In all honesty, this hotel was a bit of a rip-off. I had a nice stay there, but there were a few problems, namely:
-bad price for such a low-end hotel
-rooms very small
-lack of decent light fixture in main part of room
-no air conditioning
-shower was under-pressured severly
-sink was in a nook beside the door leading into the room w/ shower+toilet
-smoke alarm in room didn't work at all (dead battery or something)
-maid seemed to like leaving the balcony door open (the balconies are all one large connected one, with a small rail between each one that is easy to duck under)
-ironing board was in central hallway by the elevator
-doors aren't self-closing (good or bad?, you decide, just make sure you slam it when you leave)
-some rooms have no couch

Stayed here last year after obtaining a good price on a website. The room was a bit small for my liking, mainly because it had two big beds in it (not necessary for a couple, but found this happened a lot in Canada). However, it was comfortable, nice beds and nicely furnished. Small balcony and a nice view. There was a mix up in the bill, but I showed them copy of email, and they honoured the price which was very good compared to other accommodation in Banff. I really liked the place, despite it being a bit "cosy" for me - I generally like a lot of room, but the people were pleasant and best of all was the location really, so near to many restaurants, shops and right next to the magnificent Bow River. As has been said, not luxurious, but comfortable for the price and just a brilliant location. I would go back there again.

We stayed at the Bow View from the 12th Dec 2006 until the 28th Dec 2006 and can say that is it fantastic, the rooms are nice and big and have a great selection of TV channels, Coffee maker with gourmet coffee pouches, body lotion,shampoo etc deliveryed every day.

The hotels location is perfect. Right on the Bow View river giving excellent views of the river,surrounding trees and even the mountains. It is right by the town as well but far enough away to be nice and quiet.
It is a short 4-5min walk to the shops,cinema and bars. They gave us a coupon for 2 for 1 buffet breakfast at their sister hotel the Banff Park Lodge, this is where you can use the Jacuzzi, steam room and Sauna etc, and its also where they have internet access, C$2 for 15mins. Break fast was great! We also had Christmas dinner here and again it was fantastic.

I would also suggest look out for the "Crag & Canyon" local newspaper and browsing through that as you can normally find coupons for offers at the restaurants around Banff.

A positive mention as well must go to the staff of the Bow View Lodge, JP (Reception guy) was outstanding and helped us out in every way that he could and is a credit to his job. On the other hand there was a VERY rude woman in the Banff Park Lodge, NOT Bow View Lodge, she is a polish woman who works in the convenience store selling cards etc. she was the only thing I would change about the whole holiday.

So all in all an absolute AMAZING place to stay, good value, good location, good staff (JP in Reception).

I came up for a wedding and I found this hotel online... It was nice from the outside... at 2am i had to call down for a noise compaint... and then agian 20 minutes later... the third time, i would have spazzzed out... so i decided to ignore it... went for breakfast the next morning over at its sister lodge, and we had a very good breakfast, and the price was ok... we came back and our room was open, housekeeping decided to go into it and not shut the door... I am so not impressed, never again will i stay at the bow view lodge!