Best Spa Hotels in Alberta

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).

If you've come to Canmore, Alberta, for the heart-pumping outdoor pursuits, Solara Resort & Spa provides a convenient home base. The resort, situated about 20 miles southeast of Banff National Park, plays off of the area's best asset: the Canadian Rockies. Solara puts you within an hour's drive of Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. After working up a sweat hitting the slopes or hiking the trails, head to One Wellness and Spa: Recent visitors say the spa provides soothing relief for sore muscles. For more relaxation, kick back in your room. Each of the one-, two- and three-bedroom suites features a cozy fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen and a spacious bathroom with a jet massage shower. Some of the suites also boast balconies appointed with electric grills, but if you're not in the mood to cook, you'll find a handful of restaurants and cafes in Canmore (less than a mile north). Or, you can head to the property's sister resort, Grande Rockies Resort, which has its own on-site eatery, Habitat Restaurant & Bar.

Set in scenic Banff National Park, this AccorHotels resort impresses visitors with its gorgeous setting. Inside, visitors are greeted with accommodations outfitted with flat-screen TVs and coffee makers, among other amenities. Most recent guests suggest splurging for a lakeside suite, claiming the higher rate is well worth the additional space and enchanting views. In winter, guests can enjoy sleigh rides and ice skating; and in summer, visitors are invited to take advantage of horseback riding and whitewater rafting. When it comes to dining, guests have a wide selection of options ranging from regionally influenced dishes in the main dining room to Swiss- and German-inspired entrees at The Walliser Stube. For a particularly memorable meal, previous visitors suggest dining at the hotel's Lakeview Lounge, which affords gorgeous vistas of Victoria Glacier. Le Club AccorHotels members may redeem award nights or earn extra benefits like complimentary room upgrades for choosing to stay here.

Situated in Lake Louise (about a 35-mile drive northwest of Banff), Post Hotel & Spa woos its guests with rustic luxury. This Relais & Châteaux hotel's accommodations range from cozy guest rooms outfitted with whirlpool tubs and wood-beamed ceilings to luxe suites with fireplaces and multiple bedrooms. Some guests do note that a passing train can disrupt an otherwise peaceful night's rest; if you're a light sleeper, request a room on the quieter Preferred Side of the hotel, which faces trees, cabins and the property's lawn area. The on-site Temple Mountain Spa, on the other hand, receives consistently high marks for its relaxing massages and gorgeous mountain views. If you would rather tackle the slopes than admire them, Post Hotel & Spa sits just minutes from the Lake Louise Ski Area. Plus, you can book special ski packages through the hotel if you're planning on a few days of skiing. 

A boutique property just south of downtown, the Le Germain Hotel Calgary prides itself on a commitment to outstanding customer service. Guests praise the hotel's courteous staff, often citing the property's gracious hospitality as a reason to plan a future stay. The guest rooms also offer a couple of extra "wow" factors: accommodations are outfitted with Nespresso coffee makers, while bathrooms boast rainfall showers and Molton Brown toiletries. The 42-inch flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi access only add to the hotel's modern luxury. For a dose of relaxation, book a massage or facial at RNR Wellness Spa. And if you came hungry, grab a seat at the CHARCUT Roast House (carnivores will especially love the restaurant's house-made sausages and cured meats). Previous travelers do bemoan the hotel's valet parking fees ($40 CAD plus tax), but most agree the hotel's perks outweigh its steep prices.

Previous visitors can't help but marvel at the Fairmont Palliser's stunning lobby; its Renaissance Revival marble columns and ornate furniture speak to the hotel's 100-year history. The old-school charm continues in the Fairmont's 407 guest rooms, but they still feature modern amenities like high-speed Internet access (for a fee), minibars and cable TV. If you're craving relaxation outside your digs, retreat to The Boulevard Club health club or book an appointment at RnR Wellness THE SPA. Aside from these amenities, previous guests also praised the hotel's on-site eateries like The Rimrock, which features Prohibition-themed decor alongside steakhouse classics. This Fairmont outpost also boasts an on-site Starbucks and The Oak Room, a cocktail lounge. You can find this hotel on Ninth Avenue Southwest in downtown Calgary. Members of the Le Club AccorHotels program can earn and redeem rewards for staying at this property. 

While the name of this Canadian lodge may initially induce a small chuckle, guests will find that the hotel is so much more than its quintessentially Canadian mascot (though you will find it everywhere). The Moose Hotel & Suites is praised across the board for a number of different attributes, including its comfy accommodations, top-notch facilities and convenient location in downtown Banff, Alberta. Lodgers say you can't skip a dip in one of the heated rooftop pools, which offer up views of the surrounding forestry from the terrace or behind floor-to-ceiling windows. Rooms stirred up just as many feelings of warmth, with guests reporting their accommodations to be modern, yet cozy thanks to amenities like king-sized or queen-sized beds, in-room coffee makers, flat-screen TVs and bathrooms with rain showers (upgrade to a suite and you'll get a fireplace and kitchenette). The Moose Hotel also boasts an Italian restaurant and an on-site fitness center and spa, which offers both standard treatments and salon services. You can find Moose Hotel & Suites right on Banff Avenue, Banff's main thoroughfare. From here, guests can walk to multiple restaurants, shopping and entertainment options. 

Overall, recent guests report a pleasant experience at the Hyatt Regency Calgary. Its downtown location puts it close to both business and tourism locales, and its comfortable guest rooms ensure a restful night's sleep, a consistent point of praise among recent visitors. Each room comes with a 37-inch flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station and minifridges. Visitors looking for some additional R&R can book a treatment at the Stillwater Spa. When you're ready to satiate your appetite, you can either have room service delivered, or head to Thomsons Restaurant for some locally sourced fare like aged Alberta beef and seafood. After dinner, Sandstone Lounge serves a cozy spot for live jazz and vintage bar favorites. Aside from the hotel's central location and comfy rooms, reviewers were also fond of the courteous, efficient staff. And thanks to the Hyatt's family ties, Hyatt Gold Passport members can earn and redeem points for choosing to stay here.

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.

Nestled at the base of Banff National Park in Canmore, Alberta, the Grand Rockies Resort appeals to families and business travelers alike. Inside, guests are greeted by generously sized one-, two- or three-bedroom accommodations appointed with gas fireplaces and 40-inch LCD flat-screen TVs. Additional features include rainfall showers, complimentary Wi-Fi access and kitchens. Recent visitors are fond of the courteous hotel staff, which they say enhanced the resort's warm, inviting atmosphere with attentive and personalized service. During the day, you can take advantage of the fitness area, heated indoor swimming pool, hot tub and kids pool (with waterslide) — a major hit among those traveling with children in tow. Meanwhile, those traveling for work appreciate the same-day dry cleaning service, as well as the three meeting rooms and ample conference facilities. The Habitat Restaurant & Bar also receives two thumbs up from recent patrons for its regionally inspired menu items like Alberta beef tartar and pan-seared halibut. If you came looking to tackle fresh powder, venture to Sunshine Village or Lake Louise (both are situated within a 50-mile radius).