I was very disappointed when I arrived at Deer Lodge. The front desk person is cold and indifferent. The hotel is very run-down and desperately needs a renovation. The room is very simple with no coffee maker, hair dryer, TV, phone or air-conditioning. Proximity to Lake Louise is a plus, but probably not worth the extra dollars you pay for that. I will never stay at Deer Lodge again.

Deer Lodge is a charming looking hotel and after overcoming a few problems I would say our experience was average. We booked a Tower Room which although small was nice enough until we ran into some problems. We turned the old radiator on to heat the room and went to dinner. When we returned, the room was really hot and we turned it off. However, the room simply would not cool down in spite of the fact that we opened windows in snowy weather. Then, as we tried to fall asleep the radiator started burping, which disrupted our ability to sleep. Moreover, the hard wood floors in the room and the outside hall area didn't shield any exterior noise. You could hear footsteps from above and in the halls. We called the lobby at around 11 pm asking to change rooms and they accommodated us putting us into one of the newer rooms in the newer wings. This room was bigger, had carpet, modern heating and overall was a good fix to the problem.

Would I go to Deer Lodge again? Probably not because of this experience but I can also see how without our problems, things would have been just fine.

You definitely get what you pay for with the rooms here. Pay the extra money for one of the Heritage rooms on the top floor. It was very quiet and the rooms are a decent size. I could definitely tell by walking along the first floor corridors that those rooms were tiny and had lots of traffic passing them on squeaky floor boards. The bed was comfortable. The shower pressure (my husband's main criteria) was great. The bathroom was small and dated.

Upon first entering Deer Lodge, you see it for what it is - a cute historic hotel in a GREAT location. The lodge is quaint and quiet... it has oodles of charm and eccentricities and the staff are extremely helpful. The lodge is situated just near Lake Louise (almost in the Fairmont's backyard). It couldn't be in a better spot, the walk to the lake is minimal... and pleasant! Given the choice, having seen and eaten at both the Deer Lodge and the Fairmont, I'd pick the Deer Lodge again every time - it's just so much more private. If you want to be near Lake Louise, this is the hotel for you. The food at their restaurant was top notch (you HAVE to try the caribou) and the rooms were clean, quiet, and unique... with an old world charm. Their rooftop hot tub and sauna helps as well! Great stay.