Post Hotel & Spa
A Lake Louise lodge known for attentive service, an extensive wine cellar, and rooms affected by CPR train noise.
The verdict
Pick a traveller type to re-weight the scores and re-rank the rooms around what you actually care about.
Post Hotel & Spa is a cozy, cabin-style lodge in Lake Louise Village known for high-end dining and personal service. Guests consistently praise the comfortable beds with white cotton linens, the Swiss rosti skillet at breakfast, and the expansive 25,000-bottle wine cellar. However, rooms facing the CPR rail line suffer from noticeable noise from trains passing through the night, and light sleepers lament the absence of blackout curtains. 641823
Every line below traces back to something a traveler actually wrote — open a line to read the original sentence and follow it to the source.
What travelers noticed
- Attendants assist with luggage and valet parking at arrival, while longtime dining room staff remember guest cocktail choices, preferred tables, and coffee orders. 1424
- Bathrooms feature giant shower and tub combos, strong water pressure, and Aveda or L'Occitane bath products. 2211
- The complimentary hotel shuttle provides quick transit up to Lake Louise, allowing guests to avoid parking headaches. 182221
The catch
- Some guests love being steps away from Lake Louise Village shops and river trails, while others note the property lacks the direct lakeside setting of other area lodges. 61811
- Several visitors find the restaurant and nightly room rates very expensive, whereas others feel the quality justifies the cost and consider the wine list fairly priced. 320
Who it's for
- — Wine lovers interested in an expansive 25,000-bottle cellar
- — Guests seeking attentive service and cozy cabin-style rooms
- — Travelers looking for easy shuttle access to Lake Louise trails
Skip it if
- — Light sleepers bothered by passing trains or rooms without blackout curtains
- — Travelers expecting direct lakefront views right outside their window
How to book
No loyalty currency of its own — this one is a cash or card-portal booking.
Score breakdown
How the 90/100 is built, category by category — each one with the strongest thing travelers actually said, and the source it came from.
Bathroom
95- “Good to know: The water pressure in the shower was fantastic and this was the first hotel that I've ever stayed in where the housekeepers remove the luxury soap wrappers.” 11
- “The rooms are lovely. The Post Hotel's signature colour is forest green, so expect to see it throughout the hotel - including your robes and on the walls in the bathroom.” 3
Food
94- “From the awe-inspiring mountain backdrop to the dreamy skating rink to the out-of-this-world dining experience, prepare to be blown away by this little slice of paradise.” 19
- “Without question, The Post Hotel's restaurants are among the best we've tried anywhere, too. Not just in Canada, but around the world - including London, New York, Paris, Madrid, Toronto and San Diego (all of which have some of my fave all-time restaurants).” 3
Location
92- “The location could not be better-the hotel sits smack in the middle of Banff National Park, Canada's first and oldest (1885), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is even more popular in summer than winter.” 14
- “The location allowed us to swing by the lake after 7 pm for sunset when parking is free and crowds are less! Super convenient.” 22
Noise
85- “With a sound machine and ear plugs, I was unbothered, but if I didn't know going into it - I would have been annoyed. Also note there is no AC - we were slightly warm the first night, but perfect temp the second with windows open.” 22
- “*Note* there is a TRAIN SIDE of the property where you will hear trains passing through the night! If this bothers you, then book on the other side of the hotel” 22
Room
89- “During our visit, we stayed in a "C Room" in the main lodge and loved every minute of it. It was spacious, comfortable, and gave us stunning river views out our patio door.” 19
- “I love a rustic mountain guest room and those at The Post Hotel feature either a patio or balcony and have the options of amenities such as a wood burning fireplace or a large jetted tub.” 4
Service
92- “Overall, I would highly recommend Post Hotel as your base for exploring the Banff area. You can't beat the five star food&drinks, cozy rooms, and helpful service after a long day of exploring the outdoors.” 22
- “From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by the entire staff and made to feel right at home. Each one of them was exceptionally kind, positive, accommodating, and helpful.” 19
Bed & Sleep
89- “The linen on the beds was superior.” 24
- “If you or anybody you are travelling with is a light sleeper, you may want to reconsider as the Post does not have blockout curtains. Which means you'll be woken at the crack of dawn on one side of the hotel, while the lights from the carpark on the other side will ensure that you don't get any sleep in the first place.” 23
Value
80- “I'm not putting the cost of a stay at The Post Hotel & Spa in the gaffes, because for those booking a luxury hotel stay, you'd expect to spend upwards of $450+ per night on a room. It could only be considered a gaffe if it wasn't worth what you paid - and this hotel is worth every darn dollar.” 3
- “Lake O'Hara Lodge probably has the most beautiful setting of all the lodges but it is extremely difficult to get reservations for a cabin or room and is very expensive.” 11
Where it is, how to reach it
Details checked 2026-09-13
Where it sits
Post Hotel & Spa and the 23 other hotels we cover in Banff. Hover a marker for the hotel; click to open it.
