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Post by scrapulous on Sept 20, 2016 4:15:21 GMT
We are trying to plann a trip to Lake Louise, Canada, for next summer. I would absolutely LOVE to stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, but it's most likely too expensive for us. Does anyone know if there's a way to get a good deal there? I tried booking.com and hotels.com, but according to them every night I tried the hotel is booked. I truly doubt it's actually booked every single night from June through August already. I don't know why they make it so difficult to see availability and pricing. The one night that I found availability it is priced at $979/night Canadian, which I believe is roughly $744 American. Even on the hotel's website you have to put in exact dates, but since our dates are flexible, I'd like to see the calendar so I know which dates are available. I thought I'd ask if anyone here has stayed there in the summer, if you were able to get a deal, and what the rate was. Thanks!
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Post by vjlau on Sept 20, 2016 4:38:59 GMT
Lake Louise is beautiful! I got engaged at the Chateau many years ago! I've never been able to afford to stay there.
The lodging right at the lake isn't plentiful, and the places that are there are going to be pricey.
Your best bet would be to call the hotels directly, but in the summer I bet you're looking at $250+ a night at least. $1000 seems a little crazy.
I don't know where you live, but if I were you, I'd consider staying in Banff or Canmore (which is a little cheaper) and renting a car and driving to the lake. It's about an hour drive and it is GORGEOUS! You can take the main highway, or the secondary route which takes a bit longer, but it much prettier. Banff will also be expensive, but there are a lot more options of places to stay. The whole National Parks area there is worth a look.
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Sept 20, 2016 5:09:29 GMT
I have read somewhere that those sites charge the hotels a fee for each room booked. Try calling the hotel directly to book a room.Banff is 41 minutes from Lake Louise. If you book in September the rates can be lower. I believe you can apply for free to be in the Fairmont Gold program which can give tou a room upgrade at the Fairmont Lake Louise and Fairmont hotels. There are more places to dine in Banff.
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Post by beachbum on Sept 20, 2016 5:10:16 GMT
We stayed at the Lake Louise Inn which is close to the Visitor's Center in the Village. Much closer than staying in Banff and much, much less expensive than the Chateau. I priced the Chateau through my travel agent when we went in '13 and the price for the cheapest room was about $700 in June. I just couldn't see spending that for a room to sleep in. I did find out that if you spend some money at the Chateau and keep the receipt you can park in their parking garage for free. We went up and got drinks one evening and breakfast the next morning and used the receipts for those to get our parking comped. I'm not sure if they're still doing that, but it's worth checking into. The Lake Louise Inn is not an upscale hotel, but it's clean, comfortable, and close to the lakes, Lake Moraine is there, too, and worth the drive over.
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grinningcat
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Jun 26, 2014 13:06:35 GMT
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Post by grinningcat on Sept 20, 2016 11:13:27 GMT
It's definitely already booked through the high summer season. I know, it's crazy. You'd honestly be better off staying in either Banff or Canmore. I can message you some accomodation suggestions.
But if you want to stay at the Chateau, try the shoulder season which is now until ski season.
And yes, if you are a guest at Chateau Lake Louise, even just having drinks in their bar (which has a stunning view), parking in their garage is comped.
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Post by leannec on Sept 20, 2016 11:58:22 GMT
I would definitely say that staying in Canmore would give you the most bang for your buck  Rent a car in Calgary, stay in Canmore and enjoy that town (my BIL owns a business there so we go there pretty often), go to Banff and do the gondola and hot springs and then spend some time driving to Lake Louise ... I'm not sure what you are looking to do while here but you can do it all if you have a car and base yourself from Canmore and there are so many reasonably priced hotels that you can book now  |
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grinningcat
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Post by grinningcat on Sept 20, 2016 12:19:26 GMT
I would definitely say that staying in Canmore would give you the most bang for your buck Rent a car in Calgary, stay in Canmore and enjoy that town (my BIL owns a business there so we go there pretty often), go to Banff and do the gondola and hot springs and then spend some time driving to Lake Louise ... I'm not sure what you are looking to do while here but you can do it all if you have a car and base yourself from Canmore and there are so many reasonably priced hotels that you can book now We based out of Canmore and it was great. I wasn't keen on it at first as I wanted to be able to park at the hotel and walk everywhere instead of dealing with parking, but it actually turned out quite well. As for the gondola, I'm not sure I would recommend it anymore. I used to think it was cool but 42 bucks to use it just seems ridiculous to me. I'd rather take that money and go back country trail riding. |
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quiltz
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Post by quiltz on Sept 20, 2016 12:42:47 GMT
Be prepared for high prices.
