The hype
Families love the space and the pool, but everyone hates the confusing check-in and lack of on-site support.
Solara Resort & Spa
$150-300/ night
Book this if You want a massive condo with a full kitchen for a group ski trip and don't care about hotel service.
Why People Love It
- Huge suites (1-3 bedrooms) with full gourmet kitchens and laundry
- Kid-approved indoor pool with a small waterslide
- Walkable to downtown Canmore (15-20 mins) but away from the main drag chaos
Quick Take: It’s a glorified Airbnb complex with a pool, not a full-service hotel—expect zero staff interaction and a hefty cleaning fee.
Reviewed by @exhalestays: I stayed in this suite at Solara and it was the perfect winter escape. Having a full kitchen and fireplace made it feel like a cozy home base after exploring Banff. The mountain views from the living room are even better in person.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will likely never see a staff member. If you need extra towels or your key code stops working, you're emailing a ghost.
- You are traveling with a family of 5+ and need separate bedrooms
- You plan to cook your own meals to save money
- You want a basecamp for Banff without paying Banff prices
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.5
- Housekeeping: Non-existent during stay. You arrive to a clean room, but you are on your own after that.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally good, though grout lines in older units are showing age and discoloration.
- Maintenance: Hit or miss. Expect scuffed cork floors, loose cabinet handles, or a fireplace that needs a trick to turn on.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel grade. Towels are often small and scratchy; bring your own if you're picky.
- Odors & scents: Neutral to slightly sterile. Some pet-friendly units have a lingering 'wet dog' ghost scent.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Trans-Canada Highway noise (constant hum in rear-facing units)
- Loud footsteps in hallways echoing into bedrooms
- HVAC units can be rattly in older suites
Before you book
Good to know
- Check your email spam folder for the access code 24 hours before arrival—it is your only way in.
- Parking is underground and heated (huge perk in winter), but you must register your plate to avoid a ticket.
- The 'Aurora Theatre' on-site is a cool perk, but finding the movie schedule is impossible without a front desk—check the elevator posters.
What to pack
- Groceries (salt, pepper, oil—kitchens are stocked with tools but not ingredients)
- Pool towels (resort ones are small and often run out)
- Slippers (floors are cork/tile and get cold)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Bow Building: Best for families; it houses the pool and hot tub so you don't have to walk outside in freezing temps.
- Top Floor (Penthouse): High ceilings and better mountain views, plus no footsteps above you.
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor units facing the parking entrance (headlights and gate noise)
- Chinook Building units facing the highway (loudest road noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a unit in the BOW BUILDING to be close to the pool. Please ensure it is NOT on the ground floor and faces the courtyard/mountains, not the highway.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a daily resort fee?
Not explicitly, but the 'cleaning fee' ($135+) acts like a massive one-time resort fee. Factor this into your nightly rate comparison.
Is the pool warm enough for kids?
Yes, it's heated and includes a small waterslide and splash pad area. It's the resort's best feature for families.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, but only in specific 'pet-friendly' units. You must book these specifically; don't just show up with a dog. Fee is ~$25/night.
Is there air conditioning?
Yes, central AC is standard, which is a luxury in Canmore where many condos don't have it.
How far is Banff?
A 20-minute drive on the highway. You are close, but you are not *in* the park.
Is there breakfast?
No. There is no restaurant. You have a full kitchen, so plan to cook or walk 10 mins to a cafe.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'One Wellness' spa inside the resort is independently operated and excellent—often easier to book than Banff spas.
- ✨
There is a liquor store (Canmore Wine Merchants) right in the complex, which is convenient since there's no bar.
- ✨
If you book via Airbnb/VRBO, you might get a unit with better decor/supplies than the standard 'Bellstar' managed units.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'movie theater' is real but often empty because nobody knows what's playing.
💡The underground parking spots are tight—big trucks will struggle.
💡You have to take out your own trash at the end of the stay or risk an extra fee.
💡The cork flooring is durable but looks permanently dirty/scuffed in many units.
💡Elevators are notoriously slow and often one is out of service.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Solara Resort & Spa is located and what's nearby.