SD › Calgary Hotels › Hotel Arts Review
Updated: May 6, 2021
By Santorini Dave
Essentials
• Location: 119 12 Ave SW, a block eat of Memorial Park Library.
• Hotel website: hotelarts.ca
• Hotel phone: 403-266-4611
• Check prices on Booking.com
Art-inspired boutique hotel in downtown with trendy and comfortable rooms, some with balconies, an outdoor pool, and 2 award-winning restaurants and bars.
Hotel Arts – Fashionable and luxurious hotel in busy and convenient downtown.
Stylish boutique hotel in Calgary’s downtown Beltline district, just five blocks from trendy 17th Avenue. Décor is creative and sleek with touches of modern art and bold colors. Two awarding-winning restaurants are on-site, one with a wonderful whimsical atmosphere and bistro fare and the other offering a “Vietmodern” cuisine for dinner, complemented by an award-winning cocktail menu. Hotel Arts is the only one in Calgary with an outdoor pool (covered for off-season use), surrounded by a gorgeous patio that features a Patio Bar and fire-top tables. The modern and comfortable rooms feature fashion-forward designs, Keurig coffee machines, and breakfast vouchers. Victoria Memorial Park and the Stampede grounds are just a few blocks away.
See Also
Hotel Arts – Location
- Area: Corner of 12th Avenue SW and Centre Street South. Short walk to the downtown core, trendy 17th Avenue, Calgary Tower, Saddledome arena, and Calgary Stampede.
- Address: 119 12 Ave SW.
- Nearest CTrain: Victoria Park/Stampede (800m) and 1st Street SW (700m).
- How to Get There: Take the CTrain to Victoria Park/Stampede (800m) or 1st Street SW (700m). Note: The downtown CTrain corridor along 7th Avenue is free (no fare required 24/7).
- Handy to: Calgary Tower, Stephen Avenue Walk, CORE Shopping Centre, Stampede grounds.
Hotel Arts – The Basics
- Ages: Guests of all ages are welcome and cribs are available on request.
- Pet Policy: Pets are allowed at a flat fee of CA$30 per pet. Guests must sign a waiver for damages.
- View: Rooms on the north offer downtown views.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: No private pools or jacuzzis. Some Luxury Suites feature bathtubs.
- Parking: Valet parking for CA$30 per night Sunday-Thursday and CA$20 Friday-Saturday. Restaurant guests receive complimentary self-parking.
- Laundry: Laundry, dry-cleaning, and ironing services available.
- Extras: Complimentary cruiser bikes with bike locks and helmets are available (must book in advance). Calgary’s only hotel that boasts an outdoor pool. In-room safes, wet bars (in suites only), and Keurig coffee machines in all rooms.
- When to Book: Book 2-3 months in advance for the Calgary Stampede (10 days in early July) and 1-2 months in advance for the summer, especially for long weekends.
- How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
- Phone: 403-266-4611
- Email: info@hotelarts.ca
- Website: hotelarts.ca
Hotel Arts – Amenities
- Pool: Outdoor pool with poolside dining. The pool deck features fire-top tables and a patio bar. Cocktail and poolside menus available (weekday and weekend). Hotel guests can invite up to 3 visitors (CA$10 fee for each visitor using the pool). An inflatable, illuminated canvas covers the entire poolside courtyard in the winter to keep the temperature constant at +24°C (+75°F).
- Spa: No spa. Several personal spa treatments can be arranged in the comfort of your room from the spa menu.
- Fitness Center: Small, on-site fitness facility. Hours: 6 am to 10 pm. Hotel guests can access a larger gym, Anytime Fitness, just steps from the hotel (100m) for a fee of CA$10. Open 24 hours. Also, Hotshop Hot Yoga is just around the corner from the hotel (150m).
- For Disabled Guests: No accessible rooms.
Hotel Arts – Food and Drink
- Restaurants: Yellow Door Bistro – Great, modern food and excellent service. Popular for hearty breakfasts, 3-course express lunches, and weekend brunches. • Raw Bar – Serves modern Vietnamese fusion cuisine. Award-winning cocktail menu. Open for dinner only. Closed on Sunday and Monday. • Poolside Dining – Lunch and dinner (weekday and weekend) poolside menus available.
