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Hotels in Alberta
129 Hotels
Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa
521 Banff Avenue, Box 1070

The upper-middle-range Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa is on Banff Avenue and home to one of the two full-service spas on the street. The 190 rooms and suites sway toward contemporary with stylish bathrooms and creative decorative touches, though several guests have complained of subpar housekeeping. The casual steakhouse on-site serves a busy breakfast (fee) and dishes up room service during regular hours, while the spa offers numerous treatments, as well as a 26-person hot pool, huge steam room, and much smaller gym. Freebies include parking, Wi-Fi, ski storage, and free bus passes that help alleviate the woes of being around a 15-minute walk from downtown. For comparable features and a more central location, it's worth checking out the rates at Moose Hotel & Suites, one of Caribou's sister properties.

Pocaterra Inn & Waterslide
1725 Bow Valley Trail

For travelers who are looking for a lower-middle-range spot full of features and freebies that don't break the bank, the Pocaterra Inn & Waterslide is a top option. You'll be within walking distance to food and gas, but need a car to hit downtown. Families are drawn to this pet-friendly spot thanks to the indoor pool with a waterslide and a ‘kids under 18 stay free' policy. Business travelers like the decent-size gym, sauna, and event space. Free Wi-Fi, lobby snacks, and a well-stocked breakfast buffet attract everyone. The 83 rooms have massive flat-screens, balconies, fireplaces, and comfy beds. The similarly-priced Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Center is a good alternative for those wanting more modern rooms and a full restaurant (though there's no free breakfast).

Banff Voyager Inn
555 Banff Avenue

The budget, 88-room Banff Voyager Inn was built back in 1964 and not much has changed since. Expect motel style, full of irregular stone tile, dated furniture, and spacious rooms with microwaves, mini-fridges, old appliances, and lots of natural light. The relative cleanliness and collection of features -- like an on-site restaurant, outdoor pool, bar with cheap drinks, liquor store, and big hot tub -- coupled with low rates, make it a popular spot for tour groups, business travelers, and anyone looking for the elusive Banff bargain. Freebies include Wi-Fi, covered parking, and a hot breakfast buffet that receives mixed reviews. If you can get past the wear and tear and retro vibe, this is one of the better bargains in Banff. Those looking to be closer to downtown may prefer the equally affordable and dated Bow View Lodge.

The Juniper Hotel
1 Juniper Way, Mount Norquay Rd

The Juniper Hotel is an independently owned mid-range property with impressive panoramic views across the Trans-Canada Highway and pine forest all the way to Tunnel, Rundle, and Sulpher mountains. It's an ideal nature-nestled spot for folks wanting seclusion while still being a five-minute drive from Banff's town center. Juniper has a stylish, contemporary-vintage look -- especially compared to the many dated hotels in Banff -- though chalets are a bit more rustic. The Juniper Bistro, and its stunning patio views, are a favorite among guests and locals alike, and it's common to spot wildlife around the property or on the nearby trail. There are no hotels in the immediate area, but if you're looking for a slightly secluded spot with self-catering or more kid-friendly features, check out the Hidden Ridge Resort

Samesun Banff
433 Banff Avenue

Samesun Banff is a dorm-only backpacker hostel with an extremely walkable location right on Banff Avenue. It targets young, social travelers on a budget and is known for getting rowdy, though there are enforced quiet hours. Each room has an en-suite bathroom, gas fireplace, and lockers, and thanks to a clever design, even the 14-bed rooms don't feel too packed. This hostel gets a lot of traffic, especially in high season so there's noticeable wear and tear and upgrades can't always keep up with the crowds. The free breakfast with make-your-own pancakes, stocked kitchen, daily free (or cheap) activities, nightly specials at the bar, and bike/ski storage make this spot a good bargain. The town's only other hostel with a bar is the HI Banff Alpine Center, and it has a more natural setting. 

Blackstone Mountain Lodge by CLIQUE
170 Kananaskis Way

Blackstone Mountain Lodge's edge-of-town location makes for a long 25-minute walk to the town center (especially in winter). But the four-pearl hotel's friendly atmosphere, gamut of on-site activities (an outdoor pool, hot tubs, fire pits, gym, and massages), plus 150 well-appointed rooms with mountain views make it a top pick. Unlike most of the other condo-hotels in Canmore, this spot manages to find that sweet spot between the independence of a condo-hotel and the sociability of a traditional hotel. Families are drawn to the suites' gourmet kitchens and in-unit laundry machines, while couples like the balcony views and gas fireplaces. Expect to pay a resort fee. For a more traditional home-away-from-home feel, check out the nearby Stoneridge Mountain Resort, where you'll still get similar condo units minus all the social aspects. 

Elk + Avenue Hotel
333 Banff Avenue, Box 1040

After its huge 2016 renovation, the Elk + Avenue Hotel emerged as one of Banff's most modern and stylish hotels. Its cozy minimalist decor is a breath of fresh air compared to its other three-pearl competitors, though the prices here can get steep beyond standard rooms. The hotel's edge of downtown location is as close as you can get without being in the center, giving it a huge advantage. On the downside, there are no AC, room service, gym, or business center here, but guests will get access to the on-site tour company, the hot tub and sauna, a chic cocktail and sports lounge, and a restaurant that serves big meals. Expect free heated underground parking, fast Wi-Fi, and full-sized ski lockers (with locks). Those looking for more wellness facilities may prefer Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa. 

Rundlestone Lodge
537 Banff Avenue, P.O. Box 489

A 20-minute walk from downtown, the mid-range Rundlestone Lodge is on the eastern edge of town near several of the area's budget properties. Nature-themed decor and lots of knotted pine wood throughout give this spot a comfortable lodge vibe, though some aspects, like the bathrooms, skew dated. The 98 guest rooms here have AC, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, coffeemakers, kettles, and free Wi-Fi, and some feature whirlpool tubs and balconies. Highlights among features include an on-site steakhouse that serves a generous breakfast buffet for an extra charge, and an indoor lap pool and whirlpool in a light-filled space. For about the same rates, you can book next door at the Caribou Lodge & Spa, though the guest rooms will be noticeably smaller. 

Deer Lodge
109 Lake Louise Drive

Deer Lodge is a 71-room historic property celebrated for its location within walking distance to Lake Louise. Originally built in 1939 and used as a teahouse for hikers, this mid-range spot hasn't had a proper revamp since the mid-80s. Several of the original elements of the house have been retained, leaving guests to either love the vintage vibe or feel disappointed in its datedness. Guest rooms are snug and they have contemporary-classic decor, including knotted wood desks and wardrobes, and some have balconies, but all lack TVs and AC. The casual Canadian Rockies cuisine, plentiful public spaces, rooftop hot tub, and massive dry sauna make it ideal for those looking to relax and unplug. The only other hotel with such a privileged location is the luxury Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, which has significantly higher rates and is better kept. 

Fairmont Banff Springs
405 Spray Avenue

The upscale Fairmont Banff Springs is an iconic 764-room hotel in a semi-secluded location on the edge of Banff. Its rich history makes it a town landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's popular for its large castle-like appearance. Rooms are contemporary and modest, outfitted with attractive, albeit generic, decor and less features than expected. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, shower/tub combos, and floor-to-ceiling windows, though AC is not guaranteed. Guests can eat and drink their way through 13 food and drink venues, soak in the spa's mineral pools, lounge by one of the three pools, or get sweaty in the state-of-the-art gym. Wi-Fi and a basic kids' club are free, but fees apply for pets, and rentals for bikes or ice skates. There's really no comparison, but the elegant Rimrock Resort Hotel has cheaper rates.