King Edward Hotel

The hotel's prime central location in the heart of Banff is its most significant draw, placing guests directly on the main street with unparalleled access to shops, restaurants, and local attractions. This makes it an ideal choice for sightseers and leisure travelers who prioritize walkability and immersion in the town's vibrant atmosphere. While the hotel is praised for its cleanliness and the generally friendly staff, a recurring theme is the lack of air conditioning, leading to often hot room temperatures that can be uncomfortable, especially during warmer periods. Guests should be prepared for potential noise from the lively street below and from within the building due to thin walls. For those planning a stay, it is highly recommended to bring earplugs for a more restful night and to familiarize themselves with the off-site parking arrangements, as direct hotel parking is not available. Pet owners will appreciate the hotel's accommodating policy.

Facilities & Amenities
A prominent point of discussion among guests is the absence of air conditioning, with many noting that rooms can become uncomfortably warm, even in cooler weather. While fans are provided to help circulate air, they are often insufficient to fully mitigate the heat. The elevator is a frequent source of frustration, as numerous guests reported it being out of service for extended periods, necessitating the use of stairs, which can be particularly challenging with luggage. In-room entertainment can be inconsistent, with some guests finding the televisions to be non-functional, laggy, or lacking channels. Additionally, basic conveniences like ice machines and vending machines were often reported as broken or unavailable. The hotel also lacks a traditional lobby area where guests can relax or wait comfortably, and some shared amenities like a kettle are located on communal floors rather than in individual rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained upon arrival, though some minor inconsistencies like dusty window sills or unmade beds have been noted. A common observation is the small size of the rooms, which can feel cramped for some travelers. The bed comfort receives mixed feedback, with many guests describing mattresses as uncomfortable, hard, worn, or having noticeable soft spots, impacting sleep quality. Conversely, some found the beds comfortable. Noise is a significant concern, stemming from both the lively street below, with late-night revelers, and from within the building due to thin walls that allow sounds from neighboring rooms and hallways to easily penetrate. The lack of air conditioning means rooms can become very hot, even with fans. Issues with windows not closing properly or having damaged screens are also mentioned. In the bathroom, some guests noted a lack of amenities like conditioner, poor shower heads, or dated fixtures. Furthermore, some experienced issues with lighting, including lamps not working or ceiling fan lights turning on randomly during the night.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not offer breakfast service, which means guests need to plan their morning meals elsewhere, often leading to the inconvenience of eating out multiple times a day. This absence of on-site dining options for breakfast is a consistent point of feedback, requiring guests to seek out cafes and restaurants in the town center. Some reviews also mention a connecting restaurant or nearby eateries that, while convenient for dining, can contribute to noise levels audible from guest rooms, particularly during busy periods or late into the evening. The overall lack of in-house dining facilities means guests rely entirely on the surrounding area for all their meal needs, which, while abundant in Banff, requires additional planning and can add to the overall cost of a trip. This setup is important for travelers who prefer the convenience of hotel-provided meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, placing it directly on Banff Avenue, the main thoroughfare. This prime spot allows guests to easily walk to all major attractions, including numerous restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, making it highly convenient for exploring the town on foot. While the location is excellent for pedestrian access, parking can be a point of concern. The hotel does not have on-site parking, instead utilizing an off-site underground parkade typically located a block or two away. Most guests appreciate the availability of this secure and often free parking once they understand the system, but initial check-in can be challenging due to pedestrian street closures and the difficulty of finding a temporary spot for luggage drop-off. Some guests also noted that the parkade can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons, requiring alternative arrangements.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receive positive remarks for their friendliness and helpfulness. Many guests commend their accommodating nature, particularly in assisting with early check-ins or storing luggage before and after check-out, which significantly enhances the travel experience. The check-in process is often described as easy and quick. However, there are mixed reviews regarding the consistent presence and attentiveness of the front desk reception. Some guests reported that the reception area was often unattended or that staff seemed disengaged, occasionally lacking local knowledge or being difficult to reach. Despite these isolated instances, the overall sentiment is that the staff strive to provide good service, contributing positively to the guest experience through their willingness to assist with various requests. Housekeeping also receives varied feedback, with some guests noting that beds were not consistently made or towels not replaced, despite rooms generally being clean.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is a significant advantage for guests traveling with animals, and some reviews specifically mention thoughtful touches like providing dog beds and dishes. The property is often described as an old or historic building, which contributes to its unique character but also explains some of its limitations, such as the lack of air conditioning and occasional maintenance issues. Guests should be aware that after certain hours, access to the hotel requires a key fob or a specific door key, which is provided upon check-in. While not universally experienced, one guest reported issues with multiple deposits being placed on their credit card during their stay. The hotel also notably lacks a traditional, comfortable lobby area, meaning there isn't a communal space for guests to relax outside their rooms.