The Calgary Marriott Downtown, which completed an eight-month, multi-million-dollar renovation last year, continues to amp up its guest offerings.

With it’s all new guest room, advanced technology offerings and other first-in-Canada upgrades, Calgary Marriott Downtown is now bringing on an all new executive chef, David Spero, who will provide direction for the hotel’s culinary team, with an emphasis on new signature dishes and beverage offerings. In addition to directing the cuisine at the hotel’s trendy ONE18 EMPIRE Whiskey Bar and Restaurant, Chef Spero and his culinary team will serve as the exclusive caterers for all property functions and events as well as all events at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre.

"We're thrilled that David has joined us," says Joseph Clohessy, hotel general manager. "We have just completed an extensive, year-long redesign focused on transforming the hotel into an innovative, relevant destination." Clohessy adds, "Having Chef Spero lead our food and beverage department is an exciting opportunity for our hotel and our valued guests."

Chef David Spero

Spero hails from a long line of award-winning establishments, including The Peaks Resort and Spa, Telluride, Colo.; The Grand Wailea Resort and Spa, Maui, Hawaii; The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, Fla.; Portofino Bay Hotel, Orlando Fla.; and the JW Marriott Grande Lakes, Orlando, Fla.

Chef Spero is just the latest in a series of new rollouts for the Calgary property. Earlier this year, the hotel launched its new Mobile Key App. With the mobile technology, Marriott Rewards members can bypass the front desk and go straight to their rooms using their mobile phone as a key. The app also provides access to common areas including the fitness centre and pool.

For frequent travellers, the app also unlocks access to the M Club Lounge, an exclusive space for Marriott Rewards Gold and Platinum Elite members. Marriott Hotels & Resorts rolled out new M Club Lounges in select properties early last year, and in June Calgary Marriott Downtown became the first property in Canada to feature the executive space.

Open 24/7, the M Club offers complimentary breakfast, some Grab and Go food options, as well as hot and cold evening snacks. Also available are an a la carte food and beverage menus from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. and a bar with an on-site bartender from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. The lounge is also outfitted with expanded high speed Wi-Fi and other business services such as computers, scanner and a copier.

Ready to book your stay? Calgary Marriott is offering a number of special packages, including:

Calgary Beerfest Package: Sip your way through Western Canada’s largest beer festival, Calgary International Beerfest (May 6 & 7) which features food and beer from more than 40 of Calgary's best restaurants and pubs. The exclusive VIP access pass package includes early festival access, entry to one Brew Master seminar, attendance at one "cooking with beer seminar,” admission to VIP Hour Casks and admission to all Beerfest programs. Beerfest packages includes accommodations in a deluxe room and daily breakfast for two adults, and range from C$ 183 to C$ 379 per night.

Calgary 48 Shopping Package at the Calgary Marriott: This package includes a $75 gift card at your choice of one Calgary shopping partner: Chinook Centre, The CORE or Cross Iron Mills. The package includes accommodations in a deluxe guest room and ranges from C$ 154 to C$ 454.

Pride and Joy Couples Escape in Calgary: Enjoy a romantic getaway with your partner and receive a complimentary room upgrade to an Executive King Suite, daily breakfast for two, a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival, complimentary valet parking and late check-out at 2 p.m. The package ranges from C$ 169 to C$ 369.

For more information, visit www.marriott.com. 

Follow @MonicaPoling