Calgary developer double-doubles former Tim Hortons into upscale hotel

The Hampton Inn by Hilton Calgary Downtown, on Sixth Ave. S.W., is a 16-storey, 151-room luxury hotel developed in the city's downtown core in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Downtown Calgary has a new place for tourists to enjoy a glamorous getaway that also helps illustrate the renewed vitality of the area.

The Hampton Inn by Hilton Calgary Downtown, located at 614 Sixth Ave. S.W., is now open for guests.

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The urban structure, formerly a Tim Hortons coffee shop and a printing facility, was developed by Triple One Properties.

“We wanted to bring something a little unique to the downtown,” said Triple One’s executive vice-president Sameer Mawji, who added the property was acquired just before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The design décor represents a more art deco style; something a bit more contemporary.”

The hotel is 16 storeys tall and offers 151 guest rooms fitted with premium finishes and “thoughtful design.”

Mawji said it was a simple decision to develop the building, because Calgary needs more quality hotels.

Alisha Reynolds, president and CEO of Tourism Calgary, agrees with Mawji, saying that hotels are very important in the city’s downtown core.

“When tourists are thinking about where to travel, Calgary is very fortunate to have a strong base of existing hotels. In the downtown core, there’s always a need for more,” she said.

Reynolds said there are approximately 15,000 hotel rooms in Calgary and as the city increases its global reach, more travellers will be making the trip here.

“Global travellers have an expectation that when they come to a place, they will experience a full-service hotel. Hotels like this really help us meet that need and expectation to deliver on a higher level than ever before,” she said.

Mawji said development of the hotel took even more effort than they expected, but it was a “tireless effort.”

“We really believe in the city of Calgary and this is my home; I’m born and raised here,” Mawji said.

“To have this mark on a city skyline is a true honour.”

The new location is Hilton’s 200th Canadian hotel.