Stay value
How this property reads against the hotels we cover alongside it. Measured on review evidence, not on a nightly rate.
Beats what $$ usually buys
Scores 4 points above the mid-range median of 86, across 791 hotels in the same bracket. In Banff it sits 6 points above the local median of 84.
- This hotel
- 90
- Bracket median
- 86
- Index median
- 86
Based on 791 comparable hotels.
Which room to ask for
What reviewers say about where to sleep inside this building — by room number where one is named, and otherwise by floor, wing, aspect and position. Every line opens onto the quotes behind it.
- 2 mentions
- 2 mentions
- 1 mention
No location within the hotel draws repeated complaints yet.
Where travelers agree — and don’t
The topics reviewers split on most. A wide bar means your experience depends on which room you get — or whose opinion you trust.
View the 97 things travelers said behind this verdict▾
Quotes run exactly as travelers wrote them — spelling and all. We trim for length, never for tidiness.
- “The location allowed us to swing by the lake after 7 pm for sunset when parking is free and crowds are less! Super convenient.” 22
- “The location is fantastic, my favourite rooms are the Premier Room's with the firelplace; perfect to retire to after a drink in the laid-back Sir Norman Lounge or a pub meal at the Outpost.” 8
- “The location could not be better-the hotel sits smack in the middle of Banff National Park, Canada's first and oldest (1885), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is even more popular in summer than winter.” 14
- “We loved being just steps away from Lake Louise Village for quick access to the cafés, shops, and river paths winding past the hotel, all while keeping an eye out for bears; we heard that the night before we checked in, a grizzly walked right past the waterfront cabins while guests were getting ready for dinner.” 18
- “The unique log-cabin design of this hotel is a big part of its charm, but it is also the extraordinary location of Lake Louise, Alberta that draws guests in.” 5
- “Because the hotel is close to a lot of the Rockies' most famous attractions, it is a perfect base to spend a holiday in the Rockies.” 6
- “Set alongside the Bow River among the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies I could sit in one of the Adirondack chairs with a glass of champagne the entire time and have an amazing trip but the Post's location to some of the most famous sights in the Canadian Rockies is one of it's best assets.” 21
- “The hotel somewhat lacks the spectacular location to be found at other iconic Rocky hotels, such as Emerald Lake lodge, Lake Moraine and Fairmont chateaux Lake Louise. But its excellent facilities and superb restaurant make more than up for that.” 6
- “From the awe-inspiring mountain backdrop to the dreamy skating rink to the out-of-this-world dining experience, prepare to be blown away by this little slice of paradise.” 19
- “Without question, The Post Hotel's restaurants are among the best we've tried anywhere, too. Not just in Canada, but around the world - including London, New York, Paris, Madrid, Toronto and San Diego (all of which have some of my fave all-time restaurants).” 3
- “The Post Hotel & Spa is ideal for a cosy romantic ski holiday with some of the best dining in the Rockie's” 8
- “The Emerald Lake Lodge, about 20-25 minutes from Lake Louise, has a couple of very good restaurants and is built on the edge of beautiful Emerald Lake.” 11
- “Breakfast & Lunch: Breakfast and lunch are both available in The Post Hotel Dining Room and are incredible.” 4
- “They also have an award-winning wine cellar featuring over 25,000 bottles and 2,200 selections. We had dinner and breakfast here and both were delicious-and the service was great.” 11
- “For dessert we shared the strawberry crumble featuring the most berries from the nearby Okanagan Valley that were the most intensely flavored strawberries I've ever had the pleasure of tasting.” 21
- “Luckily it is also the place for top notch service, amazing food and one of the best wine cellars in the world.” 20
- “Under Chef Hans Sauter the Post Hotel marries European technique, international flavors and local ingredients to grand effect.” 21
- “The Schwarz brothers circulate around the dining room each morning and evening, ensuring perfect service. Longtime staffers remember preferred tables, cocktail choices and how you like your coffee.” 14
- “My last meal at the Fairmont was a rubbery piece of halibut which was so inedible that after two small bites I asked that it be sent back to the kitchen. I was charged for it anyway($40) with no apology.” 11
