Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Photo courtesy PDPhoto.org

First opened by Canadian Pacific Railways in 1888, the original wooden building burned down in 1926 and was rebuilt in 1928 as a magnificent, imposing building styled after a Scottish baronial castle. The setting and awe-inspiring architecture have made the Banff Springs Hotel a tourist attraction in its own right. Indeed, even if you never get to stay at the Banff Springs Hotel, it is well worth a visit for afternoon tea or to browse in the shops and explore the hotel's public areas.

Opulence abounds at the Banff Springs, with attentive staff catering to your every need. The hotel's 778 guestrooms vary in size and outlook, ranging from the smaller Fairmont rooms up to one and two-bedroom suites. Rooms at the front of the hotel with spectacular mountain views are available on request at extra cost.

There is a wide range of dining options at the Banff Springs, with seven restaurants and three lounges to choose from, including:

• Waldhaus Restaurant - A Bavarian cottage-style restaurant serving German and Swiss dishes
• The Banffshire Club - An award-winning restaurant serving contemporary North American cuisine
• Bow Valley Grill - Contemporary casual dining with a large open kitchen and amazing views of the Bow Valley
• Castello Ristorante - Fine Italian dining in a picturesque courtyard restaurant
• Samurai Sushi Bar and Restaurant - Featuring a wide variety of fresh sushi, sashimi, and Japanese hot pot dinners such as shabu-shabu, sukiyaki and yosenabe
• Waldhaus Pub - Cozy pub with TVs, dart board and pool table, serving snacks such as nachos, chicken strips,and cheese fondue alongside locally brewed bottled beer
• Rundle Lounge - Enjoy stunning views of the Bow Valley over traditional afternoon tea with pastries and finger sandwiches, or relax with a cognac or your favourite martini
• Ramsay Lounge - Somewhere to relax over a drink from an extensive list of ports and scotches
• Grapes Wine Bar - Canadian wines paired with menu selections that include fondue, rich pate, fresh salad and aged cheeses
• Castle Pantry - Gourmet foods for those on the go including sushi, sandwiches, salads, cakes, and pastries
• Golf Course Clubhouse - open May to October on The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course and connected by shuttle bus to the hotel

One of the major features of the Banff Springs is its 27-hole championship golf course that offers a challenging layout coupled with panoramic views and is suitable for both amateur and professional golfers. A golf academy and golf pro are available, as are club and shoe rentals.

Willow Stream, the hotel's highly-rated European spa and health club, features saunas, steam and inhalation rooms, three waterfall whirlpools, indoor mineral spa pool, and outdoor mineral whirlpool. Services offered include massages, body scrubs, body wraps, herbal baths, facials, nail services and a full service salon.

Hotel guests have complimentary access to the Aquatic Centre which features an indoor whirlpool for soothing tired muscles after a fun-filled day, an indoor 32 metre saltwater lap pool, and a 20-metre heated saltwater outdoor pool. Access to the hotel's comprehensive weight and cardio fitness centre is charged at $15 per day or $25 for an entire stay.

Facilities:

• Cable TV
• Tea and coffee-making facilities
• Fitness centre (charge)
• Hertz Car Rental outlet on site
• In-room high speed internet access (charge)
• Wireless internet access in public areas
• Covered parking (daily charge)
• 10 wheelchair-accessible rooms

There is also a Bowling Centre on site, offering four lanes of Canadian 5-pin bowling with a fully-licenced lounge, internet cafe and video arcade.

For skiers and snowboarders, the hotel offers ski storage facilities. The shuttle buses to the Big 3 ski areas (Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise) stop outside the hotel.

www.fairmont.com/banffsprings

This information was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change without notice.