Calgary

๐Ÿ›๏ธ

Temporary Accommodation

Short-term housing options such as hotels, motels, and Airbnb for newcomers or visitors.

Sections

Comprehensive Guide to Temporary Accommodation in Calgary, Canada

Calgary, located in the province of Alberta, is a vibrant and growing city known for its friendly residents, stunning natural surroundings, and strong economy. Whether you're a visitor or a new immigrant, finding temporary accommodation is an important first step in settling into the city. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate your options.

1. Types of Temporary Accommodation in Calgary

Calgary offers a variety of temporary accommodation options to suit different budgets, preferences, and durations of stay. Here are the main types:

a. Hotels

  • Description: Hotels are ideal for short-term stays and offer amenities such as housekeeping, Wi-Fi, and on-site dining.
  • Average Cost:
    • Budget hotels: CAD 80โ€“120 per night
    • Mid-range hotels: CAD 120โ€“200 per night
    • Luxury hotels: CAD 250+ per night
  • Popular Areas: Downtown Calgary, Beltline, and near Calgary International Airport (YYC).
  • Booking Tips: Use platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, or directly book through hotel websites. Look for discounts during off-peak seasons or for extended stays.

b. Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.)

  • Description: Fully furnished apartments, condos, or houses available for short-term stays. These are great for families or those who prefer a home-like environment.
  • Average Cost:
    • Private rooms: CAD 50โ€“100 per night
    • Entire apartments/houses: CAD 100โ€“250 per night
  • Popular Areas: Kensington, Mission, Inglewood, and Downtown for proximity to amenities and attractions.
  • Booking Tips: Book early, especially during peak seasons (e.g., Calgary Stampede in July). Check reviews and verify the host's profile for reliability.

c. Extended-Stay Hotels

  • Description: Designed for longer stays, these accommodations offer kitchenettes, laundry facilities, and discounted weekly or monthly rates.
  • Average Cost: CAD 1000โ€“3000 per month, depending on location and amenities.
  • Popular Chains: Residence Inn by Marriott, Staybridge Suites, and Sandman Hotel & Suites.
  • Booking Tips: Contact the hotel directly for long-term discounts.

d. Hostels

  • Description: Budget-friendly accommodations, often with shared rooms and communal facilities. Ideal for solo travelers or those on a tight budget.
  • Average Cost: CAD 30โ€“60 per night for a dorm bed; CAD 80โ€“120 for a private room.
  • Popular Hostels: HI Calgary City Centre Hostel (close to Downtown).
  • Booking Tips: Book through Hostelworld or directly on the hostelโ€™s website. Check for free breakfast or other perks.

e. Temporary Housing for New Immigrants

  • Description: Some organizations and settlement agencies offer temporary housing for newcomers to Canada.
  • Cost: Often subsidized or free for a limited period.
  • Examples:
    • Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)
    • Immigrant Services Calgary
  • Booking Tips: Contact these organizations in advance to inquire about availability and eligibility.

f. Motels

  • Description: Affordable roadside accommodations, often located on the outskirts of the city or near highways.
  • Average Cost: CAD 60โ€“100 per night.
  • Popular Areas: Along Macleod Trail or near major highways like Deerfoot Trail.
  • Booking Tips: Ideal for those with vehicles, as motels are less accessible by public transit.

g. Corporate Housing

  • Description: Fully furnished apartments or condos rented out for business travelers or temporary stays.
  • Average Cost: CAD 1500โ€“4000 per month.
  • Popular Providers: Corporate Stays, Premiere Suites.
  • Booking Tips: Often requires a minimum stay of 30 days. Contact providers directly for availability.

2. Average Costs of Temporary Accommodation

| Type | Cost (Per Night) | Cost (Per Month) | |-------------------------|----------------------|-----------------------| | Budget Hotels | CAD 80โ€“120 | CAD 2400โ€“3600 | | Mid-Range Hotels | CAD 120โ€“200 | CAD 3600โ€“6000 | | Short-Term Rentals | CAD 50โ€“250 | CAD 1500โ€“7500 | | Extended-Stay Hotels | CAD 100โ€“150 | CAD 3000โ€“4500 | | Hostels (Dorm Beds) | CAD 30โ€“60 | CAD 900โ€“1800 | | Corporate Housing | N/A | CAD 1500โ€“4000 |

3. Booking Procedures

  • Online Platforms: Use trusted platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia, or Agoda for hotels and short-term rentals.
  • Direct Contact: For extended-stay hotels or corporate housing, contact the provider directly to negotiate rates and confirm availability.
  • Settlement Agencies: If youโ€™re a new immigrant, reach out to local immigrant services for assistance with temporary housing.
  • Timing: Book as early as possible, especially during peak seasons (e.g., summer, Calgary Stampede in July, or winter holidays).

4. Proximity to Key Areas and Amenities

  • Downtown Calgary: Ideal for business travelers and those who want to be close to restaurants, shopping, and public transit. Accommodations here are more expensive but highly convenient.
  • Kensington and Beltline: Trendy neighborhoods with easy access to cafes, parks, and cultural attractions.
  • Near Calgary International Airport (YYC): Convenient for short stays or layovers, with many hotels offering free airport shuttles.
  • Suburban Areas (e.g., Brentwood, Dalhousie): More affordable options, but farther from the city center. Suitable for families or those with vehicles.

5. Local Considerations and Tips

a. Weather

  • Calgary experiences extreme weather, with cold winters (temperatures can drop below -20ยฐC) and warm summers. Ensure your accommodation has proper heating in winter and air conditioning in summer.

b. Transportation

  • Calgary has an efficient public transit system (buses and C-Trains). Look for accommodations near C-Train stations for easy access to the city.
  • If you plan to drive, check if your accommodation offers free parking.

c. Cultural Considerations

  • Calgary is a multicultural city, and most accommodations are welcoming to people from diverse backgrounds.
  • Tipping is customary in Canada. If you stay in a hotel, tip housekeeping staff (CAD 2โ€“5 per day) and bellhops (CAD 1โ€“2 per bag).

d. Peak Seasons

  • Accommodation prices increase significantly during the Calgary Stampede (July) and major events. Book well in advance if visiting during these times.

e. Safety

  • Calgary is generally a safe city, but itโ€™s always wise to research the neighborhood before booking. Areas like Downtown, Kensington, and Beltline are safe and well-connected.

f. Temporary Housing for New Immigrants

  • If youโ€™re a newcomer, prioritize accommodations near settlement agencies, language schools, or job centers to ease your transition.

6. Actionable Suggestions

  1. Determine Your Budget and Needs: Decide whether you need a hotel, rental, or hostel based on your budget, group size, and length of stay.
  2. Book Early: Especially during peak seasons or if youโ€™re looking for specific amenities like parking or pet-friendly accommodations.
  3. Use Trusted Platforms: Stick to reputable booking websites or contact providers directly to avoid scams.
  4. Consider Proximity: Choose accommodations near public transit or key areas like Downtown or Beltline for convenience.
  5. Check Reviews: Read reviews on platforms like Google, TripAdvisor, or Airbnb to ensure quality and reliability.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to find temporary accommodation in Calgary that suits your needs and budget. Enjoy your stay in this beautiful city!