Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel

Overall Impression & Vibe

With the city positioned as a Western Canadian hub, the hotel leverages its exclusive in-terminal location to offer respite and rest to weary, delayed or inconvenienced air passengers or those who just want to rest up before a long stretch of travel.

A two-night stay was an unexpected yet welcome recharge, just the thing needed before jetting off again. A glass staircase leading to the mezzanine, highlighted with a waterfall chandelier greets guests entering the hotel lobby, while streamlined decor throughout adds to the welcoming and un-fussy atmosphere. 

A convenient airline boarding pass kiosk in the lobby (no late check in here!), incredible indoor pool and fitness centre overlooking the runway, are just the touches that make a brief stay a delight. 

Room

Just steps from the International Terminal at Calgary International Airport, the 318 room, 15 suite property elevates the ho-hum airport hotel experience. At 452 square feet, my room feels like an ultra-spacious oasis complete with a large bathroom with walk-in shower and double sinks (a requisite). Though overlooking the runway, the pin drop silence means a good rest (my M Club Level room comes complete with a telescope to peep the Calgary skyline or get up close to all the airplane action). 

Access to the M Club lounge means a hot buffet breakfast, all day snacks and non-alcoholic beverages as well as delicious hors d’oeuvre and dessert in the evening. It’s here that I enjoy chatting with longtime employee Tony, reminiscing about our mutual love for a small South Pacific Island.

Dining

Taking inspiration from Aboriginal, Asian, and North American cuisines, Yakima Social Kitchen + Bar is a highlight of my stay. My diamond old fashioned, comes to the table with wafts of hickory, leaving a gentle smoke trail behind – a showstopper and just the pairing for the excessively crunchy house-made kettle chips and sriracha aioli. 

The wine and cocktail program here is solid and varied with a selection of red, white and sparkling wines from across Canada, and old and new world regions as well as non-alcoholic choices. I indulge in Coravin pours of Duvenay Crozes Hermitage, and order the pan-seared black cod, dusted with sumac and served with rice noodle cake, shimeji mushrooms, and green goddess cream.

Don’t sleep on the local Alberta Bel Heaven baked brie served with Early Dawn Farm goat milk caramel sauce, and spiced maple pecans. Dessert takes a dramatic turn with an apple caramel and whisky cake that comes to the table in a haze of dry ice, while the dark chocolate layered cake is a dream with lashings of chocolate ganache and caramelized popcorn. The menu is a beautiful nod to Alberta produce.

Clockwise from Top Left: The modern indoor pool; runway views inside M Club room; Apple and Whisky cake dessert at Yakima Social kitchen + Bar; a waterfall chandelier overlooks the lobby; M Club Lounge offers all-day treats.

This original article first appeared in the FALL 2025 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.

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