This idillic winter scene demonstrates the marriage of luxury at the Post Hotel with unspoiled nature of Banff National Park. (Photo Credit Nelson Vigneault)
Where would you go to rekindle that spark? There’s nothing quite like leaving the kids and your cares behind, but there’s always that toss up between beach or a mountain hideaway. For me, cosy chalet beats the beach any day of the week. Here are a few romantic hotels in the Rockies that are ideal for treating your sweetheart. Surely, they’ll think of some way to repay you…
Post Hotel: a luxury retreat in Lake Louise
Quaint and oh so quiet, winter is a great time of year to bed down in this charming European-inspired alpine lodge. Radiating old world charm with its afternoon tea and cozy, kitschy rooms, you’ll likely not want to leave the property. With an outdoor ice rink decked out in twinkling white lights and a wine list that’s garnered Wine Spectator’s highest honour, you’d be forgiven if you didn’t.
Headed to Lake Louise? The Post Hotel is one of the more luxurious spots to rest your head. (Photo Credit: Post Hotel & Spa)
Azuridge Estate Hotel, an English manor-style residence
(Credit: John Gaucher)
Technically, not in the Rockies, but this estate hotel is set on 13 acres of rambling countryside in the Foothills, which is close enough in my books. Reminiscent of an English country house, start your sojourn with a tipple in Sapphire Hall, before getting that butler to draw you a hydrotherapy rose bath. (Tip: the Garnet Suite is considered their most romantic room.)
Nestled in the Foothills south of Calgary, Azuridge is an elegant escape from city stressors.
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, the Castle in the Rockies
(Credit: Tourism Banff Lake Louise)
You don’t have stay at this castle in the rockies (that’s modeled after a Scottish Baronial hall!), but it sure is nice if you can. Day trippers can wander the majestic medieval halls hand in hand and indulge in handcrafted cocktails in Ramsay lounge. If a touch of pampering is in order, spa-crossed lovers can always buy a day pass to the Willow Stream Spa for a luxurious soak in their Kur baths.
Emerald Lake Lodge, a romantic escape near Lake Louise
This secluded hideaway located just twenty minutes west of Lake Louise, is a sumptuous spot for outdoor enthusiast. Explore the fragrant pine forest on cross country trails, or glide across the lake on your skates. After all that fresh mountain air, you’ll welcome the intimate warmth of the rustic rooms, complete with a wood burning fireplace. You won’t even notice there isn’t a TV, and considering your mission, that shouldn’t be surprising.
Paintbox Lodge: a boutique hotel in Canmore
This bed and breakfast-cum-boutique hotel is run by Sara Renner and Thomas Grandi, two former Olympians. With it’s prime downtown location, it’s easy to fall out of bed and explore the town on complimentary bikes. Culinary couples can literally get things cooking at on-site cooking classes or order in from the Tapas restaurant next door. An intimate hotel with only five guest rooms, some have fireplaces, others sport decks, but all come equipped with the trappings ripe for romance.
There aren’t many boutique mountain hotels in the Rockies, but Paintbox Lodge is one of them.
(Photo credit: Noel Rogers)
These are the most romantic hotels in the Rockies
Where are your favourite romantic getaways?
I haven’t stayed at the Painter’s Lodge yet but would like to explore Canmore at a more leisurely pace one weekend. I think Chateau Lake Louise is also lovely. We’re heading up to Shadow Mountain Lodge over Family Day weekend – you have to ski in 14 kms and I’m thinking it might be romantic too.
Been to a couple of these with my ex, they are very beautiful!
Thanks for commenting, Barrett. Did you have a favourite or any others you recommend in the Rockies?
I must disagree with the Paint Box. I stayed there with my husband – granted it was about 5 or 6 years ago – and it was NOT nice at all. Dirty, dusty and grimy. I won’t stay again. Perhaps it has changed – I hope so.
Interesting! Really glad you took the time to comment and offer this feedback, Shauna. Hotels change owners and managers, so it’s hard to always stay on top of it. I think it has changed in the past few years (my experiences have been great), but word of mouth is what I go by most.