I have read the terrible reviews the Banff Aspen Lodge has been given by some people and I find it somewhat unbelievable. We just returned from staying there and my family and I could not be more pleased. We have always stayed at the Caribou Lodge, a somewhat pricier hotel, and this time we decided to go less expensive. We didn't know what to expect but we were very pleasantly surpised. Now, for a first impression, the lobby was not overly impressive. We felt it could it could have been warmer and more inviting with a less outdated look. But, the individual room layout was great with the bathroom and the two sinks between the rooms. We faced Banff Avenue and although we were behind some trees which blocked a good part of our view, it was quiet and I didn't hear hardly any traffic noise...maybe the trees helped! The beds were very comfortable. I did find that when they made the bed that they didn't bring the top edge of the sheet and blanket up far enough and it was diffcult to get our necks covered without tugging on the covers and rearranging them. It was a correctable and minor problem for us. The cleanliness of the room was unquestionable...very pleased with how well the room was maintained. I did not notice any cigarette burns or worn carpet like some reviews stated. We were on the third floor above the outdoor hot tubs. We did not hear anyone talking who was using the tubs. We got good TV reception, there was a small refrigerator in the room, hair dryer, and iron and ironing board along with coffee pot, etc. We never heard our neighbors and enjoyed some good sleeping for four nights. I liked the convenience of the hotel to the downtown area. Took probably 5 minutes to walk to restaurants, etc. The underground parking was a little tight, but not a big problem, and there was additional covered parking in the back. The staff was very helpful and friendly...I could not ask for better service. They helped us make reservations to some of the local restaurants...we appreciated that a lot. The continental breakfast was better than we had anticipated. We never had to wait for a table (but we were there early) and the waiters were very efficient. Our waiter even gave us a couple of recipes for their granola and scones which were great by the way. Yes, there was not bacon, eggs, waffles, etc., but a continental breakfast is not supposed to have that. We liked the free breakfast they offered and it was more than sufficient to get us going for the day. If I had any area of concern then it was about the internet. It was annoying to be charged $10/hour. Despite that, we will definitely consider staying at the Banff Aspen again. Don't be intimidated by bad reviews you read....we experienced a very pleasant stay. We stayed in room 315. If you tend to be a negative and critical person, it's easy to find something wrong with just about anything.

stayed there for abt 5 days

First room given to me, shower didnt work.

Second room given to me, shower didnt work.

Third room ('upgraded') is only accessible by walking outside in the cold and has a 'fantastic' view of guests in another property.

The access cards repeatedly didnt work. had to constantly go down to the front office to get them reprogrammed.

Internet station is out of order.

And one time, my room wasnt closed properly after housekeeping, so when I got back in the afternoon, it was partially open and I could open the door without the cardkey

Staff were pleasant enough but seemed clueless abt the problems plaguing the hotel.

In their defense, the GM did call and comp me one nights stay for my troubles.

Basic breakfast, adequate but nothing fancy nor interesting

The pool area is still being renovated and construction is ongoing. If you will be there during daytime, might have to contend with workmen.

Would really look at all the other hotels lining the street, this property needs a major relook in its setup.

Pretty much the worst experience in all my years of staying in different hotels.

Despite the few negative reviews we read this hotel was great! We had a wonderful stay, the staff were very nice (from booking the room through telephone to our check in and out). The room was clean,bed comfy and we had a fantasitc view of the mountains. The decor of the room felt like you were staying in a cottage, a very country feel perfect for the surroundings. The room we stayed in the bathroom (tub and toilet) was separate from the sink area which was nice because one person could be brushing their teeth while the other taking a shower. The tub/toliet area was very warm, felt like a sauna which was great because it was so cold outside that day! The breakfast had to be the best! Nice modern restaurant style decor, sit down continental breakfast. Excellent staff in the breakfast room!

The only downside, if you want to use internet they charge you $10 for 24 hours for wireless connection. Also, the underground parking spaces are limited so if you want a spot you have to park early and intend not to drive your car later that night as it was 8pm and there were no spaces. Either than that, this place was affordable, close to downtown Banff Ave shops, and easy to find.

Nothing wrong with this hotel. Yes, basic but still a nice place for staying. The room rate included a trip for 2 on the gondola, to go all the way up the mountain, so a very good deal. The gondola ride only I think is worth 25 CAD per person.
It's reasonably cheap, our room was clean so I do reccomend it.