$100–150

Motel Village is Calgary’s main concentration of moderately priced motels. The “village” is not an official designation, just a dozen motels bunched together on a single block bordered by 16th Avenue NW, Crowchild Trail, and Banff Trail. From the adjacent Banff Trail station, downtown is a short, safe ride away on the C-train. Here, the Comfort Inn (2369 Banff Trail NW, 403/289-2581 or 800/228-5150, www.comfortinncalgary.com, $139–179 s or d includes breakfast) combines a wide range of amenities with reasonable rates to be my pick of Motel Village accommodations. All rooms have a simple yet snazzy contemporary look, along with high-speed Internet, a coffeemaker, a hair dryer, and an ironing facility. Other features include an indoor pool and waterslide complex.

Tucked away on the forested Paskapoo Slopes, beside Canada Olympic Park, Ridge Side Retreat (430 85th St. SW, 403/288-3415 or 877/344-3400, www.ripleyridge.com, $145–375 s or d includes breakfast) offers guests the choice of accommodations in two rustic cabins—one with a full kitchen, the other with a woodstove and loft—or in spacious, comfortable units such as the City Light Suite, which features panoramic city views from a private sitting room.

$150–200

Directly opposite Canada Olympic Park is the Four Points by Sheraton Calgary West (8220 Bow Ridge Crescent NW, 403/288-4441 or 877/288-4441, www.fourpointscalgarywest.com, $169–195 s or d), a real standout for motel accommodations on this side of the city. The 150 rooms are big and bright and each has a balcony (ask for one with a view of Canada Olympic Park). Along with city-hotel luxuries like free wireless Internet and room service, other amenities include an indoor pool and water slide, a fitness center, a day spa, and a restaurant.

Across the road from the Sheraton is Sandman Hotel & Suites (125 Bow Ridge Crescent NW, 403/288-6033 or 800/726-3626, www.sandmanhotels.com, $185 s or d). It features spacious modern rooms, an indoor pool, a fitness room, and a 24-hour Denny’s restaurant.

© Andrew Hempstead, from Moon Western Canada, 3rd Edition