Days Inn by Wyndham Calgary North Balzac

This hotel is a popular choice, particularly for families with children and shoppers, largely due to its signature feature: an exciting waterslide and its convenient proximity to a major shopping mall. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's overall cleanliness, the spacious rooms, and the generally friendly and helpful staff. The complimentary breakfast is also a significant draw, offering a convenient start to the day. For travelers seeking a comfortable stopover with easy access to major routes, this hotel proves to be a good fit. To ensure a more peaceful stay, guests might consider requesting a room away from the pool area or elevators, especially during busy periods, and arriving early for breakfast to avoid crowds.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's pool and waterslide are major attractions, especially for children, providing a fun and engaging experience. However, some guests noted that the pool can become overcrowded and occasionally shows signs of wear, with some reporting issues like rusty parts or a need for better cleaning. The hot tub is available but often described as small, and some found its temperature inconsistent or the water quality questionable. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, which is generally reliable, though a few guests experienced intermittent connectivity. Parking is widely available and convenient, although it can become full during peak times. There is typically only one elevator, which can lead to occasional waits, particularly during busy check-in/out periods.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean, spacious, and modern, often equipped with a microwave, fridge, and TV. The beds are frequently praised for being comfortable, contributing to a restful stay, though a few guests found them too soft or noted that mattresses could slide. Family suites with separate sleeping areas are a popular option, providing ample space. While bathrooms are mostly clean, some reviews mentioned minor issues like dirty tubs or a lack of bar soap. A recurring concern is noise levels, with guests reporting disturbances from hallway noise (running children, loud groups), noisy AC/heater units, thin walls, and external sounds from airplanes or trains, which can impact sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a significant highlight for many guests, often described as hot, fresh, and offering a good variety of options, including eggs, pancakes, and tater tots. However, the dining area is frequently noted as being too small for the hotel's capacity, leading to overcrowding, long lines, and difficulty finding seating, especially on weekends. While staff are commended for their efforts to keep items stocked, some guests expressed disappointment with the food quality, specifically mentioning soggy bacon or a limited selection of fresh fruit. Despite these issues, the convenience and inclusion of breakfast are widely appreciated, making it a valuable amenity for many travelers.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is highly valued for its convenience to CrossIron Mills mall and Costco, making it an ideal base for shopping excursions. It offers easy access to major highways, facilitating travel to and from the area. While it is relatively close to the airport, some guests noted that it is a considerable distance from downtown Calgary, requiring a drive for city attractions. The surrounding area is described as safe and quiet, despite being a developing commercial and industrial zone. Although there are no restaurants within immediate walking distance, the nearby mall provides numerous dining options. Parking is generally ample and easily accessible, contributing to a hassle-free experience for those traveling by car.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently commend the quick check-in and check-out processes, which contribute to a smooth arrival and departure. Staff members are noted for their willingness to go above and beyond, assisting with various requests, from providing extra towels to offering support during unexpected vehicle issues in cold weather. The breakfast staff are particularly highlighted for their hard work in managing busy dining areas and ensuring food items are replenished promptly. While housekeeping service is typically provided every three days, staff are generally responsive to requests for fresh linens or garbage removal, maintaining a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is appreciated by guests traveling with animals, noting reasonable fees and nearby walking paths. However, the housekeeping frequency of every three days can be inconvenient for some guests, leading to a need to request additional services. The hotel is a popular choice for large groups and sports teams, which can sometimes lead to increased noise levels in hallways and common areas, particularly during evenings. While the pool hours are generally well-received, some early risers found the opening time to be a bit late. Guests are advised to review their billing statements carefully, as a few reviews mentioned issues with deposit refunds or billing errors.