If you’re looking for a modern downtown stay that balances comfort, style, and a little romance, Element Calgary Downtown (624 6 Ave SW, Calgary) should be on your radar. We checked in for a staycation and left completely refreshed despite a busy schedule!
Between the sweeping city views, rooftop cocktails, and easy access to Kensington and the Bow River Path, this hotel is a gem for couples or anyone craving a well-rounded getaway in Calgary.
element makes a first impression
Located in Calgary’s West Village, just steps from the river and a short walk from Kensington, Element Calgary Downtown greets you with a sleek, newly renovated lobby. Think light wood accents, airy minimalism, and plenty of cozy spots to sit or work remotely.
On your left, you’ll find the check-in desk. On your right, the Wander Café makes a chic first stop for your morning latte or an afternoon work session. It’s bright, cozy, and perfect for easing into your morning or catching up on emails.
Within steps from this, there’s a 24-hour fitness centre for those who like to keep active on the road, plus a pantry stocked with grab-and-go essentials (yes, even pints of Ben & Jerry’s). tucked into the lobby.
Later for us, the lobby pantry came in clutch with late night treats and road trip-style snacks, cold drinks, and more.
the suite life of element calgary
We stayed in one of their corner One-Bedroom King Suites, and the views alone made it worth it. With floor-to-ceiling windows wrapping around two walls, you can take in sweeping views of Kensington and Calgary’s skyline.
Inside, the space feels more like an upscale apartment than a hotel room. There’s a full kitchen with a fridge, sink, microwave, electric kettle, and even a dishwasher plus all the dish and glassware you could need.
The layout flows into a living room with a sofa, TV, and workspace before leading to a separate king bedroom (with another TV) and a spacious bathroom.
Everything feels brand new, spotless, and designed with both comfort and function in mind.
take the elevator to a rooftop breakfast & dinner
BOW & BEND ROOFTOP
Element’s 12th floor rooftop restaurant, Bow & Bend, is a date night must. In the evening, we stopped by for after-work apps and drinks and loved the mix of relaxed vibes and elevated bites.
We ordered their Teriyaki Beef Bao Buns, Whipped Ricotta, and their Charcuterie Board, paired with a bottle of Tomato Wheels Lambrusco (founded by a Canadian Indigenous entrepreneur!) that we can’t recommend enough.
If you’re not in the mood to leave the hotel for dinner, this rooftop is reason enough to stay in. Between the menu, the cocktails, and the patio views, it’s an easy date spot right upstairs from your suite.
breakfast goals
RISE BREAKFAST
Hotel breakfasts don’t usually make the highlight reel, but the complimentary Rise breakfast buffet at Bow & Bend deserves its own spotlight. Rather than a standard setup, it feels like walking through a fresh market.
There’s a chef’s table serving a daily feature small plate, a hot bar with frittatas, hash browns, and chicken sausages, a fruit station, a toast-and-spread bar, make-your-own yogurt parfaits, plus tea, coffee, juice, and spa water.
It’s elevated, interactive, and makes mornings feel like an experience in themselves.
exploring from element
One of the best parts about Element Calgary Downtown is how walkable it is. From the hotel, we strolled across the iconic Peace Bridge, wandered along the Bow River Path, and crossed into Kensington for lunch at Blanco Cantina.
Being right on the edge of both downtown and Kensington makes it easy to plan a mix of urban and riverside adventures without ever needing to drive.
Book your stay here and start planning your next date night (or weekend staycation) with views, vibes, and all the little details that make a getaway feel special.
