The Juniper Hotel

The Juniper Hotel has an enviable location for travelers looking to get uninterrupted panoramic views over the forest and out to the mountains. Like many Banff properties, Juniper was originally built in the 1950s. These days, several of Banff's mid-century-built hotels show quite a bit of wear and tear, but Juniper manages to look fresh while still preserving its retro charm. A makeover in 2014 ushered in several up-to-date changes. Expect stylish hallways, room numbers on carved slate plates, finished pine decor, gorgeous antique hardwood floors on the first floor, and sturdy furniture with a mid-century modern vibe. Contemporary cushioned leather chairs, black tabletops, and sophisticated wicker patio furniture help give the dining room and bar area a modern twist. The owner of this independently run property has a strong connection to the indigenous culture of the area and takes pride exhibiting several artifacts and photographs throughout the hotel, complete with explanations. Guests here are fans of the views, the food, and the nature-set secluded location where the humdrum of tourists is replaced by bird calls and near-daily sightings of wildlife like elk and deer. However, the out-of-town location isn't for everyone, especially considering there's not many on-site features to offer up diversions. 

One of the draws of The Juniper Hotel is its secluded location that's away from town yet still just five minutes by car or seasonal shuttle (if it's summer, you can walk in 20). The hotel is located just over the AB-1 highway with no neighbors. The hillside location give way for great views over the Vermillion Lake and Bow River toward Rundle, Tunnel, and Sulphur mountains. 

• Eight-minute drive to the Banff Pedestrian Bridge
• Eight-minute drive to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
• Nine-minute drive to Cave and Basin National Historic Site
• 11-minute drive to the Banff Upper Hot Springs
• 11-minute drive to Lake Minnewanka (47-minute bus ride)
• 12-minute drive to the Banff Gondola
• 24-minute drive to Canmore
• 1-hour-and-24-minute drive to Calgary Airport

The Juniper Hotel is split up into rooms, suites, and chalets. The 52 rooms were given an update back in 2014 and have a stylish and contemporary mid-century look. Notable details include the ground-level vintage hardwood floors (there's carpet on higher floors), simple but stylish and sturdy wood furniture, and slate tile bathrooms. Some of the furniture is banged up but manages to feel rustic rather than worn, and the framed vintage postcards add a nice touch. All rooms come with Wi-Fi, big flat-screen TVs with cable, and a bar-sized mini-fridge -- except the chalets which have full kitchens set for eight. You won't find air-conditioning here, but rooms are kept cool in the summer with a cooling system, and there's heat in the winter. Bathrooms have olive branch botanical toiletries, shower/tub combos, and hairdryers. Robes, irons, and playpens are on-request and local calls are free. 

Standard Rooms face the parking lot and back forest, but you can squeeze out slight mountain views, while the south-facing King Deluxe Valley View Rooms have stunning, panoramic picture window views across the valley, out to the mountains (and include the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel). Upgrades to this side of the building will also get you walkouts on the first floor or balconies on the second floor. Suites have robes included, and King Suites will grant you a  south-facing view. Chalets are housed in duplex buildings past the parking lot and are the most nature-set and rustic-feeling of the bunch. They've got full kitchens and snug living rooms, wood-burning fireplaces, bedrooms with queen beds, and two double beds up in a loft.

There's not a whole lot as far as features here, but the hotel is home to one of the best restaurants in town. The Juniper Bistro is an appealing casual spot serving Canadian dishes and local ingredients for breakfast and dinner, with a limited lunch in the summer. The gnocchi, charcuterie plates, and Juniper Benedict are popular, but the sweeping views from the picture windows and patio are also a big draw. Room service is available, too. 

During early winter and summer, guests can huddle around two outdoor fire pits on the patio. Other outdoor features include a grassy, south-facing bank with picnic tables and an eight-person covered hot tub with an open wall to stunning views. 

There's no elevators, pool, gym, or free breakfast here, but there is a public computer in reception and two light-filled meeting and event rooms that can accommodate up to 25 and 90 guests, respectively. There are also a couple of freebies adding to the property's value including Wi-Fi, a seasonal morning shuttle into town with late afternoon pickups, outdoor parking, and guest discounts at local vendors. Pets are welcome with an extra fee, and dogs get their own amenities including beds, treats, poop baggies, and feeding bowls.