- “The Emerald Lake Lodge, about 20-25 minutes from Lake Louise, has a couple of very good restaurants and is built on the edge of beautiful Emerald Lake. The quality of the rooms is excellent, comparable to the Post Hotel.” 11
- “Canada's most famous golf course, Banff Springs, is just 45 minutes away. It's easy to love the Post, with its European flair, sumptuous rooms, impeccable staff, cozy goose down duvets, and extravagant cuisine-the main restaurant is a must-eat destination for all visitors to the area.” 14
- “You know from my travels that the food at Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts never disappoints and The Post Hotel Dining Room was so fantastic, it's almost indescribable. ” 4
- “I just wanted to add that the Post Hotel restaurant was VERY expensive. It might be a good idea to look at the menu first.” 23
- “There is an elaborate 4 course tasting menu to choose from - you pick one dish from each section (cold app, hot app, entree, and dessert). We tried duck, bison, caribou- it was all delicious and uniquely prepared.” 22
- “The Post Hotel Dining Room is the heart and soul of the main Lodge, and quite possibly the highlight of your high alpine stay.” 9
- “I still sit and dream about it. You can walk across the footbridge over the rushing creek in the morning for some wonderful pastries and coffee, sit out on their lawn and relax anytime and have a wonderful view of the mountains.” 23
- “Over the course of the weekend, we tried nearly every item on the dinner menu at The Dining Room, with the standouts being the Ranchland Bison Tartare with juniper lavash, pickled mustard seeds, and quail egg, and the perfectly seared Alberta Black Angus beef drizzled in a succulent foyot sauce.” 18
- “Ah, the food. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that I have been dreaming about the meals we had at the Post Hotel & Spa ever since we left.” 19
- “Breakfast gives the option of a buffet or an à la carte menu. We ordered the avocado toast and the Swiss rösti skillet. They were fantastic!” 19
- “Dinner is a daily changing 4-course menu. This is amazing if you are staying here for a few days as it provides an incredible amount of variety.” 19
- “Well, it should be no surprise that Fondue Stübli is an absolute knock-out! Our meal was exquisite, tasting just as fantastic as the cheese fondues we experienced in Switzerland.” 19
- “I recall high snow drifts and cold rooms, as well as someone walking across the hood of my car in ski boots, just because they could. We have eaten here a few times and always been impressed with there food and service.” 20
- “Indeed, the hotel's restaurant - without any doubt the best restaurant in the Canadian Rocky Mountains- offers a fine dining experience while you can enjoy the warm glow of the grand fireplace.” 6
- “On the back ("prefered" side) it is shady and the rushing water drowns out any other noise. The restaurant is excellent.” 23
- “The food in the restaurant was perfect.” 24
- “The linen on the beds was superior.” 24
- “If you or anybody you are travelling with is a light sleeper, you may want to reconsider as the Post does not have blockout curtains. Which means you'll be woken at the crack of dawn on one side of the hotel, while the lights from the carpark on the other side will ensure that you don't get any sleep in the first place.” 23
- “I love a rustic mountain guest room and those at The Post Hotel feature either a patio or balcony and have the options of amenities such as a wood burning fireplace or a large jetted tub.” 4
- “The decor of the public areas (e.g. lobby, pool) and the rooms feels dated in certain areas (e.g. old carpets, worn furniture). It's nothing too bad, but it could be better nonetheless.” 6
- “The hotel's decor is rustic luxe, filled with honeyed pine and stone fireplaces with a classic alpine vibe that is cozy and timeless.” 21
- “The in-room Nespresso made getting out of bed much easier.” 21
- “During my visit, I stayed in a very spacious N suite which was decorated with solid pine furnishing and a wooden paneled and beamed ceiling.” 6
- “The style is very cozy/cabin. We were in room 202 which had a huge balcony overlooking the lawn.” 22
- “During our visit, we stayed in a "C Room" in the main lodge and loved every minute of it. It was spacious, comfortable, and gave us stunning river views out our patio door.” 19
- “The historic log buildings and charming decor reminded us of the mountain chalets in Switzerland.” 19
- “Anyway - our lodge room (at Paradise) was really wonderful. 2 large rooms, with a bathroom and kitchenette. Also a very nice balcony. A really beautiful room.” 23
- “Post Hotel's guest rooms offer gorgeous mountain decor with rich pine woodwork and elegant furnishings, some feature balconies, fireplaces and even Jacuzzis in the grander suites.” 9
