The HAT East Village - Calgary

Writing this under a pseudonym so as to not deal with any additional headaches. We wanted to provide this info for potential renters since we were not thorough in our panic to find a home. You can't see the actual unit. They say viewings are suspended due to covid, however most residents we have seen walking around the building aren’t wearing masks, lol. The acoustics in the building are bad. Can hear a pin drop and everything else. We've lived in apartments old and new, and have never experienced this level of sound transfer. Units are finished cheaply and look it. Very little cupboard space in the kitchen. A good amount of what could be storage holds the furnace/water pipes. We assumed it was a closet as we’ve never seen an apartment put this in the suite. After you sign the lease it feels like you’re going through the penal system.Instead of feeling welcoming, its immediately don’t do this, don’t do this, don’t do this, you get the drift. You’re given a huge booklet filled with caps locks on what not to do. Maintenance is advertised as part of the draw of living here but you're essentially 100% accountable for every maintenance item based on the info provided after the lease is signed. They give instructions on how to open and close the blinds so as to not ‘fray the strings’. Items like this are a matter normal wear and tear so the threatening note about how residents will be charged if it should continue is asinine.

Such a great building nestled in one of my favourite neighborhoods. The team is always so friendly and the building is so well designed and maintained.

"Hotel California" - The Eagles . The bartender (manager) is always walking around drunk trying to figure out how to kick people out. Until curly noodle hair leaves I wouldn't touch this place with a Walmart frying pan. GOD FORBID YOU WORK FROM HOME!! ?

The leasing team was so good they took the time to show us 2 units and explain everything to us. At the end they give us the forms and told us about the process. Great experience.

The Hat in the East Village is absolutely stunning and is just as described in the photos! I sent an email inquiry about a 1-bedroom unit that was up for rent and immediately got a response back. I was able to book a viewing for the next day and when I arrived was warmly greeted by Cathy and Janice. Both ladies were extremely KIND, friendly and knowledgeable about the property and the area. Janice gave me a complete tour of the facility and showed me the different types of floor plans and offered up suggestions for me and my pup. I did not feel rushed at all during this process. I was also able to speak with a resident who lives at the Hat upon leaving and he had really great things to say about the building. Great location, great people, and incredible views! The dog park is also literally 30 seconds away!

To start, the building is overpriced for what it is. It’s marketed as luxury and there is nothing luxurious about it. Base rent for a 1 bedroom is $1500+ without parking or storage. No concierge/front desk which is standard in any “luxury” building. - The appliances look like they are made by Fisher Price. Old school fridge with freezer on top that I haven’t seen in ages - Flooring is a thin vinyl covering and there doesn’t seem to be any insulation between floors. If you enjoy hearing kids screaming and drunk couples yelling this is the place to be - Hallways are oddly narrow (maybe 3.5 feet wide). If someone passes while I’m trying to get in my door I am rubbing against them - Bikes aren’t allowed up in the elevator/suites but the bike rooms only have a few steel posts to attach your bike, and are always full (first come first serve) - When temp drops outside, heat doesn’t maintain in suite and cold air seeps right through the patio door. I was told “that’s just how it is in apartments” when I brought up the heating issue. This is just not even factual

I arrive at the building and the person on the office was really nice, she gave me a form with my information. She took me for the showing and I was able to see 3 different units and the amenities of the building. She gave me the application and explained the process to me. Kelly was so nice and attentive. Amazing experience

Very unprofessional staff... I haven't lived in the building yet, I was trying to come for viewing, scheduled an appointment with them through their website. When I came in, they asked to fill in the form where you are asked to indicate again what you are looking for (1 bedroom) and your budget. I put the amount I calculated should be per month after applying their incentives they indicated on the website. The lady came out, looked at what I am looking for and at the budget and said: ah, we don’t have a one bedroom and we don’t have anything within the budget you indicated. I tried to ask why they didn’t send a cancellation for the appointment for me then if there are no more one bedrooms - she said only: I know, it's inconvenient. I asked what about the incentives (two months free in 18 lease and 1 year free parking), they indicated on the website?.. she only said: it is not going to work this way: there is no free two months… I asked how the incentives work the, she didn't really explain anything. I was really confused and had a terrible aftertaste after going there: in such a nice building (considered to be luxurious) I expected the staff to be more professional or least respectful in communication. I am not sure either why they put on their website the incentives information if "they don't work the way they state they would work"... So if you still really want to live in this building, I’d suggest to check in on the date you schedule an appointment with them again to see if what you are looking for is still available and insist for them to clarify how their incentives actually work then. Recommendation for the management: you should really improve customer service and train your people to communicate professionally and respectfully with potential tenants. Even if I am not your potential tenant (as "I am below your budget") I can tell my opinion to my friends/contacts about my experience at the Hat and it wouldn't serve your business well. I thought I'd leave the feedback for you in case you are interested.