My son and daughter in law may be staying in Banff on their honeymoon - on a budget. Any suggestions for hotels for the budget conscious? Also, best transportation to and from Calgary airport - car rental. They are coming from Minnesota.

I don't know about Banff, but I know that Lake Louise down the street is nearly impossible on a low budget. I've presumed the same for Banff, so I'm interested in whether you get any tips. It does help the folks willing to give you tips if you better define the budget.

Also interested in Banff and Lake Louise. Don't care if the budget isn't too tight, but we can't really afford luxury digs, so we would also appreciate suggestions.

When is the best time of year to go?

You might get better responses if you define what "budget conscious" is for you, as that varies from person to person. Also, do a search on Banff in this forum as are quite a few threads that discuss Banff and accomodation. Camping is the cheapest, but I suspect that's not what your son and daughter-in-law have in mind for a honeymoon.

My son said that he tried priceline or hotels.com and found some real good deals. If you want a real good deal and they are mental tough enough to say NO, there are some time shares that will give them a few days for free if they attend the high pressure sales lecture. Just keep telling the sales agent NO you hate the area, the idea, the quality of product etc. and get a time limited before you start and make sure you don't stay much longer then the time they suggest.

Banff on a budget doesn't sound like a fun honeymoon (I think I would actively seek an annulment if my new groom suggested we horn in on a freebie timeshare as a fun honeymoon activity, 'MrShort1'---LOL!)

However, Calgary has some terrific deals... its a really interesting city to explore with good and inexpensive restaurants and a daytrip or even a romantic overnight to Banff is totally doable from Calgary.

In 2000 we stayed at the Spruce grove motel.That was very reasonable and still on the main street.Paul

Banff on a budget? Well, with the "softness" of tourism this year, some hotels are offering discounted rates. The odds of cheaper rates are better if they are coming after Labour Day weekend in September though. There are also some traditional "budget traveller" options - some of the hostels have private rooms (I think these still run close to $100 for two people, though, plus taxes). All Banff hotels and B&Bs are listed at www.banfflakelouise.com .

I am not a on a tight budget at all when I go to Banff, but after most of the motels or guest houses have been discounted 20% they are still over priced. There is nowhere I know of in the area that is budget friendly, not even Canmore.

If the budget is tight I can make one suggestion. Try Field, BC. Several home owners have apartments in their houses, often in the basement. The Mt. Stephen Guesthouse is OK.
The last time I was there it had a queen bed, a separate living room, a real kitchen corner, and free parking.

My favorite place, Spiral Tunnels, is still listed but I understand from my son that in the high season it is $199 C per night. Mt. Stephen is a little cheaper at a listed $140 per night.

I cannot comment on the others because I have not stayed in them except for Mt. Van Horne. That was too many years ago to have current information.

Here is the web site for Field:
http://www.field.ca/accommodations/

I stayed at the Canmore Inn& Suites last week for 120, king bed, pullout couch,fridge,microwave,dishes,etc...free breakfast...not fancy but clean and nice...This is usually where I stay when I am in the area and I call the hotel for the best deal.