Banff Inn

This property will feel familiar to most travelers who are used to mid-range accommodations. This is to say that while there's nothing exactly memorable about the hotel's style, it's a perfectly pleasant place to crash while exploring the wilds of the Canadian Rockies. From the outside, the hotel looks every bit the mountain inn, with its chalet-style architecture. Guests drive up to the porte cochere and enter the lobby through glass doors. Interiors have the typically cozy touches guests might expect at this altitude -- there's a stone fireplace lined with a few ottomans and a couple of leather armchairs sit on each side of the front door. Still, it's not the kind of place guests will hang out and mingle -- there is a cozy wood-and-stone bar for that. This is a simple hotel that's suitable for all sorts of leisure travelers looking for an affordable option in a convenient location close to town.

This hotel is situated on the main street into the town of Banff alongside many other similar hotels. Several restaurants and a liquor store are within an easy walk, and the main part of downtown Banff can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot. Of course, a car is a must for exploring the gorgeous landscapes of Banff National Park. Banff Upper Hot Springs are a 10-minute drive from the hotel, as are the scenic shores of Lake Minnewanka. Other Banff must-sees, like the Columbia Icefields and the Parker Ridge Trail are about two hours north by car. The closest airport, Calgary International, is about an hour and a half away by car. Calgary also happens to be the closest major city, and has plenty to see and do in its own right, including the annual Calgary Stampede.

Decor is fairly basic across all room categories, the look is ultimately pleasant and homey -- reminiscent of nicer Hampton Inns across North America. Expect to see patterned carpeting, earth-tone color schemes, warm wood furniture, and Canadian-themed art on the walls. Standard Rooms include one or two queen-size beds, and King Rooms come with a king-size bed. Two-level Loft Suites have three queen-size beds -- two on the first floor and another in the loft -- making them good for families or groups of friends.
All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers. Bathrooms are small, but offer granite countertops, toiletries, shower/tub combos, and hairdryers. Honeymoon Suites are more upmarket, with rugs atop hardwood floors, king-sized beds, two armchairs, a fireplace, two-person hot tub, and a large walk-in shower with multiple jets. Balconies are tiny -- barely big enough to stand on -- but some of them have gorgeous views of the mountains. Rooms close to the lobby may pick up noise, and soundproofing between rooms can be problematic.

Features are thin here, though there's enough to make a stay at this hotel worthwhile. Carlito's Pizzeria is a cozy little space with a bar and a fireplace serving generally well-liked pizza, burgers, poutine, and salads in the evening. Flat-screen TVs keep guests up-to-date on the latest sports, news, and weather. The large indoor hot tub is a popular feature, as are the steam room and sauna, though the hotel lacks a pool. A desk in the lobby has a computer set up for guests to use, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Parking is also free, but is limited.