I stayed in a lovely corner suite with a jacuzzi and gas fireplace for my birthday with my boyfriend on Dec 10, 2012. The room was even better than the websites pictures and we even had a little christmas tree with lights which added to the experience. We recieved a complimentary half bottle of champagne for my celebrations and thanks for staying with them which was much appreciated. The room was clean and so cozy with the fireplace and jacuzzi with a mountain view. We even did a spa session which was very professional and relaxing. Spa facilities were very nice. We just loved everything about it! The staff was very welcoming and accomodating and we would definitely recommend staying here, especially in the room we stayed in. It's a few minutes walk down Banff Ave to the main stores or you can take the bus which the hotel gives you free passes for. Loved our stay and give it 5 stars all around.

We had a regular king room. Not too small but the ceiling encroached on the room in one corner so you had the careful you didn't bang your head. The furniture looked cheap but were functional. There were hairs (cat?) left on one of the pillows.

I had half expected a fireplace in the room - I hear some do.

What I saved on the room, we spent on a more expensive and memorable meal.

The two of us stayed at the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa just this last weekend. I was tempted to come here as there was a "Banff All-In" special (only until December 20th 2012) on the Banff Lodging Co. website, which offered either this hotel or the Banff Ptarmigan Inn. I was definitely sold on the Caribou Lodge though through other reviews and photos on Trip Advisor.

So to start off, the deal included a BUNCH of freebies at an amazing price. Upon arrival, we were offered a welcome bottle of red or white wine (we picked red!). We also received Hot Springs passes for 2 and a booklet of coupons and such, but we only used the coupon for a free cup of tea at David's Tea (somewhere on Banff Ave). We've been to Banff before, so we weren't too keen on spending much time looking at ammolites or the other boutiques... plus it was too chilly to walk around much!

The Front Desk attendants were all very friendly. The male attendant who checked us in even took the time to explain our coupon book, parking voucher, hotel policies, etc. Big difference compared to bigger hotels with unattentive staff.

Our room on the 2nd floor had 2 Queen beds, and they were clean and comfy. The only weird thing was that the top sheet was too short to cover the whole bed, so our feet touched the mattress protector. Not a big deal. The room carries the Caribou horn motif, like the ceiling light, curtain rods, etc. which I really enjoyed. Gives me ideas for future decorating myself...

The bathroom was nicely decorated, and the wooden caribou head was a nice touch. The bath/shower combo was great for a good soak. Hint - bring your own bath salts :) The Caribou Lodge uses bars of soap from the Rocky Mountain Soap Co., which has a nice gentle lavender scent.

The Caribou Lodge also has an indoor heated pool and steam room, which was very relaxing. We didn't have time to try out the exercise room (adjacent to the pool and only separated by a glass wall and door), or the Red Earth Spa. Maybe next time!

Had an amazing weekend, and by far this is the best Banff hotel (compared to 3 others I've stayed in).


Summary of our Weekend (and if you need tips for your own special trip):
1 - Stayed at Banff Caribou Lodge
2 - Ate at Sushi Bistro (review to come)
3 - Dipped in the Banff Upper Hot Springs
4 - Had beers at Banff Brewing Co (review to come)
5 - Ate at Juniper Bistro (review to come) - through a super TravelZoo deal :)

The room was clean, interesting decor, comfortable feather top beds and very clean bathroom. It was a smaller room, but with a king sized bed.

The staff were very friendly, and happily accommodated our request for a late check out. The hot pool was hot!! Very clean area with ample towels.

The spa was great too! I was happy with my pedicure, and my husband enjoyed the spa surroundings before and after his massage. He said the massage was good.

All in all, it was a relaxing weekend getaway in Banff!