Sitting on an expansive balcony at the Moose Hotel & Suites Banff is an incredible fortune indeed.  Not only due to the luxury of sweeping views and complete serenity, but because of the simple fact that we are sometimes gifted the opportunity of reflection.  In this rich space of mindfulness we achieve a deeper appreciation for those we are with, the space we share with them and the path that led us to this specific place in time.  After an arrival that entailed a flurry of snow and cloud covered stretch of highway, the scene before me suddenly sat drenched in a gloriously illuminated welcome.  With my glass of wine filtering the warm glow of an afternoon sun, the beautiful face of Cascade Mountain stared back with her stern reminder; Make this milestone count.  

A STAYCATION CELEBRATION

Like the white water froth of the iconic Bow River, important moments of this past year have swept past us with rapid force.  Each of us have been deeply impacted by the aches of longing and loss, and many families are feeling the weight of an inability to honor important milestones in a traditional way. With our oldest daughter’s graduation on the horizon and her 18th birthday on the books for the weekend, there was a natural desire to find an alternative way to celebrate these once in a lifetime moments.  We wanted to ensure we saturated her recollection of such a monumental occasion with happiness, love and laughter.  And of course, there was that all important first legal Alberta drink order to contend with.

When we partnered up with the Moose Hotel & Suites Banff we expected a meaningful staycation weekend of family connection among steaming rooftop hot pools and sparkling mimosas with brunch.  What we left with was a lifetime of gratitude for the irreplaceable memories created in a brand new corner of an age old destination.

BANFF NATIONAL PARK, CANADA

As part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banff National Park is a wonderous natural design of pristine emerald lakes, majestic jagged peaks, roaring waterfalls, ancient glaciers and a herd of mountain sheep boasting massive curled horns grazing lazily in the distance. This space is where the most magnificent splendors of nature meet the creative, yet limited, hand of man.  It is home to the highly photographed lakes Moraine, Peyto and Louise, the ‘Big 3‘ skiing trifecta, and the world renowned Icefields Parkway, linking Banff National Park to Jasper National Park, one of our favorite Alberta road trip loops.  As the oldest National Park in Canada, this haven of nature sees over 3 million visitors each year looking to hike, camp, vacation, ski and embrace the magic of the Rockies.  

THE MOOSE HOTEL & SUITES BANFF

Consistently rated by travelers as the top hotel in Banff, the Moose Hotel & Suites is a property sought after by guests from all over the globe who come to indulge in the very best of this impressive mountain town.  Aside from its prime location steps from downtown, just what is it exactly that sets this hotel apart in a competitive market offering 5 star extravagance, grand spas, expansive outdoor pools and gourmet cuisine?  Old fashioned, authentic hospitality.

“A hotel is only four walls without the hospitality.”

– Peter D. GM, The Moose Hotel & Suites, Banff –

With its telltale red roof and natural façade, the Moose Hotel & Suites is an all encompassing property that offers a wide variety of accommodations among its 174 air conditioned rooms.  From superior hotel rooms to spacious one and two bedroom suites perfect for groups and families, this hotel is an idyllic union of quality and cost. The Moose Hotel is a deceivingly large property.  With exterior room entrances not visible from the street, it is spread out over four floors surrounding an inner courtyard that includes The Heritage House, one of Banff’s original mining dwellings.  This charming Corner House is an incredibly unique aspect of the hotel, and is said to be an original Eaton catalogue mail-order home built in 1913.

PRACTICES & PERCEPTIONS

The hotel is an industry leader when it comes to sustainability initiatives and was recently named an official Trailblazer in ‘Zero Waste Certification‘ by the town of Banff for their commitment to eco-conscious practices. Speaking with Moose Hotel GM, Peter DuBeau, it is instantly apparent that he is incredibly passionate about what he does, and the impression his hotel leaves on guests.  This key focus on hospitality is evident from the moment you walk through the doors.  From a genuinely warm reception upon check in to the coziness of a common lobby area featuring earthy tones and couches by a crackling fire, the hotel has mastered the art of making guests feel valued and welcome.

As a proud local, he is also dedicated to helping change the perception that Banff has become a financially prohibitive family vacation spot.  He describes budget friendly choices travelers can make, including taking vacation days mid-week, not only saving money but making for much easier access to capacity limited activities.  It is also worth noting the economically friendly details this hotel includes such as complimentary underground parking and Wi-Fi, with no additional daily resort or exorbitant valet fees.  In a social world that has us convinced that travel requires breaking the bank with incredible distance and exotic locale, the staycation is charting a worthy comeback.

NOTABLE MOOSE HOTEL AMENITIES:

• Located just a one minute walk to the heart of downtown Banff
• Indoor Pool 
• Two Rooftop Outdoor Hot Pools
• Outdoor Rooftop Firepit
• Sauna
• Fitness Room
• Full Service Spa with Private Lounge
• Free, Underground Parking with Available Charging Stalls (6’7″ clearance)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Pacini Italian Restaurant with Room Service
• Complimentary Banff Roam Bus Passes
• On Site Guest Laundry

A ROOFTOP TWO BEDROOM SUITE

Over a steaming mug of coffee on the long stretch of balcony, clouds reflect the gold and pink hues of tranquility as the sun rises silently over a distant range.  It is quiet among the chaos of peak Banff hours when the wanderlust frenzy of patrons searching for unique opportunity is at its height.  Located on the fourth floor of the Moose Hotel & Suites, the quality grandeur of the deluxe two bedroom suite is felt in every inch of its 800+ sqft of living space.  The suite life is most definitely an indulgence in your staycation dreams, but is also an investment in the space, views and comfort of an upgraded experience.

