Calgary's newest hotel

October 20, 2009

L-R: Vincent Leung, Ben Fok and U of C President Harvey Weingarten pause at the memorial to Fok Ying Tung, whose donation of $2 million made the International House a reality.

U of C’s new full-service hotel offers unique accommodation options in NW Calgary

Travellers to Calgary are now welcome to stay in the heart of the University of Calgary campus in the new full-service hotel that officially opened today in the U of C’s newest building, the Dr. Fok Ying Tung International House.

Hotel Alma, named after the Latin word for “nurturing” in the collegial term alma mater, is one of Canada’s first on-campus hotels and is fully owned and operated by the University of Calgary. It features 100 rooms and suites, a bistro, and conference facilities for up to 125 people.

“Hotel Alma will attract more people to our campus and allow those coming to the U of C on business, for academic conferences or to attend cultural events a convenient and top-quality place to stay,” said U of C President Harvey Weingarten. “Having our own hotel will also allow the university to reinvest some of the $1.5 million spent on hotel rooms each year back into our own programs and facilities.”

Revenue generated by Hotel Alma will fully fund the hotel’s day-to-day operations. Profits will be re-invested in the university to support Global Village, the student residence that occupies three floors of International House. The hotel is developing a partnership with the Haskayne School of Business to provide students enrolled in the school’s hotel and resort management program with hands-on learning opportunities working in the hotel.

“I think our guests will also be pleased to know that part of their travel budget will go towards improving facilities for our students,” said U of C’s Associate Vice-Provost, Residence & Ancilliary Services Voula Cocolakis. “It will also provide a unique training ground for students pursuing careers in the hospitality industry.”

Hotel Alma features 85 euro-style standard rooms and 15 one bedroom suites, daily maid service, Wi-fi internet access and flat screen TVs. Conference facilities include five boardroom-style meeting spaces and the 125-person Senate Room equipped for catering and audio-visual presentations. Bistro Alma, located on the lobby level of Hotel Alma, seats 40 people and features dishes that are simple, fresh and light with local, seasonal favorites. Special opening rates are in effect until December 30, 2009.

For more information or to make reservations at Hotel Alma, visit www.hotelalma.ca or call 403.220.2588.