Fairmont Banff Springs

Stupendous hotel with stunning views, great facilities and world class , attentive staff. Another simply fantastic stay (actually two stays) during another Fairmont Western Canada/Rockies road trip. From the moment of arrival to the time of our departure, everything was perfect with near no fault to be found anywhere. Where to start with the compliments? Prior to our arrival we received the standard communication about services and resort activities. Quickly signed up for a few and received some excellent advice/feedback about our queries from Lucy (Resort Activities) and signed up for quite a few. Used the valet and bellman on arrival and a few times during our stay - Andy/Josh/Jack. Always great service and pleasant to chat to. Sorry to say but there was a female luggage assistant who assisted us and on talking with her, she recalled us from prior stays. Even said hello, recalling my name, a few times during our stay. Exemplary! Whilst she recalled my name I can't recall hers - sorry! Thanks to Chloe for the brilliant service at check in. Elise took us on an informative history tour of the hotel and later on a twilight walk through the hotel grounds. Also hosted the quiz night (wish we'd a better score). Ben hosted a Wilderness Walk, taking us out into the grounds and pointing out numerous sights - very informative. A great chat later on when he hosted the fire pits, pointing out stars etc. Great drinks and service from Gemma at the Sugar Shack (and who then recalled me the next day whilst at Stock for snacks). Shakayla was the host for the Stargazing Tour. Amazing what you could see after a short walk onto the golf course at night. Breakfast every day in the Vermillion Room. The quality was as good as ever (but on some occasions the replenishment of food wasn't that great - only negative for the whole stay). Friendly and attentive service from Molly. James at the Concierge desk was great at listening to and understanding our preferences. Made a booking for us at Castello's, where there was great food and service from David, and was also able to make some excellent recommendations and suggestions for where to go/eat outwith the Fairmont Banff Springs. Our only disappointments ? Not being able to stay longer and not being able to see Lily, the hotel canine ambassador!

We visited end of November, beginning of December to celebrate a milestone birthday for my wife. This historic hotel property is beyond beautiful! Their staff went out of the way to make everything exceptional. Initially we booked in the Gatehouse building adjacent to the main part of the hotel. Upon arrival we discovered that they had upgraded us to a an 8th floor suite with a beautiful view of the mountain and river below. They also left a birthday surprise with a card in the room for my wife. Their helpful concierge assisted us with re-booking an excursion when our booking was canceled with another tour operator. They provided us with bus passes to travel into downtown. We found Banff’s buses clean, very efficient and easy to get around. We enjoyed the Hotel’s seasonal Christmas elements including beautiful decorations, carolers, holiday brunch at the Vermilion Room, etc. Loved the romantic fondue experience at the Waldhaus on property and the view there. We also had a lovely dine & cocktails at grapes which was an intimate space with a great view at one of the window tables. The hotel also includes a really nice collection of retail shops with quality items from souvenirs and beautiful art to fashion/apparel. Additionally we booked the Dome 360 dining experience. This was so unique and romantic. Your own private dine in “snow globe”. The chef even took the time to visit us. My only critique here is that there is a $250 “venue rental fee” for parties of less than 4. Another way other restaurants handle this is a “minimum spend” which would still provide a tangible value for the additional $250 spent. Although this is a historic property built in the early 1900s it’s very well maintained and updated for modern day travelers. We also spent a day at the hotel’s spa which was perfect in every way. Mineral pools, steam room, sauna, outdoor jacuzzi with a view, and many spa services. A terrific selection of snacks and beverages were also provided in the common areas. We would definitely return to the Fairmont Banff Springs! Perhaps to see the beautiful turquoise lakes when they are not frozen. Thank you for a memorable vacation stay!

This is such a special place. We loved our stay in this beautiful location and found the service exceptional throughout the hotel. When Brewster let us down with the shuttle to leave - the door man and concierge (Don) were just the best at making sure we got to the airport. Thank you both.

Although the Banff Fairmont is historic, it is old, the rooms a bit beat, and very large with over 725 rooms, thus lacking in a personal touch. Our trip was delayed on the Rocky Mountaineer due to mechanical problems and we did not reach our room until 2am rather than the anticipated 5pm arrival. This was a once in a lifetime trip with our daughter and her husband for my husband's 70th birthday. When we asked for a small break in our rate, the staff was unwilling to assist us in any way although we were paying nearly $5,000 per night for 2 rooms, yes $5,000 per night for 2 rooms! We missed the following day's included breakfast and were unable to enjoy the room at all. Yet the managers would not give us any break in our rate. Unfortunately, this experience left us with total dissatisfaction and made what was to be a fabulous trip quite disappointing.

An exceptional hotel that I would place as a must do. Even with the elevated price associated with staying at this hotel, my visit there was so profound that the memories will outlast the expense. This is a bucket list type of hotel that you should make a priority.