CanuckFlyHigh

Also golfed there yesterday for the VIP event. Great shape. Those sand traps killed me though.

Ancien Maestro

Didn't know you were down this weekend otherwise we could of teed it up with a Shandy in the Clubhouse.

Currently booked this Saturday morning at 10:20 am tee time. The golf course is only opened until October 10th, 2013. I can feel the chill of snow coming in the air.

uncertaintraveler

Note that on the Escape to Willowstream package, the hotel has been cracking down lately on what spa treatments are included in the package.

It used to be that you could get any (60 minute long) massage on the package. Last time I was on the package, it was only the $179 massages (i.e., the most basic ones) that were eligible; if you wanted to have, say, a mountain stone massage, you had to pay the difference between the list price for the massage and $179.

All in all, I find that the package isn't as good of a deal as it once was, although it is still better than doing things individually.

Ancien Maestro

This has been the case for a few years now that the relaxation massage or equivalent is what you receive. Family friends have done a facial in replacement in the past, but as long as its equal to or less than the value of a relaxation massage you're fine. Anyhow, I don't feel its that big of a deal to pay the difference for a treatment you really want. I've done the sports massage and the rocky rehydration treatment in years past, and paid the difference.. and it is worth the difference if you ask me.

The bottom line is this value is their loss leaders and gives the most amount of savings. BSH uses this package to keep their spa busy, and it is an excellent value. Basically the more you pay, the more you save. An amazing experience if you do a 5 night stay and have 6 massages between you and yours.

uncertaintraveler

The first time we were made aware of the changes was last November. All of our stays before then were, essentially "get any massage that you want."

I'm not necessarily arguing that point.

I do, however, feel that is it a bit of a "big deal"* to advertise the following:

(Source: http://www.fairmont.com/banff-spring...willow-stream/)

and not mention in the advert that the "choice" for the spa treatment is somewhat price limited, unless you want to pay a surcharge.

What's next? For the package to include "gourmet breakfast daily" but tack on a surcharge if you want the breakfast to include an egg?


*Actually, I think that it is poor form, but the Banff Springs has never struck me as the kind of place that really cares too much about what its paying customers think, so long as its reputation remains intact.

Ancien Maestro

You make some good points..

I'm just used to the package offering relaxation massages or equivalents but paying for an upgrade if I want. Nice thing is that the gratuities are always included so that's a chunk of change.

We used this package probably 20+ times since it was introduced. The self parking has always baffled me, why not just offer valet? But I guess then the gratuity all inclusive would be problematic. I like the buffet breakfast included as I believe the cost is $32 pp or $29 pp.. I usually upgrade and pay the difference for Saturday and/or Sunday brunch. Makes the hit on the cost of brunch more bearable.

CanadaDH

When you book a package that includes a massage, how do they work out the cost on the RMT receipt for Insurance/Income Tax? Is the receipted amount for the menu price of the treatment, or is there some formula for determining how much of the package price is apportioned to the massage treatment?

Ancien Maestro

The menu cost of the spa treatment is receipted..

habshabs444

This is actually incorrect. I have booked this package multiple times and the massage receipt for insurance purposes is actually discounted, unfortunately, I don't remember by how much. I actually just booked this package again a few weeks ago and when speaking with the spa to book the massages, they also informed me that a discounted amount would show up on the receipt - I'm thinking it was in the $100-120 range.

jt58203

When using certs, are those for the room types indicated Fairmont - King or Fairmont - Queen?

Jasper2009

Assuming you´re referring to the free night certs, you can choose any bed configuration as long as the room is classified as a Fairmont room.

Ancien Maestro

Last year the full amount was receipted. A few of my friends were getting full receipts. This must have been a recent change.

uncertaintraveler

Does anyone have any experience with the Gold Floor breakfast at Banff?

What are the usual offerings? How does it compare to, say, the Gold Floor breakfast at Lake Louise*?


* Which is, typically, on a 3 day rotation. One day is pancakes with sausage and bacon, another day is creamed scrambled eggs** with bacon (or the like), and the third day is french toast and bacon (or the like). The pancakes and french toast are either paired with quiches or roasted tomatoes, I can't recall exactly. On all days, there's a lot of fruit, bread, pastries, and so on to choose from. I'm really just interested in what Banff's Gold Floor hot breakfast offerings are.


** Which I find to be horrible, by the way.

CanuckFlyHigh

AM - I went to Costco last night and bought the Fairmont certificates. It says it can be used for room rate only. I am a little confused - can i use this for anything on my bill (ie food and beverage), or only for the room price?

Ancien Maestro

Rooms and packages. They redeemed 3 per night without checking on the rate and credited the room. Some of the nights were below the $300 threshold. No problem, they'll take the certificates 3 per night and offset any room charges. But they won't take more than 3 certificates per night as I've tried.