Situated in a high-rise, the International Hotel Calgary is characterized by contemporary interiors and a corporate vibe. Though decor is chainlike and bland, public spaces are pleasant. The breakfast room also exhibits a fairly staid style, with an array of wooden tables against a backdrop of beige hues. Colorful abstract paintings on the walls are a nice detail that saves the space from complete monotony. Overall, though the property is a bit tired and could use some updates, a number of features and freebies make it a good value and a solid choice in the area. Clientele tends to be mainly composed of business travelers.

The hotel is situated in downtown Calgary, a convenient location that's within a short walk of lots of dining options. There's plenty of shopping in the area too, including the CORE Shopping Centre (seven-minute walk) and Bankers Hall (eight-minute walk). The Telus Convention Centre is a nine-minute walk from the hotel. The BMO Centre is a 10-minute drive or 20 minutes via public transportation. The nearest CTrain station is three blocks away, giving easy access to some of the city's attractions, such as the Calgary Zoo (13 minutes away) and the Heritage Park Historical Village (40 minutes away). Calgary International Airport is about a 20-minute drive away, or 40 minutes via public transit.

The hotel offers a variety of spacious suites, all featuring pleasant, if bland, contemporary decor in a tasteful color palette of neutral shades. White walls and beige patterned carpets are a backdrop to sleek wooden furniture and beige sofas and armchairs in the living rooms. Large windows let in lots of natural light, plus all units have private balconies.

All suites have dining areas with round tables as well as wet bars with mini-fridges, microwaves, electric kettles, and coffeemakers with a selection of free teas and gourmet coffee. Other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, bedside docking stations, electronic safes, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. 

Bathrooms are a bit small and fixtures could use an update, but they're clean and equipped with shower/tub combos and large sink vanities with magnifying mirrors. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided.

The hotel has a solid set of features that adds convenience to a stay here. Wellness features include a 24/7 fitness center with a good amount of machines and free weights, as well as an indoor pool and a hot tub. The spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages and acupuncture, plus it has a sauna.

A free hot breakfast buffet is served daily in the hotel's dining room and includes eggs, breakfast meats, waffles, fruit, cereals, and tea/coffee. A la carte menus are also available. Lunch and dinner are on offer in the 4th Avenue Lounge, which also offers weekday happy hour specials. Room service is available.

The hotel has several meeting and event rooms (over 6,500-square-feet/604-square-meters of space) suitable for various functions; catering can be arranged. The 24/7 business center has computers and printers, plus Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Other amenities include a small shop that sells snacks, drinks, and sundries, as well as laundry services.