The Fairmont Palliser Gold Experience

The spa and an evening at Hawthorn were the best parts of my winter visit: I had a great massage, relaxed in the pool, and enjoyed live music with fine food. I was in Calgary from Edmonton, and the Fairmont Palliser’s railway-era character made the stay feel connected to Alberta and Canadian history. The marble pillars and high ceilings give it a grand feel, though it’s still welcoming and comfortable. Breakfast by the bright windows was a nice, calm start to the day. At Hawthorn Dining Room & Bar, the different dining areas had their own feel, from brighter modern spaces to the warmer area by the hearth. During a deep -20°C cold snap, there was a small utilities issue, but the team handled it thoughtfully and the stay’s quality held up. I visited in Winter 2025.

The location is right in the heart of Calgary, just steps from the Calgary Tower, so I’d recommend staying here. Our room had a great view of the tower and was spacious and clean, with the very comfortable bedding I expect from a Fairmont. It was quite dark inside, though, and the washroom felt incredibly small. The shower also leaked a bit. Kushar at the front desk was friendly, patient, and professional, and assigned us the room.

Nicole made planning easy. She was responsive and helpful throughout, and especially accommodating on the wedding day, including giving us access to several hotel rooms for photos. The food was outstanding: a four-course plated dinner and a custom late-night snack. Our three-tier vintage piped cake looked beautiful and turned out even better than the inspiration photos. The hotel and banquet room were lovely, and the details felt carefully handled. We also found champagne and chocolates waiting in our suite, plus a lovely turndown service. It was a special touch at the end of the night. We couldn’t have asked for a better wedding venue or experience, and the team clearly cared about making the day feel right.

The Gold Lounge was a real highlight during my stay for the CTF 2025 Annual Tax Conference. I dropped in a couple of times daily, and the food and drinks were consistently fresh and high quality. The lounge staff were warm, attentive, and quick to handle my requests. My room was quiet and comfortable, and housekeeping kept it thoroughly clean and organized every day. Room service arrived promptly, as ordered, and was nicely presented. Check-in and check-out were both easy and efficient. I’m very pleased I chose the Gold Floor at the Fairmont Palliser. The service made the trip both productive and relaxing, and I’d happily stay again or recommend it to business and conference visitors.