You won't hear any trains while in the Fairmont. Had a corner suite facing onto the tracks on the 3rd floor and was silent. T'was Dec31, however.

The bar downstairs actually in the Fairmont is extremely nice. Dark wood panelling and the like.

If you head 3 streets north there are a bunch of pubs on Stephen Avenue Mall (a pedestrian walking zone). The James Joyce is nice and tries to be an Irish pub. The two things missing - Irish people, and all the 'artifacts' are too new.

If you're looking for a couple of microbrews and some Oysters, try the Catch restaurant. The main floor and dining floors have the same menu, and had a local Wildwood pint (simply the best) for $3.75 in happy hour. Its attached to the Hyatt.

Lastly, 341 - 10th St. there's Bass Brothers, a fantastic pub (that has Hoegaarten on tap, yum!). Its on the other side (but not the wrong side) of the tracks, and it is connected to The Whiskey - a 25+ (but only if you're male is that in effect) dance bar that I personally don't like (but I'm not much for the dance dance revolution type music).

There's a bunch of places on 4th street or 17th avenue, but I imagine those are a little to far away from the Palliser. Try www.calgaryplus.ca if you're interested in those, and I'd be happy to give a couple of local suggestions (don't hesitate to email me).

Hope it helps.

O