Post Hotel Lake Louise Review: What to Know Before You Go

The Post Hotel & Spa has held a place among the Rockies’ most distinguished lodges since it first opened as a ski lodge in 1942. This review draws on guest feedback, industry ratings, and the property’s own history to help you decide whether this Relais & Châteaux member in Lake Louise matches your travel priorities. We answer the practical questions that typically arise during hotel research, from shuttle access to ownership and seasonal timing.

Last checked: 2026-07-08

Property name: Post Hotel & Spa · Location: Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada · Unique features: Saltwater pool, spa, library, fireside lounge, riverside cabins · Recognition: Award-winning dining and wine list

What Is Post Hotel Lake Louise Known For?

The Post Hotel & Spa is known for blending alpine heritage with contemporary luxury. Its saltwater pool, award-winning dining, and riverside cabins with mountain views are consistently highlighted by both editorial reviewers and guests. The property’s interior is described as rustic, homely, warm, and charming by The Luxury Travel Expert, while multiple sources note the natural stone fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs that appear throughout the rooms.

On Kayak, the hotel holds an aggregated score of 8.9 out of 10 based on more than 250 verified ratings, with the platform describing it as “very good.” Expedia guests in 2026 call the property “full of character and tradition” with “great service” and “top notch” food. The consistency across these platforms points to a hotel that delivers on its core promises.

Spa and Wellness Facilities

The aquatic facility includes a saltwater pool, a steam room, and a whirlpool, as documented by Hotel-Addict. The spa itself offers a full menu of treatments, and the library and fireside lounge provide quieter alternatives for relaxation. These amenities are part of what justifies the hotel’s positioning as a full-service alpine retreat rather than a simple ski lodge.

Award-Winning Dining and Wine

The Post Hotel Dining Room earned a Wine Spectator Restaurant Award in 2024, with the hotel’s official blog describing it as “among the world’s best restaurants for wine.” TripAdvisor reviewers call the Dining Room “elite” and praise its “top-flight food, fine wines, polished service.” The Luxury Travel Expert’s 2016 review rated the food a perfect 10 out of 10 and service 9 out of 10. Mommy Gearest notes that Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List once named the hotel for “Best Food in the Americas.”

Riverside Cabins and Mountain Views

Beyond the main lodge, the hotel offers riverside cabins that provide direct access to the Pipestone River and unobstructed mountain views. Private balconies and natural stone fireplaces are standard features in these units, according to Vicarious Magazine. This variety of accommodation types allows guests to choose between the convivial atmosphere of the main building and the seclusion of a standalone cabin.

What Kind of Experience Does Post Hotel Provide?

The experience at the Post Hotel centers on old-world alpine charm rather than modern minimalism. Mommy Gearest describes it as a “cozy, old-world, alpine-style property” and rated it 5 out of 5, calling it “basically perfect” as a five-star luxury stay. Styled to Sparkle calls a weekend getaway there “nothing short of amazing” and emphasizes the romantic mountain ambiance.

Accommodations and Room Features

Rooms at the Post Hotel include natural stone fireplaces, jacuzzi tubs, and private balconies with countryside views, per Vicarious Magazine. The hotel’s original logs were sourced from Revelstoke, British Columbia when it was constructed in 1942, and the timber interior remains a defining aesthetic feature. The 93 rooms and suites are spread across the main lodge and separate cabin buildings.

On-Site Amenities

In addition to the saltwater pool and spa, guests have access to a library, a fireside lounge, and a pub that recent Expedia reviewers describe as “great.” The hotel’s pub offers a more casual dining alternative to the formal Dining Room, and multiple reviewers note that the overall atmosphere is “awesome” and the staff “amazing.” Kayak mentions that some guests note train noise as a minor drawback.

Overall Atmosphere

The Luxury Travel Expert’s 2016 review gave the hotel an overall experience score of 7.5 out of 10, with the caveat that the property’s rustic charm may not suit travelers seeking contemporary design. The hotel’s identity as a former WWII-era ski lodge is still legible in its timber construction and mountain-cabin proportions. This is not a glass-and-steel alpine hotel; it is a property that wears its history visibly.

Who Owns the Post Hotel in Lake Louise?

Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts (CRMR) announced on November 29, 2021, that the Post Hotel & Spa had become part of its family of companies, according to CRMR’s official news release. The announcement states that the hotel “resonates with the spirit of its founder Sir Norman Watson” and that CRMR would maintain the property’s traditions and service standards.

