Bow View Lodge
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Summary of reviewsBow View Lodge in Banff, Alberta, is highly praised for its exceptional location, nestled in the heart of the town and alongside the picturesque Bow River. Guests appreciate the easy access to downtown shops, diverse restaurants, hiking trails, public transportation and major attractions, all within walking distance. The hotel's position offers the perfect blend of tranquility and proximity to vibrant activities, making it a convenient and peaceful retreat for travelers.
While breakfast is not available on-site, many guests favorably mention the very good breakfast provided at the neighboring hotel, despite some noting its price and a chilled buffet. This convenience is valued, adding to the overall positive experience at Bow View Lodge.
Room accommodations receive a mixed reception. Highlights include spacious, clean rooms with comfortable beds and excellent views of the Bow River and surrounding mountains. However, the dated décor and inconsistent temperature control are frequently noted downsides, calling for updates to enhance guest satisfaction.
Cleanliness is a consistent strong point with guests frequently complimenting the hotel for maintaining a well-kept and pleasant environment despite its age. The housekeeping team's dedication ensures rooms are clean and comfortable, contributing positively to the guest experience.
The staff at Bow View Lodge garner high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism with particular commendations for the front desk personnel. Guests appreciate the courteous service, which significantly enhances their stay.
WiFi at Bow View Lodge is generally reliable and functional, aiding guests' connectivity needs during their stay. The complimentary access to facilities at the nearby Banff Park Lodge is a welcome addition, enhancing value.
Opinions on parking are divided. Many guests appreciate the free, on-site parking, especially the underground option. However, the limited parking spaces and tight layout can pose challenges during peak times.
Families find Bow View Lodge accommodating with amenities such as playpens and family suites. The hotel offers spacious options for extended stays, making it suitable for family vacations.
Skiers find Bow View Lodge ideal due to its proximity to ski slopes, ski rentals and helpful storage facilities. The location is convenient with many guests enjoying the scenic paths along the river to reach skiing areas.
Bed comfort receives mixed reviews. While many find the beds clean and comfy, there are complaints about the firmness of pillows and mattresses, as well as the smaller-than-expected size of the double beds.
Overall, Bow View Lodge offers a satisfactory three-star experience. Its prime location, cleanliness, friendly staff and good value for money make it a viable option for budget-conscious travelers seeking basic, comfortable accommodations in Banff. Despite areas in need of modernization, the hotel's strengths provide a pleasant and memorable stay.
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While breakfast is not available on-site, many guests favorably mention the very good breakfast provided at the neighboring hotel, despite some noting its price and a chilled buffet. This convenience is valued, adding to the overall positive experience at Bow View Lodge.
Room accommodations receive a mixed reception. Highlights include spacious, clean rooms with comfortable beds and excellent views of the Bow River and surrounding mountains. However, the dated décor and inconsistent temperature control are frequently noted downsides, calling for updates to enhance guest satisfaction.
Cleanliness is a consistent strong point with guests frequently complimenting the hotel for maintaining a well-kept and pleasant environment despite its age. The housekeeping team's dedication ensures rooms are clean and comfortable, contributing positively to the guest experience.
The staff at Bow View Lodge garner high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism with particular commendations for the front desk personnel. Guests appreciate the courteous service, which significantly enhances their stay.
WiFi at Bow View Lodge is generally reliable and functional, aiding guests' connectivity needs during their stay. The complimentary access to facilities at the nearby Banff Park Lodge is a welcome addition, enhancing value.
Opinions on parking are divided. Many guests appreciate the free, on-site parking, especially the underground option. However, the limited parking spaces and tight layout can pose challenges during peak times.
Families find Bow View Lodge accommodating with amenities such as playpens and family suites. The hotel offers spacious options for extended stays, making it suitable for family vacations.
Skiers find Bow View Lodge ideal due to its proximity to ski slopes, ski rentals and helpful storage facilities. The location is convenient with many guests enjoying the scenic paths along the river to reach skiing areas.
Bed comfort receives mixed reviews. While many find the beds clean and comfy, there are complaints about the firmness of pillows and mattresses, as well as the smaller-than-expected size of the double beds.
Overall, Bow View Lodge offers a satisfactory three-star experience. Its prime location, cleanliness, friendly staff and good value for money make it a viable option for budget-conscious travelers seeking basic, comfortable accommodations in Banff. Despite areas in need of modernization, the hotel's strengths provide a pleasant and memorable stay.
Hotel near Golf Courses
Located near the Bow River in downtown Banff, this lodge offers a pleasant stay with access to town amenities and transportation routes towards local golf facilities.
Business Hotel
Bow View Lodge offers essential amenities and a convenient location for business travelers. Its affordability and accessibility make it a practical choice for those with basic business needs.
3-Star Hotel
Offers a convenient location and comfortable accommodations. Provides easy access to local attractions. Great value for money.
