Thanks to all the helpful suggestions of Fodors posters I chose 2 nights at the Delta Inn Kananaskis, 3 nights at The Rimrock Resort in Banff, and 2 nights at Beckers Chalets in Jasper for our golf/sightseeing vacation this summer. <BR><BR>However, I have just found a golf tour package for approximately the same price as my independantly booked trip that offers the same 4 golf courses I want, with 2 nights at the Delta Inn Kananaskis, 3 nights at my choice of either Caribou Lodge or Ptarmigan Inn in Banff, and 2 nights at Jasper Park Lodge.<BR><BR>Is staying at Jasper Park Lodge instead of Beckers Chalets worth trading The Rimrock for Caribou Lodge or Ptarmigan Inn? And if I do take the tour package, which is the better choice in Banff....Caribou or Ptarmigan?<BR><BR>Never having been to this part of Canada it is difficult to make these choices, and I really want this to be a special trip.<BR><BR>Thank you once again for your help. When I come back, I'll post my opinions if anyone wants them. <BR><BR>

The views from the Rimrock Hotel and the area surrounding it are unbeatable. The hotel itself is far, far nicer than the two Banff motels you mentioned (although they're fine if it's just a place to sleep). Check them all out through www.discoverbanff.com. I haven't been to Jasper for many years so I can't comment on your choices there, but check out www.discoverjasper.com. There are no pictures of Becker's, but there are links to a number of other properties. Rimrock (rimrockresort.com), Ptarmigan, and Caribou (http://banffcaribouproperties.com)sites provided virtual tours; maybe the Jasper sites will too.

Hi, Elaine,<BR> I've never stayed in any of the 3 hotels in Banff, but both the Caribou and the Ptarmigan look very nice from the outside; the Ptarmigan is a few blocks closer to downtown Banff.<BR> As far as Becker's vs. Jasper Park Lodge, no contest! Becker's is familiar to us and homey, but the lodge is THE resort in Jasper - very high-class and, from what I've seen and heard, a stay to be remembered. Plus, the golf course is right there. Hope I've helped.<BR>ja

In a word YES. We have stayed at the Caribou and it is a newer hotel with average size rooms that are quite nice. The Jasper Park Lodge is the place to stay in Jasper. I am saving my pennies to stay there one day. Beckers is quite a ways out of Jasper as is the Lodge but the lodge is a community of it's own. We had friends stay at the Rimrock last year and their room was very nice but not the same experience that the Jasper Park Lodge would give.<BR>Regards,<BR>Laurie

Just to clarify my dilemma.....I am thoroughly delighted to upgrade from Beckers Chalets to the renowned Jasper Park Lodge,(no contest), but the only way I can do so affordably is by booking the tour package which means I must give up The Rimrock Resort in Banff and take the package offering of either Ptarmigan or Caribou instead....a definite downgrade.<BR><BR>Since I was taking a moderately priced room at The Rimrock, I would not have a mountain view, so the setting is not so much a consideration for staying there as is the quality of the hotel, which appears to be first rate.<BR><BR>I visited the web sites for both Ptarmigan and Caribou, and neither motel was very appealing. That's why I am having such a difficult time deciding whether or not to take the package.<BR><BR>Nothing is ever simple!

Laurie, somehow your reply came while I was still posting my response. Thank you so much for the definitive answer. You make me feel much better about sacrificing a stay at the Rimrock for the sake of the Jasper Park Lodge. My husband and I will not likley spend much time at the hotel anyway while we are in Banff, but it does look very beautiful.<BR><BR>Would you choose the Caribou again over the Ptarmigan? Were you happy with the location?

Elaine, I have stayed at both the Caribou and Ptarmigan. Both hotels are run by the same people. As a guest you have privlages at both places as well as 3 different restaurants, one in each hotel and one downtown. My suggestion is the Ptarmigan, only because of the location to downtown Banff. One block to the Safeway, one block to the start of the downtown area (3 blocks of shopping and restaurants). Only I strongly suggest that when you make your resv. or when you check in that you make sure you do not get an inside room. They have about 15-20, very dark over looking a small centre courtyard.<BR><BR>Jasper, If golfing is the main rreason your going to jasper, stay at the Jasper Park Lodge. I have also stayed there many times and love it. Not the busy busy of the Banff Springs or Chateau Lake Louise. One main lodge and the rooms are in small clusters spread around the lake fronting the lodge. The bellman are a phone call away to take you to the course and your clubs will be waiting on your cart. <BR><BR>I have played all the courses that your planning to play during your hoilday. All will offer wonderful golf, beautiful views, and challenging courses. Two courses in Kananaskis, both a good test, Banff Springs make sure you play the old 18 and not the new 9. Have fun at #2 the Devils Cauldron Golf Digest or Golf Mag rated this one of the top Par 3's in the world. Tee shot on #15 I think Par 4, 450+ from the tips. Jasper watch out for #8, #9,13,14,15 a wonderful course. <BR>Hope this helps, long reply sorry<BR>RK

Thanks RK. I do appreciate your detailed response. It certainly appears that Jasper Park Lodge trumps The Rimrock, and we will book accordingly. Thanks, too, for the golf information.<BR><BR>Which is the better choice of accommodation at JPL.....the main lodge or the separate rooms around the lake?

Elaine, <BR> If you have the time and are so inclined, try the Spray River Circuit hike that starts right behind the golf cours at the Banff Springs Hotel - the views of the hotel from higher elevations are incredible! As far as JPL lodging, if you can get a lake cabin FACING the lake, you'll have some lovely mountain backdrops to contemplate.<BR>ja

Elaine, JPL lodge only has 6-8 rooms in the lodge itself. All other rooms are in various cabins and buildings around the property. What cabin will you get, all depends on the price you pay. Big surprise there! Most rooms have a balcony or patio, and vary a great deal on size and location to lodge and lake again based on what you are paying. Good luck, email if you have further questions. Have been a tour guide in rockies for many years. RK