Whether you’re booking a park-sleep-fly package before a flight out of YYC or comparing mid-range hotels near Calgary International Airport, you need clear answers about what this northeastern Calgary property actually offers today. The former Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre Calgary has since been rebranded as DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North, and this shift affects everything from shuttle policies to loyalty program eligibility. This guide pulls together verified property data, user review patterns, and direct OTA listings to answer the questions Calgary travellers ask most.
Last checked: 2026-05-22
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Ownership: Choice Hotels franchise · Distance to YYC: 5 km (~15-minute drive)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-05-22.
Sources reviewed: Online travel agency listings (KAYAK, Expedia, Trip.com), park-sleep-fly aggregator (AirportParkingReservations), hotel brand sites (Hilton, Marriott), travel community forums (TripAdvisor), and franchise association records (International Franchise Association).
We did not conduct an on-site visit, staff interview, or independent price verification. Reviews span multiple years and reflect guest experiences across both the Clarion and DoubleTree branding periods.
At a Glance
Location & Proximity
- 2120 16th Avenue Northeast, Calgary, Alberta — approximately 5 km from Calgary International Airport (YYC), roughly a 15-minute drive (based on KAYAK Canada)
- Sits just off the Trans-Canada Highway in Northeast Calgary, near Crossroads Park (per KAYAK Canada)
Ownership & Branding
- The property was formerly listed as Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre Calgary, now operating as DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North (per Expedia)
- Clarion is a Choice Hotels franchise brand; the International Franchise Association lists Choice Hotels as the parent organization (per International Franchise Association)
Parking & Airport Access
- Free self-parking for guests confirmed on Expedia
- Roundtrip airport shuttle available for a surcharge — not complimentary — as listed on both KAYAK and Expedia
Room & Amenity Mix
- 185 rooms across categories: King Rooms, Queen Rooms with two queen beds, and Family Rooms with king plus double beds and sofa bed (per KAYAK Canada)
- Indoor heated pool, fitness centre, on-site restaurant Fontanella (breakfast, lunch, dinner), bar/lounge, and free Wi-Fi across all rooms (based on KAYAK)
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hotel Name (current) | DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North |
| Former Name | Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre Calgary |
| Address | 2120 16th Avenue Northeast, Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Distance to YYC | 5 km (approx. 15-minute drive) |
| Check-In / Check-Out | 4:00 PM / 11:00 AM |
| Parking | Free self-parking for guests |
| Airport Shuttle | Roundtrip shuttle for a surcharge (not complimentary) |
| Pool | Indoor heated pool |
| Restaurant | Fontanella (breakfast, lunch, dinner) |
| Pet Policy | Pets allowed on request; additional charges may apply |
| Meeting Space | 7 meeting rooms |
Who Are Clarion Hotels Owned By?
The Clarion brand traces back to Choice Hotels, one of the largest hotel franchisors in the world. According to the International Franchise Association, Choice Hotels International owns and franchises several mid-scale brands including Clarion, Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Sleep Inn. Clarion properties operate under franchise agreements, meaning each location is independently owned but licensed to use the brand name, standards, and reservation systems of Choice Hotels. This franchise model means that while the brand sets baseline expectations for room quality, amenities, and service, individual property owners retain operational control — which is why shuttle policies, parking arrangements, and pet fees can vary from one Clarion to another.
The Calgary property illustrates this variability well. While some Canadian Clarion hotels offer complimentary parking as a standard feature, the former Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre Calgary has transitioned to DoubleTree by Hilton, now under the Hilton portfolio’s franchise umbrella. What this means for travellers: ownership questions matter less than the specific policy details at your actual booking. The Clarion name may still appear in park-sleep-fly packages and older OTA listings even though the property now operates under a different brand flag.
The implication is that verifying the current branding before booking matters. OTAs often retain historical names in listings, creating a potential mismatch between what you book and what you receive at check-in. Checking the property’s current listing on Hilton’s site or a recent review thread helps close that gap.
Is Clarion a Franchise?
Yes. Clarion operates exclusively as a franchise brand under Choice Hotels. According to the International Franchise Association, no corporate entity owns and operates Clarion locations directly; instead, independent hotel owners purchase the right to use the Clarion brand, access Choice Hotels’ loyalty program (Choices Privileges), and list on distribution platforms connected to Choice’s reservation system. Choice’s own brand materials confirm that Clarion targets the upper-midscale to upscale segment, positioning itself between economy brands and full-service premium chains.
