The new 96-room Hotel Alma may not have a spa, but guests can’t help feeling younger by osmosis. The property is surrounded with undergrads strutting to class at the University of Calgary campus, after all.

Soon, the bright building will double as an on-site co-op program for students in the Haskayne School of Business hotel and resort management program.

Inside the Rooms

The subdued rooms in Hotel Alma range from compact-but-comfortable to two-bedroom units, and are stacked with amenities: 32-inch flat-screen TVs, sleek high thread-count linens, impressive local art, free wi-fi and long-distance calls in Canada and the U.S.

Back on the main floor, the Bistro Alma and wine bar attract a regular stream of guests and students, both grateful for an urban destination in the heart of a busy university campus.

Best Value

For $30 more than the entry-level rooms, book one of the 14 large one-bedroom suites.

Room rates start at $129.