Fairmont President's Club - Fairmont Lake Louise- Honeymoon

Good afternoon! I'm planning a stay at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise next April for the start of my honeymoon. This is all a surprise to my fiancé because it's one of the few wedding things I get to plan and after seeing all of the pictures and reading the reviews, I decided that Banff National Park is where I wanted us to go. I'm doing my research and I have a few questions. I would greatly appreciate any and all feedback that I can receive. Thank you in advance!

Question 1- I'm searching for the best price deals and I've found a couple websites that are about $75 cheaper than Fairmont's site. Can these cheaper sites be trusted? Does anyone have a favorite or a reliable site that they like to use for the best deals? Thank you.

Question 2- I've written down hiking, Emerald Lake, kayaking across Lake Louise, Banff Hot Springs and the Ice Highway up to Jasper. I'm a photographer and my fiancé and I love adventure, are there any other recommended activities that we should be looking to do?

Question 3- Will there be snow on the ground the last week of April? We're from Michigan and we love snow, I'm just trying to decide what to pack.

Thanks again for taking the time to read through this and thanks for your help!

Question 1- I'm searching for the best price deals and I've found a couple websites that are about $75 cheaper than Fairmont's site. Can these cheaper sites be trusted? Does anyone have a favorite or a reliable site that they like to use for the best deals? Thank you.

No idea. However, for your honeymoon, I'd strongly suggest a lakeview room on the Gold Floor. I doubt, but don't know for sure, that you can get a Gold Floor room on a non-Fairmont website, and I rather doubt, but again cannot confirm, that you can select a room with a particular view on a non-Fairmont website.

Gold Floor comes with decent breakfast (Lake Louise offers the best breakfast that I've had on a Gold Floor), evening canapes, and very attentive service in a old country-club style room. On a non-Gold Floor room, you are with the masses (there won't be a lot of people milling around in April, although there may be some ski package people); on a Gold Floor, you are on a dedicated floor with probably no more than 50 people. Different experience.


Question 2- I've written down hiking, Emerald Lake, kayaking across Lake Louise, Banff Hot Springs and the Ice Highway up to Jasper. I'm a photographer and my fiancé and I love adventure, are there any other recommended activities that we should be looking to do?

Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park is worth a visit, although I don't know for certain (and I'm too lazy to look it up) if the road to the falls is open in April. It may not open until May. I don't think that you can kayak (or canoe) across Lake Louise in April. You can take pictures of it, but it may still have ice in it in April.

They won't be open (and the trails might not even be totally open either), but the Lake Agnes and Plain of Six Glaciers teahouses (two separate trails and teahouses) could make for a nice outing. Weather permitting, of course. There's the Big Beehive as well, but that is a bear of an incline to get to the top of. All offer good photographic opportunities.

Question 3- Will there be snow on the ground the last week of April? We're from Michigan and we love snow, I'm just trying to decide what to pack.

Probably. It does not get particularly warm in the Lake Louise/Banff area until mid-July. Whether snow will still be on the ground depends, of course, on how cold and wet it has been over the past winter, but I'd think that the odds are good that snow will still be around in April.

Good afternoon! I'm planning a stay at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise next April for the start of my honeymoon. This is all a surprise to my fiancé because it's one of the few wedding things I get to plan and after seeing all of the pictures and reading the reviews, I decided that Banff National Park is where I wanted us to go. I'm doing my research and I have a few questions. I would greatly appreciate any and all feedback that I can receive. Thank you in advance!

Question 1- I'm searching for the best price deals and I've found a couple websites that are about $75 cheaper than Fairmont's site. Can these cheaper sites be trusted? Does anyone have a favorite or a reliable site that they like to use for the best deals? Thank you.

Question 2- I've written down hiking, Emerald Lake, kayaking across Lake Louise, Banff Hot Springs and the Ice Highway up to Jasper. I'm a photographer and my fiancé and I love adventure, are there any other recommended activities that we should be looking to do?

Question 3- Will there be snow on the ground the last week of April? We're from Michigan and we love snow, I'm just trying to decide what to pack.

Thanks again for taking the time to read through this and thanks for your help!

