Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets

After reading some negative reviews we were a little wary but our boys were excited for the water slides so went in with low expectations. Yes the property could do with a makeover in terms of the linens and furniture but everything was clean and the one bedroom condo was spacious for a family of 5. We had a real fireplace, a tv in each bedroom (Flat screen not the retro tv from the website photos). The water slides were a hit as was the massive indoor play centre. They also have a large hot tub/pool outside with a great view which was a nice surprise for us adults.

As mentioned, the old furnishings could be upgraded but for our family the focus was on the amenities and spending time in Banff so this wasn’t an issue for us. It was also a great price for Banff in the fall.

The Murphy Bed in the living room was much nicer than a sofa bed for our daughter to sleep in. We also appreciated the kitchen and the ability to cook our own breakfast in our own space. Being able to park right by the unit was a nice bonus.

Neither hot tub was working while we were there, with the indoor one being closed and the outdoor one being a "tepid" tub at best. We also found that both of the large heating elements on our stove didn't work and it seemed that we were missing some pots and pans. It take a bit of juggling to cook pancakes, sausage, and eggs with only one frying pan!

We are a group of 10 adults and 1 toddler and the 2 loft rooms we stayed were very nice. It has a complete kitchen which was very useful as we want to cook our own food. There was enough bed for all of us, 2 queen beds upstairs and another bed downstairs (folded so you have to open the drawer-like at the top of the sofa). There was a even a toilet upstairs. The location is perfect for us, a short drive to the city center to shop our groceries and a good view of the mountain outside. There was a bus stop outside the hotel if you decided to use the public transportation. The waterpark was open so it is nice if you have small children. They have a free parking with a designated are based on your room number.

We stayed for 4 nights and due to pandemic, they are not providing housekeeping. However, they will give you what you need if you request from the front desk.

This is a lovely resort that blends retro and modern. Some would say it is dated, and it is true there are areas that need updating. But our room had everything we needed. There was a full modern kitchen and bathroom as well as a wood burning fireplace which was our biggest draw. The location is a beautiful area of Tunnel Mountain away from the congestion of the Banff town-site, but still close. The drive up the mountain is especially scenic. The bus stop, which Douglas Fir Resorts gives free passes for transportation into town is right across the street and runs frequently.

The mountain view was obscured by the fireplace chimney and a fence surrounded our balcony. But still beautiful. The lobby area is very outdated. The stores that once were available on the property were closed during COVID.

The location on the outskirts of Banff was great - particularly with the free bus pass provided by the resort. The water park was good and the hot tub was great - when we used it, we were the only people there. The reception staff were very helpful, giving us tips on what to do in the area. The views out the back of the hotel were fantastic.

Although the hotel had fantastic views, the chalet we were given had views of the parking lot, which was disappointing. Some of the facilities were a little run-down, although this didn't matter so much for us, as we just used the resort as a base to explore the Banff area.

Reading previous reviews I was worried but I was pleasantly surprised with this resort! The bed was super comfortable, and the shower was great. For us, having a kitchen was a priority as I have celiacs, and our room had a very complete kitchen and everything we needed for our stay. The room was very clean. Other reviews highlighted that the facilities are old, so we knew this before coming in but we felt this didn't make an impact on our stay as everything worked well. The location was excellent, especially given that the hotel provided us with complimentary bus passes. Staff were very friendly and helpful. We tried the outdoor hot tub and the slides and that was super fun!

The deco is dated. The sofa needs changing. We didn't need to use the sofa bed but we can see that this could be an issue for some guests as it was quite old.

Very roomy rooms - we had one main bedroom and additional 2 beds upstairs. Then there is a small kitchen, dining table and a sofa with TV. A bit outdated, but overall great room. There is an A/C, and we learnt the hard way in another hotel that A/C can be very important in mid-summer some times... Parking is near the room, so very convenient. They have a bus station close by, but we never used it (they give free pass). We always went with the car, and always found parking, so that was not an issue.

The pool was closed for some reason. SPA was just a hot tub without any jets. One of the days, the indoor SPA was completely closed.

We loved the location of the resort. Location is quiet and serene but the busy town is just 5 minutes away so it's just ideal. The room was huge with great windows for natural lighting. The bed was comfortable and the kitchen had all the basics that we needed. Even though we didn't have a chance to use the deck, the deck was such a nice addition to the room. Having an assigned parking spot was also nice.

We could have used an extra blanket for the bed. The sheets didn't fit the bed and the bed cover was paper thin. There is usually extra bedding in hotel rooms but we had none. A cozier duvet or cover would have been nice. Thg 2 lamps on each side of the bed were not plugged in and the lamp closest to the deck didn't even have an extension or plug in available so we couldn't even use that lamp. We found an extension behind the couch that we were able to use for one of the bed lamps.

We were surprised and very pleased with how big the loft room was! Plus there was a veranda too! There were 2 queen beds upstairs, and instead of a pull out sofa bed we had a Murphy bed as additional bed. There was also 1 bathroom, 1 washroom, 2 TVs, a couch, and dining table (seats 4 only). Staff were very friendly and helpful, cleaned the room daily. There is a dedicated parking space per room as well. They also give free bus passes for if you want to take the bus around town.

Very easy to get lost inside the hotel. Location was okay if you drive around, otherwise it is at least a 20-minute walk from town. Other amenities were closed during our stay but we were able to use the waterpark.

While you can tell this is an older property, the loft unit that I was in was very well maintained and you can tell the property was constructed well. The kitchen was perfect for my needs and very clean. I was pleasantly surprised to find a small washroom up in the loft in addition to the main bath on the lower floor. The unit would be perfect for four people. The queen beds were very comfortable. I had a great view of Mount Rundle off the balcony. I've stayed in several properties in Banff these past couple of years and this one will be very close to the top of my list for a return visit. The only downfall is that there is no restaurant right on the property, so getting breakfast can be an issue, but I had already planned for that having the kitchen. The property is a little bit out of the way, but that has its advantages depending on your personal tastes. It was a very easy bus ride from downtown and probably took 5 minutes. Great access to local transit. The bus stops right at the parking lot coming from downtown, and going back there's a stop right across the street. That was perfect!

No restaurant on the property. Hallway carpeting could use an upgrade. - lots of stains and you can tell it's been there for a long time. The property is a bit pricey, but that's to be expected during the summer.