Hi all,

Our family of four (2 adults, 2 teens) will be at the Fairmont Banff Springs next summer for a couple of nights.

We are deciding between an executive suite and a 1 BR. The room sizes and set up vary a bit as does the price, but my main question relates to the location. One of the rooms is in the main building and one is in the Stanley Thompson wing which just completed renovations. I don't know the room set-up at the hotel - would you suggest the slightly larger room in the main building or the newly renovated room in the ST wing? Is one more charming or convenient?

Many thanks!

I have not stayed a the Banff Springs but the public rooms are beautiful and I think it would be a wonderful experience. Elk were chewing on the flowers in the pots by the pool, the night we were there. Nice areas to walk around.

I would first join the Fairmont Presidents Club--free online membership.

I would then call the Banff Springs directly--you will be paying lots of money for these rooms and you want to be happy. If I were you I would probably book the newly refurbished rooms--that is usually a plus--but ask the agent. I'm sure they would be very helpful. The whole place is fabulous with great views.

I notice you are staying at Baker Creek when you are in Lake Louise. I have stayed at Baker Creek. It is very nice and we enjoyed our stay there (we actually preferred Paradise Lodge)but it is many steps beneath the Banff Springs. Have you looked at the Post Hotel in Lake Louise? It has more luxurious accommodations. The Chateau Lake Louise is also a Fairmont property--does not appeal to me in the least, but does have a fabulous location.

I've stayed in a one bedroom suite in the Manor Wing facing the golf course. Was very happy with it.

I checked the Banff Springs site and can't find a Stanley Thompson wing listed - but found that he was a golf course designer.

Thanks. I did go on and join the President's Club which should be good to have. I also spoke to one of the agents at Fairmont and found out the 1 BR suite was renovated at the same time as the Thompson wing. Comments on Trip Advisor have left me thinking that the ST wing is a bit removed and we will likely be happier in the main building, especially now that I know both rooms have been updated. Of course, the main bldg. 1 BR is pricier, but not by much once we are already talking about such big numbers.

Linda, thanks, too for your thoughts on Baker Creek. Yes, we did consider both Fairmont LL and The Post, but decided we wanted the extra space of a 2 BR chalet at Baker Creek as well as a more casual and less expensive stay in between our nights in Banff and the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Why did you prefer Paradise to Baker Creek?

Thanks for the info on the 1 BR, Sally. It is good to know you liked it.

<<can't find a Stanley Thompson wing listed - but found that he was a golf course designer>>

This is akin to saying that Rembrandt was a painter. Stanley Thompson designed some of the finest golf courses in the world.

Sorry to take this off-topic, but I couldn't resist.

Guess you have to be a golfer - which I'm not...was a golf widow though

Have stayed at the Banff Springs a number of times. I always prefer to stay in the main building. I am going to stay in one of the renovated Executive suites on a future stay to see what i think as i very much like the location and look of that wing BUT it is a bit of a walk - most times i just walk outside to get to the other buildings as i find it much less confusing. However for a first stay and with teens i would definately stay in the main building.
On your other choice of hotels - I have stayed at Paradise Lodge, Post Hotel and Baker Creek and think Baker Creek best choice of accomodation for a family - i like the others and love the Post but would not likely have stayed there with my kids when they were teens ( people do but personally do not think is the best choice).

Great advice all the way around. Obviously, there is no one perfect or right choice, but I now feel pretty comfortable with our choices for this trip.

3 nights Jasper Park Lodge

3 nights Baker Creek Chalets

2 nights Banff Springs in the main building 1BR suite

OK, now that flights and hotel are set, I may sit back for a while. Next up will be restaurants/dining and activities although I already have some hike and rafting ideas and suggestions which look great.

Thanks to all! Happy Travels!