Where to stay in Banff?
 

I have narrowed it down to 2 Hotels. I have never been to Canada before. I am going with my mom and she likes to stay in really nice hotels. She would like to Relax and do some shopping. I like Historical sites and spas!!
I found 2 hotels through suggestions. I have never been to either. What are your opinions? Service, area its in, beauty...I believe the prices are similar so that isnt an issue. I would just hate to pick one and then find out from locals I should have picked the other...
1-Rimrock Resort
2-Fairmont Banff Springs

Thank you!!

I haven't stayed at either hotel but have walked through both and dined at both on numerous occasions.
I would say that it all depends on what sort of "style" suits you.
The Banff Springs is a hotel in the "grand" style of the early 1900's - there are many shops in the hotel itself, it is just above Bow Falls and Bow River, and it is within pleasant walking distance of the main street in Banff (through a path in the woods).
The Rimrock is very nice but much more modern (recently renovated), it is further uphill from main street Banff, and walking back uphill all the way would be tiring even for someone in good shape, plus there isn't - if I remember correctly, a path (as there is to Banff Springs) - you would have to walk on the road. And I can't say that I remember very many shops at the Rimrock.
Hope this helps.

My husband and I stayed at the Rimrock last summmer. It's a very, very nice hotel, but it was a bit of a downer to me after coming from The Post Hotel at Lake Louise. The Rimrock was just more "formal" in a way, and I couldn't open up the windows much for fresh air that I wanted. Just little things-we had a great room at the Rimrock, nice view-really no complaints, I just liked the style of the Post Hotel so much better.
I'm not sure that helps...the Rimrock is very nice-very clean. Any other questions more specifically I could answer?

i just drove up to the rimrock a couple of weeks ago cause i wanted to see it. it does look like a lovely hotel. if you wanted to spend a lot of time in the banff hotsprings then it's within walking distance to that and close to the gondola. however, you would have to drive to town. unless i was going on a weekend where i just wanted to relax in the hotel and enjoy the view, i don't think i'd stay there.
the banff springs is closer to town and has a better view in my opinion if you are facing the falls way. my sister has stayed there several times and says the rooms are just hit and miss. they've gone and had a huge beautiful room and other times they've had tiny, stuffy rooms. out of the two hotels, i'd stay there for location but maybe ask on this board for some specific room numbers.

My husband and I stayed at the Banff Springs Hotel last May. It's a grand hotel with excellent service. Be sure to ask for a room w/ a view. They had us in a room w/ a view of another building/dumpster area. We complained and were instantly placed in another room w/ a great view. There's a quaint fondue restaurant in the hotel that has excellent wine. If you end up not staying at this hotel, be sure to stop by for a tour. It's a must see. If you are into spa treatments, the spa in the hotel is terrific.

You list your two interests as Historical sites and spas. If this is the case, the Banff Springs is your answer. It is a historic building itself, with historical tours of the building offered at least twice a week. It is a landmark in town and is as much a part of the history of Banff as anywhere else in town. It also has an excellent Willowstream spa. Check out the fairmont.com website for details.

I have stayed at Banff Springs many times for conferences and have yet to have a good experience with the rooms. Rimrock Rock, stayed once and can't wait to stay there again. You can always visit the Banff Springs for their Sunday brunch, which is always great.

What purple cat says is true. The cheapest rooms at the Banff Springs are not the greatest - in fact they are the old staff housing units. But considering your interests, I would still stay there, just try not to book a standard room - and spend your time in the common spaces!

We did stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs and it was awesome! The only downside was how small the rooms were, BUT we didnt stay in them except to sleep. The common areas were great just to sit by the windows drink tea and read! That was my favorite memory!
We also went to Lake Louise for a day and got on the lake in a canoe! Worth it just for the AWESOME pictures I got! Although I was terrified that we would capsize and all my photo equipment would be lost.

Shopping was ok, your normal touristy stuff but the scenery was worth it! Very relaxing trip! We did go into the Rimrock and I am glad that we stayed at the Fairmont! Oh yeah and my mom and I did the spa was nice and then went bowling at the fairmont..well it was kinda like bowling but smaller pins and balls...and that was a BLAST. Drank some beers and bowled with my mom...doesnt sound thrilling but it was fun! We were beating the little boys next to us that were trying to figure out why 2 old girls were bowling!