Stoneridge Mountain Resort

Stoneridge Mountain Resort is a top hotel within Canmore's Clique brand, with a contemporary lodge-like exterior and one of the more up-to-date (if a bit sparse) interiors. There's a huge double-hearth slate stone fireplace in the lobby, smooth natural-stained wood paneling, and modern leather couches. Stoneridge is popular year-round with families looking to spend quality time together, younger couples in the winter, and older folks in summer. It's also worth mentioning that whereas some of the non-Clique competitors in the area may be in the same price point, their guest rooms don't feel quite as fresh or stylish.

Stoneridge Mountain Resort 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 Falcon Crest Resort and just down the road from Blackstone Mountain Lodge, both 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 seven-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 or by car in seven 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 hotel's 99 guest rooms are attractive, and the condo-style layouts offer lots of privacy, but some past guests have noted that walls are a bit thin, and units' dim lighting may not suit all tastes. Style-wise, you can expect granite countertops, mirrored closets, slate and hardwood floors, and contemporary decor throughout. The impressive kitchens have stainless steel double sinks, dishwashers, and Whirlpool refrigerators, plus cookware, KitchenAid utensils, and extras like egg poachers and baking dishes. There's also washer/dryers with detergent and dryer sheets, and daily housekeeping. Standout features across all room types include slate gas fireplaces, balconies with Napoleon gas grills, and 55-inch Smart flat-screen TVs.

One Bedroom King Suites start you off with king-size pillow-top mattresses, separate living rooms with pullout sofas, and dining rooms with tables that seat up to four. Upgrades to One Bedroom Plus Den units gets you small extra nooks with French doors and sofa beds. Corner-located Two Bedroom King Queen rooms swap second bedrooms kings for queen beds, and they have larger balconies and living rooms, plus decorative touches in kitchens. Some Three Bedrooms Suites have gorgeous vaulted ceilings and/or huge walk-in closets.

Bathrooms are a highlight, with five-foot deep, custom-made Aqua Suffusion bathtubs and separate stall showers, plus a generous supply of toiletries and extras like loofas vanity kits and bath salts. Mountain views are on the street-facing side only.

This hotel's best features are all outdoors, starting with the the pleasant pool area, which has a raised patio with a few tables and chairs. The bean-shaped heated pool is a pretty decent size, and it's surrounded by a handful of stylish (if slightly worn) wicker loungers. There's also a large, 10-person hot tub. The hotel's only other shared space with the exception of the lobby is a small, air-conditioned gym, with serviceable but slightly dated cardio equipment, free weights, and exercise balls. There's no dedicated game room here, but guests can rent movies, books, and board games from the 24-hour front desk.

The hotel's ground floor meeting room has outside catering options, access to a small outdoor smoking patio, and can hold up to 50 people depending on the configuration. Other business-friendly features include a computer in the lobby, copy and print services, free local calls, and 20 minutes of free long-distance within North America per day. Other freebies include concierge services, Wi-Fi throughout, and secure underground heated parking, with a ski wax and bring-your-own-lock ski/bike lock area. Keep in mind that there are no on-site dining options here (not even vending machines) and pets aren't allowed on the property.