Who's Going
Bobby Kennedy, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta Jones
Reason to Stay
Historic Hotel, Ski Retreat, Luxury Penthouse
Hotel Type
Ski Resort
It's likely the reason you came in the first place, Banff Springs Hotel dates back to the 19th Century, built by the Canadian Pacific Railway as a luxury tourist destination along Canada's main rail route. Today visitors arrive to the Banff Springs Hotel of new, a stacked-stone and marble reception area suspended in elaborate chandeliers and Titanic-esque staircase. A wood-paneled reception area is well attended with knowledgeable staff in uniforms for more buttoned-up than they'd probably prefer. The receptionist doesn't flinch while explaining each of the hotel's nine restaurants, cumbersome explanation for unlocking the door that works the in-house fitness area and indoor/outdoor swimming pool and directions for getting to one of the area's three ski mountains all in the time it takes to forcefully swipe my AmEx.<br /><br />There is little doubt that the hotel is still a tourist destination itself. Hallways are flooded with camera flashes and tourists devouring every visual inch of the arched-beam hallways, dramatic window panoramas and even the little mail slot at the center of each elevator entrance. For those adverse to tourists or buses that clog the valet artery of the hotel especially during winter when skiers are transported to local resorts, Banff Springs may just be too much. Try to avoid any buffets and instead order breakfast to the room and hit the hotel's high-end Banffshire Club for dinner with its French Canadian cuisine and legendary Cedar Plank Salmon marinated in whisky by Chef Martin Luthi. Those on hand for a spa experience or to enjoy the massive indoor/outdoor pools should be prepared for a soaking scene of endless families and children that take a bit of luxury away from this legendary property.
The Room
If wondering why the Banff Springs Hotel is so crowded especially over the sold-out winter holidays, bare in mind that it’s home to a total of 768 superbly guest rooms. Before you book any room do your homework, as your enjoyment will likely depend on the quality of your reservation. Internet message boards are rich in complaints about the hotel’s notoriously cramped entry-level guests rooms that measure in at just over 200-sq. ft. with mountain views but interior design mis-choices like floral print curtains and too rustic furnishings that only get slightly better with the Deluxe Premier rooms with grand architectural details like ornamental fireplace, crown molding and chandelier. If in doubt, simply stick with Fairmont Gold rooms with more modern design and better views in addition to direct access to the all-day guest lounge with complimentary drink and appetizer presentations. During our stay, we booked into one of the Honeymoon Suite despite the absence of a bride. These suites are located on the hotel’s top floor turrets, bi-level rooms contained within the hotels turrets and offering iron spiral staircases connecting the living and sleep areas.
Preferred Room
Honeymoon Suite
Special Features
Historic Hotel, Ghost Sightings, Gourmet Eatery, Celebrity Clientele
Amenities
Restaurant, Lounge, Indoor Pool, Outdoor Pool, Bar, Buffet, Shop, Spa
