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.
This post focuses on the very best luxury hotels in the Town of Banff. If you are looking for the best overall hotels in the Town of Banff (luxury, boutique, budget, etc.), be sure to read the best hotels in Banff. If your trip to Banff National Park extends beyond the town, be sure to read our list of the best hotels in Lake Louise.
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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.
1. Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Best for iconic castle resort luxury, fine dining, and full-service spa.
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.
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 historic Banff castle hotel is too long to list, but highlights include:
- The Fairmont Spa – named the Best Hotel Spa in Canada by Travel + Leisure readers.
- The Banff Springs Golf Course – named the Best Golf Course in Canada by the World Golf Awards.
- A distinguished selection of fine restaurants, including the Vermillion Room, one of the best hotel restaurants in Canada.
- The Fairmont Gold rooms are on 4th and 5th floors of the Banff Springs, where you will enjoy a private lounge and 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.
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.
Read More
Fairmont has a 5-star luxury hotel in Lake Louise as well! Learn more in our full review of the Chateau Lake Louise hotel.
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 if it is worth it, take the time to read our review of the Fairmont room at the Fairmont Banff Springs and also discover how to get a deal at the Banff Springs Hotel.
Before you make your reservation, keep in mind that this is the iconic ‘Castle in the Rockies’ experience. You are paying for the resort grounds, history, and service, not just the room. We have stayed at the Banff Springs Hotel many times, and personally, I think it’s worth every penny.
2. Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection
Note: Rimrock Banff is temporarily closed for a full renovation and is scheduled to reopen in July 2026 as part of Accor’s Emblems Collection.
Best for elevated views, spa time, and a quiet Sulphur Mountain setting.
With a storied history dating back to the earliest days of Banff National Park in the late 1800’s, the Rimrock Banff Hotel is one of the best luxury hotels in Banff.
Banff National Park was created in 1885 after the discovery of natural hot springs on Sulphur Mountain. Today, the 5-star Rimrock Banff 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 top of Sulphur Mountain.
The Rimrock Banff 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.
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 Banff 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 Banff. 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 Banff Hotel, but it features a massive 1,100 sq ft balcony!
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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
Best for walkable boutique luxury with suites, soaker tubs, and local style.
The Peaks Hotel opened its doors to guests in early 2021, making it one of the newest Banff luxury hotels.
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 Loft Suites 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 Summit Suites. The suites within the Summit Series feature private, open-air entrances and vaulted ceilings.
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.
Read More
Visit Banff National Park in style with one of these excellent luxury Banff tours.
4. Moose Hotel and Suites
Best for downtown spa time with rooftop hot pools and modern suites.
If you’d like to stay at a polished hotel with a spa right in the heart of Banff Avenue, the Moose Hotel & Suites is an excellent choice. A longtime favorite of Travel Banff Canada readers, the Moose Hotel is ideal for travellers who want luxury accommodations in the heart of town.
The Moose Hotel & Spa really stands out for it’s wellness offerings, You’ll enjoy pampering yourself at the full-service Meadow Spa & Pools, plus the two rooftop hot pools are amongst the nicest in the Town of Banff. The rooms are all air-conditioned and the suites add fun mountain-vibe touches like gas fireplaces.
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.
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.
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 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 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
Note: Guestroom upgrades are in progress – expected completion in April 2026.
Best for a quieter, value-leaning upscale stay with grotto-style pool.
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.
Guests of the Royal Canadian Lodge can pamper themselves at the on-site Grotto Spa. You can relax in the hot tub or steam room, or close your eyes while soaking in the grotto-inspired pool and listen to the sounds of the tranquil rock waterfall. For a little pampering, 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.
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.
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6. Mount Royal Hotel
Best for Banff Avenue walkability with rooftop hot tub and boutique feel.
If you are seeking a luxury hotel in the very heart of downtown Banff, you will love the historic Mount Royal Hotel. Residing in the same location for over 100 years, the Mount Royal Hotel has the best central location of all the hotels on this list. You simply cannot get any closer to the shops and restaurants of downtown Banff.
Celebrating it’s history, the Mount Royal Hotel has turned its lobby into a library and museum. Always open, the photos & artifacts will give you a deeper appreciation for the history of the hotel and Banff National Park.
When you are done enjoying your day in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, you can treat yourself to some stunning mountain scenery from the rooftop hot tubs and lounge. There’s something magical about soaking in a hot tub, breathing the fresh mountain air while soaking in captivating views of the peaks which surround town.
7. Hotel Canoe and Suites
Best for a fresh, upscale Banff base with hot pools and mountain vibes.
If you are looking for a more relaxed location, the Hotel Canoe and Suites offers a forested location on the eastern edge of the Town of Banff. It’s the perfect location for guests who plan on spending lots of time enjoying the many things to do in Banff.
With it’s location on the edge of town, you can quickly get in and out of town without the traffic hassles that the central hotels have, Plus, if you enjoy cycling, it’s located right at the start of the Banff Legacy Trail, a fun paved cycling trail between Banff and Canmore.
The Hotel Canoe and Suites is one of Banff’s newest hotels and there are plenty of amenities which will satisfy the luxury traveler. After some fine dining at the on-site Sudden Sally restaurant, head up to the rooftop for some relaxation. The rooftop features one of the nicest relaxation areas in all of Banff, with an elegant lounge, outdoor hot pools and even a sauna.
If you are traveling to Banff with kids, the Hotel Canoe is also one of the best family-friendly hotels in Banff. Families can choose from fully-appointed condos with 3 or 4-bedroom configurations.
Don’t miss out on ANYTHING in Banff!
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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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Hi, we’re Dan & Celine Brewer, locals from just outside Banff National Park. Every article, itinerary, and recommendation we share is rooted in our real experiences and love for this place. If you’ve found our content helpful, please consider supporting us:
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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 hopping 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.