I’m looking for an affordable yet nice place to stay in the Banff/Canmore area in July. It seems many places are sold out and others run $10k + per family and much higher for 7-8 nights. I wanted a kitchenette and am open to hotel rooms, condos, or Airbnb/Vrbo. We are 2 families with adult children totaling 9, and can either do an Airbnb together or separate condo or hotel units near each other. I had hoped to be in walking distance to a town in a clean cozy place that includes a hot tub. Is this doable for under $400-$500 a night per family? I appreciate any recommendations and tips. Thank you!
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2840 posts
That is going to be tough. That area is very popular and prices have risen considerably. The place we have gone to a handful of times is now insanely priced at about $1500/night to give you an idea. I wish I had a specific suggestion for you.
Posted by
Calgary, AB, Canada
591 posts
Is that US or Canadian dollars? If US with the current exchange you would probably have several options, although I'm not sure you will meet all your conditions of walking distance, kitchen and hot tub. Bear in mind that in Banff you can go to the hot springs, so you could maybe drop a hot tub?.
Canmore will have more condo options, you could look at the Basecamp buildings. Paintbox lodge is cozy and a great location. Unfortunately, while there is a kitchen there, I'm not sure how available it now is to the guests, but you could ask. No hot tub.
In Banff itself, Tunnel Mountain and Hidden Ridge have kitchens. Hidden Ridge has a great hot tub. It is not necessarily walking distance to town, but it is very close, and there is the Roam bus, which is free`and takes you around town
Baker Creek Chalets and Castle Mountain are cabins and cozier feeling. I've only stayed at Castle mountain. Lovely spot, but you are near the train junction so you will want ear plugs at night for the occasional train. Baker Creek may be out of your price range. These are not in town, you would have to drive, they are between Banff townsite and Lake Louise.
If you can give up the kitchen, then I think some hotels in Banff townsite will fit your budget, be walking distance and most have a hot tube.
Posted by
OP
27 posts
Thank you for your replies. US $. I’ll take a look at your suggestions.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
4742 posts
That price sounds about right. Prices are outrageous in Banff/Canmore from May long weekend (3rd week of May) until after September long weekend, and may even be higher in early July during the Stampede in Calgary. You'll be lucky to find an average rated hotel in Banff with 2 beds for under $400 CA, let alone a condo.
Canmore is your best bet for a Condo. Zoning restrictions limit that in Banff. Try the Blackstone Mountain Lodge. I'd hurry though, places will fill up fast.
Posted by
18 posts
We stayed at the Bow View Lodge in Banff a few years ago. It's a good location for walking around town. It looks like they have a family 'suite'. I don't remember if they had a hot tub.