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/ nuit
Réservez si You want a massive condo with a full kitchen for a group ski trip and don't care about hotel service.
Pourquoi les gens l'adorent
- 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
En bref : It’s a glorified Airbnb complex with a pool, not a full-service hotel—expect zero staff interaction and a hefty cleaning fee.
Évalué par @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.
Ce que les clients qui ont séjourné ici ont dit
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
Propreté et entretien
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™
7MODÉRÉ
0-4BRUYANT
4-7.5MODÉRÉ
7.5-10SILENCIEUX
- 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
Avant de réserver
Bon à savoir
- 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.
Quoi emporter
- 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)
Génie des chambres
Meilleurs choix
- 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.
Chambres à éviter
- Ground floor units facing the parking entrance (headlights and gate noise)
- Chinook Building units facing the highway (loudest road noise)
Génie de demande de chambre – copier & coller
“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 et astuces cachées
Tout ce que vous voulez vraiment savoir avant de réserver.
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.
Conseils d'initiés
- ✨
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 choses à savoir avant de partir
💡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.
Guide local
Carte
Découvrez où se situe Solara Resort & Spa et ce qu'il y a à proximité.