eeeek! we may be off to Calgary for a few days to sniff it out from 28 dec - 3 jan!
very short notice this, we thought we would only go next year some time and that we would have loads more time, but unfortunately (or is it fortunately?) it is now or never!
i'm just having a look at accommodation online as well , but can anyone recommend good, cheap accommodation in calgary and/or cochrane?
we want to drive around quite a bit so don't want any hassles with parking.
any ideas? anyone? pretty pleease?

How cheap is cheap? I often stay at the Best Western Village Park, which I think is comfortable and reasonable (and right by the c-train) but Calgary is not especially cheap for hotels so it depends...

thanks agr!

We know a few places that rent out their basements. Cheaper than a hotel and more personal perhaps. Not sure if they will take people in at that time of year. Anyway, drop us a line if you want to explore that option.

Kind regards,

Eamonn & Janet.

Motel Village (as suggested already), HoJo on Macleod, OR (is want a guide) Best western downtown on 8th Street SW (I can see you from my window then)

So can I ....

It's a pretty good hotel and close to downtown and 17th Ave (so plenty of places to eat and drink in the evening). Good access to transit as well.

Have a great time wherever you choose to stay! J

What about parking though?

they have free parking for residents

I think this hotel is often overlooked because it's off the main touristy routes but it is in a great location easy transit, good (free) parking and it's a pretty quiet location - I find the hotels on Macleod suffer from traffic noise pretty much 24 hours a day now.

J

Just added links for named locations.

thank you so much everyone for your suggestions!
very helpful!!

Best western downtown seems perfect, but it is a bit more pricey than I expected.
We decided to go with motel village where I got 20% discount for staying 3 nights or more. Yippee!

One more question (off topic): would we need snow chains if we plan to take our teeny rental car to banff and lake louise for a looksee?

NO SNOW CHAINS, just careful driving (and all season/winter tires)

PMd Ya

thanks Butch. do you think our rental car will come with winter tires? or should i contact the rental place beforehand and request it?

thanks for the PM - i'll reply tonight :0)
you've managed to put a big fat smile on my face

Snowdogs has found that he can get them for a premium, I'd give em a call and see (the rental company NOT Snowdogs)