- “We booked a king suite which was a large and cozy ski lodge style room (and for much cheaper than a queen at the Fairmont).” 22
- “The only thing I didn't like about our room is that we were on the second floor and we had a really tight balcony so there was no room to really sit. Even if we could have, the balconies have thick wooden beams at eye level that block the beautiful view.” 11
- “The location is fantastic, my favourite rooms are the Premier Room's with the firelplace; perfect to retire to after a drink in the laid-back Sir Norman Lounge or a pub meal at the Outpost.” 8
- “Post Room Superior These spacious rooms have a King bed and wood burning stove with your own balcony or terrace overlooking the back lawns of the hotel” 8
- “The dining room is timeless in both decor and ambiance with very attentive waitstaff at your beck and call.” 22
- “I was delighted to find that we had been upgraded to a one bedroom suite featuring a supremely comfortable king bed, a sitting room with a wood burning fireplace and a balcony to take in the beautiful mountain views.” 21
- “Rustic decor throughout the property gives an elevated backcountry lodge vibe, featuring rich wood finishes and exposed-beam ceilings.” 18
- “Also note there is no AC - we were slightly warm the first night, but perfect temp the second with windows open. They do provide fans/dehumidifers but there are limited outlets around the bed.” 22
- “Excellent hotel. You know it's a good place when you drive up to the lobby the attendant parks your car and brings your luggage to your room.” 24
- “Another view from inside the K Suite - the master bedroom and ensuite. We were in the K Suite, and it was incredibly spacious with two bathrooms, a day bed, living room, balcony and separate bedroom with a HUGE walk-in closet.” 3
- “Good to know: The water pressure in the shower was fantastic and this was the first hotel that I've ever stayed in where the housekeepers remove the luxury soap wrappers.” 11
- “The l'occitane shower products smelled lovely and there was a giant shower/tub combo - all with windows to emphasize the view.” 22
- “The rooms are lovely. The Post Hotel's signature colour is forest green, so expect to see it throughout the hotel - including your robes and on the walls in the bathroom.” 3
- “I loved the Aveda and L'Occitane bath amenities.” 11
- “I recall high snow drifts and cold rooms, as well as someone walking across the hood of my car in ski boots, just because they could. We have eaten here a few times and always been impressed with there food and service.” 20
- “They overlook a river, have fireplaces and are very romantic. You can check out movies at the front desk and in the evenings we would curl up in front of the fire and watch a movie. The restaurant is fantastic.” 23
- “It's no surprise The Post's service, superb cuisine and wine, and exceptional alpine setting have resulted in recognition by Relais & Chateaux and an invitation to their prestigious hotel circle.” 9
- “The beds are comfortable, the linens are the perfect white cotton and the towels are plush.” 4
- “Even with it's jaw dropping setting and world-class cuisine, what really makes the Post Hotel shine is it's people. Service here is warm, gracious and it's this genuine sense of hospitality that will bring me back to the Post Hotel.” 21
- “Overall, I would highly recommend Post Hotel as your base for exploring the Banff area. You can't beat the five star food&drinks, cozy rooms, and helpful service after a long day of exploring the outdoors.” 22
- “There's also something so unique to me about the owners and general managers walking around to greet guests as they check in and while they dine. You just don't see that at hotels in my experience.” 3
- “From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by the entire staff and made to feel right at home. Each one of them was exceptionally kind, positive, accommodating, and helpful.” 19
- “The service was sensational and the wine pairing was spot on.” 19
- “The service is unmatched anywhere. Like the world's best hotels, you expect staff to remember you as you walk through the lobby or arrive for dinner. You'll get that at The Post. But what you'll also get are the finer details.” 3
- “I would also be remiss if I did not mention the hotel's turndown service. There is something to be said about the extra touch of luxury of having your bed turned down and a treat and bottle of water left on your night table.” 4
- “Canada's most famous golf course, Banff Springs, is just 45 minutes away. It's easy to love the Post, with its European flair, sumptuous rooms, impeccable staff, cozy goose down duvets, and extravagant cuisine-the main restaurant is a must-eat destination for all visitors to the area.” 14
