The 5 Best Hotels in Banff, Alberta (2024)

Grab your hiking boots and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime, Banff is calling!

Tucked right at the heart of the spectacular Canadian Rockies, Banff is the ultimate playground for outdoor lovers. We’re talking glacial lakes, majestic peaks, and endless hiking opportunities… you name it!

It’s no wonder Banff is one of the most visited spots in Alberta.

We’re sure we don’t have to tell you that you’ll need an awesome place to crash after exploring those alpine trails. Well, the good news is that you’ll find plenty of hotels in Banff Alberta to suit various types of travelers.

In this post, we’ve narrowed down 5 awesome hotels in Banff that we think are worth staying at. Each of the hotels is unique and has something different on offer.

Best of all, most of the hotels in Banff have a user rating of above 7/10, so you’ll definitely be in for a comfy stay!

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5 best hotels in Banff for your next visit

For budget travellers and hostel lovers, Banff has some great hostels where you can rest your weary legs without breaking the bank, but if you’d rather stay in a hotel, we can assure you that you’ll be spoiled for choice!

Just a quick note before we get into it though: it won’t take you long to realize that Banff is an insanely popular area filled with amazing sights. For that reason, accommodation can be pricier in Banff than in other Alberta destinations like, say, Drumheller or Edmonton. 

Despite the higher rates, we do promise it’s worth it though! From its incredible scenery to its abundance of summer and winter activities, Banff is set to deliver an epic trip – so it’s really worth staying a few days. 

What we love the most about Banff is how diverse it is…

Whether your idea of fun is to tee off on a picturesque course, chill in a natural hot spring, trek through mountainous terrain, browse through art galleries, or indulge in some (much-needed) retail therapy, there’s definitely something in Banff with your name on it! 

Now, let’s check out the best hotels in Banff, so you can make the right choice based on your budget and expectations.

Let’s start with one of our absolute favourite hotels in Banff, Alberta! We know that’s quite a bold statement, but hear us out…

Not only is this one of the most beautiful and unique hotels in the area, but Peaks and Suites provides numerous perks and amenities, including a delightfully cozy lounge with a stone fireplace.

Guests can enjoy complimentary access to a sister hotel’s plunge pool, steam room, and hot tub. 

You’ll be able to choose from various room configurations, all fitted with a fridge and a coffee machine – perfect for enjoying a hot brew in the morning!  

When it’s time to explore, you can always check out nearby attractions like the Banff Park Museum and the Bow River.

As the evening settles in, treat yourself to a scrumptious meal at nearby restaurants like Crave Mountain Grill and Terrace Lounge or La Terrazza.  

If you ask us, one of the best things about staying at Peaks Hotel and Suites (other than the exceptionally comfy rooms of course) is the location. We mean, it’s literally just a stone’s throw from the ski lifts! 

We know, this definitely isn’t the cheapest hotel in Banff National Park. But if you’re in the mood to splurge a little, we can assure you that you’ll be in for a memorable stay at Fairmont Banff! 

It won’t take you long to understand why you do pay a little bit more compared to other accommodation options in the area. For starters, this iconic hotel is set right within a Scottish-style castle (talk about a fairytale, right?). 

Set in Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic landmark still retains some of its original crown moulding and fireplaces.

All rooms feature windows that can actually be opened – perfect for enjoying that crisp mountain air.  Some suites also offer sweeping views of the summit. 

Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, you’ll always find something fun to do at the castle, including playing golf at the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course surrounded by incredible vistas.

We would recommend that you book your tee time in advance though because spots do tend to fill up quickly. 

The hotel also features a 40,000-square-foot spa with a waterfall whirlpool, a mineral bath, and numerous body treatments.

If you’ve been hiking across the Rockies, you may wish to try the Peak Performance massage that’ll really work out any aches or soreness!   

The Canalta Lodge in Banff is a casual and hip hotel with beautiful rooms that are all set to deliver a true Canadian experience!

One of the best hotels in Banff Town (at least, according to us!), the Canalta Lodge boasts informal but undeniably comfortable rooms with a rustic vibe. In some rooms, you’ll also find fireplaces and kitchens where you can rustle up a quick snack.

Each morning, you can fuel up with a complimentary breakfast before heading out to explore nearby sights like the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.

Back at the hotel, treat yourself to a snack at the on-site café which, by the way, has a complimentary S’mores station during happy hour (4 pm to 7 pm)! 

If you’re staying there during ski season, you’ll no doubt enjoy the fitness and ski storage facilities. The Cascade and North American ski lifts are less than 4km away! 

Bonus: Canalta Lodge offers pet-friendly rooms as well! 🐶

It’s no secret that Banff has been hailed as the ‘hiking capital of Canada’. After all, this town is an excellent jumping point to some insanely scenic hiking trails. 

If you’re travelling with kids and wondering where to stay when visiting Banff, we can totally vouch for the family-friendly High Country Inn located right in the heart of Banff.

Various types of rooms are available – although the best one’s got to be the Premium King room with a jetted tub!

All rooms have minifridges and coffee makers. Select units also have private balconies while some suites provide microwaves and electric fireplaces. 

There’s also plenty of things to do to keep you entertained at the hotel, including a hot tub and an indoor pool.

After exploring nearby spots like Mount Norquay, you can warm up in the hotel’s dry cedar sauna – which is perfect after a day of hiking or on the ski slopes! 

The hotel’s freshly renovated restaurant will open in December 2023, but if you’re visiting before that, you can always check out neighbouring eateries like Ticino and El Toro Restaurant.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Banff without spending a fortune, this definitely is one of the most affordable hotels in the area. And you get really good bang for your buck!

Here’s one that totally takes the cake as far as hotels in Banff downtown are concerned: Moose Hotel and Suites!

With a gorgeous timber-and-stone façade, this hotel is just a short stroll from the lively downtown area.

There are heaps (and we do mean heaps!) to explore in the area such as the Banff Park Museum, the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, the Vermillion Lakes, and the Cave and Basin National Historic Sites – just to name a few! 

We’re sure you’ll appreciate some much-needed pampering after all that sightseeing.

The good news is that the hotel does feature a spa with 10 treatment rooms and an extensive menu. You can also check out one of the two rooftop hot pools that offer incredible views of the Canadian Rockies. 

There’s an Italian restaurant on-site where you can treat yourself to a gourmet feast before relaxing in one of the spacious and tastefully furnished rooms.

Moose Hotel and Suites also have rooms with accessible bathrooms.

Here’s an insider tip for you: If you upgrade to a suite, you’ll be able to enjoy a fireplace and a kitchenette – perfect for those lazy evenings when you don’t feel like heading out to eat!   

You may also like…

• How to Hike the Magical Lake Louise Trail in Alberta
• The 5 Best Hostels in Banff, Canada (2024)
• Staying at the HI Banff Alpine Centre (Review)
• 6 Amazing Hikes in Kananaskis You Need to Do

Recap of the best hotels in Banff, Alberta

From a luxurious 4-star chateau to a family-run mountain lodge, we’ve covered all the places that we think will serve as excellent options for relaxing after a day full of skiing or hiking. 

As you can probably tell by now, there’s no shortage of hotels in Banff to choose from!

If you’re having a hard time choosing, our vote goes to Peaks Hotel and Suites. This hotel totally won us over with its casual yet welcoming vibes and cozy accents.

A close second would be the luxurious Fairmont but of course, you do need to splurge a bit for that one! 

If you have questions about any of the hotels, things to do in Banff, restaurants to eat at, or cafes to visit then feel free to DM us on Instagram or leave a comment on this post.

We hope you have an amazing time in Banff and enjoy the mountains!

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