Banff Royal Canadian Lodge

Entering the hotel feels rather impressive, due to an open atrium lobby's vaulted natural wood ceiling, sets of leather chairs, a large wood-burning fireplace, and huge chandelier. The warm lighting makes it feel elegant, while the smooth natural wood and slate brick keep it grounded and lodge-like. The not-quite-classic, slightly dated decor tiptoes the line, leaving several guests feeling that it is not contemporary enough, and others happy with the classic nod.

This hotel is popular with tour and corporate groups, and older folks who wan to avoid partiers. For around the same rates (or even sometimes cheaper) the Rimrock Resort Hotel is worth a look. It's not walking distance to downtown Banff, but it is loaded with features and has a slightly more obvious and contemporary feel.

Banff Royal Canadian Lodge is on the north side of Banff Avenue's eastern edge, between Banff International Hostel and Fox Hotel & Suites. It's about a 10-minute walk to the IGA supermarket at the start of the downtown area. There are plenty of hotels on Banff Avenue that have on-site restaurants within a few minute's walk, and most trailheads are within about a five-minute drive. The local bus service to Sulphur Mountain stops right outside the Fox and drops off across the street. Two other bus lines are across Banff Avenue, and a free shuttle to the Banff Gondola and Upper Hot Springs (which returns from the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel) is just a 13-minute walk toward town.

• Seven-minute drive or 19-minute walk to the Banff Pedestrian Bridge
• Eight-minute drive to Cave and Basin
• Nine-minute drive to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
• 11-minute drive to the Banff Upper Hot Springs
• 14-minute drive or 34 minutes via public transportation to Lake Minnewanka
• 11-minute drive to the Banff Gondola
• 26-minute drive or 52-minute bus to Canmore
• 40-minute drive to Lake Louise
• 90-minute drive to Calgary Airport

The 99 rooms come standard with decorative wood headboards, a contemporary take on classic furniture, and neutral-toned decor with pops of red. Bathrooms are slightly dated with tile and acrylic countertops, and come with waffle bathrobes and Apothia toiletries (shampoo and soap only). In most rooms, guests can separate the toilet and shower from the vanity area with a wooden sliding door. Flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and kettles come standard, as do AC and mini-fridges.

The biggest advantage in upgrading to Premium Rooms is the gas fireplace, while bumping up to a Junior Suite also brings a fireplace, as well as a king-sized bed, a pullout sofa, and bigger TV. These rooms feel spacious and are bright with big, draped windows. Some have a wet bar stocked with wine glasses and a bottle opener, and extra bathroom amenities include body wash, mouthwash, conditioner, vanity kits, and lotion. Executive King Suites have an open plan with a sitting area, wet bar, single-person jetted tub, big bathroom, big tiled shower, and iHome dock.

Rooms that face the main street can be noisy, and there are no rooms with private balconies here.

Banff Royal Canadian Lodge is stocked with features, giving it a solid edge against its competition. For starters, there are an elegant (though simple) indoor heated pool inspired by a cave and basin stonework that features brick columns and a stained glass window etched by a local artist. At the top of the pool is a raised, 10-person tiled whirlpool with a waterfall edge that empties into the pool. A massive steam room is on-site and Apothia amenities can be found in the small changing room.

Just outside the pool area is the hotel’s holistic Grotto Spa. There’s a slight Asian theme here and all the massages and treatments (no couples' massages) use Whistler Natural products. It’s a small corner spot with an informal waiting area housing a tiny Buddha statue. The fitness room is also small and has a limited number of dated equipment and apples. Guests don’t need a spa appointment to use the pool or hot tub.

The Evergreen restaurant (and its separate lounge area) are located right at the entrance of the hotel and serve upscale Canadian cuisine that features a lot of game meats. The lounge has a separate day menu with salads and burgers, and meals at either can be charged directly to the room. Breakfast isn't included, but a seasonal buffet is available.

Guests get a lot of freebies here, including heated underground parking with occasional overnight windshield wiping, bike, golf, and ski storage in the parking garage, reportedly slow Wi-Fi, and Starbucks coffee and tea every morning in the lobby. Cruiser bikes can be rented for a fee. Other amenities include concierge service, a large lending library, meeting rooms, and parking-level business computer with printer.

No rollaway beds or cots are offered, but playpens, highchairs, and booster seats are available on request. This hotel does not accept pets.