Bow View Lodge has been around forever (I even worked there one summer back in ancient times). The main office is adjacent to the miniscule parking lot and you can quickly ascertain that people once smoked throughout the building. Our room on the third level had floor to ceiling windows facing the river, a wingback chair, loveseat, and two chairs and circular table beside the TV cabinet. Oh, and a small fridge stored in a dresser that matched the TV console. The bathroom is basic and the king size bed was firm without any extra frills. If that doesn't turn you off, than you will be happy staying here.

Not a speck of dust or stray hair to be found anywhere. The room's thermostat was at 22C and we couldn't adjust it, so we opened the sliding door and slept with it open all night long in order to achieve the desired temperature. There was a fan in our room as well.

Swimming pool and restaurants are located in Banff Park Lodge, just across the parking lot, if you so desire. The best part was being so close to downtown and starting the day to sun shining on the frozen river.

This is not Banff Springs hotel and your bill reflects that.

We spent a week at the Bow View and loved it. The location is great with beautiful views of the Bow View River and moutains. There is a great walking path behind the lodge around the river and only minutes from shops and restaurants. We walked all over the town. The rooms are somewhat cozy but comfortable. The staff are wonderful and very accomodating. Their amenities are limited and consist of free wi-fi, coffee maker, and hair dryer. The linens are great. Only complaints were lack of a microwave, the beds are too firm, and the icemaker is on the second level. We stayed in two different rooms on our stay and both rooms had hard beds. Their sister hotel, the Banff Park Lodge is located right next door. They allow you access to their spa, pool, and laundry facilities. You really can't find a better location and price in town.

Wonderful river view room and use of the spa facilities in the hotel next door which was fantastic! Room was very clean and spacious and staff very friendly. Great rate for October at 85CAD + tax, plus the hotel was a 5 minute walk to the centre of town if that! Will definately return here as overall value for money excellent!

We stayed 1 night on our way further north picking Bow View for the price more than anything. The rooms are adequate, nothing fancy. The location is really convenient: restaurants and the commercial heart of Banff is just a couple blocks away, but you are tucked away by the river and don't have the noise and traffic found elsewhere. I would not recommend Bow View for a really extended stay -- a night or two is fine. Personally, I liked the authenticity of the joint. It was probably built in the 60s and hasn't been updated at all and doesn't look like a faux lodge, like so many other places. So, if you want a place to crash without any amenities, this is your place. (Note: We did not have a river view room which might have up'ed my rating a smidge.)