Review: Mount Royal Hotel, Banff, Canada

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

See recent posts by Caroline Morse Teel

Strolling through downtown Banff, the Mount Royal Hotel, housed in a beautiful brick building on lively Banff Avenue is sure to catch your eye. Inside, you’ll find a contemporary hotel with all the modern amenities (hello, rooftop hot tubs) designed to help you unwind after a day of adventures in Banff National Park.

Built in 1907, the Mount Royal Hotel has stood sentry over the corner of Banff Avenue and Caribou Street for over 100 years. After a devastating fire gutted the property, it was rebuilt as a modern hotel that still retains its heritage.

The Location

Town of Banff with mountains in background in Alberta, Canada at dusk — lucas | Adobe Stock

The Mount Royal Hotel is one of the most centrally-located hotels in downtown Banff. The best restaurants, bars, and shops are all within a few minutes walk away from this prime location.

Located within Banff National Park, the hotel treats guests to mountain views from many vantage points on the property.

Amenities

Travelers rave about one amenity in particular at The Mount Royal Hotel—the rooftop hot tubs, where guests can soak after a hike or ski day and relax their muscles and mind while taking in the mountain views.

The Mount Royal Hotel offers a number of other amenities, including:

A hotel library
Rooftop lounge
Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary coffee and tea every morning
Parking ($5 per night fee)
Museum in the lobby showcasing Banff’s history

The Rooms

Example of a bedroom and bathroom in a guestroom at the Mount Royal Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada — The Mount Royal Hotel

Rooms at the Mount Royal Hotel are bright, airy, and sparkling clean. Most rooms feature views of Banff or the surrounding mountain ranges.

All rooms are outfitted with a desk and chair for remote work, a minifridge, and the Mount Royal Hotels’ signature plush beds.

Family travelers will appreciate the Junior Suites, which can sleep up to four adults (and have unobstructed views of Tunnel Mountain.)

Dining

Low lit bar in Brazen, the main restaurant at the Mount Royal Banff historic hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada — The Mount Royal Hotel

Brazen is the Mount Royal Hotel’s main restaurant. Open for breakfast and dinner, the restaurant offers a diverse and distinctly Canadian menu where tandoori-roasted bison shares space with ramen eggs. On a budget but still want a nice meal? Come for the date night special on Wednesdays, when a multi-course meal for two is just $69.

For happy hour or a late night snack, take the elevator up to the roof to Cascade Lounge, where a charcuterie board and glass of wine pair nicely with the mountain views.

Price and How to Book

Despite the hotel’s prime location, the Mount Royal Hotel is one of the more affordable lodging options in Banff National Park, with room prices under $100 in the off-season. For the best rates, book the Mount Royal Hotel on SmarterTravel Hotels.

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