About Sunshine Mountain Lodge
Boasting five eateries, bars and the area’s largest hot tub, Sunshine Mountain Lodge sits on the slopes at Banff National Park. Rustic-themed rooms include underfloor heating and jetted tubs.
Ski-to-the-door is a feature of many of this cosy lodge’s studios and suites, which also include flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi and a coffee maker. Some suites come with fireplace. Bathrooms benefit from eco-toilets.
Banff’s largest open-air hot pool and cedar sauna are offered to guests, who can get ski fit in the fully equipped gym with workout equipment, weights and yoga classes.
An eye-popping variety of Canadian and international cuisine is available from Sunshine Mountain Lodge’s several onsite eateries, which include coffee bars, a fine-dining restaurant and a sports bar.
The lodge sits in a UNESCO World Heritage Site at 2,200 metres altitude in the Canadian Rockies. Banff village is only 11.6 miles, while Calgary Airport is 100 miles.
Positive Reviews
positive:
Impeccable Improvements
Regular and returning guests have noticed that the upgrades and improvements made to lodges are significant. The new west wing is especially pleasing to guests. Positive comments abound about comfortable beds, balconies, open fires, luxurious bathrooms with granite floors, and Jacuzzi-style baths.
positive:
Skiers' Dream
Bar far the most commented upon feature is the ski-in, ski-out nature of the hotel. In some instances guests can ski to the door of their room. Its perfect positioning and the chance of making first tracks makes this spot a favourite of reviewers who are serious about skiing.
positive:
Under the Stars
The hot tub is a highlight for those staying at this mountain lodge. Many guests mention the well-maintained facility in their reviews, expressing their joy at evening soaks which soothe sore muscles after a day on the slopes. Hot Tub Bingo was also enjoyed by reviewers.
Negative Reviews
negative:
Dinner Rush
Guests with families occasionally complain that the only dining options available after 5.30 p.m. are upscale eateries Chimney Corner and Eagle's Nest Bistro, meaning feeding family for a week can be costly. Some travellers suggest the running time of the nearby gondola to Banff Village could be extended.
negative:
Stranded in the Dark
This lodge is accessible by a gondola and cannot be driven to directly, which poses problems for some guests arriving out of hours. Reviewers advise that it is best to contact the hotel, who will arrange an SUV to transport to and from this mountain perch.
negative:
Smokers' Corner
Customers complain about the amount of smoking inside and outside the lodge. For non-smokers leading a healthy active lifestyle, finding a spot to enjoy the pristine mountain air and spectacular view without wading through cigarette butts and breathing in other people's second-hand smoke can prove difficult.