Scotland R.
Yelp
We stayed at Canalta Lodge for a weeklong ski trip to Banff over New Years and had a great experience. Long before we arrived, my wife emailed with the concierge, Lawrence, to ask many questions about activities, parking, amenities, etc. Lawrence provided great insight and was always prompt and friendly in his responses.
When we arrived, we first noticed the great common areas of the lodge. The lobby feels much more like a lounge, offering a great common area for guests to hang out and relax. Overstuffed chairs, couches, tables and work stations, fireplaces, a coffee bar that also serves alcohol and snacks all create a great space to spend time with family and meet other guests. Board games for loan and complimentary smores were both really popular and added to the welcoming atmosphere.
Just outside the lobby/lounge, a courtyard with fire rings, two spas, a cold dip tub and sauna also became great places to gather and spend time. The cold dip pool also helped with sore joints after long days of skiing.
We booked one of the few rooms with a small kitchenette, loft and two bathrooms. For a family of four, including two teenagers, this worked out well. We like to make a few of our meals rather than eat out constantly when on vacation. The kitchenette provided just enough space to prep some basic meals and enjoy some home cooking, although amenities such as paper towels and dishwashing supplies were not provided. A small dining area with a fireplace, large dining table and comfy chairs completed the first level.
The upstairs bedroom was large and appointed with two queen beds and a sofa couch. This worked well for our family of four, although it didn't allow our teenagers to sleep in as much as they'd like. A large chest of drawers and multiple areas for hanging bulky clothes provided ample storage areas.
Staff was very friendly and accommodating to any requests. Information about area points of interest, shuttle schedules, parking and events was always just a phone call away.
Though we chose not to use it, Canalta also offered underground parking for a fee. Had we been receiving fresh snow, this would have been a great option. Ski lockers are also available in the parking garage, which allowed those bulky items to not be transported to or stored in our room.
Our only ask would be more attentive housekeeping services. Guests are asked to request housekeeping, rather than it being provided every day. When we did request service, the housekeepers seemed to limit their service to making beds and taking out trash. We noticed that floors and counters were not cleaned and towels were not replaced. We also had to specifically request more soap and shampoo.
Overall, we had a great experience at Canalta Lodge and we would definitely recommend it. The town of Banff and entire Banff area is such an amazing place; we can't wait to return.