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Banff's Mount Royal Hotel rises from the ashes

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July 1st marks the grand-reopening of the Mount Royal Hotel on the corner of Banff Avenue and Cariboo Street in the heart of Banff. While the carpenters, electricians, painters and furniture movers scurry through the back entrance to complete the renovations, guests will be impressed by the changes. The fire that engulfed the iconic heritage building in the final few days of 2016, is still a hot topic for some, but rising from the ashes is a beautiful modern hotel featuring a rooftop lounge with hot tubs to relax in after a day on the slopes or trails.

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Paying homage to more than a century of history, the decor fuses the old with the new. As guests walk the halls, subtle changes in the wall coverings hint at the four buildings that were acquired over the years to meld into one big hotel. From the outside, the facade survived the fire and the difference in the architecture of the unique buildings stayed intact.

The redesign of the 133 guestrooms is refreshing with sleek new touches like thin screen TVs, muted colours and minimalistic locally crafted furnishings that add space to the area that was once filled with bulky entertainment cabinets and heavy colour schemes.

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Banff’s renovated and reopening Mount Royal Hotel adds sleek modern touches to the heritage building.
Banff’s renovated and reopening Mount Royal Hotel adds sleek modern touches to the heritage building. Photo by Chris Amat /Calgary

“The quilted headboards in the guestrooms are an analogy for Mount Royal Hotel in Banff, reopened after the fire of 2016 in the building,” says Stuart Back, VP Operations, Banff Jasper Collection by Pursuit. “The building has many layers and stories to tell.”

The stories are highlighted in the art throughout the building. The lobby hosts a mini museum featuring the mountain culture. The second floor is home to a big library to read a book from the shelves or to gather with friends.

The rooftop hot tubs and lounge will be the magnet for many guests. The view of the surrounding mountains while relaxing with a beverage will cap the day off nicely. The guestrooms also offer spectacular views to either wake with the sunrise from behind Tunnel Mountain or to watch the activities on Banff Avenue. Either view is iconic.

Go to www.mountroyalhotel.com for information about the hotel, for ideas for activities in and around Banff, visit Banff Lake Louse Tourism at www.banfflakelouise.com

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