Changeup2000

Just to let everyone know that the old Delta Royal Canadian Lodge is no longer Delta and not associated any more with Marriott.

This left Banff not covered by Marriott.

This sucks when I have two trips there for the next couple of months. The closest Marriott hotel appears to be in Calgary, not very practical.

If anyone has other suggestions please let me know. Thanks!

GoSh4rks

They left like 3 years ago.

Kananaskis Mountain Lodge would be closest Bonvoy property.

yyzflyer

A 1-hour drive, depending on the time of year.

Intl359Widget

It's a bit of a drive but I would highly recommend staying in the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge for several reasons. They've got a Nordic Spa on-site and they're right by the Nakiska Ski Resort (EPIC Pass Partner).

I love the area in all seasons as you can Ski/Board, White water raft/kayak, or hike.

Diabeetus

Yes. Banff has no coverage by Marriott.

If you rent a car, then you can stay at the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge for K-country and the spa, and then do a single day trip up to Banff. Alternatively, we sometimes start off the morning in Banff, then head to Kananaskis in the evening and stay there for a few days.

Otherwise, I would not stay at Kananaskis to do a multi-day trip in Banff.

Banff has the Fairmont Banff Springs (and as an aside, if you are in the area, Fairmont Lake Louise), which are both very expensive, but worth the experience if you are feeling like spending that much.

Otherwise Banff has a many lodging options. I would have thought Marriott would try to get another property in Banff after the Royal Canadian Lodge left, but nothing for the past few years....

ntamayo

Fairmont Banff does show up in the Chase Luxury or Visa Infinite Hotel search if you want to go that route. For example, the Visa Infinite Card rate (for Ritz Credit Card) unlocks a $75 F&B credit, brekkie for 2, and room UG, late checkout (when available).

atsak

Another non-Mariott option is Canmore, about 25 minute drive from Banff. The Pocaterra Inn and Waterslide is excellent, though you wouldn't think so. It used to be a Best Western I think but it's unbranded now. I've only stayed there once a few years ago but it's really beautiful and the hotel was absolutely on par with any Marriott I've stayed in before (closest I can describe it as is upscale Courtyard, the newer style, but more appropriate mountain decor).

Intl359Widget

I've stayed there as well and thought it was on par with a Courtyard or even a lower end Marriott. Tons of excellent restaurants in the Canmore area as well.

Tennis_Guy

I had the same issue maybe 5 years back (the Delta was officially still a Marriott but they literally had no award availability) while the Kanansakis looked nice but not close. Here's what we did, which I regret! We spent 5 nights in Calgary (to get 1 night free) at the Sheraton with the water slides for the kids (that part they liked along with the Calgary bobsled and other city attractions plus we did get a decent room upgrade) and then we commuted two days to Banff and then finally spent two nights at a mid-range Banff hotel, the Ptarmigan Inn. Yeah to stay in Banff you have to pay Westin/JW (not quite St Regis or RC) prices to get Courtyard quality but it's the location. Banff is a fun town. I'd recommend spending the money and staying in the town at an independent place via an OTA.

Changeup2000

Thanks. I will be there for a conference and the accommodation is paid for. The official hotel is the Fairmont Spring.

It will be a multi-day event. I had been to Banff many times but never winter. I may want to stay at Kananaskis, but balk at the prospect of driving mountain roads in snow.

I will come back a month later to Banff. It is a shame if I have to spend the 8 nights out of Marriott where it may be the difference if I can make it to Ambassador this year

Intl359Widget

The drive between the main highway and the Kananaskis isn't too bad at all. They plow and salt it regularly and for the most part is on flat terrain with gentle grades up/down the mountains so I wouldn't be too worried if you had a SUV or an AWD/4WD vehicle. I'll be heading to the Pomeroy Lodge next weekend actually for 3 nights.

laner

You can stay for free at the Banff Springs, and you're considering driving an hour each way just to get Marriott nights??! I know we've all done some crazy things to get/keep status, but I'd definitely just stay at the BSH!

As an aside, it is pretty surprising that Marriott still hasn't found something else to flag in Banff and/or Canmore. Is there a more popular tourist destination in North America that doesn't have a Marriott option?

jimrpa

I’m embarrassed to admit that I had to look at a map to find out where Banf is. I thought it was near Vancouver. 😳 (hangs head in shame)

Changeup2000

Haha, both will be paid for, Marriott or not.

8 nights is pretty significant especially if it is ambassador or not.

nacho

Don't commute from Calgary to Banff, I stayed in Canmore back in May, and got a rate of C$90+ (mid-week early May) in Days Inn (newly renovated and the view was stunning). There was ice on the road and my rental has only all season tyres. Canmore is less touristy than Banff and it's 20 minute ride from the entrance of the park.

At that time the 1 highway was fixing so all cars were diverted to highway 93, no idea if the road work has completed.

If you drive yourself check the weather condition and check if you need snow tyres.