Which Canadian Rockies Fairmont Is Worth the Splurge?

#1 Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: This is the one I'd splurge on

If you choose one of the three, this is my pick. Staying here materially changes the Lake Louise experience.

Our lake-view room was next level. We could look directly out at Lake Louise and the mountains behind it. Guest parking also removed one of the biggest Lake Louise headaches. We overheard day visitors talking about the struggle to park while we could valet or self-park in the dedicated hotel lot.

The restaurants were great, and we enjoyed hotel activities including a whisky tasting. There is also an indoor pool and steam room. The whole experience felt upscale.

Breakfast

We booked a breakfast-inclusive rate. Lake Louise had our favorite breakfast overall: a large buffet with fresh fruit, pastries, breads, yogurt, eggs, dips, pancakes, waffles and French toast, plus additional made-to-order items and excellent coffee.

The standout detail was the to-go setup. Bags with fruit and pastries were available on the way out, and guests were encouraged to take a snack for later. That was genuinely useful before a hiking day.

#2 Fairmont Banff Springs: Worth it, but not essential

The hotel itself is the attraction. It looks like a castle in the mountains, sits near the Bow River, and has beautiful grounds, gardens and overlooks.

We enjoyed walking along the river and exploring the property. But Banff has many other lodging options, so you can stay elsewhere and still experience the town and surrounding scenery.

Breakfast

Banff Springs also had a lovely, extensive buffet with additional made-to-order items and coffee. It felt like the full upscale resort breakfast experience.

#3 Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge: Nice, but this is where I'd save

We liked Jasper Park Lodge. We had a cabin, and the property felt like a little village with your own space rather than one huge hotel.

The location on Lac Beauvert is beautiful, and we walked around the lake and enjoyed the scenery. I just did not leave thinking you had to stay specifically there to experience Jasper.

I still recommend at least one night in Jasper. It is a natural endpoint for the Icefields Parkway and gives you time for experiences like Maligne Lake. But if you need to bring the cost of the trip down, Jasper is where I would consider choosing less expensive lodging.

Breakfast

We had the breakfast plan here as well but ordered from the menu instead of doing the buffet. There were plenty of options and good coffee, and it was a very nice breakfast.

Is the breakfast plan worth it?

We booked breakfast-inclusive rates at all three, although breakfast could also be added separately. For an active trip, having a substantial breakfast at the hotel made mornings easy. I would still compare the package rate with the regular room rate plus the current breakfast price when booking.

Our Verdict