Specific question on Banff hotels
 

We'll be arriving in Calgary in early evening and will be tired from a day of traveling (very early wake up that morning, etc.) Still, I believe I'd like to head on to Banff rather than overnight in Calgary. Here's the question: Of the 3 hotels we're considering-- Faimont, Rimrock and Buffalo Mountain Lodge (I know they're completely different), would any of those 3 be considerably easier to find? Since we'll be arriving in the dark, tired, etc? (We plan to stay in Banff for 2 nights, then move on to Lake Louise, then on to Jasper. ) Thank you!

The drive from Calgary to Banff is easy... 1 1/2 hours at the very most, little traffic. I think you'll b ehappy to go straight there and any of the hotels you mentioned will be easy to find.

Banff is really just a small town with very few streets. The Rimrock is a short distance from town, the Springs up on the hill and the Lodge smack in the middle of town.

Take your pick and enjoy!

Moneygirl: Thanks for your reply.
I'd been leaning towards the lodge-- because it's a whole lot less expensive-- but your comment that it's smack in the middle of town gives me pause. Descriptions make it sound as if it's away from town-- off on its own somewhere-- and that it'd be very peaceful and quiet. Since peace and quiet are priorities for us, I hope others will comment on that aspect of the property. Thanks again.

Poss- I am so sorry... I got Buffalo Mountain Lodge mixed up with Brewster's Lodge. I'm slmost positive that Buffalo Mountain Lodge is away from town a bit... I got them mixed up because they were my top two picks for our trip... but we ended up in Canmore for the whole trip.

Hopefully someone else (who has a better memory than I) will chime in!

Buffalo Mountain Lodge is up on Tunnel Mountain -- away from the Banff town site but an easy walk into town.

All three properties are easy to find. Ask the hotel to email you a map when you book. You'll be getting a very different experience at each of these hotels.

One thing you may want to consider is the time of your arrival -- if you're arriving late after a long day of travel will you want to dine before you head to bed? In that case check to make sure the kitchen at BML will still be open. On my last stay there they didn't have room service and because its up on the mountain other restaurants are not easily accessible. Both the Rimrock and Banff Springs have room service.

they are all easy to find. i'd choose the buffalo mountain loadge. it up the hill from the town of banff - a five minute drive. they have a restaurant on site (expensive but good). there is also a small grocery store close by so you could pick up any necessities you wanted for the night.

All 3 are easy to find, and all 3 should be quiet at night. BML is different from the others in that the rooms are more "condo" style. All 3 have great rooms and excellent dining options.

The Rimrock is probably easiest to find, just stay on Banff Avenue when you exit the Trans Canada into Banff (first exit coming from Calgary), over the Bow River bridge at the south end of the town, hang a left at the end of the bridge, then veer right up the hill toward the Gondola and the Upper Hot Springs. Rimrock on left near the Gondola carpark, they have their own carpark.

Alternatively, after you cross the bridge, turn left and keep straight on for the Banff Springs. It's the big stone building on the left that's hard to miss! Your can may be valet parked and won't be handy if you forget something!

I haven't stayed in the Rimrock but have eaten (and drank) in it many times, it has an amazing fireplace in the lounge and great views over the mountains.

The BSH is very historic, lovely settings and has a great spa. No fireplaces though ( I believe only two working ones in the whole complex) - considered to be a fire hazard!

I haven't stayed in BMLodge, so can't give any opinion, but it would be the most difficult to find!

buffalo mountain lodge is not hard to find. it's on tunnel mountain road which is a pretty major road around banff. one you enter town it's only 2 turns i believe.

thanks for in-put everyone--much appreciated. Still trying to decide between Rimrock and Buffalo (decided against Fairmont)

We arrived late evening into Calgary and stayed at an inexpensive hotel that night. It is much nicer to drive into Banff in daylight. The area is beautiful and you can save $100-$200 depending on where you stay.

We drove the next morning into Banff and had breakfast at the Coyote Cafe, did the easy walk along Johnston Canyon, enjoyed the drive to Lake Louise, walked along the trail at the Chateau, and then drove out to Emerald Lake Lodge to check in and have dinner.

Hello. I can only speak for the Rimrock since I stayed there for a week. The hotel is elegant, yet warm. There are fabulous views throughout including the guest rooms, and there is a great breakfast buffet. Each morning, we would take a quick swim, whirlpool & sauna (lovely spa & exercise area), then enjoy the excellent buffet breakfast. We were in Banff in June so there weren't any crowds to deal with whether at the hotel or touring (for the most part), which was delightful for me. The Fairmont view is beautiful, but that is one of the few places that was crowded, and you can tour it without staying there. You should check out the Rimrock website. The only negative is that your stay is so short.