OverviewLocated on Banff Avenue, just west of Antelope Lane, the Rundlestone Lodge is ideal for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The hotel provides free bikes for guest use in the summer months while skiers/snowboarders who are driving up to Banff can take advantage of the nearby ski shuttle in the winter and leave their car parked in the hotel's free and heated parkade. Suites with kitchenettes are also available for those who wish to save time and money by dining in.
The 100% smoke-free and pet-free hotel has 96 guest rooms and suites. All room accommodations come with individual climate control, free Wi-Fi, free wired Internet, a coffeemaker, a hair dryer, an iron and ironing board and a seating area. Suites come with additional amenities, which may include a jacuzzi, a balcony, a mini-fridge, a microwave, a stove (with no oven), a kitchen sink and counter, a dining area and a wood-burning fireplace.
Hotel amenities include a 45-foot indoor lap pool, a whirlpool, a fitness centre and free heated underground parking. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, which is scheduled to transfer management at the end of September 2012 and may not be open until new management is established. Ski hill shuttles are available next door to the hotel during the ski season, which can run from November until May (depending upon the weather). The hotel also supplies ski and snowboard lock-up and the free use of hotel bicycles for guests.
The downtown core with restaurants, pubs and shops is about a 14-minute walk from the hotel. Banff Upper Hot Springs and the Banff Gondola are about 11 minutes away by car and the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course is about an 8-minute drive from the hotel. The ski shuttle to the area's major ski resorts can be accessed at the Banff Caribou Lodge, next door, less than a 1-minute walk away (confirmed with 2012-2013 schedule). (All travel time estimates: Google Maps)
Confirmed with a front desk agent on September 11, 2012: on-site restaurant will be closing on September 30, 2012 until new management is hired and wired Internet is free along with Wi-Fi.
The GoodThe hotel received a lot of positive reviews recently from many satisfied guests. Reviews sourced for this analysis showed that guests were typically happy with the atmosphere, amenities and the staff of this hotel.
In terms of atmosphere, guests appreciated the mountain views, the big stone fireplace in the lobby and the setting of the hotel in Banff National Park amid the beauty of nature.
Many compliments were paid to the amenities of the hotel as well with guests giving special mention to the real wood fireplaces, and the balconies from which they could see wildlife which came right up to graze on the hotel's grass. Guests also appreciated the well-maintained pool area and fitness centre, the convenient underground parking, the complimentary bicycles supplied to guests, the free internet, the ski and snowboard lock-up and the easy access to ski hills.
The location of the hotel was considered to be convenient for accessing places of interest in the area — close to trails and close to downtown, but away from the noise of the busy core.
Many guests said the staff were friendly and helpful, the beds were comfy and the rooms were spacious and comfortable. They also said the hotel and rooms were clean and quiet.
There were returning guests, and those who recommended the hotel, and still others who stated that the hotel offered good value and quality rooms at great prices.
The Bad
While most reviews sourced for this analysis were positive, there were a few complaints among them.
Although many guests thought the beds were very comfortable, a few guests said the mattresses were too hard.
Many guests were appreciative of the free underground parking, however a few guests said the ramp was hard to negotiate.
A few hotel guests complained of unfriendly front desk staff, no mini-fridges in their rooms and inadequate lighting in their rooms.
TripAdvisor.com ranked this hotel #9 out of 33 properties in Banff, with an average guest rating of 4 points out of 5, from 369 reviews.
Booking.com guest ratings averaged 8.2 points out of 10 from 336 reviews.
Hotels.com guest rating scores averaged 4.2 out of 5 from 148 reviews.
Confirmed with a front desk agent on September 11, 2012: on-site restaurant will be closing on September 30, 2012 until new management is hired, and wired Internet is free along with Wi-Fi.
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Analyzed by Scott B.
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