For Calgary travellers, the practical effect of the franchise model is that policies change when ownership changes. The transition from Clarion to DoubleTree by Hilton reflects a franchise switch — from Choice Hotels to Hilton Worldwide. That switch carries implications for loyalty program earning (Hilton Honors vs. Choices Privileges), breakfast inclusion policies (often a Hilton standard), and the bundled amenities that come with the room rate. DoubleTree, as a Hilton brand, follows Hilton’s standards for things like the complimentary cookie at check-in, free Wi-Fi for Honours members, and the DoubleTree Bedding collection.
The pattern here: franchise brands shift loyalties, and rebranding typically signals a new owner or management company taking over the property. The Clarion-to-DoubleTree transition means you’re dealing with a different corporate parent and a different set of perks — not just a paint job and a new logo. Understanding which brand currently operates your hotel prevents the frustration of expecting Clarion benefits from a DoubleTree property.
Where Do Visiting NHL Teams Stay in Calgary?
When NHL teams travel to Calgary for games at the Scotiabank Saddledome, they typically book accommodations based on proximity to the arena, practice facility access, and security requirements. Team travel staff coordinate directly with hotels well in advance, and visiting teams from markets like Vancouver, Edmonton, and Toronto often select properties in the downtown core or near the airport depending on flight arrival times and practice schedules.
Whether the former Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre Calgary specifically hosted visiting NHL teams is not confirmed in available public sources. TripAdvisor forum discussions about team travel in Calgary reference various downtown and airport-area hotels but do not specifically name the Clarion property. The airport proximity would make sense for teams arriving on late-night flights, but the hotel’s conference facilities and event space catering to 7 meeting rooms suggests it leans toward corporate groups and park-sleep-fly travellers rather than sports team logistics.
What this means: if you’re a sports fan planning a trip around an NHL game, the airport-area DoubleTree location works for the practical convenience of proximity to YYC, but downtown Calgary hotels offer easier access to the Saddledome without a car. The Clarion/DoubleTree property is better suited for travellers who need parking included with their stay or who have early-morning flights after the game rather than fans prioritizing game-night immersion.
What Is the Best Area in Calgary to Stay?
Calgary offers distinct accommodation zones that serve different traveller priorities. Downtown Calgary (including the Beltline and East Village neighbourhoods) puts you within walking distance of the Calgary Tower, Stephen Avenue, and the RiverWalk — ideal for tourists and first-time visitors who want to experience the city’s core on foot. The area near the Calgary Zoo and East Village has seen significant revitalization, offering newer hotels and quick CTrain access to the Saddledome for sports events.
Northeast Calgary, where the DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North sits, targets a different traveller profile. The Trans-Canada Highway location gives straightforward highway access to both the airport and downtown, making it practical for travellers with cars or those using park-sleep-fly packages. KAYAK’s property listing notes that Northeast Calgary near Crossroads Park is a viable option for airport adjacency, particularly for families and road trippers who prioritize parking and shuttle convenience over walkability to attractions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free self-parking for guests — a significant cost saver compared to downtown Calgary hotels that charge $25–$40 CAD nightly for parking
- Indoor heated pool appeals to families and travellers with children
- Approximately 5 km from Calgary International Airport; shuttle available for a surcharge
- 185 rooms across multiple configurations (King, Queen, Family) accommodate solo travellers, couples, and groups
- On-site restaurant Fontanella serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner — convenient for guests who prefer not to drive for meals
- 7 meeting rooms support business travellers and event planners needing conference space in Northeast Calgary
- Pet-friendly policy (on request, charges may apply) accommodates travellers with service animals or companion pets
Cons
- Airport shuttle is not complimentary — travellers pay per trip, unlike Four Points by Sheraton Calgary Airport which offers a free shuttle
- Breakfast is not included in the standard room rate; cooked-to-order breakfast at Fontanella carries an additional surcharge per Expedia listings
- Location in Northeast Calgary means driving or rideshare required to reach downtown attractions, restaurants, and the Scotiabank Saddledome
