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Bow View Lodge
228 Bow Avenue, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1A5 Canada
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Avg. AU$122 /night, 12/5 - 12/6
AU$486
per night
AU$304
per night
AU$122
per night
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3.5
#23 of 33 hotels in BanffLocation
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Wifi
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Bicycle rental
Hiking
Children's television networks
Steam room
Baggage storage
Parking
Complimentary tea
Happy hour
Wine / champagne
Vending machine
Ski rentals
Ski school
Skiing
Bicycle tours
Bowling offsite
Canoeing offsite
Umbrella
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Room features
Blackout curtains
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Private balcony
Telephone
Refrigerator
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Hair dryer
Room types
Mountain view
Landmark view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
River View
Park View
Languages Spoken
English
Location
228 Bow Avenue, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1A5 Canada
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 100 out of 100
100
Calgary Intl Airport
109.7 km•
See all flights
Rental Cars
97 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
Reviews
3.5
1,347 reviews
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Reviews summary
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Bow View Lodge garners appreciation for its prime location near the Bow River and downtown attractions, with guests often highlighting the convenience it provides. The dedicated staff at the hotel are lauded for their exceptional service that frequently exceeds expectations. While the rooms are celebrated for their cleanliness and river views, some visitors mention the decor feels dated and the absence of air conditioning.
Opinions on value vary, with some guests commending the affordability, while others question the pricing. The hotel's access to amenities at a sister property, including a pool and spa, is a popular perk among travelers.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Outdated
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Meticulous
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Satisfactory
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1,347Reviews36Q+A100Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
We stayed here last weekend and we booked a family room and a standard king room to accommodate our group of 6 adults and 2 kids. The only thing we didn’t like was that we were checked in almost 2 hrs late in the standard room and their reason was due to extensive clean up due to COVID. While that is understandable and our remedy was to stay altogether in the family room before we were checked in, I think the hotel can adopt more effective strategies to prevent this especially if the hotel guests have no other area to wait at and if they are already too tired for the day. They already have a very early checkout time of 11am and that should be more than enough, right?
Now on to the pros. I like that the family room has 3 big beds (plus one pullout bed) to give ample space for everyone. I like that there are lots of space for storage. I also appreciated that they are welcome to provide things you need (disposable cups, kettle, ice bucket, hair dryer, etc.) ASAP with just 1 call. I noticed also that the kettle, coffee maker and ice buckets provided to us are brand new. Due to the pandemic, I appreciated these a lot because it somehow lessens the worry of using it. I appreciated the fact that there is microwave and fridge in-room because we didn’t have to worry about reheating the food we brought with us. They also have an ice machine ready to serve all guests anytime during this hot summer. The washrooms are very clean. They also have standby hand sanitizers in common areas. I didn’t mind the fact that the hotel is old, I care more about the location and because it is right downtown, to me that is good enough!
Thank you Bow View Lodge for keeping my family altogether without spending a lot!
Now on to the pros. I like that the family room has 3 big beds (plus one pullout bed) to give ample space for everyone. I like that there are lots of space for storage. I also appreciated that they are welcome to provide things you need (disposable cups, kettle, ice bucket, hair dryer, etc.) ASAP with just 1 call. I noticed also that the kettle, coffee maker and ice buckets provided to us are brand new. Due to the pandemic, I appreciated these a lot because it somehow lessens the worry of using it. I appreciated the fact that there is microwave and fridge in-room because we didn’t have to worry about reheating the food we brought with us. They also have an ice machine ready to serve all guests anytime during this hot summer. The washrooms are very clean. They also have standby hand sanitizers in common areas. I didn’t mind the fact that the hotel is old, I care more about the location and because it is right downtown, to me that is good enough!
Thank you Bow View Lodge for keeping my family altogether without spending a lot!
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sprucing up the Bow View by its partner, the Banff Park Lodge, has brought this motor hotel a long way in recent times. Housekeeping however requires more care. The Covid-19 situation is the apparent reason for infrequent basic service (floor vacuuming, dusting, basic maintenance of wall surfaces, and so forth). A little effort would go a long way to freshen up the units. Overall, still a good value for Banff, but a little more care would go a long way in building business.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
My room was facing the river which was on the west side of the building. I had a long stay at this hotel This hotel does not have AC. So the room got very warm. Also when it was cold out they room was cold. I slept with 2 blankets and the bed cover. The bed cover is very heavy. My room had a fridge. One day the fuse blew in the bathroom and had to have some one change the fuse. Then one of the lights were burnt someone had to come. Then another light burnt out. If you do not want your room cleaned all you had to do was put the do not disturb sign on the door. When you take a shower please use the bath mat because the tub floor can get very slippery. It is a good thing that there is a handle to hang on to when you leave the shower. When people sat on the balcony of their unit I found that the sound carried and I could hear them. I found the bed to be very hard. This hotel shares the pool with the Banff Park Lodge so you will have to cross the parking lot to use the pool. I also found that some of the wallpaper was peeling in the room. So the hotel does need some renovations. There is only one elevator. This hotel is minutes from the main street in Banff. Bow View is an older hotel. The housekeeping staff wore masks but the front desk staff did not wear masks. **An area of improvement would be that the desk clerk do not say the room numbers when they are handing out the keys.
