Donna T.
Yelp
My husband & I had the pleasure of staying 3 nights at this little gem in downtown Canmore, which is set-off any road so it is super quiet. Upon arriving, we were fortunate enough to be welcomed by the lovely Sara Renner and her gracious husband, Thomas Grandi. Chocolates from a local business, Le Chocolatier, were an unexpected surprise waiting in our room - the salted caramel in milk chocolate was so good I was prompted to find the little shop up on Benchlands Trail to buy some more.
We stayed in the Cabin Suite, which is a quiet, spacious and comfortable 2-bedroom suite on the main floor with a firm king bed and choice of synthetic or down pillows. There is also a separate bedroom with a double/single bunk, which would be perfect for kids or another family staying with you, as long as you're close because the king bed is open to the living space. There is one large bathroom and I enjoyed the separate shower's pebble floor and the soaker tub.
The self-serve breakfast is plentiful with daily fresh baked bread and muffins, an egg frittata, super easy orange juicer, yogurt, in-house made granola, and fruit. Then there is the Miele coffee machine! Your choice of coffee (lungo, cappuccino, espresso, latte, etc.) at the push of a button - I made a mocha each morning with 2 spoonfuls of hot chocolate mix and a press of the double-shot macchiato button...delicious! The machine is available for use at any time.
The staff are wonderful. Jonathan at the front desk is helpful with any need you may have in the kitchen or otherwise. Canmore is his hometown, so he is knowledgeable about the area, hiking trails, back country skiing, etc. Chef Shannon whipped-up the delicious breakfast each morning and is a great conversationalist with a warm personality and wonderful sense of humour. If you're an early riser like me, it's great to be able to make yourself a good cup of coffee and have a visit in the kitchen.
All in all, our stay at the Paintbox Lodge was terrific. I highly recommend staying here and am looking forward to the time we return.