Located in the mountains, a 10-minute walk from downtown Banff
Loft rooms have living spaces with fireplaces, kitchenettes, and whirlpool tubs, some have balconies
Free continental breakfast next door at sister hotel
Restaurant and bar, plus a liquor store, at next-door sister hotel
Free underground parking
Ski storage
Events space for up to 150 people at sister hotel
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Entire hotel, including rooms, needs to be updated
Some rooms still have old tube-style TVs and noise can be a problem
Standard rooms lack mini-fridges and microwaves
Amenities are next door at sister hotel
Wi-Fi can be spotty
THE SPRUCE GROVE INN HAS UNDERGONE A 5 MILLION RENOVATION AND HAS BEEN REBRANDED IS NOW THE CANALTA LODGE. WE WILL UPDATE OUR REVIEW AS SOON AS WE CAN.The 120-room Spruce Grove Inn is a budget hotel located about a 10-minute walk outside Banff. It's connected by underground walkway to its sister hotel, the Banff Voyager Inn, where all amenities are found, including the restaurant, bar, pool, sauna, steam room, and meeting facilities. Rooms at the Spruce Grove Inn are in need of an update, as some still have tube-style TVs and all have dated floral bedspreads. The loft rooms are the best choices, as they offer separate living areas with fireplaces, kitchenettes, and hot tubs in some. Rooms at the nearby Bumpers Inn are about the same price, and they are a bit more fresh, with microwaves and mini-fridges.
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Scene
Quaint mountain-lodge exterior hides run-down interiors in need of a refresh
Built in 2003, this hotel presents itself as a lovely three-story mountain lodge from the outside, with lodge-pole balconies and stone across the front. Unfortunately, that's where much of the charm ends and the hotel's interiors are badly in need of an update. The lobby is rather bare, with just the front desk and two saggy beige sofas, and most of the public amenities are next door at the hotel's sister property. As such, the hotel is a run-of-the-mill budget place with a number of things to complain about, from cleanliness to general wear and tear. Still, it manages to attract tour groups, couples, and families looking for a bargain.
Location
Mountain location about a 10-minute walk from downtown Banff
This hotel is situated next to its sister property, Banff Voyager Inn, about a 10-minute walk from downtown Banff. The two hotels share amenities, and they are connected by an underground corridor so guests do not have to go outside during the cold winter months. Restaurants and bars are within a short walk, including the popular Keg Steakhouse & Bar and Japan Restaurant Miki. Banff Upper Hot Springs and the Banff Gondola are both about a 15-minute drive away. Calgary International Airport is about an hour and a half east of the hotel.
Rooms
Tired-looking rooms need an update, but some have kitchenettes and whirlpool tubs
Most of the rooms at the hotel offer two queen-size beds, although some have a king bed and some have just one queen bed. The decor is dated, with old floral bedspreads, medium-toned wood furniture, white walls, and forest green carpeting. A few token landscape paintings hang on the walls, and guests have complained about poor housekeeping and evident wear on things from carpeting to furniture. All rooms come with air-conditioning, cable TVs, and coffeemakers. Several rooms still have tube TVs, and bathrooms are the definition of basic. They come with granite countertops, toiletries, hairdryers, and shower/tub combos. Lofts are the most spacious option at the hotel, with a living area and fireplace downstairs and another sitting area plus two queen beds or one king, a second bathroom, and a whirlpool in the loft. Some also have kitchenettes with mini-fridges, microwaves, and sinks. Nicer rooms do have small furnished balconies with views of the mountains. It's worth noting that many guests have also noted poor soundproofing and noise issues from hallways and neighboring rooms.
Features
Restaurant, bar, pool, and meeting space located next-door at sister hotel, connected by underground walkway
There are almost no facilities available directly inside of this hotel. Instead, guests will have to walk to the Banff Voyager Inn next door via an underground passageway (or, in nice weather, above ground). The hotel's restaurant, the Mountain Home Smokehouse Grill, serves breakfast and dinner, including a free continental breakfast. A hot breakfast buffet is available for an extra charge. The dinner menu focuses on smoked and cured meats, including baby-back ribs, and food gets reasonably solid marks from previous guests. The Voyageur Lounge is adjacent to the restaurant, and there's also an on-site liquor store. A small heated outdoor pool at the Banff Voyager Inn is open year-round, and there's an indoor hot tub and sauna. Conference facilities can accommodate up to 150 people, and meeting packages are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, though it can be spotty, and ski storage is available. Underground parking is also free.
