Rimrock Resort Hotel

This elegant mountain lodge does a great job of taking advantage of its majestic setting, with breathtaking mountain views available from numerous places around the resort. As if that weren't enough, there's a lot to like about the handsome style and upscale atmosphere here as well. The lobby is grand and expansive, with Art Deco accents and a rich red rug at the entrance. Wooden ceilings overhead give everything a touch of cozy-lodge ambience, and the finish throughout -- polished chrome details, vintage lighting and ceiling inlays, and warm wood -- make this feel like a place that's well above the mid-range and budget options down in town below. With a beautiful setting and numerous amenities, this resort is well suited for all sorts of travelers, including couples, families, conference attendees, individuals, and groups. It can get busy at times, though. 

This hotel is situated on the side of Sulphur Mountain, about a five-minute drive from downtown Banff. The Banff Upper Hot Springs are just across the road -- a major draw for this hotel -- while the Banff Gondola is five minutes away on foot. While these are some of the most visited spots in the national park, the hotel's location means that multiple recreation options are close by, including skiing, hiking, golfing, and biking. A car will be necessary to explore farther afield, or to reach any of the goings-on in town. It will take about five minutes to reach Bow Falls by car, and 20 minutes to reach scenic Lake Minnewanka. The closest airport, Calgary International, is about an hour and 40 minutes away. 

Without a doubt, the start of the show here are the mountain and landscape views; Premium Rooms have mountain or valley views, while Grandview Rooms have beautiful panoramic views of both. All are spacious and decorated in a classic modern style that's defined by patterned carpeting, dark wood furniture, and earth-tone color schemes. The look in some rooms has a dash of Roaring Twenties flair, mostly in the silhouettes found in seating and armchairs. Standard features include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, minibars, and work desks. Slippers, microwaves, and sofa beds are available on request. Bathrooms come with robes, granite countertops, tiled shower/tub combos, magnifying mirrors, toiletries, and hairdryers. The Suite Infinity on the highest floor is the hotel's biggest splash, with leather sofas and chairs in front of a gas fireplace in a separate living space. Breathtaking landscape views are visible from the living area, the sleeping area, and the huge furnished balcony. The ultra-modern black-and-white bathroom is beautiful and offers two above-counter sinks, granite countertops, and a walk-in shower with multiple jets. Signature Grandview Rooms are also richly appointed with upscale furniture, fireplaces, and large furnished balconies offering spectacular mountain views. Bathrooms in these units offer a deep soaking tub beneath windows and a separate shower. 

The hotel offers two restaurants, two bars, and a coffee shop, meaning there's plenty of variety for dining and drinking. The well-regarded Eden serves French cuisine for dinner with a focus on local ingredients. The setting is sophisticated Art Deco, and views of the surrounding national park are gorgeous. The Primrose Dining Room is less formal but still elegant, serving breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is either buffet or a la carte, and dinner is Rocky Mountain-inspired Italian. Rimrock's Cafe is the place for coffee, pastries, and snacks. There are also two bars on-site. Larkspur Lounge is a cozy space in the lobby with huge windows providing incredible views; guests can also dine on the balcony with even more spectacular views. Divas Cocktail Bar, only open seasonally and on weekends, is a glamorous space featuring black-and-white vintage movie posters. The indoor pool stays open until fairly late and is suitable for swimming laps. There's also a whirlpool, sauna, and steam room. The full-service spa offers massage treatments, facials, and pedicures and manicures. In the warmer months, an outdoor pool deck is available. The spacious fitness center is open 24/7 and is well-equipped with a variety of modern cardio and weight training machines, as well as a good selection of free weights (we haven't seen many squat racks in the hotels that we've visited). Large windows allow in natural light, and several flat-screen TVs help entertain. Comprising 17 rooms, the hotel's 18,000 square feet of events space is able to accommodate gatherings of various sizes. The elegant Wildrose Ballroom can handle groups of up to 600 and can be separated into three salons. Most rooms have large windows for natural light, and meeting planners are available to assist with details. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Boutiques on-site sell jewelry and gifts, and while parking is available, it comes at a steep price.