Catherine Driver

My Review As a first-time visitor to Calgary and a solo traveller without a vehicle, I was looking for a central, Downtown hotel with convenient access to public transportation. I didn’t want to go super budget for my stay. I was in the mood to treat myself! The Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Calgary ended up ticking all of these boxes, climbing to the top of my list of the best places to stay in Calgary.

👉 Jump to:  | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQ As a Vancouverite, I’ll admit I’m guilty of overlooking Calgary. But when a workshop brought me here, I embraced the opportunity to dive deep into this underrated city, and realized it’s full of gems. I’ve created this guide to help you decide where to stay in Calgary so you’ll end up loving the city as much as I did. If it’s your first time in Calgary, I suggest staying Downtown. It’s central and walkable, with lots of attractions and restaurants.

Mexico’s Día de los Muertos festival, or Day of the Dead, is a feast for the senses. And I am obsessed. I love everything about this celebration: the colourful ofrendas with their meaningful symbolism, pots of bright orange and yellow marigolds that pop up at every turn, and the stunning Catrinas with their smiling skull faces and opulent gowns.