8 Best Hotels in Banff National Park, Alberta

Affectionately known as "The Castle in the Rockies," this massive property—originally developed by the Canadian Pacific Railway, debuting in 1888 and ushering in Banff's tourism boom—is a destination in itself thanks to magnificent views of the Bow River and the surrounding mountains and an abundance of modern amenities. Pampering is an art form at the world-class Willow Stream spa. Restaurants, bars, and lounges of varying formality and cuisine create a small culinary universe. Riding stables and a championship golf course can be found on the extensive grounds. If you join the free Le Club AccorHotels loyalty program prior to your visit, during your stay you can enjoy complimentary premium internet access and a free shoe shine.

The view out the Fairmont's back door is dramatic and then some, with terraces and lawns that reach to the famous aquamarine lake, itself backed by the Victoria Glacier. Some guestrooms at the hotel, which opened in 1890 as a wooden chalet but was given a stone facade after a 1924 fire, have private terraces; all have neo-colonial furnishings. Eating options range from family dining in the Brasserie to night-on-the-town elegance in the Fairview Dining Room. Horseback riding and canoeing are available on the property during the summer. In winter, you can enjoy a sleigh ride around the lake, rent ice skates for a spin on Lake Louise, or sign up for a guided mountain adventure. Join the free Le Club AccorHotels loyalty program prior to your visit to receive complimentary premium Internet access.

Many of the large rooms at this lodge have fireplaces, hot tubs, and sitting areas, and although its location is second to none—close to area trails, ski resorts, and golf courses—it's almost a destination unto itself thanks to a large indoor pool and waterpark, hot tubs, tennis courts, a eucalyptus-infused steam room, a large fitness area, and a spa. Several on-site restaurants serve everything from pizza to haute cuisine, and the Summit Spa offers treatments for both men and women. In summer, you can rent bicycles in Kananaskis Village and enjoy miles of excellent trails, or enjoy a round of golf at the nearby Kananaskis Country Golf Course. The nearby Nakiska ski resort is popular with winter guests, and there are cross-country ski trails near the resort and equipment rentals in the village. There are children's activities during peak seasons. The large Kananaskis Nordic Spa is also located beside this resort.

A bright red roof and post-and-beam construction have made this Swiss chalet–style, Relais & Châteaux property—one of the finest retreats in the Rocky Mountains—something of a Lake Louise landmark; understated elegance, stellar dining, and lots of amenities have made it internationally renowned. Accommodations range from standard doubles to deluxe suites with king-size beds and river-stone fireplaces to even more spacious units with sleeping lofts, fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs. If you like old-fashioned, in-the-mountains romance, try one of the three stream-side log cabins. The restaurant uses fresh, seasonal ingredients and has an incredible wine selection. Amenities include a large pool; a steam room; a hot tub; a fitness room; and the Temple Mountain Spa, which offers a broad range of treatments and packages. There are complimentary bikes in summer and a free ski shuttle in winter.

A wood-burning fireplace and rough-hewn front desk make the lobby of this Swiss-style alpine lodge warm and inviting. The lounge has plenty of comfortable seating and is a great spot to relax with a good book. Rooms are decorated with dark wood furnishings and come in several configurations. Some suites have fireplaces and in-room hot tubs and all have mini-refrigerators. There are also two family apartments with full kitchens. The pool and fitness area has skylights that make it feel open. The nice little extras include complimentary bikes and DVDs.

Luxurious appointments and natural splendor coexist harmoniously at this nine-story hotel on the steep slope of Sulphur Mountain: the Grand Lobby has a 25-foot ceiling, giant windows, a massive marble fireplace, and a balcony facing the Rockies. There are two lounges, two excellent restaurants (including one of Canada's finest), a top-notch spa and fitness area with squash and racquetball courts, an indoor pool, a steam room, a sauna, and a hot tub. Nearly all the rooms have views of the Bow Valley or Spray Valley, though the views from the lower floors are compromised by trees. The hotel offers a free seasonal golf and ski shuttle and heated underground parking. Guests can utilize the excellent on-site concierge services before as well as during their stay to plan a vacation itinerary and assist with reservations.