came here for a conference and the food served was great, light and somewhat sophisticated, to accompany that sophisticated conversation you have with people you feel worth networking with.
How were the rooms? I would like to know...someday... -
Review from Natasha K.
Calgary, AB
4/26/2011
I stayed here for 3 days over an event and it was fabulous!
Since I was at the hotel pretty much all the time, it was a great experience.
The lobby is gorgeous but cozy with lots of interesting artwork.
The rooms are nice, well decorated but hard to find outlets near the bed, overall room needs more lighting. Comfy beds!
The service/food is excellent. All our meals were catered by the hotel and did not disappoint! Lunches were my favourite (some of the best and innovative gourmet pizza I've ever had). The servers were mature and friendly, I felt like I was in a different city after some of my recent trips out.
Didn't get a chance to use the other amenities but overall experience was great! -
Review from jon h.
1/17/2011
Nice boutique hotel, with a decent restauant, and small pool.
Rooms are nice, try and get one with the balconey facing the pool.
Have been to the restaurant that is attached, very good, and a lil' fancy.
We were staying here one night, and the fire alarm went off, we were left outside for about 30 minutes, then let in the lobby for another 30 minutes. We ended up complaining, and got a free night, so the management were helpful. -
Review from Heather M.
9/1/2010
Overall, a great hotel! Lots of amenities, really friendly and helpful staff, and I love the artwork that has been hung around the hotel. Also very trendy, boutique-y decor.
I had a King bed suite - the bed was really comfy and had a nice down comforter on it (unfortunately, I hate down comforters - too hot!). The bathroom had a lot of Aveda products, which was kind of nice! The balconies were also nice to have.
However, some complaints on my end: there is no mini-bar/fridge in rooms, the hotel is a bit too dark for my liking (the room as well as the hallways... a little bit creepy at times) , the water pressure in my shower was really bad (it was pretty much dripping!), and lastly, I found it crazy in this day and age for a hotel to be charging for in-room internet.
But beyond that, a great place to stay and my guess, certainly one of the nicer places in Calgary! -
Review from Luisa D.
9/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
When I stay here I'm always on business so rarely spend a lot of time in my hotel. This is a beautifully appointed hotel and I have enjoyed almost everything about my stays here. I love the Aveda amenities and the comfortable beds. The staff have always been nice too.
I found it odd that my room on this trip had no bathtub. It just has this big open tiled shower area. Last night when I got in at 1am I really wanted to soak in the tub! Boo! There was a tub the last time I stayed. I also noted last night that the lighting is all very dim which is romantic but sometimes when you're working you want better light.
You have to pay for internet ($11) but it's not even wireless! I've managed to get on to some wireless though that seems to work pretty well.
The drapes are either black-out or nothing. As I worked this morning in my pjs I wouldn't have minded at least a wisp of fabric between me and the outside world as I'm only on the 2nd floor.
For $200 a night per room I don't feel right giving it full stars with these drawbacks. -
Review from Chad W.
Calgary, AB
10/22/2008
Hotel Arts is a beautiful establishment. They offer modern flare and an artsy decor that screams gorgeous. Their stunning lobby is just the beginning. The rooms are sleek, immaculate, and a perfect place to get a great night's sleep.
The flat-panel televisions in each bedroom come standard. Furthermore, their in-house restaurant is absolutely delicious.
I'm surprised the place is an inexpensive as it is. The place is awesome.
Rock on, Hotel Arts. -
Review from Lindsay K.
Halifax, NS
10/11/2009 2 photos
How should I intelligently put this... WWWOOOWWW!
This hotel is one for the books of greatness. It's an extremely nice, very modern hotel and yet someone like me doesn't feel uncomfortable staying here. It's such a beautiful establishment with lovely and funky decor that makes this hotel worth your stay.
The cost of the rooms are not unreasonable, I'd say about average for a decently nice hotel now-a-days. It has all the amenities you'd expect from an up-scale hotel including in-suite flat screen TV's, a large two-person bath (complete with cushy robes) and a fancy, yet affordable hotel bar. The only unexpected cost I encountered was the valet parking. When I initially arrived and asked the front desk where I should park, the receptionist told me they had valet, but neglected to tell me it was an additional cost per day. I suppose that's silly of me to assume it would be free. I still tipped the valet's though!
The rooms themselves are absolutely breathtaking! They have large, plush beds with soft sheets and fluffy pillows. They even brought me more pillows when I requested them... I really like my pillows! The service for the pillows (and cork screw) was ridiculously fast. I had barely hung up the phone with the front desk when there was a know on my door with what I had requested. I didn't even have time to put some clothes on before the room service arrived. Lucky for those nice robes!
Another bonus in this hotel is the wonderful pool they have. It's huge and warm and open later than most. It's a very refreshing place to sit and soothe after a long day... and they even let you have drinks near the pool. Go figure. I also really love the bar they have. It's very elegant, but still casual and the bartenders are super friendly and always nice. Then again, so is everyone who works at this place.
All-in-all my stay at Hotel Arts was one of the best hotel experiences I've ever had. They had a good idea turning that old building into something useful. Now it's a beautiful establishment which holds it's customers in high regards and does it in style. If only I had more reasons to stay here, I would. Maybe I'll just go visit the bar and hit the pool sometime again.
This really is a great hotel... one of the better ones. -
Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
3/18/2010
Although I have never actually stayed at Hotel Arts, I feel entitled to write a review on this place considering I spent an entire afternoon here.
You see, a friend of mine took a course with Barry Fairburn (glass-blower extraordinaire), and it just so happens that he created the majority of art work that appears in Hotel Arts. He told his students to head over to this hotel and ride the elevator exploring his art. So that's precisely what my friend did, along with me, as his trustee companion.
