The 5 Best Luxury Hotels in Banff

Author: Dan Brewer

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Banff National Park is world-renowned for the beauty of its rugged mountain wilderness. After a day of playing in the world’s most beautiful mountain playground, there’s no better feeling than to walk into the lobby of a beautiful luxury hotel in Banff.

A trip to Banff, Canada is a special occasion – make your Banff vacation even more memorable with a stay at one of these excellent luxury hotels in Banff.

The Banff Banff Hot Springs are a top thing to do for visitors to the Banff Springs Hotel
Banff Upper Hot Springs on Sulphur Mountain Photo: Noel Hendrickson

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5 Star Luxury Hotels in Banff

In 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway workers discovered natural mineral hot springs on Sulphur Mountain. This historical discovery not only led to the creation of Banff National Park, but it gave rise to the creation of the two 5-star luxury hotels in Banff which, by no-coincidence, are both located on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain near the mineral hot springs.

View from the top of Sulphur Mountain - Banff Gondola
The views on top of Sulphur Mountain.

1. Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

If you are looking for the best luxury hotel in Banff, look no further than the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Since 1888, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel has welcomed kings, queens, prime ministers, presidents, celebrities and more to its world-class Rocky Mountain location in Banff National Park.

The famous Banff castle hotel - the 5 star Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Photo: Fairmont Resort Hotels

In addition to being named a National Historic Site of Canada, the Banff Springs Hotel has been named the Best Resort in Alberta, the Best Spa Resort in Alberta, the Best Hotel in Alberta and the Best Ski Hotel in Canada. The list of accolades for the Banff Springs Hotel is very long indeed.

The list of luxury amenities at this Banff castle hotel is too long to list, but highlights include:

The famous Banff castle hotel - the 5 star Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Banff Springs Golf Course Photo: Fairmont Banff Springs / Chris Amat
  • A distinguished selection of fine restaurants, including the Vermillion Room, one of the best hotel restaurants in Canada.

  • Two private floors of Fairmont Gold rooms, where you will receive outstanding personal service. The Fairmont Gold team will be there for your every need.

  • A selection of extraordinary suites to call your home while in Banff. The wide variety of suites includes the Banff Springs Hotel Royal Suite – named one of Alberta’s best hotel rooms. A beautiful Terrace Suite is one of the few opportunities to get a hotel room with a private whirlpool tub in Banff.
Banff Fairmont hotels have excellent dining options
“Grapes” at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Photo: Noel Hendrickson

The Banff Springs Hotel is the crown jewel of the Banff Fairmont Hotels. The Banff Springs Hotel has a distinguished history, an incredible location and unparalleled service. Guests of the Banff Springs Hotel are in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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Fairmont has a 5-star luxury hotel in Lake Louise as well! Learn more in our full review of the Chateau Lake Louise hotel.

The Banff Springs Hotel as seen from the Tunnel Mountain Hike
The Banff Springs Hotel as seen from the nearby Tunnel Mountain hike.

Given its status as one of the best hotels in Canada, the Banff Springs Hotel is among the most expensive hotels in Banff. If you dream of a stay at the Banff Springs Hotel, but wonder about the cost, take the time to read our review of the cheapest room at the Fairmont Banff Springs and also browse these tips to find a good deal at the ‘Banff Castle Hotel.

The incredible views of the Bow River and Mt. Inglismaldie are two of the many reasons to stay at the Banff Springs Hotel
View of Mt. Inglismaldie and the Bow River from the 8th Floor of the Banff Springs Hotel.

2. Rimrock Hotel

With a storied history dating back to the earliest days of Banff National Park in the late 1800’s, the Rimrock Resort Hotel is one of the best luxury hotels in Banff.

luxury 5 star Banff hotels -Rimrock Resort Hotel
Rimrock Resort Hotel in Winter Photo: Noel Hendrickson

Banff National Park was created in 1885 after the discovery of natural hot springs on Sulphur Mountain. Today, the 5-star Rimrock Hotel sits majestically on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain, just steps away from the famous Banff Upper Hot Springs and the extremely popular Banff Gondola, which whisks visitors to the very top of Sulphur Mountain.

best luxury Banff hotels - Rimrock Resort Hotel

The Rimrock Hotel is home to one of the best fine restaurants in Canada. The Eden restaurant has been awarded the coveted 5-Diamond status by AAA/CAA – one of only five restaurants in Canada to earn this distinction.

In addition to the 5-Diamond award, Eden has an extensive 17,000 bottle wine collection, which has earned it a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

Eden is the best restaurant in Banff - Western Canada's only 5 diamond restaurant
Eden Restaurant at the Rimrock Hotel Photo: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism / Noel Hendrickson

Pamper yourself at the Rimrock Spa with a relaxing massage, pedicure or manicure. Afterwards, relax in the pool or hot tub.

Perched up high on the middle slopes of Sulphur Mountain, the Rimrock Hotel offers guests incredible views of the Banff Rocky Mountains. You can enjoy these magnificent mountain views from your Rimrock Hotel guestroom if you book a Premium room (or higher).

The Signature Grandview rooms are the best rooms at the Rimrock Resort Hotel. Spoil yourself with the king-sized bed, gas fireplace and a private balcony with incredible mountain views! The Suite Infinity 900 is not only the largest suite at the Rimrock Hotel, but it features a massive 1100 sq ft balcony!

5 star Banff hotels - Rimrock Hotel at Christmas
Photo: Noel Hendrickson

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Visit in style with one of these excellent luxury Banff tours.

4 Star Luxury Hotels in Banff

One of the many reasons I love Banff National Park so much is the non-pretentious, laid-back attitude of locals and visitors alike. The best illustration of this was an advertising campaign by the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, which said:

“Banff Centre is the only time you can wear hiking boots to the opera”.

