We are a couple who have been staying in the Banff Park Lodge at least once every ski season for the past 5+ years. We last visited in Jan 2013.

In common with many hotels in Banff, the rooms lag competitive modern standards of décor found outside of the national park (where the supply of hotel accommodation is effectively capped) especially the quite antiquated bathroom. However, they are spotlessly cleaned and maintained have seen a recent upgrade with new large flat LCD TVs updates to some room fixtures and furnishings. All of the modern comforts are available. Wifi is available but the reception for cellphone data plans (ours was with Telus) is good enough for regular browsing, mailing and file transfer.

The common parts of the hotel are spacious with pleasing décor and a pleasant open layout. The bar and lounge provide a very relaxing and luxurious area to unwind.

The staff are experienced, friendly and helpful. My partner needed to study during our stay and so a table and chair were added to our room.

It's location is perhaps the hotel's biggest asset. It's adjacent to a quieter central area of town near the river. Many rooms back on to a quieter areas adjacent to the river (although they are not directly riverside) and have spectacular views of the surrounding mountains from the balconies. There is ample indoor and outdoor reserved parking which is useful if you are driving an oversize vehicle.

Whilst the hotel is in a quieter area, it is only a couple of small blocks away from the centre of Banff with it's many bars restaurants and shops. It is directly opposite Melisa's restaurant which is one of the best value independent restaurants in Banff.

The hotel's smart Terrace restaurant is excellent as is the lobby bar. The breakfast buffet is good and the upstairs restaurant has nice views of the surrounding mountains to enjoy over your morning breakfast.

A couple of years ago, the hotel completely refurbished its modest sized swimming pool, hot tub and fitness/spa area to bring it in line with contemporary design. The lobby has a few shops with some interesting items such as gifts, maps and a good selection of books relating to the local area.

The ski packages are exceptional value. It would be very difficult for a 1-2 week visitor to find or build a better package deal with tri-area lift tickets and similar accommodation. The ski bus stops outside the lobby.

There are a few fancier and more expensive places in Banff. But if you are looking for high quality, excellent value and a great location, this is an excellent choice.

We stayed for 2 nights to have a quiet family bonding. As we just arrived, hubby needs internet and wanted to play a PS3 but for a hunchback TV for superior room? no way! We were surprise that you have to pay for the internet every 24 hours for $10 and another $15 for the microwave ( I have a kid so we need to heat up some food for him) and the weather that time is so cold so another $9/night for heated parking.

It is sad that you have to pay for everything add-ons, knowing that other hotels is giving that for free with no-charge at all and with free breakfast.

Pros: The swimming pool, sauna is nice and clean just too much chlorine that makes your skin so itchy after. The restaurant is classy and their pianist is amazing!

Conclusion: We'll try something else next time!

We have stayed here a few times because if the proximity to downtown Banff. The hotel is clean, rooms are clean. Good beds. Not like sleeping on a slab of wood. Very quiet. Front desk staff are wonderful and friendly. Would stay again and again.

We have been staying here for over 20 years and mixed other buildings in even the Banff Springs but always we return here for value and location. Are there more luxurious places in Banff - yep. But not many that are as professionally run and consistant in service and quality. The breakfast buffet is excellent value and when they open the theme buffet bring your cowboy boots and wagon sized appetite - it's great.