For 30 years, the International Hotel of Calgary has been quietly reinforcing its reputation as the ultimate oasis
for corporate travellers – a full-service, independent hotel which spares no expense or effort on behalf of its guests.

Until now, “quietly” has been the operative word.

Managed in accord with the high standards of the owners, Calgary’s Libin family, the International hasn’t felt the need to trumpet its own virtues from the rooftops.

But a new era is about to dawn at the International Hotel. And the owners and managers are in a celebratory mood.

They’re justly proud of past accomplishments, certainly.
But they’re even more excited about current developments. . . and developments soon to come.

So what’s all the buzz about?

For starters, a new Plus-15 connector, to be completed by November, is about to link the hotel to Fifth Avenue Place, as well as TransCanada Pipelines and BP.

This broad, easy-access skyway will open onto a gleaming new upstairs lobby which is to extend across the entire width of the hotel.

Even better, new computer-equipped boardrooms, a business centre and corporate lounge areas are planned for the Plus-15 level. They’ll shine an even brighter spotlight on the International Hotel as the No. 1 destination choice for corporations on the move.

Of course, most travellers who make frequent business trips to the city are already in the habit of booking a suite at the amenity-rich International.

Generally, one overnight stay is all it takes to convert an accidental tourist to the type of loyal return guest who punches the hotel reservations number into their speed dial.

International Hotel regulars rarely need to be reminded of the reasonable rates at the downtown landmark at 220 4th Ave. S.W.

They’ve known for years about the International’s meticulous attention to detail, though they may not be aware the hotel has won an Alberta Hotel Association Housekeeping award for seven years running.

They realize, too, that cash for frequent room upgrades and
renovations (such as ceramic tiles and granite countertops in all bathrooms) is routinely set aside in each year’s budget.

Regulars know that each of 248 guest “rooms” is, in fact, a
multi-room suite, complete with full balcony and sliding door. They’re familiar with the International’s free valet service, unmatched by any of the major-chain hotels in town.

Then there’s the courtesy corporate shuttle, which whisks business travellers to and from their downtown appointments, on request.

There’s no end to the list of features in every suite: High-speed Internet, large and comfortable work areas and desks, dining rooms, California-style bars, cordless phones, all-new sofas in living rooms . . .

Throw in the International’s 35th-floor banquet room, the
comfortable lounge, a dining room overseen by gold-medal chef Lee Ngo, full swimming and fitness facilities and an onsite massage therapist, then pause to take a breath.

It’s no surprise the International Hotel’s guest approval rating runs at a cool 99 per cent.

That overwhelmingly positive response is another reason
management hasn’t felt compelled to remind the public that services which are strictly routine at 220 4th Ave. S.W. go beyond anything the competition can offer.

So, a returning guest might ask, how does incoming general
manager Douglas Pears set about to enhance such rarified
performance standards?

One answer is the hotel’s renewed focus as an ideal
destination for business travellers, particularly those requiring a comfortable residence for an extended stay.

As the business climate shifts and regional offices close, more workers are travelling to Calgary for a week or more of training at the corporate head office.

What better accommodation for out-of-town trainees, auditing teams or contract specialists than the centrally located International Hotel’s 24 kitchen-equipped
apartment suites?

And for board meetings, AGMs or corporate functions, the newly completed Sovereign Suite offers 1,800 sq. ft., including a private bar, a bedroom, floor to ceiling windows, and a matchless view of the Bow River.

For more information, dial 403.265.9600, or see for yourself at the website www.internationalhotel.ca

And whether you’re a CEO, a VP, an LLD or a VIP, and whether you’re travelling on OPM (Other People’s Money) or on your own dime, come check out what’s new – and what’s familiar – at the International Hotel.

Then check in.