Welcome to Flyertalk and congrats on getting married!:)

Regarding your questions:

Q1: It´s not uncommon for third party websites to be somewhat cheaper, however rates are often prepaid and come with no amenities. Whether they´re trustworthy hugely depends on the website.;)

Q2: There are plenty of things to do in the Jasper area if you´re planning to stay there. Near Lake Louise there´s Peyto Lake which is really amazing.

Q3: Yes, there´s a very good chance there will be snow and the lakes are still frozen. Still interesting and nice, but the best months to visit (particularly when it comes to photography) are June-October.

Other comments:

- Have you considered getting the Fairmont Chase credit card which would get you a bunch of benefits like free nights etc.?

- I´d reccommend booking through a competent travel agent, such as a Virtuoso travel agent. Do a search for "Virtuoso" in the luxury forum on Flyertalk and if you have questions after doing some reading, feel free to come back.:)

- The property and the lake are amazing, however the hotel itself isn´t that impressive IMO unless you´re staying in in Jr. Suite Lakeview or a higher room category. Or if the budget is tighter, at least a Lake View room. Avoid the other rooms if at all possible. If you´re willing to spend some more money, consider booking a Lakeview room/suite on the Gold floor, there´s no other Fairmont hotel IMO where the difference between a regular room and a room on the Gold floor makes such a big difference.

- Have you considered splitting your stay between Lake Louise and Jasper Park Lodge?

Kayaking on Lake Louise is not going to happen in April. This year, Lake Louise still had ice into early June.

As for snow, yes, there should be snow (unless next year turns out to be unusually warm). Skiing at LL generally goes until mid-May, so there will likely still be snow down at the lake level a month before that. I was just there at the end of June, and was finding snow, up to waist-deep at times, on some of the higher hiking trails (Big Beehive, etc.).

I'll second Jasper2009's advice regarding the rooms. Get at least a Jr. Lakeview Suite or better if your budget will allow. It's not high season, so hopefully you will find some deals.

No idea. However, for your honeymoon, I'd strongly suggest a lakeview room on the Gold Floor. I doubt, but don't know for sure, that you can get a Gold Floor room on a non-Fairmont website, and I rather doubt, but again cannot confirm, that you can select a room with a particular view on a non-Fairmont website.

Gold Floor comes with decent breakfast (Lake Louise offers the best breakfast that I've had on a Gold Floor), evening canapes, and very attentive service in a old country-club style room. On a non-Gold Floor room, you are with the masses (there won't be a lot of people milling around in April, although there may be some ski package people); on a Gold Floor, you are on a dedicated floor with probably no more than 50 people. Different experience.




Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park is worth a visit, although I don't know for certain (and I'm too lazy to look it up) if the road to the falls is open in April. It may not open until May. I don't think that you can kayak (or canoe) across Lake Louise in April. You can take pictures of it, but it may still have ice in it in April.

They won't be open (and the trails might not even be totally open either), but the Lake Agnes and Plain of Six Glaciers teahouses (two separate trails and teahouses) could make for a nice outing. Weather permitting, of course. There's the Big Beehive as well, but that is a bear of an incline to get to the top of. All offer good photographic opportunities.



Probably. It does not get particularly warm in the Lake Louise/Banff area until mid-July. Whether snow will still be on the ground depends, of course, on how cold and wet it has been over the past winter, but I'd think that the odds are good that snow will still be around in April.


Thank you for the advice and recommendations. I did look into the Gold Floor and I was very impressed with the Fairmont's website. (does the breakfast include both myself and my future wife or just myself?) I never really thought about the lake being frozen, do they offer ice skating or ice activities? Also, what is a "teahouse"? I'm very new to this forum and I haven't learned all of the vocabulary yet. Thanks again!

Welcome to Flyertalk and congrats on getting married!:)

Regarding your questions:

Q1: It´s not uncommon for third party websites to be somewhat cheaper, however rates are often prepaid and come with no amenities. Whether they´re trustworthy hugely depends on the website.;)

Q2: There are plenty of things to do in the Jasper area if you´re planning to stay there. Near Lake Louise there´s Peyto Lake which is really amazing.

Q3: Yes, there´s a very good chance there will be snow and the lakes are still frozen. Still interesting and nice, but the best months to visit (particularly when it comes to photography) are June-October.

