Banff springs room recomendations
 

Newb here. Going to Banff Springs in April for conference for 5 nights. We are staying extra night and wanting to upgrade(at our cost) to mountain view. Is Studio room in main building that much worth it than Gatehouse wing (formerly Stanley Thompson)? Extra 60$ vs 20$ per night. So is main building worth 200$?

The BSH has a ton of different room configurations. Some are renovated, some are old. Some are large, some are small. Some overlook the golf course and rivers, others look up at various mountains, and some probably overlook the driveway. The hotel is huge. If it is the view that you're primarily after, you will want the main building, not the gatehouse, because it's higher up (in spite of the fact that main building rooms have lower floor numbers than the gatehouse floor numbers). Therefore, whatever type of room you want (Fairmont, Deluxe, suite, etc.), go for the "mountain view" descriptor and not "Gatehouse".

Is it worth $200? Only you can answer that, as "worth" is a subjective and personal thing. When I visit the BSH, I request a specific suite right down to the room number. Others are happy wherever in the building they are placed.

Edit to add... you specifically mentioned "Studio Room". If that's the room you're considering, it's more than just a view upgrade over the base room. That particular room, which is a higher category than a Deluxe Room, is more like a 'small junior suite' (but not quite as large as the various suite category rooms). You'd be getting a slightly larger room than the base Fairmont Room, in addition to a better view.

There is a ton of history there. If the story of the railroad and Van Horne interests you, definitely take the hotel historical tour while you're there. I would also drive out to the Spiral Tunnels during your visit.

Have you considered booking a couple of nights up at the Chateau Lake Louise? Don't let the frozen lake deter you. It's beautiful any time of year, and there's a lot of history there too.

I wouldn't switch hotels just for 1 night either. They're both great hotels, and I stay at them often; winter and summer. I'm sure you'll have a great time.

I would steer clear of the Stanley Thompson wing if you want the true BSH experience. Stay in the real hotel. That is my suggestion. I would worry less about view than I would about room type. There are so many amazing views from so many common/public areas, you won't be in your room much, nor do you need to stay in a room with a view to get a view.

Don't forget to buy Lifeexperiences.ca gift certificates off of Costco.ca for $100 gift cards for the cost of $75.

I wanted a Deluxe Room with a view but none are available. I understand Deluxe rooms are in the main building. Deluxe rooms are available without view but as of now we have Studio room which is larger. True that we won’t be in the room as much(my wife maybe a bit more while I am attending conference).

Thanks for the tip for Lifeexperiences GC. Will check it out.