If you’re looking for the best hotel in downtown Banff, Canada, you can’t go wrong with booking the Mount Royal Hotel. Located on bustling Banff Avenue, the hotel occupies one of the best locations in town, putting you within easy walking distance of the city’s best shops, restaurants, and bars.
I loved the Mount Royal Hotel so much that I made it my base for an entire weeklong trip to Banff and Lake Louise—the central location was perfect for popping back for a quick rest or change of clothes between adventure activities, and it provided a relaxing haven at night to recovery from my action-packed days.
The historic Mount Royal Hotel was one of the first hotels in Banff. It opened as the Banff Hotel in 1908 but has since undergone extensive renovations to make it the airy and modern property it is today. The hotel has survived two fires—in 1967 a large fire destroyed a wing of the hotel, and in 2016, there was a smaller rooftop fire during renovations.
The Mount Royal Hotel includes nods to its history throughout. Don’t miss the interesting lobby museum with details about the fires and historic stories.
Pros
- Convenient downtown location
- Beautiful views of Cascade Mountain
- Fast and free WiFi
- Complimentary tea and coffee every morning
- Library for guests to borrow books
- Clean and modern rooms
- Recently renovated
- Delicious restaurant
- Rooftop lounge with hot tub
Cons
- The hotel’s small parking lot fills up fast and overnight parking nearby can be hard to find. I had to pay to park in a nearby public parking lot a few times after I returned to the hotel to find the lot full
- Parking costs $5 per night
- No pool or fitness center
- No spa
Rooms
The rooms at Mount Royal are a haven of relaxation. Spacious, tastefully decorated, and equipped with modern amenities, they provide a perfect retreat after a day of exploring the stunning landscapes of Banff. The plush beds, coupled with panoramic views of the mountains or the charming town, create an ambiance that strikes the ideal balance between coziness and sophistication.
There are four room types available at the Mount Royal Hotel, Banff:
- Centennial Room View: two queen beds or one king; Banff Avenue or Tunnel Mountain views
- Centennial Room: two queen beds or one king; partial views of Banff or mountains
- Heritage Room: smallest room type, located in the Cascade wing of the hotel (involves stairs). No view. Best for travelers on a budget.
- Junior Suite: Spacious room with living room and bedroom; two queen or one king bed. Beautiful views of Tunnel Mountain
All rooms feature luxurious amenities including:
- Minifridge
- Desk and work area
- USB charging station
I stayed in a Centennial Room View and found it spacious and comfortable. Definitely request a room with a Tunnel Mountain view when booking.
Restaurants
The Mount Royal’s restaurant, Brazen, is a popular dining spot for both guests and locals. The menu showcases local, in-season ingredients, and features nods to the culinary heritage of Banff.
Brazen is open for brunch, happy hour, and dinner—opt to eat in the outside patio if you’re visiting on a warm day.
I had breakfast at Brazen each morning that I stayed at the Mount Royal Hotel, enjoying perfectly spiced shakshuka, a decadent grilled cheese benedict, and coffee from neighboring Banff Roasting Company.
Dinner at Brazen is also a delight, featuring a wide selection of small plates or hearty mains to choose from. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut-free options are all clearly marked on the menu.
One of the highlights of the Mount Royal Hotel is Cascade, its rooftop lounge. The panoramic views of Banff and the surrounding mountains from this vantage point are simply breathtaking, especially during sunrise or sunset and while soaking in the rooftop hot tub. It’s an ideal spot to unwind with a cocktail, savoring the beauty of Banff. Small snacks (like a charcuterie board with local cheese) and drinks are available.
Who’s It For?
The Mount Royal Hotel is ideal for couples, solo travelers, or friends visiting Banff. Families might find the hotel rooms a bit small unless they splurge for a suite.
Anyone who wants to be in the heart of downtown Banff, and have a bit of luxury at the end of the day, will love the Mount Royal Hotel.
Location + How to Get There
The Mount Royal Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Banff. The closest international airport is Calgary International Airport, which is approximately a 90-minute drive.
Luxury Check In Tip: If possible, book a flight that arrives during the morning or afternoon, so you can do the drive from the airport to the hotel during daylight—you don’t want to miss the spectacular views.
Price & How to Book
Prices for the Mount Royal Hotel start at around $120 per night. Find the best deals at Booking.com.
Mount Royal Hotel Banff, Canada: FAQ
Does the Mount Royal Hotel have free parking?
Parking costs $5 per night for guests and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is an overflow lot near the hotel, but that can fill up quickly as well.
What is the phone number for the Mount Royal Hotel Banff?
The hotel’s front desk phone number is: 1-877-862-2623.
Are There Promo Codes for the Mount Royal Hotel Banff?
This page of the hotel’s website shows valid promo codes and promotions.
