When I tell people that I have recently returned from Banff National Park after traveling by rail with Rocky Mountaineer they immediately say, “I want to do that.” One of the things I enjoyed most about my trip was how easy it was. No meal planning necessary, no stress about hotel reservations; just show up, sit back and relax. That vibe continued when I arrived in Banff and checked into Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge.
Delta Banff, as it is affectionately called by the locals, is a four 1/2 star full-service Canadian hotel under the Marriott corporate umbrella. An easy 10 minute walk to downtown, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do in Banff/Lake Louise during your holiday.
With 99 rooms on property, the non-smoking hotel caters to business or pleasure travelers. There is a Grotto mineral swimming pool, hot tub and steam room, in addition to the Grotto Spa. Evergreen Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. I grabbed a yogurt in the morning before heading off to Banff National Park with Discover Banff Tours on the Discover Banff and Its Wildlife tour, so I can’t vouch for the restaurant quality.
I was happy with the level of customer service offered at the hotel. The complimentary wifi was appreciated and easily accessed on my iPhone. However, I had difficulty connecting on my laptop. A quick call down to the front desk resulted in someone coming up to my room immediately and fixing the glitch.There is also a business center (computer and printer) available.
My room, #325, was a premier (gas) fireplace room with a king bed for $325 (check the website for current pricing). The room included mini-fridge, flat screen tv, iron and ironing board, coffee maker, tea kettle, in-room safe and bathroom. House keeping was offered daily, but the Californian in me appreciated the GreenStay initiative. Stay two nights or more, opt out of house keeping and receive a $5 voucher good toward food or beverage at the restaurant or in-room dining.
There is an indoor Grotto mineral salt swimming pool, hot tub and eucalyptus-infused steam room, in addition to Grotto Spa and a fitness room. I was too busy enjoying the great outdoors of Alberta to head inside for exercise, but I imagine this offering is popular in the winter.
Need to know:
Concierge service on site. Children 6 and under eat free. Children 18 and under stay in parents’ room free. The hotel is not pet-friendly. Valet parking is available in a heated garage for $15 daily.
Check in: 4:00 p.m.
Check out: 11:00 a.m.
If You Go:
Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge (403) 762-3307
459 Banff Avenue
Banff, Alberta, Canada T1L 1B4
Insider Tip:
If you happen to be visiting Banff in the spring or summer, request a premier room. There are five premier rooms at Delta Banff and they all have (secret) garden access. For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter @nancydbrown and follow @DeltaBanff and @banff_squirrel or @banff_info for local tips.
Article and photography by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Rocky Mountaineer, however all opinions are my own.