Booking.com range of properties in the Canadian rocky mountains offer guests nature at their footsteps.
1/ Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre, Jasper
Immersed in the mountains, the chic hotel with stellar cuisine stands apart.
A central indoor courtyard with cracking conical fireplace serves as the focal point of this 152 room hotel, just minutes from Jasper city centre. A large dream catcher and elk antler chandelier welcome guests over the lobby entrance, while romantic string lights adding charm at Après Ski restaurant, and the laughter of children can be heard at the indoor pool. Outdoor view rooms are large and elegantly decorated with a muted neutral palette with breathtaking views of the mountains from the wooden balcony.
Without question though, the cuisine will draw guests back to the property. Each of the menus (Apres Ski, Walter’s Dining room and Hearthstone Lounge) are thoughtfully crafted, paying homage to Sawridge’s Indigenous roots, while using local produce with remarkable skill and creativity, and each ingredient carefully considered. The crisp Lamb croquettes echo the flavours of Morocco, The clam chowder with kombu dashi broth is a clever spin on the original and the Jerk chicken with green pea and hominy stew is a comforting hug on a plate.
Service is both warm and welcoming, with genuine care about educating guests. Wowed by each plate that comes to the table, this destination dining at its finest.
STAY HERE Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre, 76 Connaught Dr, Jasper; sawridge.com/our-hotels/jasper
CSL PICK Dine at one of the 3 on-site restaurants to be treated to a memorable meal.
2/ Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, An Autograph Collection Hotel, Kananaskis
A quick escape from the city will draw you back.
The recently renovated property, just thirty minutes drive from Canmore is a smart rendition of a mountain chalet complete with a central wood fireplace contrasted by the clean white colour scheme.
The 2 Room Suite is spacious with large bay windows that look onto the surrounding mountains and reinforce the feeling of being immersed in nature while chic fixtures like Kohler bathtubs, and deluxe linens on beds remind you that this is an indulgent escape.
Step outside and several outdoor trails (many of them paved), reward guests with breathtaking views of the mountains and vistas or relax at the popular Nordic Spa. Guests can choose from 5 on-site restaurants offering a range of options like Italian, seasonal Canadian and coffee shop favourites. The pan seared scallops with green pea puree, crispy bacon, and pea shoot sprouts and crab cake with BC crab, corn salsa, smoked paprika chipotle aioli at Cedar room are artfully crafted and bursting with flavour while the Moroccan infused harissa rubbed lamb ribs with house-made tzatziki and grilled octopus with broken chorizo, nero aioli, and potato confit at Forte are addictive enough to order seconds.
STAY HERE Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, an Autograph Collection, 1 Centennial Dr, Kananaskis;
CSL PICK
A variety of eclectic desserts like the spumoni mousse cake with layers pistachio, cherry, and dark chocolate; and dark chocolate hazelnut terrine display the talents of the pastry team.
3/ Banff Rocky Mountain Resort, Banff
A getaway set amidst eight acres of rugged nature. There are few places where you can both feel ‘connected’ yet isolated enough to feel like you’re hiding away at the cottage. Surrounded by snow capped mountains, and evergreens laden with snow before warmer temperatures arrive, this classic immersive cabin experience is well suited for families who want a casual and relaxing base from which to explore the mountains. The two bedroom condo, spread across two floors is fit with a full kitchen, living room and cozy fireplace that make for a comfortable stay. Guests can cook for themselves, dine at the on-site Alpha Bistro restaurant or take the complimentary shuttle into town to a local haunt.
STAY HERE Banff Rocky Mountain Resort 1029 Banff Ave, Banff; rockymountainresort.com
CSL PICK With indoor and outdoor hot tub, tennis and squash courts, and located away from the bustle of downtown Banff the property is ideal for a long stay.
This original travel article first appeared in the Spring 2019 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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