Where to Stay Near Banff

Most of us will agree there is a BIG difference in traveling solo vs with kids vs with friends.  I for one like to splurge when I’m traveling solo.  I want the nicest hotels and to feel pampered.  When traveling with girl friends or friends in general I have to be mindful of everyones budget without sacrificing comfort and the “extras”.  Then of course there’s the littles..  aka the family.  Same rule applies with them as does with friends. The key thing I look for with kids is

1. kid friendliness of hotel ( this hotel offered fresh smores /popcorn and hot chocolate nightly for the kiddos. )
2. hotel family Room policy ( especially when traveling abroad) … most European hotels have a STRICT 3 person / room policy which can make accommodations pricey when you traveling with more than 3 people.
3. activities for kids ( even though I have teenage sons they still like their amenities too).
4. Amenities for kids ( indoor pool, movie night, tennis, basketball, video games)

Getting around CALGARY/BANFF/JASPER

Day 1 we stayed in Calgary proper at the budget friendly Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Suites Calgary West which was conveniently located in front of Olympic park of the 1988 winter Olympics.  Breakfast was free and the rooms had private balconies.  The best part was that it was modestly priced and had a full spa.

Day2 the plan was to visit Banff so with that we repacked our rented SUV and started the 1.5 hour journey to Banff.  This trip was different in that I didn’t overly preplan meaning.. I had an idea of what activities we were going to do but no real agenda or itinerary and that included hotels as well.  With no hotel booked we figured we’d find somewhere to stay once we got in town.  As fate or luck would have it.. we literally ran into our next hotel.  We scored the ever so luxurious

The best part is that it’s a Marriott property and affordable given it was the “off season”.. I will say the nightly rate almost tripled over the weekend!   Equipped with all the amenities suitable for adults and families we called this property home for 5 days extending our original stay by 2 extra days because we loved it soo much AND it was convenient as a base camp to most of the sites we wanted to see.   The property is somewhat remote but an easy 30 minutes from Banff National Park and simply GORGEOUS.   The Nordic Spa was amazing for ADULTS ONLY.  Outdoor fire pits were all the rage

The upper lounge area of the Spa consists of comfy couches and 2 fireplaces, a small bar and games for entertainment which overlooks the outdoor Nordic Spa

Regular daytime pricing for the Outdoor Spa is $90. Be sure to catch the evening “sale” just before closing for half off. It’s an amazing experience of Cold & Hot water pools, steam rooms and saunas. A MUST DO when in Kanakasis

About the Property:

The staff was amazing and extremely attentive.  There were plenty of food/restaurant options on premise ranging from Cafes, deli, Italian and casual dining which was perfect given the nearest restaurant outside of the property was located in Banff a good 30-45 minute ride. Our room overlooked the snow capped mountain and outdoor entertainment area.