- “Everyone we interacted with was attentive, kind, helpful, and knowledgable.” 22
- “I stayed here during the Covid pandemic, I was extremely impressed by their protocols. All staff wore masks, hand sanitizer was everywhere, keys are cleaned, a covid-kit was in our room and rooms are fog sterilized after housekeeping is finished to clean the soft furnishings... no one then enters the room until the guest does.” 20
- “Have you ever stayed somewhere that every single member of the staff made your stay more enjoyable?” 4
- “Service: 9/10 Everyone we interacted with was attentive, kind, helpful, and knowledgable. We did pay for the shuttle to lake Moraine which was well worth it since it's the harder lake to get to/park.” 22
- “interacted with was attentive, kind, helpful, and knowledgable. We did pay for the shuttle to lake Moraine which was well worth it since it's the harder lake to get to/park.” 22
- “The shuttle driver was timely and exceptionally friendly and gave us both bear spray and cliff bars to help us survive the day.” 22
- “The Post is more of a classic chalet style ski lodge with grand fieldstone fireplaces, and a friendly thoughtful staff, all of which provide the warmth and welcome you might expect in the Alps.” 9
- “Luckily it is also the place for top notch service, amazing food and one of the best wine cellars in the world.” 20
- “Guests are immediately greeted by the breathtaking views of Banff National Park.” 4
- “Check in was gracious and set the tone for our stay, providing information on the hotel and even offering complimentary bear spray for our hikes.” 21
- “I recommend booking accommodations on the west side of the hotel as we did, since east-facing rooms overlook the parking lot and train tracks.” 18
- “Super convenient. There is a small lawn with Adirondack chairs to take in the view of the mountain, a cocktail lounge with a crackling fire and piano player where we went for happy hour drinks (and an insanely good charcuterie board)” 22
- “Two separate bathrooms (including a large soaker tub) made the setup easier to navigate, and there was lots of space to spread out in the seating area or on the private balcony with a choice view overlooking the Pipestone River and the quiet, perfectly manicured back courtyard.” 18
- “Visiting Lake Louise is a must, and a perk of staying at The Post is avoiding parking headaches by hopping on the hotel's complimentary shuttle for the quick drive up to the famed emerald-toned lake with a million-dollar view of the surrounding peaks.” 18
- “Everything is meticulously maintained and there are no small details overlooked.” 19
- “However, rooms at the hotel west-facing side overlook the hotel's guest parking, and - more problematic - these room suffer from occasional noise from the CPR rail line which runs right in front of the hotel and may wake you up at night (there are about 3 to 4 trains per night).” 6
- “*Note* there is a TRAIN SIDE of the property where you will hear trains passing through the night! If this bothers you, then book on the other side of the hotel” 22
- “With a sound machine and ear plugs, I was unbothered, but if I didn't know going into it - I would have been annoyed. Also note there is no AC - we were slightly warm the first night, but perfect temp the second with windows open.” 22
- “*Note* there is a TRAIN SIDE of the property where you will hear trains passing through the night! If this bothers you, then book on the other side of the hotel (well in advance - the river side was sold out by the time I got around to booking).” 22
- “We did stay at the POST Hotel and it was very nice! I little overpriced, IMO, but loved the location on the river (or stream or whatever it was that ran behind the hotel).” 23
- “The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has the best location with beautiful views of Lake Louise from the front of the hotel, but the level of quality of the dining experience and the rooms is not in the same league as the Post Hotel and to me seem overpriced.” 11
- “I'm not putting the cost of a stay at The Post Hotel & Spa in the gaffes, because for those booking a luxury hotel stay, you'd expect to spend upwards of $450+ per night on a room. It could only be considered a gaffe if it wasn't worth what you paid - and this hotel is worth every darn dollar.” 3
- “Yes, it was expensive, but the location, grounds and elegant, yet casual atmosphere made it worth it to me.” 23
- “Lake O'Hara Lodge probably has the most beautiful setting of all the lodges but it is extremely difficult to get reservations for a cabin or room and is very expensive.” 11
What we still don't know
What we can’t tell you yet, said plainly. These close as we read more coverage of this hotel.
