If you are coming to visit me and/or our laboratory, here is some helpful information.
There are, of course, many hotels in Calgary. The one I recommend is:
Best Western
Village Park Inn
1804 Crowchild Trail N.W. (near the University of Calgary)
1-888-774-7716
This is an adequate hotel, chosen more because it is convenient. It is (unfortunately) located across a busy road and there are not many local sites nearby. However, it is just a few minutes from the University. As well, the LRT (Light Rail Transit) system is close by, which means you can hope on the train and go to many places in Calgary quite easily.
To get to the hotel from the airport
Car: leave the airport. This should put you onto Barlow Trail NE. Head South (towards downtown).
Right on 16 Ave NE (also called the Trans Canada #1), heading West (towards Banff). This street crosses the city
Go across this quite a ways (about 15 minutes, 6 km). Some landmarks: you will go past Center Street, and then past 19 St NW. You are getting close.
Bear Right onto Banff Trail NW, go .5 km, and then turn Left at 23 Ave Nw.
Go .1 km and turn Right at 24 Street NW. You will shortly see the hotel on your left.
The University
Our lab is located on the 6th floor of the Math Sciences Building, MS 680. My office phone number is (403) 220 6087, but if I don't answer try the general Lab number 210-9499. A student will probably pick up. Alternately, the main computer science office is 220-6015
To get to our lab, we suggest parking in Lot 20 (its a pay lot). Walk across the street to Pay Lot 21, and you will see the Math Sciences building right in front of you. Go in the main entrance, turn right in the main hallway. You will see some double doors in front of you. Go through them but then take an immediate left into the other set of doors instead of continuing up the hallway. You are now in the Math Sciences Building, and there should be some elevators in front of you. Take them to the 6th floor and go into MS 680. This is a big lab at the end of the hall - my office is the 2nd on the right in the lab. If I am not there, introduce yourself to students and make yourself at home.
To get to Lot 21 from the hotel, its probably easiest to take a cab the first time. Or ask at the front desk for directions if you want to walk: its about 15 - 20 minutes.
To get to the University from the airport,
Leave the airport. This should put you onto Barlow Trail NE. Head South (towards downtown).
Right at McKnight Blvd NE . You will be going down this almost to its end.
Turn left at John Laurie Blvd NW
Turn right onto Charleswood Drive NW
After crossing Crowchild Trail (an overpass) you will see the University on your left. Take the first left into the University, and follow this around the corner. You will see Lot 20 to your left.