Hotel4Real!

As a Delta fan, way back in the Delta Kananaskis days I have heard a lot of good things from people around me about the resort, and now that the resort has rebranded into an arguably “fancier” Autograph, I was curious enough to make a detour and check the place out.

The atmosphere was on point for a mountain resort. The exterior design was tasteful and the decors fitted the theme very well. There were also firepits around the resort, adding a cottage scent to the whole experience.

However, I started noticing weird things after I stepped in. The check in experience was very bland for such a unique hotel and quote “the landmark of Kananaskis”. I felt like I was checking into an airport Courtyard – it did not feel like a personal interaction at all, and I felt the front desk team wanted to get me out of her way as soon as practical. Parking was “free” (after paying for a “conservation pass” to the village, $31 for a 12hr stay felt like a massive ripoff – what are you trying to conserve that would cost you more than the adjacent national parks that are 20x the size?). There was also a resort fee of $28, but what was included? Gym, pool and access to activities that you have to pay extra for… I am not against resort fees if (a) you include resort-y stuff that‘s not normally offered by city hotels and (b) you explain the benefits at check-in. This one was more like a cash grab if you ask me, as neither was done. During my stay I was told there was a mix-up with my credit card due to their mistake, and to stop by the front desk at check-out. Well, shit happens, so I obliged – and waited 20 minutes for my turn just to swipe a credit card thanks to the long queue and only one station being staffed.

I was upgraded into a loft suite. The suite itself was decent, while showing its age it was passable for the sake of “preserving the authentic mountain resort experience”. However, I found the temperature in the bedroom loft unbearable. The hotel has turned off the AC for the season but for some reason housekeeping left the heat on full blast, and we checked into an oven with the thermostat displaying 28C. The only solution the hotel gave was to turn off the heat and open the balcony doors, which thankfully worked the temperature down to a (barely) bearable 24 after 4 hours – just in time for bed.

The next morning we explored the resort a bit and had breakfast – the buffet selection was great, and hot items was included in my Titanium voucher (albeit I was told only continental was included at check-in). There were also a few outlets on site including a nice coffee shop. We didn’t get to explore any spa offerings, activities or “yoga classes” due to our short stopover, but from what I’ve heard they do have an above-average spa.

All things said, I don’t think I’ll be redeeming points here again, and DEFINITELY not staying on cash either. With the level of service that was offered and the quality of sleep, I’d rather spend more at one of the Fairmonts, or much less somewhere in Canmore or downtown Banff. As one of Marriott’s “only children” in the Albertan Rockies, it’s a massive shame it was a mediocre one.

Side note: I posted a review on TripAdvisor and was asked by the hotel’s marketing team to email them if I would like to provide some more detailed feedback. They never got back to my email. Not sure why, but thanks for wasting more of my time.

RealScore

Service: 6.0

Design and Room Size: 7.5

In-room Amenities: 7

Bathroom Size and Layout: 8

View from (my) Room: 7

Hotel Location: 6

Available Guest Facilities: 10

Food Quality: 9

Food and Beverage Service: 7

Executive Lounge Quality: N/A

Final RealScore: 7.09

Final RealRating: B

Hotel is built/opened: 1987

Total number of rooms: 247

Length of stay: 1 night

Membership level at check-in: Titanium

Room type experienced: Loft Suite