This may sound overly dramatic, but it’s the truth. I will never forget the sense of awe as we pulled up to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel to check-in. It was hands-down the most massive, architecturally pleasing property we have ever stayed in. We’ll outline the pros and cons of our experience to help you decide if it’s right for your next stay.
THE PROPERTY
The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel is known as “The Castle in the Rockies.” One look and you can instantly see why!
PROS:
In one word, the property is massive! I instantly felt like we were walking into a castle on arrival. In fact, we were searching for the history of the property thinking it was once royalty and has since been converted into a hotel. It was fascinating to learn that it was always designed to be a hotel.
The architecture is so unique, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel instantly stands out amongst luxury hotels we have been to.
In addition to the rooms, the inside is filled with dining options, bars, shopping areas, a spa and several ballrooms for private events. The outside has many courtyard areas which have activities during the day and fire pits to enjoy in the evening.
The property has both an indoor and outdoor pool. As the name suggests, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is actually near a natural spring. This enables the pool to be heated with naturally fed waters so guests can enjoy it!
CONS:
The only negative we can say about the property itself is that the fire pit areas are only open for a short time in the evening. Due to the cool nights during our stay in May, it would have been nice to be outside with a fire after the dinner hours. But honestly, we are really nitpicking here, there isn’t much you can complain about.
THE LOCATION:
PROS:
Since the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is in the mountains, it offers gorgeous views on the backside of the property. If you don’t get a room with a view, there are plenty of common areas to enjoy the views around the property.
The hotel is also a short walk from the town of Banff. There are well-marked paths to take a 15-minute scenic walk into the town.
CONS:
For us, this was the perfect location. It was secluded enough to deliver that romantic feeling with the town easily accessible. No cons on location.
THE ROOM
PROS:
The Banff Springs hotel opened in 1888 and is now considered a UNESCO Heritage Site. It was pretty cool to think we were staying in a hotel with so much history. We booked the Fairmont Gold Mountain View Room. There were 2 windows with chairs nearby to admire the room. While this was a nice feature, with so many mountain views from the common areas not sure the view from the room is worth the added cost.
CONS:
The bathroom was dreadfully small. We could not fit the both of us in it. We had to keep in mind that when the hotel was constructed rooms did not have individual bathrooms but the high price tag of the room left a lot to be desired. Overall the room was cramped and small. We enjoyed the property so much that we were able to look past it however if you plan on spending a lot of time in the room, consider a suite or a different property altogether.
FAIRMONT GOLD
PROS:
Just as we described our love for Fairmont Gold at the Lake Louise accommodation, we loved it at the Banff Springs Hotel. Honestly, we may have liked it here more! The lounge had multiple sections and was huge! There was a mix of dining tables and comfortable spaces to relax. There were books, communal games and an honor bar to enjoy.
Rather than relax in our room, we came to the lounge. The gold floors offer complimentary breakfast, beverages throughout the day, concierge services, hors d’oeuvres and dessert services in the evenings. The breakfast buffet was the perfect way to begin each day!
DINING OPTIONS
PROS:
There are 9 dining options on site with an additional 3 lounges to enjoy drinks either before or after. We promise you will not go hungry and there is something for every taste!
We opted to splurge in their fine dining restaurant 1888 Chop House. They offer a wonderful collection of steaks for a hearty meal. Definitely the perfect spot for a romantic date night!
Brian also found a wonderful old-fashioned to enjoy at the Ramsay Lounge!
CONS:
Again we are struggling for cons at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. They really deliver the quality and variety of dining options! We did not go hungry!
SUMMARY
Overall we really enjoyed our stay at The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel! We were blown away by the property and have already said we will return. It is such a unique setting and being so close to all the action in Banff makes it the ideal spot for your romantic couples get-a-way. The price point is steep for what you get in the room however we spent very little time in the room and paid for the ambiance and convinces the property offered.
4 comments
I remember driving through Banff on my way to Vancouver when I was a poor student and dreaming of the day that I could stay at a hotel as beautiful as the Fairmont Banff Springs. Your description has renewed my interest. Thanks!
That scenery looks amazing. I love how the hotel is like a castle. I’ll have to file this one away for our visit to Banff one day #WeekendWanderlust
What a fabulous resort! We just returned from Europe where rooms can be so small, even in elegant hotels, so I understand the pros and cons. Banff is on my bucket list so this is a welcome post! Visiting from #WeSeetheWorld
I am not a fan of huge hotels. They can often feel very impersonal but I confess that the stunning setting of the Fairmont Banff Springs might just make up for any other shortcomings.