The private master bedroom boasts a luxurious King sized bed that is a world of down covered comfort and extra pillows. The master ensuite is a retreat of great lighting, organic Rocky Mountain Soap Company products and a tiled stand up Mountain Rain Shower®.  It is the little details that beg your attention;  warm tones, gorgeous heavy beams running the length of the ceiling, charming moose antler shades, USB charging ports and built in reading lights.  The rooms also feature bold, Alberta inspired wall art by Jason Carter, an Indigenous artist from Little Red River Cree Nation with galleries in both Banff and Canmore, and whose captivating paintings and sculptures can be found spread throughout the hotel.  This space is a perfect refuge to rejuvenate after a long day exploring a travel hotspot that places the world at your feet. 

The spacious second bedroom offers two Queen sized beds leaving ample sleeping space for additional guests or families traveling with children.  After all, teenagers enjoy their privacy and a space to recharge just as much as the adults.  This bedroom also offers a flat screen tv, additional closet space and private ensuite with a full tub, perfect for soaking away the remnants of an adventurous day.

Positioned between the bedrooms, guests will find a common living space that embodies the comforts and warmth of home.  Drenched in sunlight from the expansive balcony windows, the living space includes a double sofa bed, a gas fireplace and large flat screen television.  The open concept is perfect for a gathering group or family, also providing a dining space with table and chairs as well as a kitchenette.

SUITE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Fridge, Microwave, Keurig Coffee Maker (with coffee), Wine Glasses, Toaster
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Room service from Pacini
• Electronic Safe in each bedroom
• Roller blinds for privacy with each and every window, including interior room glass.
• Gas Fireplace and flat screen TV in the living area
• Housecoats for guest use

THE MOOSE HOTEL ROOFTOP HOT POOLS

Padding gently across the tiles, wrapped in a cozy housecoat to ward off a chill, awestruck guests quickly understand the popularity of this extraordinary rooftop feature.  The two hot pools are not just a place to relax, but a feast curated for the senses.  It is as if the entire town of Banff was planned around the logistics of this hidden outdoor space.  From one pool sits a spectacular view of a snow capped Cascade Mountain.  From the other stands the distinct slope of Mount Rundle.  A mass of golden hued timbers and  sharp angles form natural frames, perfectly capturing the scene as guests gather around a stone firepit unlike any other.

Despite the pandemic bringing forth unprecedented and evolving restrictions for hotels to navigate, The Moose Hotel & Suites goes above and beyond in measures of due diligence.  Currently, there is strict capacity control that requires advance booking for solo or same households in 25 minute increments.  Bookings are same day only, with reservations beginning early in the morning, which can result in difficulty accommodating all of the guests, especially on weekends. The great news is that those who are able to land a coveted spot will also enjoy the incredibly rare experience of enjoying a hot pool completely to themselves.  

For the most current updates on Covid restrictions, please visit their website.

PACINI BANFF

Located on the main floor of the Moose Hotel & Suites is Italian inspired restaurant, Pacini.  A bank of floor to ceiling windows is paired with vibrant red chairs and plaid infused booths.  An artistically prominent chandelier sits nestled high above patrons enjoying an impressive array of delectable menu options with a complimentary side order of mountain views.

“L’amore per la gente”

Love for People -Pacini, Banff-

Offering service 7 days a week that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and A la Carte (Room Service), the extensive menu ranges from Field Berry Crepes al Forno and a Formaggio & Polpette Sandwich to a Mushrooms and Truffle Oil Pizza and Grain-fed Veal Scaloppini in a Mushroom Duo Sauce.  While the interior is bathed in natural light, a picturesque patio offers private fireplace seating, perfect for those chilly Banff evenings that beckon a glass of wine and lengthy conversation.  In true Italian fashion, Pacini is a place to gather, connect and indulge.

While our stay at the Moose Hotel & Suites in Banff was a media based partnership exchange, the sentiments and photos above are my own.  We are proud to partner with a vast array of hotels and accommodation styles that align with our family values.  The Moose Hotel & Suites Banff most definitely embodies everything we look for; an impeccable service standard quality, guest appreciation, due diligence and absolute integrity.  It is places like this that not only meet the bar of expectation, but raise it.

To Cathy; for your open arm communication and for your relation as a Mom facing monumental moments, I thank you.  To Peter, for taking time out of your day to connect with me and discuss the heart of your hotel, my sincerest gratitude.  To all of the staff who lived up to the expectation and who help redefine the standard of service on the daily; you are so appreciated by our family. 

And to all those doing what they can, however they can, to make it count;

You’re doing an amazing job.  They will remember.

Cheers,

Amy