- Bar/Lounge: All 3 restaurants (which includes outdoor patio area) feature full bars with dedicated bar seating. Multiple Happy Hours at Yellow Door Monday-Saturday.
- Breakfast: Breakfast-included rooms come with a daily CA$20 credit to redeem against any combination of breakfast and beverage at Yellow Door Bistro. Credit must be used daily; unused credit does not carry over.
- Room Service: 24-hour room service (only some dishes). Orders are delivered in take-out containers (plated if requested). Breakfast is served plated.
Hotel Arts – Rooms
- Room Types: Studio King • Pool View Suite • Luxury Two Queen • Luxury King • Luxury Suite • List of all Rooms
- Smoking Rooms: The hotel is 100% smoke-free. Designated smoking areas outside the hotel.
- Best Room: Pool View Suite features a wet bar, sofa, dressing area, and an Italian marble bathroom and overlooks the outdoor pool. It is much larger than the Luxury rooms.
- For Families: The Luxury Two Queen room can sleep 4.
Hotel Arts – What’s Nearby
Recommended Nearby Tours
- Xploring Calgary Bus Tour – Very interesting and informative bus tour (passenger van, 12 guests) of Canada Olympic Park, Lougheed House, Stampede Park, Fort Calgary, and downtown Calgary. Starting point: Calgary Tower (600m).
- Calgary Downtown Intro Walking Tour – Excellent walking tour of Calgary’s downtown and its history, public art, sculptures, +15 skywalk system, and Chinatown. Starting point: Calgary Municipal Plaza (1 km).
- Stampede Art and Wild West Walking Tour – This excellent walking tour highlights Calgary Stampede’s history, the wall murals and sculptures on the Stampede grounds, chuckwagon races, and the rodeo. Starting point: Stampede Gate inside Stampede Grounds (1 km).
Best Nearby Restaurants
- Ten Foot Henry – Around the corner from the hotel. Vegetable-anchored menu focused on family-style dining (also has a tiny adjoining toast bar, Little Henry, if you are short on time). Scrumptious avocado toast. (100m).
- Native Tongues Taqueria – Rustic and upscale cantina known for its excellent Mexican food, family-style tacos, cocktails, and mezcal and tequila tastings. (200m).
- Vintage Chophouse & Tavern – Upscale, dark wood bar with adjoining dining room. Live local bands play (pop/rock and R&B) every Friday and Saturday evenings 10pm-1am. (400m).
- Red’s Diner – Casual, homey diner with friendly service, open for breakfast and lunch. Famous for their Eggs Benedict. (700m).
- Una Pizza & Wine – Trendy and lively spot serving delicious and creative thin-crust pizzas. Often busy during peak dinner hours; while waiting for a table, check out the romantic and cozy Frenchie Wine Bar located at the back of the restaurant. There is a dog-friendly outdoor patio as well. (1 km).
- Bonterra Trattoria – Casual Italian fare in a Tuscan-style décor. Beet salad is outstanding and so is the beautiful outdoor patio. (1.5 km).
- Posto Pizzeria & Bar – Next to Bonterra Trattoria. Cozy and casual in a rustic atmosphere with a wine bar. Open-flamed pizza oven and some inspired pizzas. Small outdoor patio. (1.5 km).
- The Coup – Ethical vegetarian restaurant focusing on organic, local, and made-from-scratch foods and drinks. Small outdoor patio. (2 km).
Best Nearby Cafes
- Deville Coffee – Just off Stephen Avenue Walk. If you need a break from the crowds, check out this little oasis, especially the coffeeshop’s second level. Amazing coffee, maybe the best in the city. Locals adore this little place. (500m).
- Village Ice Cream – Delicious homemade ice cream. A local favorite, so expect long lines during peak summertime hours. Tucked away at the end of 10th Avenue SE. (1 km).
