We stayed at the SAIT hotel during a conference in Calgary, where most hotels were either fully booked or overpriced. SAIT is part of a college dormitory, so be prepared for a more basic experience. The rooms have spring mattresses, cement floors, and no in-room hair dryers. In the afternoon, we noticed smoke smells coming through the vents—likely from students smoking in nearby dorms, despite posted no-smoking signs.
Breakfast is included, but very minimal: think yogurt, dry muffins, toast, apples or oranges, oatmeal, cereal, coffee, no protein for breakfast, and something that resembles juice (watered-down colored liquid from a dispenser with ice). The scrambled eggs were especially disappointing—tasted from a carton cooked in a microwave. I recommend planning your breakfast off-site.
A parking pass is provided, but the lot is about a 10-minute walk from the dorms. On the plus side, the facility is secure—you need a key card for elevator access and building entry. Naturally, just be mindful not to engage with the student population.
In summary, if you’re okay with dorm-style living and want something budget-friendly and safe, SAIT is a practical choice. Otherwise, it may be worth spending more for a traditional hotel experience.