You know that excitement you feel when you walk into a hotel lobby and you can smell the pool?
Just me?
It doesn’t matter how old I get, when the scent of chlorine wafts by, a piece of me feels like a kid on vacation. The excitement! The possibilities! And then one kid shoves another and the third starts panicking about a lost bag and I realize the hotel manager is waiting for me to take out my credit card . . .
But when you’re a kid, what’s better than a hotel with a pool?
Right! A hotel with a waterslide! We’ve put together a list of the top five hotels with waterslides in Calgary. How did we determine the top five? Using the scientific method of personal experience, asking our friends, and checking out reviews, of course. This has been the year of the staycation, and even if you’d rather be on a beach in Mexico, dull the pain with a little chlorine. Fun is what you make it, so I hear.
Please note: As COVID restrictions have been constantly changing, please check with the hotel to confirm these details. You can find the latest hotel restrictions HERE.
Calgary Hotels with Waterslides
Best Western Plus Port O’Call Hotel
On a cold January day a few years ago, I said to the kids, “January needs something fun since we’re not going on vacation (again) this winter. What should we do?”
“Nothing,” said my preteen, with a scowl.
“The airport,” said the middle, with a taste of his mother’s grasp on reality.
The youngest just wanted to go swimming.
So, naturally, we packed our bags and headed to the Best Western Plus Port O’Call Hotel near the Calgary Airport. This hotel is well-loved by families and boasts two 3-storey waterslides, a couple of little hot tubs, and a toddler pool, with lots of room to sit and relax. But if you’re truly there to relax, you’ll probably want to check out the second pool and hot tub downstairs, away from all the excitement.
Address: 1935 McKnight Boulevard NE, Calgary, AB
Phone: 403-291-4600
Website: www.bestwestern.com
Sheraton Cavalier Hotel Calgary
Also near the Calgary airport, the Sheraton Cavalier Hotel Calgary boasts 2 waterslides, one that is 2-storeys and one that is 3-storeys. There is a separate pool for swimmers, a wading pool for tots, and an adults-only hot tub and sauna option. You can also order some food from the snack bar that overlooks the pool. At the time of writing, this hotel is rated number 2 in Calgary on TripAdvisor for Calgary hotels with waterslides, and you can enjoy upscale rooms and great playtime.
Address: 2620 32nd Avenue NE, Calgary, AB
Phone: 403-291-0107
Website: www.marriott.com
Best Western Premier Freeport Inn Calgary Airport
The Best Western Premier Freeport Inn is (you guessed it!) also near the Calgary Airport. It’s great for families with smaller children, and has a one-storey waterslide with a relatively shallow pool, for kids to make a big splash. A hot tub is near the splash-down pool. This hotel also offers free breakfast, with grab-and-go options.
Address: 86 Freeport Boulevard NE, Calgary, AB
Phone: 403-264-9650
Website: www.bestwesterncalgary.com
Staybridge Suites – Calgary Airport
Bigger families – I hear you. It can be hard to find a hotel room where you’ll all fit. Staybridge Suites Calgary Airport has room for your family, as this all-suite hotel features full kitchens and some units with separate bedrooms. The hotel helps feed the clan with free breakfast and food during the “social reception” from Monday to Wednesday evening. There is a 2-storey waterslide that ends in a large pool for swimmers and non-swimmers can watch from the large deck or the hot tub.
Address: 2825 Sunridge Way NE, Calgary, AB
Phone: 403-204-7829
Website: www.ihg.com
Delta Hotels Calgary South
The lovely Delta Hotels Calgary South is known for its convenient location near MacLeod Trail, with shopping and restaurants close by and also for the “Big Gusher,” a 2-storey waterslide in one of two pool areas. The second pool area in the Atrium might be more relaxing for those without kids and both pool areas have a hot tub. Some of the rooms feature interior balconies that overlook the Atrium.
Address: 135 Southland Drive SE, Calgary, AB
Phone: 403-278-5050
Website: www.marriott.com
Plus One Outside Calgary:
Grande Rockies Resort
One November weekend, when not much was going on, my parents took my kids to the Grande Rockies Resort in Canmore. It was fabulous for all of us – hooray for grandparents! But pertinent to this article, was how amazing my kids rated everything. They loved the condo suite they stayed in and years later, they still talk about the ensuite shower. They spent hours in the pool area, with the 3-storey waterslide and the indoor/outdoor hot tub. The resort is also conveniently located within walking distance of many shops and restaurants. Calling all grandparents!
Address: 901 Mountain St, Canmore, AB
Phone: 1-877-223-3398
Website: www.granderockies.com
Looking for even more options? Check out this article in the Canadian Hotel Guide. Sometimes you just need a little getaway, even if you’re not getting away very far. Pack your swimsuit and your sense of excitement and head to a local waterslide hotel for your next staycation!