Best Nearby Bars and Breweries
- Leopold’s Tavern – Around the corner from Hotel Arts. Small, friendly, and extremely popular neighborhood pub with excellent pub-fare. (100m).
- St. James Corner – Also around the corner from the hotel. Two-level Irish pub with large TVs and different sitting areas. Antique décor. (150m).
- Last Best Brewing & Distilling – This contemporary brew pub offers its own brand of in-house beer and delicious pub-fare. Happy hour every day 2-6pm. (800m).
- Trolley 5 – Two-level brewery where you can watch the brewing process from any seat. Outdoor patio spills onto the sidewalk and the hustle and bustle of 17th Avenue. (1.5 km).
Nearby Shopping & Cool Shops
- Stephen Avenue Walk – Pedestrian mall that’s an energetic mix of retail, historical, and cultural destinations – all located on 8 Avenue SW, between 4 Street SW and 1 Street SE. (600m).
- CORE Shopping Centre – 140+ stores spanning several city blocks, including the flagship stores of Holt Renfrew, Harry Rosen, Simons, and The Bay. Home to the Devonian Gardens. Weekends: Free parking for the first 3 hours (starting at mall opening) and a CA$2 flat rate applies thereafter. Weekdays: Free parking after 3 pm. Valet parking is complimentary, however parking fare (for stall) will still apply. (800m).
- The Cookbook Co. Cooks – Kitchen gadgets your thing? Check out this little shop. Includes wine store and bakery downstairs. Cooking classes available. (1 km).
- Steeling Home – A treasure trove of unique gifts, souvenirs, and knick-knacks on 17th Avenue. (2 km).
Nearby Attractions
- Calgary Tower – Observation tower offering fantastic 360-degree views of the city. For the brave, there is an area with a glass floor looking straight down. Also a restaurant/lounge which offers a full rotating view of the city as it revolves once every 45 minutes during lunchtime and every hour during dinner service. Tip: Your elevation fare is complimentary when you order an entrée from the restaurant. (600m).
- Devonian Gardens – The top level of CORE shopping center is home to Devonian Gardens, a large and popular indoor botanical garden with a children’s play area. (1 km).
- Studio Bell, National Music Centre – Museum of instruments and memorabilia with interactive exhibits for all ages. Test how good your singing really is in the sound booth, play various instruments, and tour the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio. Tons of cool artifacts. Some fun exhibits for the kids in the Bodyphonic gallery, especially where the room is the instrument and you see sound move as you use your hands and feet to control the tone. The kids love this one. (1 km).
- Prince’s Island Park – Beautiful and popular island park with picnic spots and several gardens, and also where several festivals are held, including Canada Day celebrations and Calgary Folk Festival. The only way to get to the island is via one of the many pedestrian bridges. The bike and pedestrian Peace Bridge nearby is an architectural marvel. (2 km).
Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores
- Sunterra Market Keynote – Grocery store with gourmet cafeteria-style self-serve, including a coffee bar, large salad bar, and a variety of ready-made meals. 3rd-floor restaurant, MARKETBar, is a full-service bar/restaurant offering a rooftop patio with city views. (300m).
- Safeway – Large supermarket with deli, bakery, and on-site Starbucks. (1 km).
Hotel Arts – The Hotel
This stylish boutique hotel is located on 12th Ave SW.
The lobby is beautiful with lots of comfortable seats.
The hotel has a second entrance on 1st Street SW that also connects to the lobby via this hallway.
Yellow Door Bistro is open daily from 6.30 am and is very popular for its weekend brunch.
Raw Bar has sleek interiors and serves “Vietmodern” cuisine.
Studio Kings are compact in size and don’t have balconies.
The shower/toilet is in a glass-enclosed room and the sink is outside.
The Luxury 2 Queen Rooms with Balcony offer either city or pool views.
Bathrooms are modern and spacious.
Luxury 1 King Rooms with Balcony also feature city/pool views and a dark decor.
The bathrooms also have dark walls.
Luxury Suites with Balcony are spacious with lounge areas and full-sized wet bars.
The bathrooms are plush and feature marble and bathtubs.
