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3-star hotels in Banff
A shortlist of 3-star hotels in Banff, gathered from guest ratings and facilities rather than brochures, for couples, families and skiers who want to compare the town's mid-range options before booking a stay in the national park.
Staying in Banff
Banff is a mountain town inside Banff National Park, where summer brings hiking, biking, canoeing and lake trips, and winter brings skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts such as Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay. Cultural stops include the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies and the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. The townsite itself packs hotels, restaurants and shops into a compact area that is easy to explore on foot.
Most of the hotels on this list sit in the Banff Townsite or just above it: addresses on Banff Avenue, Lynx Street, Saint Marys Street, Marmont Crescent and Radium Blvd cluster in the centre, while Tunnel Mountain Road and Hidden Ridge Way lie above the townsite. The rest sit on Pipestone Road, Juniper Way and Canyon Ave. It suits couples after a walkable base, families wanting kitchens and pools, and skiers who value shuttle service and storage.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Destination INN
4881 Saint Marys Street, Banff, Canada
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereDestination INN earns a 4.8 guest rating from 605 reviews, one of the strongest scores among Banff's 3-star properties. Guests who want to cook or picnic have a kitchen and kitchenette plus a picnic area and garden, and pets are allowed. Skiing, canoeing and fishing are all available, which suits active travellers who plan to spend their days outdoors around Banff. Free parking and free wifi keep the practical side simple for anyone arriving by car.
See Destination INNPeaks Hotel & Suites
218 Lynx Street, Banff, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Parking
- Lounge
- Family rooms
Why stay herePeaks Hotel & Suites combines a 4.7 rating from 346 reviews with a downtown address on Lynx Street. A shuttle service and parking make it easy to reach the slopes and trails, and skiers have skiing on site. Families get dedicated family rooms and a kitchen, while a steam room and lounge offer somewhere to unwind afterwards. Express check-in and a 24-hour front desk suit guests arriving late or leaving early for the mountains.
See Peaks Hotel & SuitesPost Hotel and Spa
200 Pipestone Road, Banff, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay herePost Hotel and Spa on Pipestone Road is the pick for travellers who want wellness facilities without leaving the property: an indoor pool, salt water pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, spa and massage are all here. A fitness centre and restaurant round out the offering, and skiing is available for winter guests. The hotel rated 4.6 from 489 reviews. Families are catered for with family rooms and a babysitting service, and parking and wifi are free.
See Post Hotel and SpaMoxy Banff
555 Banff Ave, Banff, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Spa
- Parking
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereMoxy Banff on Banff Ave scores 4.6 from 483 reviews and suits sociable travellers: there is karaoke, a bar and a snack café, plus a terrace and smoking area. A fitness centre, Jacuzzi and spa cover the slower hours, and a beach nearby adds an option in warmer weather. Pets are welcome, family rooms are available, and special diets can be accommodated. Parking and free wifi are on hand, with lifts serving the floors.
See Moxy BanffHotel Canoe & Suites
600 Banff Avenue 2000 Banff Alberta T1l1h8, Banff, Canada
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Sauna
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereHotel Canoe & Suites on Banff Avenue offers a sauna and Jacuzzi alongside a restaurant and room service, with a 4.6 rating from 334 reviews. Rooms come with kitchen facilities including a dishwasher, oven and toaster, which helps guests self-cater. Pets are allowed, public transport is close by, and the property is wheelchair accessible. Free parking and free wifi make it a straightforward base for exploring Banff by car or on foot.
See Hotel Canoe & SuitesInn on Canyon
7557 Canyon Ave, Banff, Canada
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereInn on Canyon on Canyon Ave is a small property with 313 reviews and a 4.6 rating. Guests have a garden, terrace and patio, plus a lounge and fireplace for quiet evenings. Skiing is not listed, but canoeing, fishing and horse riding are all offered, so it fits guests building their days around outdoor activity. Free parking and free wifi are included, and wheelchair accessibility is provided.
See Inn on CanyonMountain Springs Motel
4870 Radium Blvd, Banff, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Bar/Lounge
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereMountain Springs Motel on Radium Blvd mixes a 4.6 rating from 185 reviews with family-friendly features: family rooms, a garden, picnic area and a games-friendly setting with badminton and mini golf. Kitchens and kitchenettes plus a microwave let guests prepare their own meals, and pets are allowed. Canoeing, fishing and skiing are all available, and there is a bar and lounge. Free parking and free wifi support guests travelling with a car.
See Mountain Springs MotelThe Dorothy Motel
Marmont Cres 250, Banff, Canada
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereThe Dorothy Motel on Marmont Crescent is a compact, 4.5-rated option from 330 reviews that keeps things simple: free parking, free wifi and a garden with a picnic area and terrace. Pets are allowed, and skiing is available for winter stays. A microwave and refrigerator in the rooms help with light self-catering, and public transport is nearby. It suits travellers who want a quiet, low-key base with easy access to the surrounding trails and slopes.
