The Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada
For decades, the Canadian mountain town of Banff had one signature hotel, the Banff Springs. It's the fairytale castle still featured on postcards and tourist brochures for Banff. But, there's a new kid in town, the Rimrock.
The Rimrock is new by comparison, but it opened in the mid-1980s (about a hundred years after the Banff Springs) and has been kept fresh with renovations.
Unlike almost all of the other hotels and motels in Banff, the Rimrock is up high above the town, on the road leading to the Upper Hot Springs. This is on the side of Sulphur Mountain, giving a fantastic view of the surrounding valley and neighbouring peaks of some of Canada's most-photographed mountains.
The Floors at the Rimrock are Easy to Navigate
The Rimrock is built in a flattened V-shape, opening its arms toward the valley view. The corridors are long and straight, and the interior designers have done an excellent job of adding visual texture and interest. The result is a reasonably easy walk or wheel down a wide hallway to or from the elevator.
There are rooms specifically designated for wheelchair users, in each of the main price classes. The rooms are priced according to view and size. Since this is a luxury hotel, it seems a shame not to pay for a view room, unless one plans to spend all the time elsewhere.
The Pool Area is Spacious
The swimming pool at the Rimrock is more for relaxing than for athletic training. From the pool area, there is one of the best views of the valley. The oversized hot tub is the perfect place to lounge in and just stare out the window.
There are no special adaptations to ease the transfer from a wheelchair to either pool.
The shower stalls in the ladies change area are surprisingly long and reasonably wide, and one has a flexible cable-style shower with room for a chair in the stall.
Hotel guests may use the pools and the pool towel service at no extra cost. To exercise in the adjacent gym, however, requires paying an extra fee.
The Public Areas are Inviting
As an alternative to enjoying the view from the room or poolside, the Rimrock has a quiet lounge area inside the main door, again showing off the Rockies at their best.
There is a Shuttle Bus to Banff
One of the handy amenities at the Rimrock is the shuttle bus from the hotel into Banff. This is actually the town's public bus, but hotel guests may ride it for free by showing their room key card. The bus schedule is available at the front desk of the hotel. The stop is right in front of the hotel, and it's possible to wait inside until the bus comes. While the drive is only five or ten minutes, because the Rimrock is up on Sulphur Mountain, walking to and from does take some time.
Parking in Banff can be crowded during peak tourist season. The bus is not wheelchair accessible, though. For visitors with a blue handicap parking placard, the designated parking spots in town are an acceptable alternative to the bus.
The Upper Hot Springs are Close By
Just up the hill from the Rimrock's self-parking lot (for those who decline the valet parking) is the parking lot for the famous Upper Hot Springs. At any time of year, a dip in the steaming sulphurous hot springs is a must-do for visitors to Banff.
There are Many Good Restaurants in Banff
One reason to leave the beautiful surroundings of the Rimrock is to try out some of Banff's restaurants. There are choices in all price ranges.
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