Airport hotels tend to serve one very specific purpose: get you close to your terminal, get some sleep, and get back on your way. But during my recent stay at Acclaim Hotel by Clique Calgary Airport, I found a property that makes the overnight airport stay feel like a little more of an experience.

I was travelling into Calgary in the evening and flying home to Toronto the following morning, so I wanted somewhere close to the airport where I could check in, get comfortable and enjoy a proper night of rest before an early travel day. Acclaim Hotel turned out to be exactly that, with a newly renovated Elevated King Suite, a spa-inspired shower, room service and thoughtful airport amenities that made the whole stay feel seamless.

And it was a refreshing reminder that a convenient hotel can still feel stylish, considered and genuinely comfortable.

A Convenient Stay Just Minutes from Calgary Airport

Located just minutes from Calgary International Airport, Acclaim Hotel is designed with travellers in mind. The hotel offers a 24-hour airport shuttle, flight information screens in the lobby and a range of amenities that make it easy to move between your flight and your room without much fuss.

I had let the team know I’d be arriving in the evening, so someone was ready to assist me at the front desk when I checked in. That small detail made the arrival feel welcoming, especially after a day of travelling.

But what stood out right away was that Acclaim doesn’t feel like the typical airport hotel. The design is contemporary and polished, with stylish interiors, artwork that brings in a sense of Calgary and Western Alberta, and thoughtful touches that make the spaces feel more personal than purely practical.

Inside the Elevated King Suite

I stayed in the hotel’s newly renovated Elevated King Suite, and it was a lovely place to settle in for the night.

The suite features a comfortable king-sized bed, a double pull-out sofa bed and plenty of space to unpack and organize your things. For a quick overnight stay, having room to spread out makes a difference. I was able to get my luggage sorted, prepare for the next day of travel and settle in without feeling like I was living out of a suitcase in a cramped hotel room.

The room also has a 65-inch TV with cable, Chromecast, high-speed Wi-Fi, an in-room coffee machine and a mini fridge. I put on a show, got comfortable and let the evening slow down.

The bed was spacious and inviting, with plush bedding that made it very easy to switch into rest mode. And the lighting and artwork gave the room a warm, modern feel that was especially nice after a day spent moving between airports and travel plans.

The Shower Might Be the Best Part

One of the first things I noticed in the suite was the bathroom.

The Elevated King Suite features a massage jet shower with multiple settings and streams, and it was one of those unexpected hotel details that immediately made the stay feel more elevated. After travelling, there’s something especially satisfying about being able to take a long, refreshing shower and properly unwind.

The bathroom itself felt thoughtfully upgraded, with generous surfaces for toiletries and personal items, modern finishes and a spa-inspired atmosphere. It’s the kind of bathroom that makes getting ready feel less like a quick hotel routine and more like a small moment of relaxation.

Between the shower, the room’s spacious layout and the comfortable bed, the suite made it easy to settle in and enjoy the evening rather than simply crash before a flight.

Room Service Makes It a Proper Night In

After checking in and getting comfortable following a long travel day, I was more than happy to stay in for the evening. Acclaim Hotel has two on-site dining options: 5 O’Clock Cafe & Lounge, located in the lobby, and Pacini Restaurant, which serves Italian cuisine.

Both offer options for guests who want to enjoy a meal without leaving the hotel, and room service meant I could have dinner brought right to my suite.

I ordered room service from 5 O’Clock Cafe & Lounge: a crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and creamy dressing, plus the pepperoni and bacon calzone, stuffed with mozzarella, onions and bell peppers and served with warm marinara. It was exactly the kind of easy, comfort dinner I wanted before an early flight.

The large TV, soft lighting and comfortable king bed made the suite feel like its own little retreat. I organized my things for the next morning, enjoyed my dinner and let myself have a proper night of rest before continuing my travels.

For anyone arriving late or departing early, having dining options on-site and the ability to enjoy a meal in your room is a particularly welcome convenience.

Thoughtful Amenities Beyond the Room

While my stay was focused on an overnight stop, Acclaim Hotel has several amenities that could make it worth staying longer.

The hotel’s Sky Deck features two rooftop jetted hot tubs, where guests can slip into a bathrobe and enjoy a soak under the night sky. There’s also a 24-hour fitness centre with a Peloton bike and exercise equipment, plus a business centre and guest laundry facilities.

For travellers who are in Calgary for work, the hotel offers meeting and event spaces, along with practical amenities to support a busy schedule. For leisure travellers, the on-site restaurants, rooftop hot tubs and more that make it a convenient base for a short stay.

Have an early flight? The shuttle has you covered!

The next morning came early… very early. With an early flight back to Toronto, I was up in time to catch Acclaim Hotel’s 5:15 a.m. airport shuttle. Thankfully, the service was running that early, which made getting to the airport one less thing to worry about. The team loaded everyone’s luggage, waited for the guests who had signed up for that departure, and then dropped us off directly at the entrance associated with our route and airline. When you’re heading to the airport before sunrise, that kind of smooth, thoughtful service makes a real difference.

For a one-night stay before an early flight, Acclaim Hotel gave me exactly what I was looking for: a comfortable suite, a relaxing evening, dinner without having to leave my room and a smooth ride to the airport the next morning. It made what could have been a purely practical overnight stop feel like a genuinely enjoyable part of the trip.

Planning a stay? Visit the Acclaim Hotel by Clique Calgary Airport website for current room options, offers, amenities and more.