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Date of stay: August 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bow View Lodge has become our go-to place to stay in Banff. We are friends and ski together but are not ready to room together in these COVID times. The price for us to each book a room at BVL allows us to stay and share two days in a row of outdoor activities and to support some of the Banff businesses, while staying in a clean, quiet, friendly and COVID safe hotel. And the beds are soooo comfortable. And its connection with Banff Park Lodge dining and facilities is wonderful. Thank you
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Chris Jonah, General Manager at Bow View Lodge
Responded 29 Mar 2021
Hello barb4032021 Thanks for your kind review. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay! Warm Regards, Chris Jonah
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed in the Bow View for three nites and it was just wonderful! We had room 206 which gives you a stunning view of the mountains and of course, The Bow River. Beds were comfortable, fridge was great, the bathroom was super clean and the wifi was super! This is a very comfortable hotel with great views from some of the rooms and I suggest you ask for/reserve either room 206, 7 or 8. The third floor would be great as well. This is an older hotel and it may not meet your tastes but if you're coming to Banff this hotel cannot be beat for price and particularly the location. We didn't have any changes of sheets or towels because of covid 19 They are only doing changes every 3rd, 5th and 7th stay if you are there that long. But this was not a problem for us at all and I'm sure if you did need anything they would be happy to oblige. You can even rent a microwave if you want one I think. All in all this was an excellent stay and thanks to everyone at the Bow View Lodge...we had a fantastic time and as always, Banff is stunningly beautiful!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Chris Jonah, General Manager at Bow View Lodge
Responded 29 Sept 2020
Hello troutman_10 We are glad that you enjoyed your stay with us! Hope to see you again!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Older property (60's 70's??) dated decor and no air conditioning (fan provided). Charge for WiFi but strong signal with unlimited use for $5 - worth it.
Positives: Friendly and helpful staff, Covid sanitizing spot-on, very clean bathroom, THE BEST location in Banff, right on the Bow River, lots to do/see/eat within walking distance, comfortable king bed with floor to ceiling room length windows and a large balcony with metal cafe chairs & table and partial mtn. view (inexpensive upgrade - rm 219). We took advantage of an amazing price offer thru travelzoo with bonus breakfasts, parking, and late checkout.
Positives: Friendly and helpful staff, Covid sanitizing spot-on, very clean bathroom, THE BEST location in Banff, right on the Bow River, lots to do/see/eat within walking distance, comfortable king bed with floor to ceiling room length windows and a large balcony with metal cafe chairs & table and partial mtn. view (inexpensive upgrade - rm 219). We took advantage of an amazing price offer thru travelzoo with bonus breakfasts, parking, and late checkout.
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Date of stay: September 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Upgrade to King from doubles - Rm 219 has partial mtn view w large balcony.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were here for 2 days on short notice. This was the only thing available at a reasonable price. Glad we made this decision. The room was clean and sanitized based on our experience. They had sanitizer bottle both in elevator and in front entrance. To avoid minimal contact you can dial reception to checkout. The building is old, bathroom tiles were cracked, but its still clean and has a great location next to the Bow River and Canoe Club. You can walk to Tim Hortons, or the IGA. They dont give free complementary wifi though. Overall satisfied.
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Date of stay: August 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Since they give you parking pass, you dont have to pay for parking at the banff gate
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed here last year and stayed on the third floor premium river view room on the sunny side, it was worth putting up with other deficiencies (water pooled on deck, outdated furnishings, smoking on balconies). Premium river view room on the second floor this trip did not have a great river view. Requested the sunnier side on the second floor but told it was not available, only to see a couple check-in several hours after we did. Confirmed with the couple they had just checked in. Allowing smoking on the balconies is unacceptable in 2020, especially for families with children who are trying to enjoy the fresh mountain air with open balcony doors. The location of this hotel is fantastic and the staff were friendly.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I filtered my search for a hotel based on 2 requirements: air conditioning and a pool and booked the hotel with the expectation of having those 2 amenities. Didn't get either.
