Fairmont Banff SpringsvsHI-Banff Alpine Centre
Both hotels are praised by travel writers. On balance, Fairmont Banff Springs scores significantly higher than HI-Banff Alpine Centre. Fairmont Banff Springs scores 93 with recommendations from 7 sources like Fodor's, Travel + Leisure and Gayot.
Fairmont Banff Springs
405 Spray Avenue, P.O. Box 960, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1J4, Canada
From $283/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
Gayot
"Storybook enchantment can be found in this grand castle perched in the Rocky Mountains."
Fodor's
"Alberta is world-famous for its beef, and this restaurant is a great place to sample it, along with pork, lamb, and sustainable wild game and seafood." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"Gaze out at the white-capped peaks of Banff National Park. Ski packages include lift tickets, equipment rental, and lessons at three nearby resorts." Full review
Forbes Travel Guide
Recommended
"Located about an hour and a half from Calgary, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel stands in stark and beautiful contrast to other modern and urban getaways." Full review
Jetsetter
"Historic Scottish Baronial Castle-inspired retreat, chock full of modern conveniences and outdoor adventures, at the foot of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains." Full review
Oyster
Upscale
"The upscale Fairmont Banff Springs is an iconic 764-room hotel in a semi-secluded location on the edge of Banff." Full review
New York Times
"One of the original railway hotels in the town of Banff, the Fairmont Banff Springs, with peaked roofs, dormers and lavish interiors, is reminiscent of the grand hotels of Europe "
See the World, in Canada
July 20, 2021
Lonely Planet
Top choice
"Wandering through its grand lobby and elegant lounge, wine bar and restaurant, it's easy to forget that it's also a hotel." Full review
Michelin Guide
"Canada’s grand railway hotels now fly the Fairmont flag, and while all of them are unusually historic and luxurious, there’s no other quite like the Fairmont Banff Springs" Full review
Forbes Travel Guide
"Dubbed the “Castle in the Rockies” when it opened in 1888 as the first of Canada’s fashionable railway hotels, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel has long been a top choice for visitors to this Rocky Mountain region" Full review
HI-Banff Alpine Centre
801 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1B3, Canada
From $65/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Laundry Service
- Laundy Room
- Restaurant
- Free Parking
Oyster
Budget
"The 54-room HI-Banff Alpine Centre is a budget hostel situated a five-minute drive outside of the town of Banff." Full review
Lonely Planet
"Buildings are classic mountain-lodge style without classic mountain-lodge prices. Rooms are spic-n-span; choose from dorms, private doubles and cabins. " Full review