Parking

Free parking

Parking on site

Private parking

WiFi available in all areas

Restaurant

Vending machine (drinks)

24-hour front desk

Express check-in/check-out

Currency exchange

Tour desk

Luggage storage

Concierge service

Golf course (within 3 km)

Skiing

Canoeing

Hiking

Horse riding

Ski storage

Ski pass vendor

Non-smoking rooms

Facilities for disabled guests

Lift

Heating

Allergy-free room

Non-smoking throughout

Designated smoking area

Wheelchair accessible

Key card access

Airport shuttle

Shuttle service (additional charge)

Airport shuttle (additional charge)

Secured parking

Parking garage

Electric vehicle charging station

Accessible parking

Shuttle service

Laundry

Dry cleaning

Daily housekeeping

Barber/beauty shop

Internet services

WiFi

Free WiFi

Fax/photocopying

Sun terrace

Outdoor furniture

Picnic area

24-hour security

Smoke alarms

Fire extinguishers

Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Coronavirus

Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines

Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays

Guests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stay

Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities

Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas

Process in place to check health of guests

First aid kit available

Face masks for guests available

Cashless payment available

Physical distancing rules followed

Screens or physical barriers placed between staff and guests in appropriate areas

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Bow View Lodge

Banff

Banff National Park

Canadian Rockies

Alberta

Canada

Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed and balanced review. We’re very pleased to hear you enjoyed the cosy atmosphere, river-facing room, and especially the warm and welcoming service from our staff.

We appreciate your honest comments regarding the décor, furnishings, and in-room television. As an older property, Bow View Lodge does have a more traditional style, and while we focus strongly on cleanliness and comfort, we recognize that some areas would benefit from updates. Your feedback has been shared with our team as part of our ongoing improvement planning.

We’re glad our central Banff location and overall comfort made your stay enjoyable, and we truly appreciate your willingness to stay with us again. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future.

Best regards,
Alix
Guest Services Supervisor

Owner response

A difficult hotel to review in my opinion because it was definitely a comfortable cosy retreat after a day out in the mountains but has it’s flaws 

The positives start with the staff who were lovely, my room 205 faced the river. A very large room with a big comfortable King bed a refrigerator and a couch. A relatively small bathroom tidy but small. The balcony overlooked the river though in January this was frozen and covered in snow so could have been a field. Still beautiful though. 

Others have commented stains on carpets in what is truly a dated hotel but I think the hotel is fundamentally clean but just old in carpets, decor, and furniture much different to the Banff Park Lodge the sister hotel with spa and pool facilities. 

The two hotels are night and day apart in decor. Room rates for the two hotels when I booked were comparable. The Bow View Lodge does need updating. 

The bizarrely small television in 205 did not allow me to watch sport or have much of an idea what the score was. Plus I didn’t pack binoculars. Perhaps I could have requested a larger television but I guess I’m not in the mountains to watch television. 

In summary I’d stay at the Bow View Lodge again for the staff and the cosy vibe. The location of both hotels is perfect for the center of Banff.

Nice Vibe But Dated

Sarasota, Florida

Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We’re pleased to hear you found our central Banff location convenient, as this is something many of our guests value highly.

That said, we’re truly sorry that the condition and cleanliness of the room did not meet your expectations, especially given the rate paid. Your comments regarding the dated feel, carpets, and overall value have been noted and shared with our management team, as this feedback is important in helping us prioritize improvements.

We appreciate you acknowledging that service and noise levels were acceptable, and we regret that the overall stay fell short for you. Thank you again for your honest review, and we hope to have the opportunity to provide a better experience in the future.

Joe Sams
Front Office Manager

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Overall Experience
Bow View Lodge has a great location, the stay was disappointing for the price. At CAD 315 per night, the condition of the room and cleanliness were far below what should be expected in Banff. The hotel is clearly old, smells outdated, and shows visible wear, especially the carpets. If you are only looking for a place to sleep and leave early each day, spend a minimum time in the room, it may be acceptable, but paying slightly more for a better hotel would be a much wiser choice.

Location
The location is the strongest aspect of Bow View Lodge. It is centrally located in Banff and convenient for walking to downtown, restaurants, and nearby attractions.

Atmosphere
The overall atmosphere feels dated and tired. The building and interiors clearly show their age, which negatively impacts the stay, especially considering the price paid.

Rooms
The room was old and poorly maintained. Furniture, carpet, and fixtures felt outdated, and the condition did not match expectations for a CAD 315 per night rate. The carpet was visibly dirty, and the room had a noticeable stale smell from old furnishings.

Value
For the price, the value is poor. At this rate in Banff, the property should be in significantly better condition. This lodge only makes sense if you are very budget-conscious or have limited options.

Cleanliness
Cleanliness was below standard. Dirt on the carpet was visible, and the room did not feel properly refreshed or well cared for.

Noise Level
Noise levels were acceptable for sleeping, but nothing stood out as particularly good or bad.

Service
Service was basic but fine. No issues, no highlights. I do not expect anything extra, and the staff met that expectation. For me, this was fine—I do not expect special attention, and when I needed something, I simply asked.

Amenities
Amenities are very basic. This is not a place to spend time inside. It works only as a place to sleep and leave early in the morning, then return at night to sleep again.

Decent Location, Disappointing Condition. Acceptable Only if You Don’t Care About Comfort

Lloydminster, Alberta

Thank you so much for sharing such a heartfelt review! We’re delighted to hear that your birthday getaway turned into such a memorable experience. Jasmine, Effie, and Matthew will be thrilled to know their efforts made such a lasting impression—they truly embody the spirit of hospitality we strive for every day. We’re glad the little touches, from the birthday surprises to the cozy rooms and breathtaking views, helped make your celebration special. It means the world to us that you now consider our hotel your top choice in Banff, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for more unforgettable stays!

Best regards,
Alix 
Guest Services Supervisor

This hotel in Banff is simply unbeatable! Why would you stay anywhere else? My husband surprised me with a weekend getaway for my birthday, and I must admit, I wasn't initially excited. However, I fell in love with this hotel—especially their staff to  name a few. Jasmine, Effie, and Matthew went above and beyond, making my stay truly memorable. When they discovered it was my birthday, they surprised me with wine, a heartfelt birthday card, and arranged for housekeeping to  fold my towels into the shape of a birthday cake. Such genuine kindness is rare in other hotels. And of course, the stunning views, prime location, and cozy rooms make this place my top choice in Banff.

Best hidden gem in Banff with the best front desk staff!

Dear Claire,

Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience with us! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your stay and found our riverside location — and the balcony view — so relaxing. It’s wonderful to know that check-in was smooth and that your room provided a comfortable rest before your Rocky Mountaineer journey.

We agree — two nights in Banff is never quite enough! We hope you’ll return someday and stay a little longer so you can enjoy even more of what the area (and our hotel) has to offer.

Wishing you safe and scenic travels ahead!

Warm regards,

This hotel is tucked away behind its sister hotel right beside the Bow River. We arrived by bus quite late and check in was swift and easy. The room was comfortable and we had a balcony overlooking the river.
We were in Banff to catch the Rocky Mountaineer back to Vancouver, but we really wish we had longer than the 2 nights we spent at the hotel.

Hidden Gem

The Bow View Lodge, with 58 rooms, is uniquely positioned alongside the picturesque Bow River in Banff, Alberta, within the boundaries of Canada's Banff National Park. Conveniently located just two-and-a-half blocks from downtown Banff, our hotel ensures easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment—all within a short walk.

3.7/5

Bow View Lodge

3.7/5

Banff is great for:

Accommodation

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