Other comments:

- Have you considered getting the Fairmont Chase credit card which would get you a bunch of benefits like free nights etc.?

- I´d reccommend booking through a competent travel agent, such as a Virtuoso travel agent. Do a search for "Virtuoso" in the luxury forum on Flyertalk and if you have questions after doing some reading, feel free to come back.:)

- The property and the lake are amazing, however the hotel itself isn´t that impressive IMO unless you´re staying in in Jr. Suite Lakeview or a higher room category. Or if the budget is tighter, at least a Lake View room. Avoid the other rooms if at all possible. If you´re willing to spend some more money, consider booking a Lakeview room/suite on the Gold floor, there´s no other Fairmont hotel IMO where the difference between a regular room and a room on the Gold floor makes such a big difference.

- Have you considered splitting your stay between Lake Louise and Jasper Park Lodge?

Jasper2009, thank you for the welcoming and thank you for the wedding wishes. We still have a long ways to go but it's a great feeling! I honestly haven't looked too much into Jasper except for the ice highway. I will now be reviewing and researching Jasper more. I am definitely considering the Gold Floor, even though it's a bit pricey, it's my only honeymoon and I want it to be unforgettable!

I'm not really looking into the credit card but I am interested in signing up for the President's Club. I just wanted to be clear, the President's Club is free, they just take your credit card for room booking? I also have a quick question about using a travel agent. What is the difference between using a travel agent and purchasing everything myself? (also what does IMO stand for when you mention Fairmont hotel IMO?) Thanks.

Our honeymoon isn't until the end of April, when is the best time to purchase our room and do you know of any promo's that are solid? The best thing I have working for me is my AAA discount.

Thanks for your time, advice and recommendations, they are all much appreciated!

Kayaking on Lake Louise is not going to happen in April. This year, Lake Louise still had ice into early June.

As for snow, yes, there should be snow (unless next year turns out to be unusually warm). Skiing at LL generally goes until mid-May, so there will likely still be snow down at the lake level a month before that. I was just there at the end of June, and was finding snow, up to waist-deep at times, on some of the higher hiking trails (Big Beehive, etc.).

I'll second Jasper2009's advice regarding the rooms. Get at least a Jr. Lakeview Suite or better if your budget will allow. It's not high season, so hopefully you will find some deals.

Thank you for the skiing and weather advice. Is there cross country skiing equipment for rental at the ski resorts or Fairmonts? I'm a big downhill skier but my fiance is not and I think cross country would be very enjoyable and the way to go. Regarding hiking, are bears active the end of April or are they still hibernating? They are definitely something that I don't want to run into unless I'm on a gondola. Thanks for your advice and recommendations!

Jasper2009, thank you for the welcoming and thank you for the wedding wishes. We still have a long ways to go but it's a great feeling! I honestly haven't looked too much into Jasper except for the ice highway. I will now be reviewing and researching Jasper more. I am definitely considering the Gold Floor, even though it's a bit pricey, it's my only honeymoon and I want it to be unforgettable!

I'm not really looking into the credit card but I am interested in signing up for the President's Club. I just wanted to be clear, the President's Club is free, they just take your credit card for room booking? I also have a quick question about using a travel agent. What is the difference between using a travel agent and purchasing everything myself? (also what does IMO stand for when you mention Fairmont hotel IMO?) Thanks.

Our honeymoon isn't until the end of April, when is the best time to purchase our room and do you know of any promo's that are solid? The best thing I have working for me is my AAA discount.

Thanks for your time, advice and recommendations, they are all much appreciated!

You´re welcome, happy to help...

IMO = In my opinion

I just reccommended getting the Fairmont credit card as the sign-up bonus is quite impressive: automatic upgrade to Premier status and 2 free nights incl. breakfast if you sign up until July 31 (see the separate credit card thread). If you have a decent credit score, it´s definitely worth a consideration IMO

Signing up for FPC is a good idea and indeed complimentary, you don´t even have to enter your CC info, it´s just an option to make future bookings easier.

Using a regular travel agent has no/minimal advantages, however booking through a travel agent who´s affiliated with Virtuoso you´d pay the regular rate and get free breakfast, a welcome amenity, some kind of F&B credit once during your stay and a complimentary upgrade if available.
There are several Virtuoso travel agents on FT incl. ABG, Marshking, DavidO etc.