2017 is the 150th celebration of Canada's Confederation (birthday). Apparently entrance fees to the National Parks area being waived. It will be a busy year for tourism in Canada. Any time around July 1st will be premium priced.
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Post by lisae on Sept 20, 2016 12:54:37 GMT
We went on our honeymoon 15 years ago and I can't remember where we stayed but it was unremarkable. Where I wish we had stayed were some cabins a very short distance from the lake. These were nice cabins, not roughing it. I wish I had a name for you but they should not be hard to find. Honestly, Lake Louise while beautiful, was my least favorite stop in the Canadian Rockies. I enjoyed the Jasper area much more.
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paigepea
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Post by paigepea on Sept 20, 2016 12:57:22 GMT
Try the Banff Springs. We've never stayed in Lake Louise - I like the bigger locations / bit more to do anyway.
In fact, my favourite place is the jasper park lodge, in jasper. Way cooler than the lake Louise or Banff fairmont hotels. The lodge is my favourite fairmont, and we stayed in quite a few throughout Canada. It reminds me of dirty dancing, with your own little lodge and the main lodge for food, games, decorations, swimming, plus grounds to explore and jasper to explore. We mostly went in the fall/winter/spring to avoid crowds. Wintertime is gorgeous. The lake freezes, ice skating and hot chocolate, games by the huge fire, swimming outside in the very heated pool, bundling up and going for walks, seeing wildlife, lighting the fire in your room. All fantastic. Your post is making me want to take my family over the holidays!
Enjoy what you decide!
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pudgygroundhog
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Sept 20, 2016 13:39:28 GMT
I absolutely believe those prices and lack of availability. I would look at other options around Lake Louise or if you have to, further away in Canmore or Banff. We've always stayed in Lake Louise because of accessibility for hiking and photography (sunrise, sunset), but dining and lodging are definitely limited (we've always camped). We had looked for a room in Jasper on a whim when we were there last summer and it was over $275/night just for a podunk motel, nothing like the Chateau. The towns in the parks have a restrictions on building and with the increased numbers of visitors, accommodation can be slim picking.
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Post by leannec on Sept 20, 2016 13:52:16 GMT
I would definitely say that staying in Canmore would give you the most bang for your buck Rent a car in Calgary, stay in Canmore and enjoy that town (my BIL owns a business there so we go there pretty often), go to Banff and do the gondola and hot springs and then spend some time driving to Lake Louise ... I'm not sure what you are looking to do while here but you can do it all if you have a car and base yourself from Canmore and there are so many reasonably priced hotels that you can book now We based out of Canmore and it was great. I wasn't keen on it at first as I wanted to be able to park at the hotel and walk everywhere instead of dealing with parking, but it actually turned out quite well. As for the gondola, I'm not sure I would recommend it anymore. I used to think it was cool but 42 bucks to use it just seems ridiculous to me. I'd rather take that money and go back country trail riding. I would say to the OP that most things out in the mountains are expensive except for hiking the free trails ... travelling to the area is definitely not cheap which sucks  |
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grinningcat
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Post by grinningcat on Sept 20, 2016 15:36:19 GMT
We based out of Canmore and it was great. I wasn't keen on it at first as I wanted to be able to park at the hotel and walk everywhere instead of dealing with parking, but it actually turned out quite well. As for the gondola, I'm not sure I would recommend it anymore. I used to think it was cool but 42 bucks to use it just seems ridiculous to me. I'd rather take that money and go back country trail riding. I would say to the OP that most things out in the mountains are expensive except for hiking the free trails ... travelling to the area is definitely not cheap which sucks It wasn't bad to be honest. We were picky though and bought the group park pass, so we paid once for everything. I just couldn't get over that they are now charging for both trips, it used to be only one way. I do definitely buying the annual park pass this year. Because of next year being free, our pass is good to August 2018 and given it's also good for National Historic Sites it's well worth the 137 bucks. |
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Post by scrapulous on Sept 20, 2016 16:12:46 GMT
Thank you all so much! I'll definitely go there for drinks, and stay somewhere affordable! I'm so excited to see the beautiful area. I know there's a lot to see.
