I was a bit shocked when I saw the last review as I had stayed at Mystic Springs several times over the last couple of years and wondered what on earth had gone wrong. We decided to go back anyway and we're glad to say we had just as great a time as previously.

Ok, I've stayed in more luxurious hotels, but then I've paid the hefty price tag that goes with them. If anyone can find me a place so close to all the beauty of Banff National Park, that allows 6 adults, 2 kids and one dog in one nice apartment (tastefully decorated) with all the facilities for the price (and that was even after they put the price up recently!), I'd be very surprised. There are three really comfy double beds (2 bedrooms) and a sofabed, plus two bathrooms. For those of you who aren't dog lovers or are allergy sufferers, it's worth noting that there are specific chalets (which don't have a doggy odour, by the way!) set aside for dogs so just make sure you ask for a chalet that doesn't allow dogs in it!

The kids love the pool (outside, but still really warm), we like the huge hot tub (also located outside and it was hot!!!!), the fact that you can cook what you like when you like (and store all your food and beverages in the large fridge!) and the proximity to the amenities of Canmore (which we prefer to Banff!). The staff, as always, has bent over backwards to be helpful to us.

Alright, so the paintwork has become a little scuffed and the carpet a mite frayed in one or two places, but I wouldn't let these minor details detract from what is a great getaway place - we've been as a family and just with friends and had an equally great time either way for the price. If money was no object and family fun time was not intrinsic to our breakaways maybe we'd consider staying somewhere else, but, when asked, the kids always say they would prefer to stay here.

By the way, I'm not on commission and I don't own (nor do I know anyone who does) any of the chalets!

The Mystic Springs website promised luxury accommodations with the largest outdoor hotpool.
They are in fact quite lovely homes with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 tv's, kitchen etc. Lovely, except on arrival it looks used and the paint on the walls is scuffed, the carpet is of very cheap low-end apartment quality. The unit we were assigned had a problem in the master bathroom: the shower doors were broken, one was literally hanging sideways and previous guests hair was left inside the tub (ugh). We then had to pack up and move everything next door, where there were lage stains on the living room carpet.
The welcome-mat was not ready for us on the day of arrival, the lady looked as if she could not be bothered. To top it off, the so-called 'hot pool' was COLD. The hot tub had no jets that worked. Maintenance brushed our concerns off with a casual 'oh we do that because of small children'. Upon closer examination, management did concede there was a maintenance problem with their hot-pool and shut it down for the remainder of our stay,. We were there for 3 nights in March and it would have been nice to be able to use the pools. The water kettle did not work as the electrical cord was missing. The replacement we were given also did not work. Towels and garbage also do not get removed, unless you complain. We would definately not stay here again. These units are all individually owned and Mystic Springs Resort just takes care of renting them out and do so with the minimum upkeep.

My parents, husband, family dog and myself stayed here for a weekend in October and had a wonderful stay. The condo / suite / room was very large and it was great to be able for each couple to have their own bathroom. Although some of the carpeting had seen better days, the furniture was all in great shape and the beds were very comfortable. The kitchen was well supplied and with three TVs we didn't even need to agree on what to watch in the evenings!

The best thing, for my family, was that we were also able to bring along our dog for an additional fee ($20/night). This fee meant being able to hike in the mountains with our furry friend, rather than paying almost the same amount to leave here in a kennel. As we were staying during the low season the room rate was also quite good, especially in comparision to what the rate would be at a "normal" hotel for two rooms without kitchen.

Nice place, especially if you want to save money on meals and keep the kids happy with the pool and hot tubs.

Comfortable beds. Good sleep was had by all. Room was clean. Ask for a paramount room with a view of the three sisters if you can.

By the way, even if you book a room in banff you will need to pay daily park fees. It does not make a difference if you travel daily from Canmore to Banff or stay in Banff.

I also noticed that staff in most restaurants and hotels in Banff and Canmore seemed less profficient and younger than in past years. I believe this is due to the labor crunch in Alberta-and may have something to do with the review about the cleanliness situation.