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
Hotel near Ski Resorts
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Indoor Pool
Hotel with Parking
EV charging stations
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Indoor Pool
Guest Reviews
Bow View Lodge boasts an exceptional location in the heart of Banff, Alberta. Guests repeatedly highlight its prime position close to the picturesque Bow River, making it ideal for walking, jogging and savoring scenic views directly from their rooms. The hotel's centrality stands out, nestled within walking distance to the bustling main street, downtown shops, diverse restaurants and essential amenities. Its proximity to hiking trails, public transportation and major attractions allows visitors to explore Banff effortlessly. The quiet yet central location provides a peaceful retreat while keeping all the town's activities conveniently close. Many reviews underscore the excellent value for money, especially given its superb accessibility to Banff's vibrant core and its stunning natural landscapes. Whether for leisure strolls along the river or quick trips to downtown attractions, Bow View Lodge is ideally situated for a memorable stay in Banff.
Bow View Lodge offers an experience where breakfast is consistently highlighted as a strong point, though not available on site. Guests frequently mention that the neighboring hotel provides a very good breakfast with phrases like delicious, amazing and lovely being commonly used. Despite some critiques about the coldness of the buffet, the reviews often appreciate the quality overall, describing it as a good breakfast option. While some guests find the breakfast buffet to be pricey, they still commend its quality. The convenience of being able to enjoy breakfast next door, even with a potential fee, is noted positively. However, some visitors express disappointment over the lack of an on-site breakfast at Bow View Lodge.
Bow View Lodge offers a mix of experiences when it comes to room accommodations. On the positive side, many guests have appreciated the spaciousness and cleanliness of the rooms. Comfortable beds, well-maintained interiors and clean, well-lit spaces were frequently highlighted. Rooms with views—from those of the Bow River to mountains—were particularly favored with some featuring nice balconies.
However, reviews also suggest that the hotel shows its age. The décor and furnishings are often described as dated, tired or old-fashioned. Ventilation seems to be an issue with many guests noting rooms could get overly warm and in some instances, were difficult to cool down. Additionally, the room sizes varied significantly with several guests feeling cramped, especially in smaller rooms. Issues with outdated amenities and poor maintenance, such as old switches, chipping paint and worn-out carpets, were also frequently mentioned.
Overall, while the hotel provides comfortable and spacious rooms with good views, the need for updates and better temperature control could enhance the guest experience.
Bow View Lodge offers a mixed experience regarding its beds with comfort being a strong point for many guests. Numerous reviews highlight the beds as very comfortable, comfy and even soft, often contributing to a positive stay. Cleanliness stands out with several guests mentioning clean, tidy and fresh sheets, ensuring a pleasant environment.
However, some aspects could be improved. A recurring issue is the firmness of the pillows, which many found too solid for a good night's sleep. The beds themselves received varied feedback with some describing them as hard, too firm or even as uncomfortable as a sheet of plywood. Additionally, the size of the beds was noted to be smaller than expected, particularly the double beds, which left some guests feeling cramped. The sofa bed also did not meet comfort expectations for some.
Overall, while the hotel excels in maintaining clean and comfortable bedding for many, the variability in mattress firmness and bed size might pose challenges for others looking for a consistently comfortable rest.
Bow View Lodge has garnered notable attention for its consistent cleanliness, despite the hotel showing its age. Guests frequently remark on the "very clean" and "well-maintained" state of the rooms. The housekeeping team's efforts are particularly appreciated with rooms cleaned daily to a high standard. While some areas of the hotel are described as "dated" or "in need of renovation," the cleanliness of the property is often highlighted as a strong point.
The rooms are regularly noted as "clean, comfortable and spacious," providing a pleasant environment for guests. Despite occasional mentions of minor issues such as cracks or worn carpets, the overall maintenance and cleanliness are commendable. The comfort of the rooms is also a recurring theme with guests complimenting the comfortable beds and clean linens.
However, some areas do need attention, as a few guests have pointed out issues like unpleasant smells or dust. The hotel's decor may be outdated for some, but the focus on cleanliness helps maintain a welcoming atmosphere. Overall, Bow View Lodge offers a reliably clean and comfortable stay, even if the decor might feel a bit nostalgic for some.
Guests of Bow View Lodge consistently praise the hotel's staff, characterizing them as friendly, helpful and accommodating. Numerous reviews highlight the staff's willingness to assist with any needs, often describing them as amazing, fabulous and wonderful. Front desk personnel, in particular, received accolades for their friendliness, efficiency and responsiveness with several guests singling out individuals like Mateja, Kyle and Christ for exceptional service. Reception staff are commended for being professional, welcoming and informative. Despite a few instances of less-than-ideal interactions with certain staff members, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive with guests appreciating the prompt and courteous service provided throughout their stay.
Bow View Lodge offers reliable and functional WiFi, making it easy for guests to stay connected during their stay. Reviews often highlight the strong Wi-Fi and good service, describing it as usable and without issues. While there are a few comments pointing out occasional connectivity problems or slower speeds compared to home, the general consensus is that the WiFi works well for most needs. Guests can enjoy complimentary use of the facilities at the nearby Banff Park Lodge, adding extra value to their stay. Overall, Bow View Lodge provides a satisfactory internet experience for its visitors.