The outdoor pool is surrounded by inviting outdoor seating.
There is a small but functional fitness room.
One block west of Hotel Arts is the beautiful Central Memorial Park.
A children’s playground can be found southwest of the hotel in Haultain Park.
Trendy 17th Avenue is known for hip restaurants, unique shops, popular coffee houses, and vibrant nightlife and is just 3 blocks south of the hotel.
Calgary Tower offers fantastic 360-degree views of the city.
8 Avenue SW, stretching between 4 Street SW and 1 Street SE is a major pedestrian mall known as Stephen Avenue Walk.
Deville Coffee call themselves coffee crafters and baked goods dreamers. This branch is steps from Stephen Avenue Walk.
CORE Shopping Centre is huge and features Devonian Gardens as well as free parking.
Devonian Gardens is a huge indoor botanical garden with ponds, waterfall, and children’s play area. Located in the CORE Shopping Centre.
Need a break from shopping? Check out the outdoor green space of Harley Hotchkiss Gardens with benches nestled amongst downtown office towers. Located just across the 7th Ave (CTrain line) from CORE Shopping Centre.
Hotel Arts is one of the closest hotels to the Saddledome arena which hosts many concerts and conferences and is home to the Calgary Flames. It is located on the Calgary Stampede grounds.
Take your complimentary bike for a spin. Bike lanes in Calgary are growing in popularity.
Public art installations such as this can be found across downtown.
Studio Bell, National Music Centre showcases musical instruments and has several fun interactive exhibits.
Some rooms act as musical instruments and kids, especially, have lots of fun using their hands and legs to play music.
Just steps from the hotel, Leopold’s Tavern is very popular.
Next door, Ten Foot Henry serves family-style dishes with a focus on vegetables.
St. James Corner is an authentic Irish pub around the corner from the hotel. Just after Ten Foot Henry.
The Coup is a great vegetarian place that uses only local, organic ingredients.
Native Tongues is an award-winning taqueria in Victoria Park serving wholesome Mexican fare with tequila and mezcal.
Vintage Chophouse & Tavern is one of the best steakhouses in Calgary and has received multiple awards.
Una Pizza & Wine serves great thin crust pizzas. Romantic Frenchie Wine Bar is at the back of the restaurant.
The fantastic Bonterra Italian Trattoria offers indoor casual dining, outdoor Tuscan terrace, and a private Wine Room.
Next door, Posto offers inspired pizzas and cocktail/wine tastings. It has a small outdoor patio as well.
Come for all-day breakfast, signature salads, classic burgers, and especially Eggs Benedict at Red’s Diner.
Popular homemade ice cream place Village Ice Cream can be found at the end of 10th Avenue SE.
Last Best Brewing & Distilling serves excellent in-house craft beer and pub-fare.
The 2-level Trolley 5 brewery serves its own craft beer and has an outdoor patio as well.
For souvenirs, memorabilia, gifts, and surprises, look no further than Steeling Home.
For exotic ingredients, unique cooking utensils, and cookbooks, come to The Cookbook Co. Cooks. Wine store and bakery on-site.
Safeway supermarket is popular because it also has an on-site deli, bakery, and Starbucks.
RiverWalk is an attractive 4 km (2.5 miles) urban pathway along the banks of the Bow and Elbow Rivers. It’s a beautiful spot for a stroll or to ride a pedal/electric bike.
If you would rather see the Peace Bridge instead, continue walking west past the pedestrian bridge for about 12 minutes.
Prince’s Island Park is a beautiful and very popular park in downtown Calgary.
Climb the stairs to Crescent Heights for an incredible view of the Calgary downtown skyline.
All Calgary Hotel Reviews
- Alt Hotel Calgary East Village
- Calgary Marriott Downtown
- Delta Hotels Calgary Downtown
- Fairfield Inn & Suites
- Fairmont Palliser
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Calgary Downtown
- Hotel Arts Kensington
- Hyatt Regency Calgary
- Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
- Le Germain Hotel
- Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire
- The Westin Calgary
About Santorini Dave