Banff has accommodations to meet every taste and every budget. Rooms can be found for as little as $50 (Cdn$), and premier locations are within most budgets. In addition to the 7 percent GST, Alberta also has a 5 percent lodging tax, tacking on 12 percent to your cost. Banff/Lake Louise Central Reservations (800-661-1676) books lodging in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. Ski Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine Reservations (877-754-7076) books ski packages including the tri-area lift tickets and lodging at more than 30 Banff and Lake Louise properties. Packages are customized and can include Club Ski, Club Snowboard and Club Junior lessons, rentals, air and other activities.

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The Juniper Hotel (877-762-2281; 762-2281; $$–$$$$) is a charming boutique hotel with stunning mountain and valley views and a convenient location at the bottom of Norquay's access road. The Muk a Muk bistro and a companion lounge offer Canadian and international food, and Banff Avenue is just one kilometer away.

Other lodging is in Banff.

We strongly recommend the experience of staying at The Fairmont Banff Springs (800-441-1414 in the U.S. and Canada; 762-2211; $$$–$$$$; above and left), the Scottish-influenced castle perched on a hill, a short walk from downtown. You have seen this classic, rundle-rock monolith in many photos with its pointed, green-copper roofs rising from the nine-story walls, framed by evergreens and craggy peaks. Its public areas are expansive, designed for turn-of-the-20th Century mingling. The hotel has a magnificent spa called Willow Stream with private mineral pool and waterfall pools, saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs as well as a fitness room, salons and treatment areas. There are also indoor and outdoor pools, shops, restaurants and activities. Schedule guided dogsledding and snowshoeing outings with the concierge. Rates during the winter are a value compared to their busy summer season. Ask about the Ski with Breakfast package, including lodging, lift tickets, ski shuttles, valet parking and gratuities for two.

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"An enclave of civility" is how the Rimrock Resort Hotel (800-661-1587; 762-3356; $$$$) accurately describes itself. It's posh, sophisticated, elegant and refined, with a full-service spa and fitness center, an excellent restaurant, comfortable lounge and views to match. It is one of only five Canadian members of the Leading Hotels of the World, a group of luxury hotels.

The Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa (800-563-8764; 762-5887; $$–$$$) is a classic and quiet alpine lodge located at the outskirts of the Banff Avenue strip.  It features the full service Red Earth spa, a modest bottom floor exercise room overlooking a very large hot tub and fourth floor suites with fireplaces.  One of two Banff locations of the Keg Steakhouse and Bar is on site.

Families might want to stay at the Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets (800-661-9267; 762-5591; Calgary direct, 264-2563; $$–$$$$). These are condo-style units with wood-burning fireplaces and full kitchens, two- and three-bedroom chalets and a few suites. Enjoy the waterslide, indoor swimming pool, hot tub and saunas. There are also a coin laundry and a convenience store.

The Mount Royal Hotel (800-267-3035 Western Canada only; 762-3331; $$–$$$$; right) has a great location in downtown Banff—an excellent choice for those who enjoy nightlife—but it gets a fair amount of street noise from Banff Avenue.

Brewster's Mountain Lodge (888-762-2900; 403-762-2900; $$-$$$) in downtown Banff is a rustic, family-owned lodge with hand-crafted log furniture, the friendliest, most helpful staff on the planet, free wi-fi in rooms, a public internet terminal in the lounge above the lobby and a free continental breakfast in their funky basement area.There's always a fire burning in the stone fireplace in the lobby which you can smell throughout most of the hotel. Amenities include shops, laundry, ski storage, sauna, whirlpool and a very upscale restaurant adjacent to the lobby. (See dining.) You may even run into Alison Brewster, descendant of the original Irish immigrants. The family still runs all the Brewster lodges. The Inns of Banff (800-661-1272; 762-4581; $$–$$$$), a modern, multi-level lodge with balconies in most rooms, is a 15-minute walk from downtown. High Country Inn (800-661-1244; 762-2236; $$–$$$) on Banff Avenue, two blocks from downtown, is one of the least expensive and has a pool and an Italian/Swiss Restaurant.

Banff Alpine Centre–HI (866-762-4122; 762-4123; $) on Tunnel Mountain Road and part of Hostelling International, recently added a 66-bed wing with rooms that have two or four beds and private bathrooms. Showers are shared in the older rooms. Facilities include a laundry, kitchen and pub-style restaurant.

SameSun Backpacker Lodge (762-5521; $) 449 Banff Avenue, sports a friendly, funky atmosphere.  What used to be Global VIllage Banff, this newly renovated dowtown lodging caters to those who are comfortable in a hostel environment. The lodge offers most amenities available in higher-priced hotel/motels: WiFi and web access with no curfew, no lockout, ski packages and ski shuttles right outside your door.

If your flight home is early in the morning, you can't beat the Delta Calgary Airport Hotel (291-2600 or 800-268-1133; $$$–$$$$). Roll out of bed, then walk out the front door of the hotel and into the terminal. It also has a pool and fitness center, lounge and two restaurants. The food is good, and the service is excellent.

Accommodations Legend (Cdn$): (double room) $$$$–$200+; $$$–$141–$200; $$–$81–$140; $–$80 and less

Photos of The Fairmont Banff Springs courtesy of The Fairmont Hotel & Resorts