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Post by sunnyd on Sept 20, 2016 16:43:51 GMT
We just got back & stayed at Holiday Inn Canmore. $181 per night through Priceline. It was the nicest Holiday Inn I've ever seen. I would highly recommend it! We also stayed one night at Quality Resort Chateau Canmore, not nearly as nice but cheaper.
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Post by tallgirl on Sept 20, 2016 17:22:18 GMT
We were lucky to pay $250/night for 2 nights there in September 2006 through Priceline. We were supposed to have a parking lot view but got a gorgeous window out onto the water. But as others have said, next year is going to be busy and not likely many deals to be had.
I would stay in Banff - lots of lodging options, lots of places to eat, closer to Lake Louise than Canmore. We are headed there next month for my sister's wedding.
While you are in the area - definitely check out Moraine Lake - very close to Lake Louise but less visited and even more stunning.
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TXMary
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Post by TXMary on Sept 20, 2016 17:22:50 GMT
The Canadian Rockies- one of our very favorite places in the world and we have been several times. Lake Louise is gorgeous but Moraine is my favorite by far. It's my happy place. We also love Jasper and usually divide our time between the two. We fly into Calgary, rent a car and spend the next 10 days or so in complete awe. No matter how many times I see it, it never gets old. In the Banff/Lake Louise area we usually stay at Baker Creek Chalets. We just love them! They are out on the Bow Valley Parkway. It's a drive but that's what we do everyday- drive around and see everything. So love it there! bakercreek.com/I'm jealous!! We've been talking lately that it's past time to go back. |
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Post by leannec on Sept 20, 2016 17:47:45 GMT
We were lucky to pay $250/night for 2 nights there in September 2006 through Priceline. We were supposed to have a parking lot view but got a gorgeous window out onto the water. But as others have said, next year is going to be busy and not likely many deals to be had. I would stay in Banff - lots of lodging options, lots of places to eat, closer to Lake Louise than Canmore. We are headed there next month for my sister's wedding. While you are in the area - definitely check out Moraine Lake - very close to Lake Louise but less visited and even more stunning. If you are going to stay in Banff our fav place (other than the Banff Springs Hotel $$$) is The Banff Caribou Lodge |
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alexalexx
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Post by alexalexx on Dec 13, 2017 11:43:27 GMT
Have you thought about staying in Canmore? There's a lot a sightseeing to be done from there and some beautiful drives along highway 40 and the Bow Valley Parkway between Banff and Lake Louise. Accomodations in Canmore are usually less expensive compared to Banff. Hope you find it useful. We are just planning our second trip to Lake Louise, already applied for eTA through etacanadaonline.com/de/ . |
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on Dec 13, 2017 14:59:20 GMT
Personally I'd stay in Canmore or Banff other then that hotel which is really nice there isn't a hell of a lot to do there lol. We won a 2 night stay there thru work and even though we are Albertans we'd never been. I thought it would be like canmore or Banff and have cute shops and restaurants uh nope it was kinda boring lol.
ETA just realized this post is a year old lol
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pudgygroundhog
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Dec 13, 2017 15:03:28 GMT
FYI, this is an old thread bumped by a shill.
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milocat
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Post by milocat on Dec 13, 2017 15:14:14 GMT
Ugg bumping by trolls. As I typed a helpful post I just deleted. Anyway, now that it's been bumped, how was the trip scrapulous ? |
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