Hotels in Banff

I was in Banff this summer and stayed at the Juniper hotel. Check it out.

Less of a view and less of a location usually = lower rate.

Since we live a few hours drive from Jasper and Banff National Parks, we've stayed at many different hotels in the Canadian Rockies over the years (including the Fairmont properties in the off-season when we can afford it). When we're looking for hotels that are more reasonably priced, we usually stay in Canmore, rather than Banff. For 3-star hotels in Banff, our choice about a dozen times has been Inns of Banff (on Banff Avenue but a bit removed from the main downtown strip). However, on one occasion (when the town was fully booked and we just needed a room for one night), we stayed across the street at a "sister property" called Bumpers Inn (2 stars) - this was a huge mistake as there is a tour bus parking lot beside the hotel (outside our window) - very noisy diesel engines idling late in the day and very early in the morning!

Another reasonably priced hotel (2 stars, older property) 10 minutes walk to downtown Banff is Bow View Lodge, if you're OK with the basics. The Juniper Inn, mentioned by a previous poster, is about 10 minutes drive outside of the town-site, but if you prefer a quiet location, it's about the same price range. You may find that your choices may be limited for the first week of June as it's getting late to be booking for peak season. We much prefer Jasper for nature views, hikes and relaxing over Banff.

I hope you are including Jasper in your plans. If you are, try to get one of the cabins at Alpine Village. The place is quite popular and usually is fully booked by the end of January. It is located directly across the road from the Athabasca River just outside Jasper.

Other locations we have enjoyed are Johnston Canyon Resort a few miles north of Banff on the Bow River Parkway and the Paradise Lodge and Bungalows near Lake Louise. Storm Mountain is fun for a night or two - cabins are rather rustic, but the restaurant is excellent.

All of these places are mid-price range for the Banff-Jasper region.

I was also going to suggest Bow View Lodge. Make sure you get a river room room. The rooms are basic, but I think is one of the best locations in Banff. You can head out the door and walk along the river path all the way to the Banff Springs and Bow View falls.