Homeless person/drug addict in the lobby warming up and smoking crack upon my arrival on Tuesday night (yes, it was a very cold evening -30 or so). Check in was smooth, lady was nice enough and I went to my room (Room 111 on the "first" floor). I left the room shortly thereafter, but exited right instead of left and exited what I thought was the rear stairwell and when I realized my mistake, the door shut behind me to the stairwell. Their was no doorknob for re-entry. I exited the stairs outside to a 2nd floor rooftop area that was locked and gated all around. There was a door labelled "lobby entrance" but it was locked and chained (and had a dead pigeon laying there). I pounded on the door for a while, but no body answered. I called the hotel number (that is listed on google maps AND when you google the hotel itself, and it was out of service (403) 879-1895. I was only in a t-shirt and was starting to get concerned. I decided to scale the 8 foot fence and dropped down to the McDonalds' drive through area to the east and walked back to the lobby. I cut my hand badly on the top of the fence and reported the entire incident to the check-in lady. She was apologetic and then we found out that the First Aid kit was out of bandages. Fortunately, I had some bandages in my room. The bedding was thin for such a cold week, and I needed some extra sheets (which I found in the dresser).
The next two nights when I arrived back, my keycard wouldn't work, necessitating another long trip back down the stairs to get the card re-charged. No biggie, but an inconvenience.
The Buckle Lounge was quiet, but the host was good and the food was excellent.
My recommendations going forward:
1. Signage on the "first" floor exit should clearly communicate that no-entry is possible when taking the stairs (the opposite side flight of stairs DID have this signage, as I discovered later).
2. The exit to the rooftop area should NOT be locked, in the event of a fire, we'd all be trapped on the rooftop!
3. Update the First Aid kit immediately, and regularly going forward.
The rating for this hotel is a 3 star, I think that is generous, its a bit tired, the room was basic, but clean. The bed was comfortable and had lots of pillows that were great.
