Falcon Crest Lodge by CLIQUE

Falcon Crest Lodge is a contemporary, self-catering property with a private atmosphere and beautiful mountain views. Originally built in 2004, the hotel underwent a total renovation in early 2017 that rang in at around 3.5 million dollars. Decor was updated, carpets replaced, and guest rooms were stocked with top-notch appliances and features that included custom showerheads and five-foot soaking tubs, Napoleon gas grills, 40-inch flat-screen TVs, and a selection of kitchenware that well exceeds the norm. Though rooms in the condo-hotel are individually owned, Falcon Crest Lodge manages to have uniform decor and in-room features. Hotel-wide, you'll find wide hallways, fast elevators, and soundproofed walls. The lack of public spaces gives the hotel a real home-away-from-home feel in terms of privacy, but doesn't offer much for anyone looking for entertainment or to meet other travelers. 

Falcon Crest Lodge is located off the eastern edge of Bow Valley Trail, one of Canmore's main roads. For walkers and bikers, there's a paved trail right out front that leads toward the town center. Surrounded by a cluster of hotels, it sits right next door to Stoneridge Mountain Resort and just down the road from Blackstone Mountain Lodge, both of which are sister properties. There are a few other hotel restaurants and a day spa located within walking distance, but most of the action is about a 20-minute walk or six-minute drive away in the town center. Two grocery stores, a bank, Starbucks, and liquor store are a five-minute drive toward town. You can reach Millennium Park by foot in 20 minutes, and several biking, hiking, and walking trails, like the Legacy Trail to Banff and a few river trails, are within easy access by car or bike. Banff is 25 minutes north and Calgary Airport is just over an hour's drive away. 

The 76 rooms here are spacious and have contemporary lodge decor, gas fireplaces, and mountain views of Hau Ling, East Rundle, Three Sisters, Grotto, and/or Lady MacDonald. Well-stocked kitchens and personal balconies with Napoleon gas grills cover self-catering needs and then some. In addition to basics like electric stoves, refrigerators (full-size in suites but mini-fridges in Deluxe Rooms), and dishwashers, guests also get microwaves, coffeemakers with coffee and creamer, wide array of pots and pans (including egg poachers and ceramic backing dishes), large toasters, sharp knives, plates for up to six, and even salt and pepper. Crockpots, fondue sets, and several other appliances are available free on request. Modern bathrooms have high-end custom showerheads and five-foot soaking tubs (except Deluxe Rooms that have shower/tub combos), plus Aqua Suffusion toiletries, perfumed bath salts, and in-mirror vanity lighting. Closets have irons and bathrobes. All One- and Two-Bedroom Suites have stackable laundry units with detergent, as so some King Suites. All units have Blu-Ray players, bedrooms and living rooms with 40-inch TVs loaded with cable channels, free local calls, free 20 minutes of calls to the U.S. daily, and central heating and air. 

Falcon Crest Lodge is designed to be a self-catering condo-style hotel, so you'll find most features are geared toward convenience rather than sociability. Hotel-style features include two outdoor hot tubs and a tiny gym corner with three cardio machines. Both are open late, and you can bring booze in the hot tubs (just no glass). Unlike nearby sister properties, however, there's no pool here. The front desk can help book tours and suggest nearby trails. For business travelers, there's an on-site meeting room with a large fireplace, spacious wooden deck with two gas grills and mountain views, and catering from Iron Goat; printing and fax services are also available. Family-friendly features include highchair and playpen rental, plus every floor has a games station with free board games, puzzles, and a small selection of books. iPads, laptops, and Blu-Ray movies are available to rent free from the 24-hour front desk. The heated underground parking has a self-service car wash and bring-your-own-lock bike lock area. The attached Vietnamese fusion restaurant and lounge is independently operated and is open evenings for dinner and drinks (closed Monday and Tuesday). Fast Wi-Fi and parking are free, and there are public vending machines and coin-operated laundry on-site.