Banff Springs Hotel
 

Help!! July vacation..heading from Calgary to Jasper, but would like to stay 2 nights in the Banff/Lake Louise area. Is the B.S.Hotel worth the $$? Appears rooms for 4 will run around $500. I'd love a precious secluded chalet on one of the lakes...any recommendations or opinions? My thanks

Highly recommend the Rimrock Hotel in Banff, its quite a bit cheaper than the Banff Springs. Its up the mountain above the Banff Springs and there is a walking path down into the townsite. Also shuttle buses running to and from the hotel into town.

We stayed at both Fairmont hotels Banf Spring and Lake Louise and we were very happy about this. Banf spring is a real scotish palace, while Lake Louise has very nice interiors and the room with lake view. At the sunrise, early in the morning, this is magical.
We took a tour (Tauck) for 7 days, it costs 2000 $ with all meal at the best restaurants and all the hotels were 5 starts. It seems that in this mode is cheaper than goinng individual.

Cruiseryyc: what category room did you stay in at Rimrock? Seemed to me the rates were even higher than at Banff Springs for the good view rooms. (premium I think they're called?) Can you recommend a particular room-- or recommend which one(s) to avoid? I've read that the heating system at Rimrock is loud. Did you find it so?
Thank you.

Can't remember which room category I was in, but it was in the new part with a valley view (looked right at the back of Mt. Rundle.) It was in September so that is "off season" and we only paid around $250 for the room. As far as the heating system is concerned, didn't hear a thing (of course that might be because we were in the new wing).

Just checked out Expedia for July pricing. They are showing rooms at the Rimrock from $332 to $388; Banff Springs run from $509 to $679.

Despite the fact that we do a whole lot of traveling, we've never used Expedia or anything similar-- have always felt somehow uncomfortable. Have also felt that one has a greater chance of choosing particular rooms, etc by working directly with the hotel. Plus, cancellation policies are much more lenient. I wonder if I'm mistaken in these impressions. Perhaps I need to become a bit more "brave" in this stage of my life. Or perhaps you really can't teach an old dog new tricks?

I actually agree with you "Pos", just used that as an example as to the different pricing available at both hotels. Having phoned both hotels looking for rooms in the past, I have always received cheaper rates at the Rimrock.

We stayed at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel and Chateau Lake Louise. I prefer Chateau Lake Louise because it's more secluded (meaning.. it's the only hotel in its area) and you have an excellent lake view. The Banff Springs Hotel is beautiful... keep in mind the rooms are quite small and not as nice as the Chateau Lake Louise.

We took the trip from Jasper to Calgary, and we stayed at the Rim Rock Resort in Banff, the Post Hotel in Lake Louise, and the Fairmont in Jasper. Loved them all. The Fairmonts are great hotels, excellent locations, of course if money is no object. If I was going to splurge, I'd stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for the incredible views, great hiking trails, and location. I'd choose the RimRock over the Banff Springs.We got a "decent" AAA discount rate at the RimRock.

Although the Banff Springs is a beautiful hotel, if you would like to stay somewhere less expensive, you might want to check out the Banff Park Lodge. It is a very nice hotel near downtown Banff. You also might be interested in Douglas Fir Resort. It has townhouse style units and a waterslide at the pool. There are several townhouse type lodges on Tunnel Mountain Road. They are located above the townsite and are a bit quieter than the downtown hotels. You will probably be out seeing the sights while in Banff and not spending a lot of time in your hotel room, so you may not want to spend a lot on the best hotels.

I am also planning a trip in July. Will be staying in Calgary for the Rodeo and on to the Banff Springs Hotel. I am wondering if anyone knows if the Signature rooms at Banff Springs are as special as they sound? Also, any other opinions on the rooms. I know the regular rooms are small.
Thanks

It all depends on your expectations. I really like historic hotels, and a stay at the Banff Springs is very exciting and special for me - even in a small room. You can easily spend a couple of hours simply exploring the hotel. They also offer wonderful tours - ask about them when you arrive.

I am sure the Signiature rooms are wonderful. The nicest room I have ever stayed in is a Jr.Suite. It was tucked up in the eaves of the building and had such character. I have also stayed in a standard suite, but it was just big and impersonal in comparison.

The rooms are all very well appointed with nice furnishings and bathrooms. I doubt anyone would be disappointed with any room above a standard/fairmont room. I am quite certain that the vast majority of negative reviews come from people staying in standard rooms. Which are, in some cases, not even in the original building! Most of the rooms are different, so it can be hit and miss.

Remember, you aren't just paying for a room at the Banff Springs. Anyone who does not value the ambiance, history and public spaces in the hotel, would be better off considering the Rimrock for more typical and consitant luxury rooms.

The Banff Springs is such an important part of the history of Canada's Mountain Parks that it is a very appropriate place to stay on a first visit.

I agree completely with Saltymuffin!

The Banff Springs is an absolutely amazing building in an incredible setting - staying there is an experience to remember. I too once stayed in a junior suite and loved the room! We had a Bow Valley view - watching the sun set on the valley was fantastic.

We're thinking of spending our wedding anniversary in Banff - late part of May. We don't ski, but like to hike and of course eat at good restaurants! Wondered if May is considered 'high' season....are trying to figure out which hotel to stay at...we'd rent a car in Calgary and drive there. Anybody been there in late May? Thanks.

I have holidayed in Canada 12 times since 1991, and never cease to be amazed by the Rockies. I would not recommend the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, it is disappointing compared to the BS. I was married in the cll in 2004, vip suite we booked was very shabby but had the best view in the world! We went back last year for our anniversary and found that our standard room had food and other items left by the previous guests, the room had not been vacuumed. Some rooms have been refurbished if you must. The BSH is much better, has more life about it and good views too, ask for a room overlooking the river. It also has a fantastic spa (about £30 day entry, even for guests) compared to a aging pool and hot tub in the CLL. I would also recommend that you check out the Baker Creek Chalets, on highway 1a between Banff and Lake Louise, it has some lovely chalets, alongside the river, the sound at night with the balcony door open is amazing. You may also see elk and deer mooching around in the grounds. They do a great jacuzzi suite, if you're into that! Their rates are very civilised and we have stayed there a few times. If you want to push out the boat, consider somewhere like Lake O'Hara Lodge, a short detour off the Banff Lake Louise road, heading towards Field on the Trans Canada. It's very expensive but is an amazing setting. Access only by their bus, you park your car 11km away. It is great for hikes, overlooks a lake and doen't have the tourist droves that CLL gets. I have camped in the campsite as I couldn't afford the Lodge chalets, but they looked great. Another lodge nearby is at Emerald Lake, again more remote and has spectacular views over the lake. If you really want the lake Louise area, there are chalets at Moraine Lake but I don't know what they're called or have had any reports about them. Also the Deer Lodge beside the CLL is good value if you want to be near the lake for walks etc, rustic (no TV's, but a rooftop hot-tub that overlooks the Victoria Glacier, staff are friendly, rooms small but clean and cosy. It has a great restaurant with diverse food such as bison, elk, caribou etc.