First of all: the staff at Hotel Arts is nothing short of professional. You can imagine how sheepish we felt asking to 'ride the elevator', but it was not a problem. I appreciated the fact that you have to have a room key in order to use the elevator - which is extremely considerate for hotel guests because they don't need to worry about 'strays' wandering in.
As we went from one floor to the next admiring Mr. Fairburn's impeccable hand-blown glass, one thing was clear: this hotel supports nothing but the best.
Between the art, the service, the ambiance, the decor and the rooms, I would argue that Hotel Arts is one of the nicest & trendiest hotels in town. -
Review from Lisa Marie M.
Vancouver, BC
4/10/2010
I was meeting friends from out of town for a concert. They arrived the night before.
I caught a very early flight .
I booked my room online (they had a Olympic special ) .
When i got to the hotel i realized that i left my credit card at home. I was not able to check in without it .
Lucky they stored my bags while i went to the store.
My gf was able to use her cc for the deposit,
For the trouble they upgraded my room from a studio to a king room ;)
The hotel is old but has been fixed up boutique style.
The rooms are large and comfy and very clean. The bathrooms are stocked with AVEDA products which i love!
Comfy robes, a large dresser and Armour made my unpacking easy.
Beds super comfy, room service food was excellent and quick,. Bell boy was super cute too.
I defiantly would recommend and stay here again!
-My ratings for this hotel-
5 of 5 stars Value
4 of 5 stars Rooms
4 of 5 stars Location
5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
4 of 5 stars Service
5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
Would i recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes indeed -
Review from Zen A.
1/5/2011
Thanks! Hotel Arts for a great visit. Service was great, even though they missed picking up our breakfast order, they more than made up for it with a buffet coupon -- for a breakfast buffet that is awesome. Rooms are not impeccable, but they are pretty cool... and the linens are super yummy..... staff is super friendly. Hot water!!! YES!!! good amenities and and overall cool vibe. We will stay again!
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Review from dinah g.
Calgary, AB
3/28/2010 14 photos
First of all let me just say that for me this is the hottest hotel that we have in the city. There are amazing art works in the lobby and it is all pimped out in styling retro furniture that would appeal to any celebrity.
With that said I am bringing some celebrity break dancers to the city and my only option to suit their needs would be the Hotel Arts. You have an art nouveau swimming pool, 5 star food dining in two very luxurious restaurants and the most plush hotel interiors that will make any break dancer do multiple head spins.
Plus these rooms are suited up with high cotton thread count linen, huge flat screen televisions and are wired to Wi-Fi so they can still be soooo connected.
The Hotel Arts is also supporting us with an amazing community sponsorship discount for choosing them as number 1. This is so lovely; it just makes our organization look top notch.
Thanks Hotel Arts and I will also see you very soon for my bday, that's how much I heart you! -
Review from Sasha S.
9/1/2009
Hotel Arts is a wonderful place to stay in Calgary. The rooms are very comfortable, and the hotel staff are incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
Best of all is the swimming pool, which is warm and open late. Enjoy! -
Review from Jen H.
12/4/2009 6 photos
Barely 2 stars for the business traveler, 4 stars for everyone else.
This is a hip, pseudo avant-garde hotel, just outside of the main downtown/city area. Newly renovated club-like atmosphere of a lobby, plus room was pretty cool (way hipper than you'd expect for Calgary - no offense, Calgarians), beds were comfy, solid selection of tv channels, great valets/bellmen. 4 stars.
Stayed here 1 night for business travel, so if you, too, are a business traveler, please read on.
Hotel Arts is not for the true business traveler at all, which is why I can barely give it 2 stars. For example, we business travelers tend to check in later at night, since we typically fly out after business hours (i.e., fly after the regular work day is done), which also means we tend to arrive starving b/c we were in-air during dinnertime. Problem is, even with 2 full service (pretty cool-looking) restaurants on premises, neither of them served food past 10p; and the "real" room service menu also stops taking orders @ 1030p. Despite the fact that they state they have 24-hour room service, that's kind of a joke. Be forewarned, my fellow-Yelpers-who-can't-just-eat-shite, that your choices after 1030 pare down to cheesecake, a side salad or a bbq pork sandwich. (I am not exaggerating or joking whatsoever, they specifically read me the choices.) When I went downstairs to the restaurants in search of some real food, both places told me I was s.o.l., that all of the cooks had gone home and that the front desk never knows their correct hours of operation (I won't even get into that). So, I ask the front desk - their reply: "Sorry about that but it is a Monday, you know." Uh... and your point is... Canadians don't eat dinner on Mondays? Hence, underlining my beef about this not being for the business traveler.
Oh, and I would say they desperately need to upgrade the fitness center (see my pics), or at the very least install more lighting - it's totally dim and cramped and kind of creepy, especially if you're working out at night, which again, we business travelers have to do! -
Review from J C.
Edmonton, AB
4/25/2010
Was staying in Calgary for a couple of days. Girlfriend found what appeared to be a contemporary hotel at a good price that she wanted to try. Instead what we received was a hotel trying to be different on a very low budget. Once you enter the hotel you will instantly notice that the fit and finish is terrible... and that quality extends to the room.
There was a 3/8" gap in the between the tile and electrical outlet next to the sink... very safe. There was a hole in shower. While the hotel advertises that it has a plasma TV in its rooms, the quality of the channels were worse than watching TV on the 'bunny-ears' at my grandma house. The video on the TV didn't work half of the time. The heater in the room was terribly loud. And the greatest complaint of all: there must be a club/bar on the main-floor... guess how fun it is to listen to the sound of bass until 2am?!
The hotel employees were nicer than average, but that really doesn't count for much since I don't need to be pampered at all.
As I checked out, I also canceled my reservation for the next week when I'm back in town.