- Nothing reliable said about room types.
- Nothing reliable said about floor level.
- Nothing reliable said about building or wing.
- Nothing reliable said about which side it faces.
- Nothing reliable said about position on the floor.
- Noise rests on 3 sources — too thin to rely on.
- 16 sources carry no publication date, so we cannot tell how current they are.
Ask about Post Hotel & Spa
Answered only from the coverage cited on this page. If nobody has written about your question, it will say so rather than guess.
How much we read
Deep coverage · 57/100We read 24 sources for this property, and pulled 134 traveler insights worth knowing. Last checked 2026-09-13.
Watch this hotel
We keep reading Post Hotel & Spa. Tell us when you're staying and we'll follow it until then — you'll hear from us only when the verdict is rewritten, the score moves, or new reviews land. No daily mail, and the watch closes itself after your stay.
Sources
Everything quoted on this page, grouped by traveler insights, outlets, and video & podcast. Counts beside each group show everything we’ve read of that kind; no one kind can carry the score on its own.
5 of 5 summary lines above are traced to specific quotes. The rest summarise the read as a whole rather than any single document.
View all 24 cited sources▾
Everything quoted on this page.
- 22A Stay at the Post Hotel : r/chubbytravelreddit.comForum thread2025-07-17Recent20 quotes used
“The location allowed us to swing by the lake after 7 pm for sunset when parking is free and crowds are less! Super convenient.”
Read originalreddit.com - 19The Post Hotel in Lake Louise: Charming Luxury in Banff NP!madetoexplore.caReview site2023-01-27Ageing14 quotes used
“From the awe-inspiring mountain backdrop to the dreamy skating rink to the out-of-this-world dining experience, prepare to be blown away by this little slice of paradise.”
Read originalmadetoexplore.ca - 4Post Hotel & Spa Lake Louise: A Mountain Getaway Like No ...styledtosparkle.comReview site2022-12-04Ageing8 quotes used
“I love a rustic mountain guest room and those at The Post Hotel feature either a patio or balcony and have the options of amenities such as a wood burning fireplace or a large jetted tub.”
Read originalstyledtosparkle.com - 20best bed: The Post Hotel , Lake Louise, Canadajulieabroad.comReview site2020-08-10Ageing8 quotes used
“I recall high snow drifts and cold rooms, as well as someone walking across the hood of my car in ski boots, just because they could. We have eaten here a few times and always been impressed with there food and service.”
Read originaljulieabroad.com - 21Post Hotel Lake Louise - Swiss Style Luxury in the ...casualtravelist.comReview site2019-07-20Ageing9 quotes used
“The hotel's decor is rustic luxe, filled with honeyed pine and stone fireplaces with a classic alpine vibe that is cozy and timeless.”
Read originalcasualtravelist.com - 5Discovered: The Post Hotel & Spa, Lake Louise, ABvicariousmag.comReview site2018-08-21Ageing1 quote used
“The unique log-cabin design of this hotel is a big part of its charm, but it is also the extraordinary location of Lake Louise, Alberta that draws guests in.”
Read originalvicariousmag.com
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