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Have you stayed at a Alberta hotel? Share your vacation experiences with others.| Post Hotel and Spa | Tim and Daana ~ Canada |
The Post is a wonderful Hotel. Built in the 1940's by a couple of Swiss brothers, it was originally built as a Ski Resort. It is now a year round destination that caters with activities in all seasons from hiking, skiing, white water rafting, horse back riding, and good old R & R. The Post is now one of our favorite hotels in the world. It is smaller in number of rooms than most hotels and specializes in Character, Cuisine and old fashion service. None of the staff from managers to housekeeping never seemed rushed and always have a smile and a friendly hello. The lobby is quaint, with lots of comfortable seating consisting of couches , big chairs and coffee tables. Coffee and tea are available complimentary on every floor (there is only 3 floors ) in the a.m. from 7:00 to 11:00 with cream ,sugar and milk. There is also a complimentary tea and cake/pie every afternoon from 2:00 - 5:00. There is an indoor pool average in size very well kept. It is attached to the Spa which also offers full Spa treatments including many types of massage treatments. The hotel is generally in extremely good shape, which you would expect from a 4 star resort. The rooms are large with all the amenities you could want, turn down service, balconies or patios for every room, complimentary water and chocolates, weather reports and newspapers. The decor is rustic , overstuffed, big, warm in colour.
If you do one activity while you are in Lake Louise, do the hike from behind the Fairmont to one of two Tea Houses up the side of a mountain to its Peak. It is well worth it. We went in the morning when the hiking is cooler and the people are fewer. At the Tea house you will find, dozens of flavors of Tea as well as snacks such as date squares, soup and sandwiches (cash only !). Beautiful views from the top of the world. Wear good hiking shoes, bring water and a sweater or jacket (we didn't need it that day). The shorter one is 4 kilometers each way with a 12oo foot elevation climb. You should allow at least an hour each way and an hour while you are up there, it is a full morning adventure. Book a massage for after the hike at the Post ! Anyone can do the hike , it is strenuous but doable with a good solid walking trail. If you need rests it will take you 2 hours to get to the top.
The Post Hotel was voted by Gourmet Magazine as the "3rd Best Rustic Retreat in the World. The only other rival in Lake Louise is the Fairmont . Choose the Post, even if you are a Fairmont person. It has a personal feel to it that the Large Fairmont cannot give you. The Post doesn't have the constant roar of Charter buses pulling up bringing in 100 guests to fill up the lobby. You can also park your vehicle right in front of the Hotel and the lobby is only steps away from that. It has a European feel with many of the guests traveling from Europe choosing the Post as there 1st choice.
The cuisine is excellent with current reviews and awards to back it up. If you are a Wine buff you will love what is in store for you. The Post has an on-site inventory in its wine cellars of over 30,000 bottles of wine from around the world ! There are many other restaurants within walking distance including the Station which is the old CPR Train Station converted. The food is good at the Station and moderately priced. 15 minutes up the road is The Cathedral Mountain Lodge. It is in British Columbia and you temporary gain a hour during your visit with the time change. The restaurant is also well known for its excellent cuisine. While you are there take the winding road through the Park for some spectacular views of Valleys and Waterfalls, take a picnic. There is only one restaurant at the Post Hotel which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. All of meals were very good with the exception of breakfast that seemed a little stale. That could have been because we had a 12 hour power failure the night before. Which by the way they handled very well with candles and other means such as moving an info night to the outdoors in the evening. There is also a very cozy informal lounge / retreat that serves beverages and lighter fair. A fireplace and seating for only about 20 people makes this little spot a great little getaway for an after dinner drink or meeting place.
I can't say enough about The Post Hotel. It is excellent in all ways. Decor, service, character, cuisine, wine and an excellent spot to unwind and feel what it must of felt like to have real service like back in the mid 1900's.
The Post Hotel. Four Stars and priced accordingly at $300 - $500 depending on the time of the year.
| Georgetown Inn | Jim ~ Canada |
We stayed two nights at the Georgetown Inn in Canmore. It is a small building with only 20 rooms in it. We stayed in the Victorian room, and it was absolutely perfect. It had a king size bed, two nice comfy chairs to sit in front of the gas fireplace, jetted tub for two, shower, even chocolates and bath salts by the tub.a great view of the mountains. It was a very quiet place, the front desk people get to know who you are right away. It is one street over from downtown, so you don't have to drive anywhere to shop or for restaurants. We just thought it was a perfect little get-a-way. :-)
| Mystic Springs | Patrick ~ Ontario |
My brother and sisters had a family reunion in Canmore. We stayed at the Mystic Springs. We had 2 "chalets" that are bascically 2 storey suites with 2 bedrooms, kitchen and living room. The rooms are very luxurious with TV's in both bedrooms and living room. Maid service is minimal with short stays. We made breakfast and ate out for lunch and dinner. Overall we were very pleased with our stay. Beds were very comfortable.
The town of Canmore is a short walk away. We really enjoyed walking around this tourist town with dozens of shops and some fantastic dining. Across the street is the Musical Revue "Oh Canada EH!...a musical revue with dinner...corny but good food and entertaining.
Two restaurants that we ate at with descriptions from the internet:
Zona's Late Night Bistro
Downtown Canmore - 10 min. walk from Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge
50 seats in a remodeled log house from Canmore's coal mining era. World cuisine changes with the season--fresh fish and meat specials nightly, Moroccan molasses lamb curry, vegetarian dishes. Handmade clay dishes, fireplace, old-style cappuccino machine. Late night tapas. International wines/microbeers. Patio. 5 pm-mid. Entrees $13-$20. Where to Eat in Canada recommended.
Address: 710 9 Street
Copper Door
Downtown Canmore - 5 min. drive from Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge
Intimate atmosphere and distinctive copper door by local artist Tony Bloom. Show kitchen where chef/owner Chris Dmytriw's cuisine is prepared with southern European flair--AAA beef tenderloin, NY peppercorn steaks, salmon, leg of lamb with risotto and rosemary jus, and pastas. Fresh fish and wild game features. Hot homemade bread. Extensive wine list, many by the glass. 5-10 pm. Entrees $14-$35.
If an opportunity arose, I would definately return to this hotel and highly recommend it.
Last Updated: November 15, 2005
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