Overview
The Juniper Hotel is located at the foot of Mount Norquay about a 10-minute drive from the ski area and two blocks from the Trans-Canada Highway, which may appeal to those wanting an easy access hotel, close to outdoor recreation.

This 100% non-smoking hotel offers 50 rooms over two floors and two chalets. Standard room features include a TV, a desk, a coffeemaker, a hair dryer, air conditioning, a mini-fridge and either one king bed, one queen bed or two double beds. Some rooms include an iron and ironing board and/or a safe. Robes are available upon request. Upgraded rooms may feature two queen beds, a balcony or patio, a panoramic mountain view, a jetted tub, a wet bar and/or a sitting area with sofa and fireplace. Chalets feature a separate bedroom with a queen bed, a loft bedroom with two queen beds, a living room with wood-burning fireplace, a kitchen and a private deck. Free Wi-Fi and local calls are available in every room. Pets are allowed in certain rooms and one chalet for an additional $25 each per night (must be arranged at the time of booking).

Amenities at this hotel include an outdoor hot tub, on-site walking trails, ski storage, a bike tuning station, bike rentals and meeting and conference facilities. Juniper Bistro and Lounge is on site, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Complimentary parking is available to all guests.

The downtown core and many shops and restaurants are a 5-minute drive from the hotel. Banff Centre, Banff Gondola and Banff Upper Hot Springs can each be reached in about 10 minutes by car. Mount Norquay is a 10-minute drive away and Calgary International Airport (YYC) can be reached in an hour and half by car. (All distance and travel time estimates: Google Maps)

Verified by hotel staff on February 21, 2013: two floors, 100% non-smoking, free Wi-Fi, local calls and parking, no fitness centre, included in every room: TV, air conditioning, coffeemaker and hair dryer, included in some rooms: iron and ironing board and safe, no microwaves, robes available upon request.

The Good
The majority of reviews used for this analysis were positive and focused on the rooms, the staff, the location and the historical features of the property.

Although the rooms did not meet the expectations of some guests (see below for more details), many felt they were clean and modern with comfortable beds. Some who had a patio or balcony also liked this feature and enjoyed being able to take in the outdoors from their room.

The staff were complimented by many guests for being pleasant and friendly. The restaurant staff were specifically noted for providing great service.

Many guests liked the setting because of the great view of the mountains and the town of Banff. Some felt it offered easy access to Mount Norquay (a 10-minute drive away) and the downtown area (a 5-minute drive away). A few guests did note, however, that the cost of a cab could easily add up if one was to make multiple trips to town without their own vehicle.

Some guests appreciated the hotels incorporation of historical elements like reclaimed timbers in the building construction and art and interpretative displays focused on Banff's aboriginal peoples and mountaineering history.

The Bad
Although the majority of reviews used for this analysis were positive, some negative comments focused on the the quality of the hotel and noise.

Many guests felt the hotel was a great choice, however, some said that "it could have been better". These guests mentioned that the room did not meet their expectations and that it was much smaller than the website picture made it appear. Rooms were described as sparse with tiny bathrooms and old TVs. Several also felt that the hot tub, common areas and restaurant were all simply average. Overall, these guests felt that the hotel was overpriced for what they got.

Many guests thought that the hotel was not very soundproof and were disturbed by noise from guests in adjacent rooms. Traffic noise from the Trans-Canada Highway was also a problem for some.