See The Dorothy MotelThe Kenrick Hotel
419 Banff Ave, Banff, Canada
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereThe Kenrick Hotel holds the highest guest rating on this list at 4.9, drawn from 40 reviews, so it suits travellers who value strong feedback over a large review base. On Banff Ave, it has an indoor pool, Jacuzzi and sauna plus a spa and restaurant, and a fireplace in the lounge areas. Skiing is available and a shuttle service connects guests to the slopes. Free parking and free wifi are provided, and meeting space and a banquet room serve groups.
See The Kenrick HotelElk Avenue Hotel
333 Banff Ave, Banff, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Sauna
- Parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereElk Avenue Hotel on Banff Ave has the largest review base here at 1,637, with a 4.3 rating, making it a well-tested choice for first-time visitors. Amenities include a Jacuzzi, sauna, restaurant and bar, plus a lounge and fireplace. Skiing, canoeing and horse riding are all offered, and a shuttle service helps guests get around. Pets are allowed, family rooms are available, and parking and wifi are free.
See Elk Avenue HotelTunnel Mountain Resort
502 Tunnel Mountain Road Box 1137, Banff, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereTunnel Mountain Resort on Tunnel Mountain Road is built for longer, family-oriented stays, with 1,433 reviews and a 4.3 rating. Rooms include kitchen and kitchenette facilities with a dishwasher and oven, and there is a playground and picnic area on site. An indoor pool and fitness centre cover indoor downtime, while canoeing and golf are nearby options. Pets are allowed, and free parking and free wifi make arriving by car easy.
See Tunnel Mountain ResortMount Royal Hotel
138 Banff Avenue, Banff, Canada
Best for: Drivers · Business trips
- Parking
- Lounge
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereMount Royal Hotel sits on Banff Avenue with 1,218 reviews and a 4.3 rating, putting guests in the middle of town. A restaurant, bar and lounge provide meals and drinks without a trip out, and a Jacuzzi and fireplace add comfort. Skiing is available and a shuttle service serves the surrounding area. Business travellers get a business centre, and parking, wifi and dry cleaning are all on offer.
See Mount Royal HotelThe Juniper Hotel
1 Juniper Way, Banff, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Family rooms
Why stay hereThe Juniper Hotel on Juniper Way pairs a 4.3 rating from 1,098 reviews with a garden, patio and picnic area for guests who prefer outdoor space. A restaurant and bar are on site, and a Jacuzzi, fireplace and kitchen facilities add flexibility. Skiing and canoeing are both offered, and a shuttle service connects to the wider area. Families have family rooms, and parking and free wifi are included.
See The Juniper HotelHidden Ridge Resort
901 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff, Canada
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Swimming pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereHidden Ridge Resort on Hidden Ridge Way has 2,253 reviews and a 4.2 rating, the largest guest base among these properties. It suits self-catering groups: kitchens come with a dishwasher and oven, and there is a patio, picnic area and playground. A Jacuzzi and sauna provide indoor relaxation, and skiing and canoeing are available. Pets are allowed, family rooms are provided, and free parking and free wifi are included.
See Hidden Ridge ResortBanff Ptarmigan Inn
337 Banff Ave, Banff, Canada
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Swimming pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereBanff Ptarmigan Inn on Banff Ave offers a 4.1 rating from 1,401 reviews and a broad set of practical amenities. Breakfast is available and there is a restaurant and bar, plus a sauna and Jacuzzi. Skiing is offered on site and a shuttle service runs to the surrounding area, while a business centre serves working guests. Pets are allowed, parking and wifi are free, and public transport is close by.
See Banff Ptarmigan Inn
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destination INN | ★★★ | 4.8 | 605 | Yes | – | – | Yes |
| Peaks Hotel & Suites | ★★★ | 4.7 | 346 | Yes | – | – | – |
| Post Hotel and Spa | ★★★ | 4.6 | 489 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
| Moxy Banff | ★★★ | 4.6 | 483 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes |
| Hotel Canoe & Suites | ★★★ | 4.6 | 334 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes |
| Inn on Canyon | ★★★ | 4.6 | 313 | Yes | – | – | – |
| Mountain Springs Motel | ★★★ | 4.6 | 185 | Yes | – | – | Yes |
| The Dorothy Motel | ★★★ | 4.5 | 330 | Yes | – | – | Yes |
| The Kenrick Hotel | ★★★ | 4.9 | 40 | Yes | – | Yes | – |
| Elk Avenue Hotel | ★★★ | 4.3 | 1,637 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes |
| Tunnel Mountain Resort | ★★★ | 4.3 | 1,433 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes |
| Mount Royal Hotel | ★★★ | 4.3 | 1,218 | Yes | – | – | – |
| The Juniper Hotel | ★★★ | 4.3 | 1,098 | Yes | Yes | – | – |
| Hidden Ridge Resort | ★★★ | 4.2 | 2,253 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes |
| Banff Ptarmigan Inn | ★★★ | 4.1 | 1,401 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For couples
Destination INN, Peaks Hotel & Suites, The Kenrick Hotel and Mount Royal Hotel mix lounges, fireplaces and jacuzzis with high guest ratings, from 4.3 to 4.9 out of 5. The Kenrick Hotel and Mount Royal Hotel sit on Banff Avenue, while Peaks Hotel & Suites is on Lynx Street, all within walking distance of the townsite's restaurants and shops.