Pool was in the process of being readied to open up but the front desk clerk had no idea when. As to the A/C, apparently the hotel never had it to begin with. The room was stifling hot and reception advised us to open the room door to the hallway and the balcony door to cool the room down. Fortunately a fellow guest mentioned that there should be a small fan in the room. It was still a very hot and uncomfortable night. Hotels.com also advertised black out curtains. Again they didn't have them, just small pieces on the outer edges of the wall (framing the windows) and they were unmoveable. Needless to say we were woken up from a restless sleep very early by the sun and of course the heat. Contributing to the restless sleep were hard, lumpy pillows. It was too hot to have any bedding on which was just as well as the top sheet was incredibly rough and scratchy. Though if you like weighted blankets, you would enjoy the top blanket. On the plus side the bed was firm but comfortable, overall the hotel was quiet and we rarely heard fellow guests, and the location was lovely and convenient for walking downtown Banff. Also, there was a mini fridge which was nice to have to keep things cool in the hot room.
Pool was in the process of being readied to open up but the front desk clerk had no idea when. As to the A/C, apparently the hotel never had it to begin with. The room was stifling hot and reception advised us to open the room door to the hallway and the balcony door to cool the room down. Fortunately a fellow guest mentioned that there should be a small fan in the room. It was still a very hot and uncomfortable night. Hotels.com also advertised black out curtains. Again they didn't have them, just small pieces on the outer edges of the wall (framing the windows) and they were unmoveable. Needless to say we were woken up from a restless sleep very early by the sun and of course the heat. Contributing to the restless sleep were hard, lumpy pillows. It was too hot to have any bedding on which was just as well as the top sheet was incredibly rough and scratchy. Though if you like weighted blankets, you would enjoy the top blanket. On the plus side the bed was firm but comfortable, overall the hotel was quiet and we rarely heard fellow guests, and the location was lovely and convenient for walking downtown Banff. Also, there was a mini fridge which was nice to have to keep things cool in the hot room.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The room service food was overpriced and under par for quality. Charging a $3 delivery charge for room service is preposterous as well as an automatic 18% gratuity for food you don't see or taste until the delivery person has left. An upcharge of $12 for a Wednesday night over the previous night's rates when the hotel is clearly almost empty is absurd. No housekeeping at all during your stay is also ridiculous. We travel alot for work and this is one of the few hotels that don't offer housekeeping. The front desk clerk was very nice and helpful but that was the only nice part. The room was small and cramped but clean. I doubt we will return to this hotel.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Yes they have flat screen TVs! This hotel isn’t new but it is our favourite place to go when we go to Banff! We live in Calgary so only an hour away. The bow view is in walking distance of everything! Ask for a Riverview suite - a must!
HI Ashlynn,
Our required check-in age is 21.
Thanks
Hello Janice,
Unfortunately, we do not offer bear spray. There are a few places in town that have it for sale.
We do offer Microwaves, however they are limited in supply. Please request a microwave from the front desk upon arrival.
…
"A lower cost option, depending upon the season. I went after Canadian thanksgiving, before ski season"Read full review
"Frequent train horns but it didn't bother me. My partner uses ear plugs for my snoring so that helped her."Read full review
…
PRICE RANGE
AU$122 - AU$310 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
bow view hotel banff, bow view banff, bow view lodge banff
LOCATION
CanadaAlbertaCanadian RockiesBanff National ParkBanff
NUMBER OF ROOMS
58
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bow View Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Bow View Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Banff Avenue (0.3 km), Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies (0.3 km), and Eureka Banff Escape Room Adventures (0.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Bow View Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free parking, baggage storage, and bicycle rental.
Which room amenities are available at Bow View Lodge?
Top room amenities include a refrigerator, blackout curtains, and a view of a nearby landmark.
What food & drink options are available at Bow View Lodge?
Guests can enjoy complimentary tea and free instant coffee during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Bow View Lodge?
Conveniently located restaurants include Zyka Elevated Indian Restaurant, The Balkan Mediterranean Restaurant, and La Terrazza.
Is Bow View Lodge located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.4 km away from the centre of Banff.
Are there any historical sites close to Bow View Lodge?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Cave and Basin National Historic Site (1.5 km), The Luxton Home Museum (0.5 km), and Old Crag Cabin (0.2 km).
Does Bow View Lodge have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.
Is Bow View Lodge accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.