Hard to say when the best time to book is. Rates are still pretty high right now, I´d probably book something now just in case and keep checking whether rates get any better.

Generally speaking anything <$500 for a Lakeview Gold room would be a good deal. Any promos won´t be available until Dec./Jan. in my experience.

Why not consider the credit card? You can get four nights for free instead of paying hundreds of dollars per night? I plan to be there next August and aim for folio to show a big fat zero:D

Not sure where in Michigan you are from but there is a DO (meeting of FlyertTalkers) in Ann Arbor during Art Fair. Come and we can show you how to travel for next to nothing. Warning: It is addictive!!!

Thank you for the skiing and weather advice. Is there cross country skiing equipment for rental at the ski resorts or Fairmonts? I'm a big downhill skier but my fiance is not and I think cross country would be very enjoyable and the way to go. Regarding hiking, are bears active the end of April or are they still hibernating? They are definitely something that I don't want to run into unless I'm on a gondola. Thanks for your advice and recommendations!

There is a rental shop for various equipment just behind the lobby area of the hotel. I don't think it's actually run by the hotel but we rented cross country skis and went out on the lake. There are also various cross country trails around the hotel. If you are renting for multiple days it will be cheaper to get some equipment in Calgary or Banff or perhaps at another shop in Louise.

As for bears hibernating it really varies. Usually the beginning of May is when they pop out but it has happened in April and late June also.

There is a rental shop for various equipment just behind the lobby area of the hotel. I don't think it's actually run by the hotel but we rented cross country skis and went out on the lake. There are also various cross country trails around the hotel. If you are renting for multiple days it will be cheaper to get some equipment in Calgary or Banff or perhaps at another shop in Louise.

As for bears hibernating it really varies. Usually the beginning of May is when they pop out but it has happened in April and late June also.

Thank you for the information!

Why not consider the credit card? You can get four nights for free instead of paying hundreds of dollars per night? I plan to be there next August and aim for folio to show a big fat zero:D

Not sure where in Michigan you are from but there is a DO (meeting of FlyertTalkers) in Ann Arbor during Art Fair. Come and we can show you how to travel for next to nothing. Warning: It is addictive!!!

gpapadap, thank you for the invite but I'll be out of town that weekend. Do you set up a booth or something where you meet with everyone?

Quite honestly, I don't consider this property suitable for a honeymoon. The rooms are small, cell-like and very cookie cutter in nature. The only thing at all special about the rooms would be the views over the lake, better from the higher floors of course. There are some nice suites in the hotel; I had a two-level one with a fantastic corner lake view from the top floor, which was nice, but I was so glad not to be in one of their ordinary rooms.

The hotel also seems to get large groups of people on bus tours, etc., who walk through the lobby in herds. Restaurants can be crowded, especially at breakfast, which is a zoo.

You´re welcome, happy to help...

IMO = In my opinion

I just reccommended getting the Fairmont credit card as the sign-up bonus is quite impressive: automatic upgrade to Premier status and 2 free nights incl. breakfast if you sign up until July 31 (see the separate credit card thread). If you have a decent credit score, it´s definitely worth a consideration IMO

Signing up for FPC is a good idea and indeed complimentary, you don´t even have to enter your CC info, it´s just an option to make future bookings easier.

Using a regular travel agent has no/minimal advantages, however booking through a travel agent who´s affiliated with Virtuoso you´d pay the regular rate and get free breakfast, a welcome amenity, some kind of F&B credit once during your stay and a complimentary upgrade if available.
There are several Virtuoso travel agents on FT incl. ABG, Marshking, DavidO etc.

Hard to say when the best time to book is. Rates are still pretty high right now, I´d probably book something now just in case and keep checking whether rates get any better.

Generally speaking anything <$500 for a Lakeview Gold room would be a good deal. Any promos won´t be available until Dec./Jan. in my experience.

Jasper, I do not have the best credit score but I did apply today for one. Hopefully with some prayers, good luck will bless me and my fingers are crossed. That would be amazing. I am also planning on signing up for the FPC. I have looked into the travel agency and will look further into it, thank you for that. I have emailed LL Customer Service a few questions, does the hotel itself have travel agency?

