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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 102,617
IIRC you can sometimes (when there's space) book a room at the conference center up the hill from Banff, with walking paths to the town. It's a campus-like setting close to nature that I would describe as probably 3.5 stars and perhaps not a good value for money, but it's a different experience that some people might prefer. Expect close encounters with elk.