- Guest reviews on KAYAK indicate mixed feedback on staff responsiveness, with some reviewers describing slow or inconsistent service
- The rebranding from Clarion to DoubleTree means older reviews may not reflect the current room product, service standards, or Hilton-branded amenities
- No dedicated Park and Fly package listed directly through Hilton’s site — travellers interested in bundled parking plus hotel plus shuttle need to book through third-party aggregators like ParkSleepFly
| Who it’s best for | Why this property fits |
|---|---|
| Park-sleep-fly travellers | Free parking combined with airport shuttle access makes this one of the more economical off-airport options near YYC. ParkSleepFly packages advertised for this property include complimentary parking for the trip duration, shuttle to YYC, and an overnight hotel stay. |
| Families with young children | The indoor heated pool, Family Rooms with sofa beds, and on-site restaurant reduce the need to leave the property for basic needs. Free parking simplifies the logistics of loading and unloading gear. |
| Business travellers needing airport proximity | The 15-minute drive to YYC, 7 meeting rooms, and business centre serve corporate guests with early flights or tight schedules. Hilton Honors membership unlocks standard DoubleTree perks for members. |
| Budget-conscious travellers seeking midscale accommodations | Recent KAYAK pricing shows rates ranging from roughly $85 CAD to $238 CAD depending on date and room type, positioning this property below Calgary’s average hotel-with-parking rate of CAD 215 on weekdays and CAD 221 on weekends per Trip.com. |
| Airport layovers | The combination of indoor pool, 24-hour shuttle availability (surcharge), and free parking suits travellers with long connections between flights who want a restful space without paying premium downtown rates. |
Getting There
DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North sits at 2120 16th Avenue Northeast, Calgary, Alberta, in the Northeast Calgary industrial and commercial corridor near Crossroads Park. From Calgary International Airport (YYC), the property is approximately 5 km away — roughly a 15-minute drive via Barlow Trail and 16th Avenue NE. The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) runs nearby, providing a direct route eastward toward the airport and westward toward downtown Calgary. For travellers using park-sleep-fly packages, the shuttle from the property to YYC operates on a scheduled basis for an additional fee.
The nearest CTrain station is Zoo, roughly 2 km from the property, connecting to downtown Calgary’s transit network. However, the location is not walkable to major attractions — visitors exploring the city will need a car or rideshare. Calgary Zoo, listed as the closest landmark to the property per KAYAK, is about 4.7 km from the address, making it accessible by car but not by foot from the hotel. For more information, click Clarion Hotel Calgary rebranding.
Nearby Alternatives
When evaluating DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North, two related properties appear in Calgary-area searches and comparison contexts.
DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North vs. Four Points by Sheraton Calgary Airport
The most direct competitor in the airport-adjacent category is Four Points by Sheraton Calgary Airport, operated by Marriott. According to Marriott’s official site, Four Points offers a complimentary airport shuttle to YYC — a meaningful differentiator against the DoubleTree’s surcharge-based shuttle model. Both hotels provide free on-site parking, but Four Points explicitly states that a Park and Fly option is not available, whereas the DoubleTree’s park-sleep-fly packages through third-party aggregators do bundle parking with the hotel stay.
The trade-off: Four Points delivers the free shuttle convenience that the DoubleTree lacks, but DoubleTree’s park-sleep-fly packages through ParkSleepFly provide longer-term parking that Four Points does not offer. For travellers leaving a car for a week or more, DoubleTree’s bundled option represents better value; for travellers needing only a one-night stay with airport transfer, Four Points eliminates the shuttle surcharge.
DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North vs. Clarion Hotel Sherwood Park
The Clarion Hotel Sherwood Park, located in the neighbouring city of Sherwood Park east of Edmonton, represents a different Clarion property under the same Choice Hotels franchise umbrella. According to Momondo listings, the Sherwood Park property offers free parking and often includes indoor pools and on-site restaurants. However, it serves a different geographic market (Edmonton-area travellers) rather than Calgary’s airport corridor. Comparing the two Clarion/DoubleTree properties illustrates the variability in the franchise model: policies and amenities differ by owner and location, making direct comparison less useful than checking each property’s specific listing.