The Gold Floor sounds like it's in my best interest because of the privacy, breakfast and larger rooms. I dont know if I want to wait until Dec/Jan to book, I hope they post something this fall with a great deal. Does the Gold Floor rooms come with mini fridges and microwaves? Also, is there a formal restaurant in the hotel or within a close drive?

Off subject, is Calgary the best and only airport to fly into? I'd be flying in from Seattle.

Jasper, I do not have the best credit score but I did apply today for one. Hopefully with some prayers, good luck will bless me and my fingers are crossed. That would be amazing. I am also planning on signing up for the FPC. I have looked into the travel agency and will look further into it, thank you for that. I have emailed LL Customer Service a few questions, does the hotel itself have travel agency?

The Gold Floor sounds like it's in my best interest because of the privacy, breakfast and larger rooms. I dont know if I want to wait until Dec/Jan to book, I hope they post something this fall with a great deal. Does the Gold Floor rooms come with mini fridges and microwaves? Also, is there a formal restaurant in the hotel or within a close drive?

Off subject, is Calgary the best and only airport to fly into? I'd be flying in from Seattle.

You can always book directly with Fairmont, but they´re not/don´t have a travel agency.

As mentioned above, I´d reccommend booking a refundable rate now, but in my experience you shouldn´t expect any great deals/promos this far in advance and should monitor rates and possibly rebook at a lower rate later.

All rooms have a stocked minibar, I guess fridges can be requested if neccessary, while microwaves likely can´t (it´s not something highend hotels typically offer).

There are several formal dining options at the Fairmont and other hotels nearby, you should find all the info on the Fairmont website.

Yes, Calgary is the closest airport to Lake Louise. If you plan to include Jasper you may want to consider flying into Calgary, drive to Lake Louise and onwards to Jasper and Edmonton and fly back from Edmonton.

flyingfish15:

No booths. Check info on Post #1: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/communitybuzz/1328410-2012-dtw-ann-arbor-art-fair-do-july-20-22-a.html

We actually stayed in the cabins just down the road which were about 1/2 the price with a full kitchen. Definitely hike around the lake, maybe snowshoe in April. There was a cool teahouse to stop on the hike which was great. One of the highlights of our trip was the tour of the Columbia Icefield about 1/2 way to Jasper. One thing of note with Honeymooning in Canada, the Canadians get a lot more vacation than U.S.ers and it isn't as common to get free upgrades. In the U.S. Usually every hotel will upgrade you for free on your honeymoon, many restaurants, and air carriers will do something special for you, and for that reason you're supposed to tell everyone you are on you honeymoon. This does nothing for you in Canada, and was a minor let down.

I have been researching and am very impressed with the Rimrock Resort's Signsture GrandView suits. Has anyone stayed in one and what did you think? Are the Fairmont Lake Louis Gold rooms a better place to stay than the Rimrock Signature GrandView rooms? Thanks!

We actually stayed in the cabins just down the road which were about 1/2 the price with a full kitchen. Definitely hike around the lake, maybe snowshoe in April. There was a cool teahouse to stop on the hike which was great. One of the highlights of our trip was the tour of the Columbia Icefield about 1/2 way to Jasper. One thing of note with Honeymooning in Canada, the Canadians get a lot more vacation than U.S.ers and it isn't as common to get free upgrades. In the U.S. Usually every hotel will upgrade you for free on your honeymoon, many restaurants, and air carriers will do something special for you, and for that reason you're supposed to tell everyone you are on you honeymoon. This does nothing for you in Canada, and was a minor let down.

Thanks for all of the great advice! It's much appreciated!! :)

Agree very much with all those that suggest the Lakeview room and Gold Floor. The view of the lake from your room is what makes this hotel worth staying at; lesser rooms are a false economy IMHO.

There are limited local dining options near this property. The money you'll save through using the gold floor's complimentary food will make this extra charge easier too.

You should also consider splitting the stay with the Banff Springs Fairmont. I've had consistently good experiences at this hotel and is a perfect honeymoon destination. Gold floor recommendations still apply. Here, I wouldn't worry about the room view as much since the common areas of the hotel offer spectacular views and are pleasant to spend time in.