When you’re visiting the most beautiful place in the world, a good hotel is the icing on the cake. An exceptional hotel can even become one of the highlights of your holiday, especially when it enhances the beauty of your surroundings.
The scenery in the Banff National Park is unparalleled
There are few images of Lake Louise that omit the fairytale chateau on its shoreline, and you can’t browse photos of Banff without coming across the spires of a castle rising from the fir trees.
The good news is that you can stay in both of these postcard beauties. They are among the best hotels in Banff and Lake Louise, along with a few other standout accommodations that will make your stay even more magical.
The iconic Fairmont Chateau Hotel sits upon Alberta's stunning Lake Louise
Best hotels in Lake Louise
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Nestled on the shores of bewitching Lake Louise, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is designed to steal your breath, and few are immune to its charms. The hotel boasts internal shops, restaurants and day spa facilities to entice you to stay indoors, but there is no ignoring the lake.
The magical Fairmont Chateau peaking out behind fig trees
You can admire the exquisite blue-green views through the huge picture windows in the Lakeview Lounge, but Lake Louise is much better in person. Canoe across her vivid waters, scramble the surrounding mountains for a higher view or take a leisurely horse ride around her shores - just don’t jump in, as the water is glacial all year round.
If you’re visiting in winter, the spectacular slopes of Lake Louise Ski Resort are just a short drive away, although you may prefer a jaunt around the lake on a horse-drawn sleigh.
A horse-drawn sleigh in a winter wonderland
Post Hotel & Spa Lake Louise
Set in the tiny village of Lake Louise, this riverside hotel is the epitome of boutique luxury. The cabins set on the Pipestone River are self contained havens that each boasts a unique ambience.
Lake Louise Village during winter
The restaurant at The Post Hotel offers a five-star fine dining experience complete with bow-tied waiters and crystal water glasses. Through the windows of the restaurant you can watch guests ice skating on the hotel’s tiny rink in winter, which transforms into an inviting lawn come summer.
Staying in the village has its own delights - you can stroll to the tiny strip mall for freshly baked pastries or meet the locals in the Lake Louise Bar & Grill. It’s just a five minute drive to the lake itself, or the ski resort in the opposite direction.
Moraine Lake and Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff National Park
Best hotels in Banff
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
This magnificent hotel meets all the requirements of a fairytale castle. Along with its dazzling spires, marble staircases and medieval ballrooms comes an internal network of shops and restaurants along with a day spa and fitness facility - you could wander the ornate corridors all day.
On your doorstep lies the glory of Banff National Park, with world-class golf in summer and notoriously wonderful skiing in winter. There are mountains to be climbed and hot springs to soak in, so visit the incredibly knowledgeable Concierge staff to get the most out of your stay.
Lake Louise's iconic snow capped fir trees make for stunning scenery
The Rimrock Resort Hotel
The Rimrock’s location on Sulphur Mountain offers magnificent views over the Bow Valley. The scale of the Canadian Rockies is deliciously apparent; the sight is difficult to tear your eyes away from.
Divas - the Hollywood-inspired cocktail bar at the Rimrock Resort Hotel
A choice of four restaurants includes a fine dining restaurant and a Hollywood diva-inspired cocktail bar, but locals flock to the Primrose on Wednesday nights for the gourmet pasta buffet. The chef will cook your pasta creation before your eyes, which you can supplement with salads and sides from the buffet, but be sure to leave room for dessert. The Crème brûlée is to die for!
If you’re craving an even better view of the surrounds, head a little further up the hill to the Banff Gondola. You can drink in the natural beauty and then soak in the mineral-rich waters of Banff Upper Hot Springs to complete the perfect day in the Rockies.
Best hotel in Canmore
Stoneridge Mountain Resort by CLIQUE
If you prefer the convenience that a larger town has to offer, then stay in picturesque Canmore, just a 20-minute drive from Banff town.
Sunrise over Canmore's beautiful Bow River
Stoneridge Mountain Resort is just minutes from downtown Canmore and offers gorgeous apartments that are famous for their spaciousness and style. Another guest favourite is the hot tub and outdoor heated pool, where you can unwind in the fresh mountain air.
In summer, you can barbeque on your private deck and in winter you won’t be able to resist the cosy gas fireplace. Meanwhile, the joys of the Canadian Rockies are waiting to be explored, just past your front door.
You can lose yourself amidst snowy firs
If you are interested in staying in one of these luxurious accommodations on your next visit to the beautiful Banff and Lake Louise areas, get in touch. Our expert Flight Centre First & Business travel consultants will happily make any arrangements required to help you to travel in style.
Images courtesy of Fairmont & Getty
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