Tyler Hillary

Review of Rimrock Resort Banff

Located near the Banff Upper Hot Springs, the Rimr...

Located near the Banff Upper Hot Springs, the Rimrock Resort Hotel has established itself in a class above most other Banff area hotels, with the Fairmont Banff Springs being its main competitor. Comparisons are made between the two all the time, and each has their benefits.

The Rimrock boasts larger rooms, and if you've paid a little extra, the view out the window is spectacular. Something to note: if the room's description mentions limited view, you're going to be looking at trees or the side of the mountain, and not the beautiful valley the more expensive rooms overlook.

Service staff were attentive to our needs, and from the minute we pulled up, a bellhop was ready and waiting to help with our bags. The gentlemen at the concierge desk were able to suggest several activities to fill the time between checking in and our late dinner reservation, and even advised us on the current wait time at the nearby Sulfur Mountain Gondola (a Banff area must-see). Our room was spacious, but it seems the housekeeping staff were either rushed or didn't notice the few cobwebs hanging from the crown moulding above the bed.

The location of the hotel is either a drive or a bus ride away from the main downtown area of Banff where the majority of shops and restaurants are located, although unlike the Fairmont, the Rimrock offers complimentary use of the Banff ROAM transit service. Since the hotel is a fair distance off the beaten path, the atmosphere at night is quiet and peaceful, and we were able to leave our room window open to let the cool fresh mountain air into the room.

As far as spa and fitness amenities are concerned, the Rimrock falls second to the Fairmont Banff Springs, whose Spa is rated among the best in Canada. The whirlpool hot tub in the Rimrock could have been a couple degrees warmer, but the pool area was clean and tidy when we visited.

If you're more concerned about having a few more square feet in your hotel room, as well as a 5 diamond rated hotel on site, the Rimrock is a great choice. If historical style and a world class spa are valuable, choose the Fairmont Banff Springs. Either choice will land you in one of Banff's top hotels.