We stayed at the Fairmont Banff Springs over Christmas as a special luxury treat after a long year of work, travelling from overseas for the stay. We split our Banff time between another hotel and the Fairmont, checking in here specifically for Christmas before returning to our original accommodation.
There’s no denying the hotel itself is incredible. Visually and in overall feel, it’s exactly what you expect. Fine dining, beautiful Christmas setups, retail, casual takeaway food options, and absolutely stunning views of the snow-covered mountains. We stayed for three days and didn’t leave the property once because everything you could need was there.
Food and beverage was excellent across the board. Rundle Bar was a standout and a fantastic place to sit with a drink and people-watch. We also dined twice at the buffet on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The food was genuinely impressive, though it was extremely busy and staff were rushed off their feet, which meant some waiting for drinks and follow-ups.
The service overall was very strong. Staff were friendly and attentive, including at check-out, where taxis were heavily backed up. The hotel arranged to drive my partner and me to our next location in a personal car, which I thought was outstanding service. Housekeeping were also lovely. As they were working on Christmas Day, we left a larger tip that morning as a small thank you, and I left notes during our stay and returned to thoughtful replies, which was a really nice personal touch.
As it was Christmas, we woke on Christmas morning to a stocking filled with treats hanging on our door, and there was a welcome holiday message waiting on the bed at check-in. Nightly turndown service was excellent, and it was genuinely nice returning to a room that felt freshly serviced again each evening.
The spa experience was another highlight. It’s adults-only, calm, and beautifully set up. The mineral pool, spas, and outdoor hot tub on a -26°C snowy day was unforgettable. The spa facilities, change rooms, lockers, and food and drink offerings were all exceptionally well done.
That said, there were some significant drawbacks that ultimately impacted the experience for me, particularly given the price point and the fact this was meant to be a special Christmas stay.
The room was extremely small. Opening even one suitcase was difficult, and with two suitcases it became a game of Tetris just to move around the room. The bathroom was also tiny, with no bench space for two people, meaning toiletries had to be kept on the small bench under the TV in the main room. For the price we paid, I would expect a walk-in shower rather than a bathtub-and-shower setup.
For a luxury hotel, I also expected a higher standard of room finish. There was a random piece of wood fixed above the window, with visible screws drilled into it, which felt out of place. We also couldn’t locate an elevator servicing our section of the hotel, meaning we had to wheel our suitcases up stairs to reach our room.
I also booked the behind-the-scenes history tour, which had been recommended to me, and it was unfortunately a major disappointment. The host arrived late, appeared rushed, and largely read from information displayed on walls. The tour lasted around 45 minutes, visited only two locations, and ended abruptly. I expected far more depth and access given the reputation of the hotel.
Writing this review genuinely pains me. I wanted a perfect Christmas experience, and while many elements were exceptional, I left feeling disappointed for what we paid.
My honest recommendation would be to stay elsewhere that fits your budget and still enjoy what the Fairmont does best. You can book restaurants, bars, the spa, and facilities in advance without staying onsite, and you can also visit the Fairview Lookout for incredible photos of the hotel. You’ll still experience the magic without the premium accommodation cost.