Why the DoubleTree Calgary North is Our Pick for Park-Sleep-Fly
For travellers flying out of Calgary and needing to leave a vehicle, DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North earns our recommendation for two reasons: the free parking policy (which saves $140–$280 CAD on a week’s parking at downtown rates) and the availability of park-sleep-fly packages through aggregators like AirportParkingReservations that bundle parking, shuttle, and hotel stay. The indoor pool and 185-room capacity make it practical for families, and the Hilton Honors alignment adds value for loyalty program members. The main compromise is the paid shuttle and the location’s distance from downtown Calgary — but for airport-adjacent travellers prioritizing cost and parking, those trade-offs are manageable.
Our Pick
DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North is the recommended option for travellers who need a park-sleep-fly solution near Calgary International Airport and want to bundle parking with their stay. The free self-parking policy alone justifies the booking for guests leaving vehicles during trips, and the indoor pool adds practical appeal for families. The paid shuttle is a drawback compared to Four Points by Sheraton Calgary Airport’s complimentary service, but the bundled park-sleep-fly packages available through aggregators help offset that cost for multi-day parkers. Check current rates on KAYAK or Expedia before booking.
Sample Itinerary: NHL Game Weekend
For travellers heading to a Calgary Flames game at the Scotiabank Saddledome and using the DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North as a home base, here’s how a two-day trip could work.
Day 1: Arrival and Downtown
- Afternoon: Land at Calgary International Airport (YYC). Take the paid hotel shuttle to DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North (approximately 15 minutes) or arrange rideshare. Check in (available from 4:00 PM).
- Evening: Drive or rideshare downtown (approximately 20–25 minutes without traffic) to the Saddledome for the game. Downtown parking structures charge $15–$25 CAD for event nights; budget accordingly or use CTrain from Zoo station.
Day 2: City Exploration
- Morning: Use the indoor pool before checking out at 11:00 AM. Breakfast at Fontanella (surcharge applies per Expedia listings).
- Midday: Visit Calgary Zoo (closest landmark, approximately 4.7 km from the property) or explore East Village on foot. Return to the hotel to retrieve your car if parked on-site.
- Afternoon: Depart Calgary via YYC, approximately a 15-minute drive from the property.
This itinerary works best for travellers who fly into YYC and prefer not to rent a car in Calgary — the property handles the airport transfer (paid shuttle or rideshare), the pool keeps the kids entertained, and the drive to the Saddledome takes about 20 minutes in off-peak traffic. For travellers staying longer or planning to explore Banff or the surrounding area, the free parking and highway access to the Trans-Canada make the DoubleTree a practical base camp.
tripadvisor.com, clarion-airport.albertahotelsmotels.com, booking.com, expedia.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is check-out at Clarion Hotel Calgary?
The current check-out time at DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North (the rebranded property) is 11:00 AM according to KAYAK listings. Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What is the best area to stay in Calgary for first-time visitors?
Downtown Calgary and the Beltline neighbourhood offer the highest density of restaurants, galleries, and attractions within walking distance. Northeast Calgary suits travellers prioritizing parking and airport access over walkability.
Does DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North include breakfast?
Breakfast is not included in the standard room rate. The on-site restaurant Fontanella serves breakfast for a surcharge per Expedia’s listing. Hilton Honours members may have access to breakfast credits depending on their membership tier and rate booked.
Is the airport shuttle at this hotel free?
No. The roundtrip airport shuttle at DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North operates for a surcharge. Four Points by Sheraton Calgary Airport offers a complimentary shuttle to YYC per Marriott’s official site.
Can I leave my car at the hotel while flying out of Calgary?
Yes. Free self-parking is available for guests, and park-sleep-fly packages through aggregators like AirportParkingReservations bundle extended parking with shuttle and hotel stay. TripAdvisor forum discussions about long-term parking near YYC note that off-airport hotels with bundled shuttle services represent some of the most economical options for travellers leaving vehicles during trips.
How many rooms does this hotel have?
The property lists 185 rooms across multiple configurations including King Rooms, Queen Rooms with two queen beds, and Family Rooms with a king bed, two double beds, and a sofa bed per KAYAK’s property listing.
What amenities does Clarion Hotel Calgary offer?
The property features an indoor heated pool, fitness centre, on-site restaurant Fontanella (breakfast, lunch, dinner), bar/lounge, room service, free Wi-Fi, and a business centre per KAYAK listings.
Does Clarion Hotel Calgary allow pets?
Pets are allowed at the property on request, and additional charges may apply per KAYAK’s listing.