Surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Canadian Rockies, it’s hard not to be in awe of the town of Banff. Located within the Banff National Park in Alberta, this popular resort town is known as a center for outdoor activities typical of places with a subarctic climate. Banff, the first municipality to be established within a Canadian national park, has the second highest elevation in Alberta after Lake Louise. Art galleries, museums, and top-notch dining establishments can also be found around town, bringing visitors culture and luxury amidst the rugged terrain.
Banff’s first inhabitants settled in the 1880s, when the transcontinental Canadian Pacific Railway was being built. Workers stumbled upon natural hot springs on the side of Sulphur Mountain, eventually leading to the marketing of Banff as an international resort and spa. Today, this town of around 7,851 residents still remains as one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations.
Because of Banff’s popularity as a resort town, it can be difficult to find inexpensive accommodation especially during the peak seasons. However, there are still some options for the budget-conscious especially outside the popular holiday months. Here are eight budget hotels to consider if you’re going to visit this picturesque town among the mountains.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 04, 2024.
1. Bow View Lodge (from USD 76)
Situated along Bow River, the Bow View Lodge is only around five minutes from the town center. Guests are treated to scenic views of the surrounding nature, and a ski storage is available if you want to directly experience the snow-capped mountains yourself. Aside from the many delights of the town center, you can also check out the nearby Cave and Basin National Historic Site and Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
Guests can make use of the wellness facilities including an indoor pool, sauna, and hot tub. Laundry services are also available if you don’t want to go through the hassle of bringing home dirty clothes. Once you’re ready to go home, there’s an airport shuttle available for an additional charge.
Bow View Lodge
Address: 228 Bow Avenue
14.86 km (9.3 mi) from Sunshine Village
2. Bumpers Inn (from USD 95)
If you’re looking for a place away from the town bustle, head to this peaceful little hideaway one block from Banff Avenue. Located in a quiet area 20 minutes from the town center, this inn is within the vicinity of restaurants and a supermarket. A ski resort is only 15 minutes away by car, and a stop for the downtown shuttle bus is right next to the inn.
The spacious rooms are decked with rustic aesthetics evoking a cozy northern ambiance. Outside, guests can soak up the sun and breathe in the fresh mountain air at the courtyard. For those bringing a furry friend along, pets are allowed on request.
The Dorothy Motel
Address: 250 Marmot Crescent
16.45 km (10.3 mi) from Sunshine Village
3. Red Carpet Inn (from USD 95)
Located near the town center, this pet-friendly inn is only a 15-minute drive from Mount Norquay Ski Resort and is within the vicinity of dining establishments. If you’re looking for things to do and souvenirs to bring home, there is an on-site gift shop and tour desk to help you out.
Its light and spacious rooms are equipped with facilities such as a coffee machine and mini-refrigerator. The inn also has a hot tub and ski storage, perfect for those cold winter holidays when you either want to relax or have a snow-filled rush of adrenaline.
Red Carpet Inn
Address: 425 Banff Avenue
15.59 km (9.7 mi) from Sunshine Village
4. Irwin's Mountain Inn (from USD 95)
Reasonable pricing for a downtown location, but may feel steep during peak season.
Spacious rooms, comfy beds, underground parking, and a small gym and pool on-site.
Conveniently located in the heart of Banff, within walking distance to shops, eateries, and public transportation.
Great dining options nearby, with a restaurant on-site offering good breakfast and dinner, but some mixed reviews.
This charming inn, located at the heart of Banff, has the benefit of being surrounded by views of the Canadian Rockies. Aside from many dining and shopping destinations within walking distance, Irwin’s Mountain Inn is also a mere 12-minute drive from the Banff Gondola.
Its comfy rooms all have a seating area and are equipped with facilities such as a coffee machine and mini refrigerator. If you’re in the mood for a quick bite, head to the on-site restaurant and sample local cuisine. There is also a fitness center, wellness area, and ski storage if you’re in the mood to traverse the snowy terrain.
Irwin's Mountain Inn
Address: 429 Banff Avenue
15.63 km (9.8 mi) from Sunshine Village
5. Rundlestone Lodge (from USD 102)
Situated directly on Banff Avenue, Rundlestone Lodge has one of the best locations in town. The lodge is within the vicinity of markets, cafes, bars, and a ski trail. It even has ski storage perfect for traversing the town’s pristine snowy mountains.
Guests can choose from a variety of standard rooms and open floor plan suites, with some rooms including a balcony. For breakfast and dinner, you can sample local and international delicacies at the lodge’s own restaurant. You can also head to the fitness area, go for a swim at the indoor pool, or chill out at the hot tub after a long and tiring trip.
The Rundlestone Lodge
Address: 537 Banff Avenue
16.25 km (10.1 mi) from Sunshine Village
6. High Country Inn (from USD 95)
Reasonable pricing for excellent value and location in downtown Banff.
Spacious rooms, pool, sauna, underground parking, and bear spray lending service.
Conveniently situated within walking distance to downtown attractions and scenic areas.
Various dining options within a short walk, but hotel itself does not offer breakfast.
With its spacious and richly decorated rooms, you don’t have to skip on the luxury while staying at the High Country Inn. Located at Banff Avenue, the inn is a few minutes away from Mount Norquay and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. There is also a nearby cafe/bar in addition to the inn’s on-site restaurant.
Each air-conditioned room has a patio and seating area along with views of the surrounding terrain. After a long day, you can head to the sauna and take a dip in the pool or hut tub. There is also a ski storage and tour desk to help you plan your holiday excursions properly.
High Country Inn
Address: 419 Banff Avenue
15.54 km (9.7 mi) from Sunshine Village
7. King Edward Hotel (from USD 104)
This historic hotel, aside from being a relatively inexpensive accommodation, is quite an attraction itself. Located at the heart of Banff, the King Edward is known as the town’s second-oldest hotel. Perfect for natural exploration, it’s situated close to rivers, hot springs, a golf course, and the Banff Gondola. It’s also within the vicinity of many restaurants, cafe/bars, and supermarkets.
Its European-style rooms are equipped with facilities such as a microwave and coffee maker. There is also a ski storage and tour desk so you can plan a fun-filled holiday at the scenic mountain town.
King Edward Hotel
Address: 137 Banff Avenue
15.04 km (9.4 mi) from Sunshine Village
8. Inns of Banff (from USD 110)
With fantastic mountain views and three on-site restaurants to choose from, this inn is not only beautiful but convenient as well. Located on Banff Avenue, this pet-friendly inn has its own shops, wellness center, and ski rental. Sunshine Village and Mount Norquay are less than 30 minutes away by car, perfect for those looking for an action-packed winter holiday. If you’re unsure of what to visit while in Banff, the inn also has a tour desk and ticket service.
The rooms are equipped with various facilities such as beverage makers and a refrigerator. There are also laundry services available on-site. If you’re not in the mood to go out for some food, you can also hit them up for room service.
Inns of Banff
Address: 600 Banff Avenue
16.43 km (10.3 mi) from Sunshine Village
Experience the beauty of Banff
With a breathtaking terrain that begs to be explored, it’s no surprise that Banff rakes in a lot of visitors every year. Despite being a popular resort town, there are still some hotels that are perfect for those on a budget. For your next trip to this scenic mountain town, check out these hotels that don’t compromise comfort and service despite being less expensive than most hotels in town.
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