Guests have varied opinions about the parking situation at Bow View Lodge. On the positive side, many appreciated the availability of both above-ground and underground parking options with the underground parking receiving specific praise for being a good idea and found to be great by some. Free parking was frequently mentioned as a significant advantage, along with the convenience of having on-site parking. Some guests found the parking accessible, easy, clean and plentiful and appreciated that it was included in their stay.
However, there were also several criticisms. The most common issues highlighted were the limited number of parking spaces, making it difficult to find a spot, especially during busy times. Some guests noted that the parking was tight, cramped, awkward and even problematic and unsuitable at times. There were mentions of small parking spaces and the parking situation being not well-supervised. Street parking was mentioned as an occasional necessity due to the lack of adequate on-site spots. The absence of handicap parking and the crowded above-ground parking added to the dissatisfaction for some visitors.
Overall, while the hotel offers various parking facilities, the limited availability and tight spaces can sometimes pose challenges, despite the several positive mentions regarding ease and cleanliness.
The Bow View Lodge is recognized as a family-friendly destination offering several amenities tailored towards families. Guests appreciated the option of a playpen instead of a crib, a thoughtful feature for those with young children. The availability of family suites, including rooms accommodating up to four adults, ensures ample space and comfort for larger families. The lodge provided the largest available room for extended stays, which was particularly appreciated by guests staying for an extended period. Overall, the hotel is considered a good option for families, providing both space and convenience for a comfortable stay.
Bow View Lodge offers an ideal stay for skiing enthusiasts due to its convenient location near the ski slopes and gondola. The proximity to ski resorts and snowboard rental services, along with helpful ski rental assistance, enhances the experience for guests. Full facilities for ski storage and parking options, including both above and underground parking, add to the convenience. Guests appreciate the fantastic location just a mile from skiing within walking distance via scenic paths alongside the river. The hotel accommodates all family members, making it a perfect choice for a ski-focused trip with many guests being fellow skiers.
Bow View Lodge offers a fine three-star experience with some notable strengths. The hotel's standout feature is its prime location, making it an ideal base for exploring the surroundings. Guests often mention that the accommodation is clean and offers good value for money. Despite its positive attributes, the hotel shows signs of age and several reviewers feel that modernizing the facilities would significantly enhance the experience. Affordability is a key highlight, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers. While it may not meet luxurious standards, it provides a satisfactory stay for those looking for basic, comfortable accommodations.
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Location
Breakfast
Rooms
However, reviews also suggest that the hotel shows its age. The décor and furnishings are often described as dated, tired or old-fashioned. Ventilation seems to be an issue with many guests noting rooms could get overly warm and in some instances, were difficult to cool down. Additionally, the room sizes varied significantly with several guests feeling cramped, especially in smaller rooms. Issues with outdated amenities and poor maintenance, such as old switches, chipping paint and worn-out carpets, were also frequently mentioned.
Overall, while the hotel provides comfortable and spacious rooms with good views, the need for updates and better temperature control could enhance the guest experience.
Beds
However, some aspects could be improved. A recurring issue is the firmness of the pillows, which many found too solid for a good night's sleep. The beds themselves received varied feedback with some describing them as hard, too firm or even as uncomfortable as a sheet of plywood. Additionally, the size of the beds was noted to be smaller than expected, particularly the double beds, which left some guests feeling cramped. The sofa bed also did not meet comfort expectations for some.
Overall, while the hotel excels in maintaining clean and comfortable bedding for many, the variability in mattress firmness and bed size might pose challenges for others looking for a consistently comfortable rest.
Cleanliness
The rooms are regularly noted as "clean, comfortable and spacious," providing a pleasant environment for guests. Despite occasional mentions of minor issues such as cracks or worn carpets, the overall maintenance and cleanliness are commendable. The comfort of the rooms is also a recurring theme with guests complimenting the comfortable beds and clean linens.
However, some areas do need attention, as a few guests have pointed out issues like unpleasant smells or dust. The hotel's decor may be outdated for some, but the focus on cleanliness helps maintain a welcoming atmosphere. Overall, Bow View Lodge offers a reliably clean and comfortable stay, even if the decor might feel a bit nostalgic for some.
Staff
Wi-Fi
Parking
However, there were also several criticisms. The most common issues highlighted were the limited number of parking spaces, making it difficult to find a spot, especially during busy times. Some guests noted that the parking was tight, cramped, awkward and even problematic and unsuitable at times. There were mentions of small parking spaces and the parking situation being not well-supervised. Street parking was mentioned as an occasional necessity due to the lack of adequate on-site spots. The absence of handicap parking and the crowded above-ground parking added to the dissatisfaction for some visitors.
Overall, while the hotel offers various parking facilities, the limited availability and tight spaces can sometimes pose challenges, despite the several positive mentions regarding ease and cleanliness.
Family
Ski
3 Star
Yes, Bow View Lodge has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Indoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Bow View Lodge.
No, Bow View Lodge doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Bow View Lodge.
No, Bow View Lodge doesn't have a gym.
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