Destination INN · Peaks Hotel & Suites · The Kenrick Hotel · Mount Royal Hotel
For skiers
Banff Ptarmigan Inn, Elk Avenue Hotel, Hotel Canoe & Suites and Peaks Hotel & Suites list skiing among their facilities and offer shuttle service, garages or free car parking. Elk Avenue Hotel and Banff Ptarmigan Inn sit on Banff Avenue, so gear storage and an early start are straightforward. Hotel Canoe & Suites adds a sauna for after the slopes.
Banff Ptarmigan Inn · Elk Avenue Hotel · Hotel Canoe & Suites · Peaks Hotel & Suites
For pets
Several of these also have gardens, patios or picnic areas, which makes settling a dog after a day on the trails easier.
Destination INN · Moxy Banff · Hotel Canoe & Suites · Mountain Springs Motel · The Dorothy Motel · Elk Avenue Hotel
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Banff is accessible by road via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), approximately 130 km west of Calgary. The nearest major airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC), about 1.5 hours away by car, and shuttle services and buses connect the airport to Banff. Within Banff, getting around is easy by foot, bike or local transit. Roam Transit operates bus routes in town and to nearby attractions like Lake Louise and Canmore, and taxis and ride-sharing are also available. Note that a valid Parks Canada Discovery Pass or day pass is required for all visitors to Banff National Park, purchasable at park gates or online.
When to go
The best time to visit Banff depends on your interests. Summer (June to August) offers warm weather and access to hiking trails and lakes, though it is the busiest season. Winter (December to March) is ideal for skiing and snowboarding, with colder temperatures and snow-covered landscapes. Spring and autumn are quieter, with fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates, but some facilities may be limited. Year-round, weather can change quickly, so pack accordingly. Banff sits at 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) above sea level, so take it easy on the first day.
Questions, answered
Which hotels have free parking?
Free car parking is listed at Destination INN, Post Hotel and Spa, Hotel Canoe & Suites, Inn on Canyon, Mountain Springs Motel, The Dorothy Motel, The Kenrick Hotel, Tunnel Mountain Resort, Hidden Ridge Resort and Banff Ptarmigan Inn. Others, including Peaks Hotel & Suites and Elk Avenue Hotel, list garages or parking without specifying it as free.
Do any hotels allow pets?
Yes. Pets are allowed at Destination INN, Moxy Banff, Hotel Canoe & Suites, Mountain Springs Motel, The Dorothy Motel, Elk Avenue Hotel, Tunnel Mountain Resort, Hidden Ridge Resort and Banff Ptarmigan Inn. If you travel with a dog, confirm the pet policy directly with the hotel when you book.
Which hotels have a pool or spa?
Post Hotel and Spa lists an indoor pool, salt water pool, spa, steam room and jacuzzi. The Kenrick Hotel offers an indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and spa, while Moxy Banff and Hotel Canoe & Suites list a spa plus a jacuzzi, and Hotel Canoe & Suites also has a sauna.
Which is the highest rated 3-star hotel?
The Kenrick Hotel has the top guest rating on this list at 4.9 out of 5, though from 40 reviews. Destination INN follows at 4.8 out of 5 from 605 reviews, and Peaks Hotel & Suites is at 4.7 out of 5 from 346 reviews, giving a broader picture across more stays.
Which hotels are best for families?
Tunnel Mountain Resort, Hidden Ridge Resort, Post Hotel and Spa and Mountain Springs Motel all list family rooms. Tunnel Mountain Resort and Hidden Ridge Resort add kitchens, playgrounds and picnic areas, and Post Hotel and Spa has an indoor pool and babysitting service. Banff itself offers family activities such as the Banff Gondola and Upper Hot Springs.
Which hotels are closest to the centre?
The Banff Avenue hotels sit in the central townsite: Elk Avenue Hotel at 333 Banff Ave, Banff Ptarmigan Inn at 337 Banff Ave, The Kenrick Hotel at 419 Banff Ave, Mount Royal Hotel at 138 Banff Avenue, Moxy Banff at 555 Banff Ave and Hotel Canoe & Suites at 600 Banff Avenue. Peaks Hotel & Suites on Lynx Street is also central.
Do I need a car to stay at these hotels?
Banff is walkable and has public transit, so the central Banff Avenue properties work well without a car. Shuttles connect to major attractions, and tours are available from the townsite. Roam Transit runs routes in town and to Lake Louise and Canmore. Tunnel Mountain properties sit above the townsite, so plan on transit, shuttles or a car.
Do the hotels offer breakfast?
Breakfast appears in the facilities of The Juniper Hotel and Banff Ptarmigan Inn, and Post Hotel and Spa lists breakfast in room. Other hotels on this list do not show breakfast among their facilities, so check directly with the property if a morning meal matters to your stay.