BANFF NATIONAL PARK - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 91

Hidden Ridge Resort (403/762-3544 or 800/661-1372, www.bestofbanff.com ,
$245-450 s or d) sits on a forested hillside away from the main buzz of traffic. Choose
from modern condo-style units to much larger Premier King Jacuzzi Suites. All units have
wood-burning fireplaces, wireless Internet, and balconies or patios, and the condos have
washer/dryer combos. In the center of the complex is a barbecue area and 30-person out-
door hot tub overlooking the valley.
$250-300
Since opening in 1908, the downtown Mount Royal Hotel (138 Banff Ave., 403/762-3331
or 877/442-2623, www.mountroyalhotel.com , $260 s or d) has seen various expansions
and a disastrous fire in 1967, which destroyed the original wing. Today guests are offered
135 tastefully decorated rooms and the use of a large health club with hot tub. Also on the
premises are a restaurant and small lounge. For a splurge, you won't find better than the
one-bedroom suites ($299-429).
The best rooms along the motel strip are at Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge (459
Banff Ave., 403/762-3307 or 888/778-5050, www.deltahotels.com , from $290 s or d),
which features 99 luxuriously appointed rooms, heated underground parking, a lounge, a
dining room where upscale Canadian specialties are the highlight, a spa/pool complex, and
a landscaped courtyard.
OVER $300
At Buffalo Mountain Lodge, a 15-minute walk from town on Tunnel Mountain Road
(Tunnel Mountain Dr., 403/762-2400 or 800/661-1367, www.crmr.com , $339 s or d),
you'll notice the impressive timber-frame construction, as well as the hand-hewn construc-
tion of the lobby, with its vaulted ceiling and eye-catching fieldstone fireplace. The 108
rooms, chalets, and bungalows all have fireplaces, balconies, large bathrooms, and com-
fortable beds topped by feather-filled duvets; many have kitchens. And you won't need to
go to town to eat—one of Banff's best restaurants, Cilantro Mountain Café (summer only),
is on the grounds. Although rack rates start over $300, book in advance and online to pick
up summer rates around $250. (The lodge takes its name from Tunnel Mountain, which
early park visitors called Buffalo Mountain, for its shape.)
Bed-and-breakfast connoisseurs will fall in love with Buffaloberry B&B (417 Marten
St., 403/762-3750, www.buffaloberry.com , $335 s or d), a purpose-built lodging within
walking distance of downtown. The home itself is a beautiful timber and stone structure,
while inside, guests soak up mountain-style luxury in the vaulted living area, which comes
complete with a stone fireplace, super comfortable couches, and a library of local topics.