Best Hotels near Cave and Basin National Historic Site

An imposing structure set against a backdrop of Alberta's picturesque mountains and forests, "Canada's Castle in the Rockies" has been wowing guests since its opening in 1888. The Fairmont Banff Springs possesses a grand exterior, and recent guests say that this historic hotel's interior matched their high expectations. Each of the 757 guest rooms and suites offers views of the woods, courtyard or the mountains. The food at this AccorHotels outpost's 12 restaurants and bars also does not disappoint. And guests describe the Willow Stream Spa as gorgeous, though its services lean toward the expensive side. Plus, active visitors can take advantage of the Fairmont's spectrum of activities, including golfing, skiing, hiking and horseback riding. If you enroll in the Le Club AccorHotels program, you can earn and redeem award nights and take advantage of other benefits for choosing to stay here. You'll find the property located about a mile south of downtown Banff.

Rooted to the slope of Sulphur Mountain, The Rimrock Resort Hotel is about as close as you can stay to the Canadian Rockies without camping. Recent guests rave about the views of the surrounding mountains from the guest rooms on the hotel's higher floors and from the Grandview suites. Each of The Rimrock's 343 accommodations feature neutral tones and dark wood accents and come equipped with 32-inch LCD TVs and wireless internet access. Venture from your digs to sample some of the cuisine at Rimrock's four dining venues and lounges (guests say the Italian fare at Primrose Dining Room is exceptional). The hotel spa and pool also receive high praise for their clean and relaxing atmosphere. Looking for more active pursuits? The hotel concierge can arrange outdoor activities like dog sledding, snowshoeing, whitewater rafting and horseback riding. And if you're looking to shop or museum-hop, you'll have free access to Banff's bus system (Roam) from The Rimrock Resort Hotel into nearby downtown Banff. There is also on-site parking at the hotel, though recent guests thought the fees were pricey ($32 CAD for valet or $18 CAD for self-parking).

Previous visitors especially commend this hotel's prime location in central Banff, close to the restaurants and entertainment that the small ski town has to offer. But even with all the tempting options outside the hotel, guests still find reasons to stay on site. The rooms are spacious and comfortable with minifridges and queen- or king-sized beds and the premier, deluxe and executive suites even come with a gas fireplace; however, some recent guests mentioned spotty Wi-Fi service. And while Banff is filled with plenty of fine dining options, visitors often opt to eat at the Evergreen Restaurant, which serves up tasty dishesprepared with local and sustainable ingredients. Delta Banff's Grotto Spa and its mineral pool also receive rave reviews for their relaxing ambiance. Keep in mind that because of this Delta hotel's ties to the Marriott family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points by staying here.