This attitude is why you will find a special, almost rugged, mountain-style luxury in Banff. You’ll see what I mean with these outstanding 4-star luxury hotels in Banff:

3. Peaks Hotel & Suites

The Peaks Hotel opened its doors to guests in early 2021, making it the newest of the Banff luxury hotels.

The Peaks Hotel is one of the best 4 star hotels in Banff

The Peaks Hotel & Suites has an exceptional location, being less than a minute to the shops and restaurants of downtown Banff. Conversely, if you seek some nature, the Bow River pathway just is a short 3 minute walk.

The stylish Marble Series of rooms at the Banff Peaks Hotel are spacious two-level luxury rooms with vaulted ceilings. The best hotel rooms at the Peaks Hotel are the luxury suites within in the Granite Series. The suites within the Granite Series feature private, open-air entrances and vaulted ceilings.

Best 4 star hotels in Banff - Peaks Hotel & Suites

The most luxurious room at the Banff Peaks Hotel is the Summit Grand King Suite. This luxury Banff hotel room has all the amenities of the Granite Series, plus a separate bedroom and a private, spacious walk-out balcony to enjoy the clean mountain air.

Guests of the Peaks Hotel & Suites are welcome to use the pool, hot tub, steam room and weight room across the street at their sister hotel, the Banff Park Lodge.

The Peaks Hotel is the newest of the Banff 4 star hotels

4. Moose Hotel and Suites

The Moose Hotel and Suites has a warm & cozy, yet elegant feel to it. Designed with warm, natural materials, the interior of the Moose Hotel compliments the natural beauty of Banff National Park.

best hotels in Banff - Moose Hotel

A luxury hotel in downtown Banff, the Moose Hotel is located right on bustling Banff Avenue, only minutes away from the main shopping and restaurant district. You won’t need to venture far to find excellent dining, with the on-site gourmet Pacini Italian Restaurant.

Guests at this 4-star Banff luxury hotel will love enjoying the fitness centre, indoor swimming pool and sauna. The best amenity of the Moose Hotel & Suites is the two rooftop hot pools with panoramic mountain views.

4 star Banff hotels with a rooftop outdoor hot tub - Moose Hotel

When you are done playing in the beautiful mountain playground of Banff National Park, treat yourself to a visit to the Meadow Spa and Pools. Rejuvenate your body with a body treatment, massage or facial, before enjoying visit to the relaxation lounge or taking a dip in the spa’s private outdoor hot pool.

The rooftop suites are the most luxurious rooms at the Moose Hotel. Choose between a one-bedroom suite or a very large two-bedroom suite. Both suites have gas fireplaces and private balconies.

The Moose Hotel is one of the best Banff hotels on Banff Avenue

The Moose Hotel is home to one of the most unique hotel rooms in Banff. The Corner House is a relocated heritage house, dating back to Banff’s coal mining days in the early 1900’s. The Corner House blends modern convivences with antique furniture.

After a day out in the mountains, soak your bones in a clawfoot soaker tub or enjoy a rest out on your covered porch. You will not find many hotels rooms like this anywhere in Banff!

The Corner House at the Moose Hotel is one of the most unique hotel rooms in Banff
The Corner House at the Moose Hotel

The Moose Hotel is not just one of the best luxury hotels in Banff, it made several of our other best Banff hotel lists, including the best family hotels in Banff and the best pet friendly hotels in Banff.

5. Royal Canadian Lodge

Last, but not least, on our list of luxury hotels in Banff is the Royal Canadian Lodge. Extensively renovated in 2019, this 4-star luxury Banff hotel has an enviable location along Banff Avenue, just minutes away from restaurants and shopping in downtown Banff.

After a day enjoying the best of Banff National Park, you’ll love the welcoming feel of the elegant lobby at this full service luxury alpine lodge, complete with a majestic floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace.

4-star boutique hotels in Banff - Royal Canadian Lodge

Guests of the Royal Canadian Lodge can pamper themselves at the on-site Grotto Spa. Close your eyes while soaking in the mineral pool and listen to the sounds of the tranquil rock waterfall. Then, treat yourself to a spa treatment such as a massage, body treatment or facial.

Enjoy a locally-sourced meal at the Evergreen Restaurant and Lounge while enjoying a selection from their impressive wine list.

best banff hotels - Evergreen Restaurant at the Royal Canadian Lodge

At the end of the day, return to your Executive Suite and slip into your bathrobe and slippers. Enjoy a drink from the wet bar while soaking in your jetted tub, before retiring to your plush king-size bed.

4 star Luxury Hotels in Banff - Executive King Suite at the Royal Canadian Lodge

We hope your choice of luxury hotels in Banff helps make your trip to Banff National Park memorable.

***** The Star Rating for each of these Banff luxury hotels are per Booking.com *****

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Banff National Park is world-renowned for the beauty of its rugged mountain wilderness. After a day of playing in the world's most beautiful mountain playground, there's no better feeling than to walk into the lobby of a beautiful luxury hotel in Banff. A trip to Banff, Canada is a special occasion - make your Banff vacation even more memorable with a stay at one of these excellent luxury hotels in Banff.
Standing at Aylmer Lookout Banff National Park
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Dan Brewer, a life-long Alberta resident, calls Canmore home along with his wife and two kids. He is the co-owner of Travel Banff Canada, where he gets to share his passion for the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Dan, along with his family, love being outdoors doing one of the many activities they enjoy in the mountains: hiking, mountain biking, paddleboarding, skiing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

When he's not in Canmore enjoying one of his favourite local hikes, you can find him hoping on a plane to explore a new country with his family or working on one of their other two travel sites: Family Can Travel and Baby Can Travel.