Connection to Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts

CRMR is a Canadian hospitality company that operates several properties in the Rocky Mountain region. The ownership change marked the end of the Schwarz brothers’ long tenure as operators. Reviews from late 2025 on TripAdvisor indicate that some guests feel the traditions established by the Schwarz family continue under the new ownership, while others argue that the hotel no longer meets the expected Relais & Châteaux standard relative to the very high room cost. The hotel’s membership in the Relais & Châteaux collection has continued under CRMR, which signals that the property still meets the association’s quality benchmarks.

How Can I Get to Lake Louise from the Post Hotel?

The Post Hotel is located roughly 10 minutes by road from the shoreline of Lake Louise, according to Hotel-Addict. The hotel also provides a free shuttle service to the Lake Louise Ski Resort, which is approximately five minutes away by car.

Shuttle Options from Post Hotel

The hotel’s free shuttle to the Lake Louise Ski Resort is a practical benefit for winter guests. The same shuttle may be used for trips to the lake itself, though the hotel’s official transportation policy is not detailed in the sources reviewed. Guests should confirm shuttle availability and schedule directly with the property at the time of booking.

Driving and Parking

Driving is the most straightforward option for reaching the Lake Louise trailhead and shoreline. Parking at Lake Louise is managed by Parks Canada and fills early during peak summer months, so an early departure is recommended. The hotel does not appear to operate a dedicated shuttle to the lake itself, so guests relying on transit should plan accordingly.

Public Transit from Banff and Calgary

Public transit options from Banff and Calgary to Lake Louise are available through regional bus services, but the Post Hotel is not directly served by a public shuttle stop. A rental car provides the most flexibility for guests who plan to explore beyond the immediate Lake Louise area.

Is It Better to Stay at Banff or Lake Louise?

The choice between staying in Banff and staying at Lake Louise depends primarily on your priorities for atmosphere, dining variety, and proximity to specific attractions. The Post Hotel sits in Lake Louise, roughly 10 minutes from the lake itself, while Banff offers a larger town center with more dining and nightlife options.

Proximity to Attractions

Guests at the Post Hotel can reach the Lake Louise shoreline in under 10 minutes by car, while Banff is approximately 40 minutes away by road. For travelers whose primary goal is to spend time at Lake Louise or the Lake Louise Ski Resort, the Post Hotel’s location is a clear advantage. Banff, by contrast, is closer to the Banff townsite attractions, the Banff Gondola, and the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.

Atmosphere and Accommodation Style

Banff offers a wider range of accommodation styles, from budget hostels to large hotel chains, while the Post Hotel is a single boutique property with a consistent alpine-chic identity. Travelers who value a quiet, self-contained resort experience with on-site fine dining may prefer the Post Hotel. Those who want walkable access to multiple restaurants, bars, and shops may find Banff more convenient.

What Month Is Best to See Lake Louise?

The best month to visit Lake Louise depends on whether your priority is the iconic turquoise lake or winter sports. July and August offer the warmest weather and the famous blue-green lake color, but these months also bring the largest crowds. June and September offer milder weather with fewer visitors, though the lake may still be partially frozen in early June.

Seasonal Highlights

Winter months (December through March) draw skiers and snowboarders to the Lake Louise Ski Resort, which is five minutes from the Post Hotel. The lake itself freezes and becomes a skating rink, offering a completely different experience from the summer months. The Post Hotel’s shuttle to the ski resort is a practical benefit during winter season.

Crowds and Weather Considerations

July and August are the busiest months at Lake Louise, with parking lots filling by mid-morning. September and October offer fall colors and thinner crowds, though some mountain passes may close as early as October. May and June bring rain and lingering snow at higher elevations but also offer the lowest room rates of the year.

Pros and Cons of Staying at the Post Hotel & Spa

Best for these travelers

• Couples seeking a romantic escape: The riverside cabins, private balconies, and fireside lounge create a distinctly intimate setting that multiple reviewers highlight.
• Luxury travelers who appreciate fine dining and spa: The Wine Spectator-recognized restaurant and full-service spa are the hotel’s strongest differentiating features.
• Nature enthusiasts wanting mountain access: The proximity to both Lake Louise and the ski resort makes this a convenient base for outdoor activities in any season.

Pricing overview

The Post Hotel & Spa operates at a premium price point consistent with its Relais & Châteaux membership. Recent meta-search data from Kayak shows the lowest booked rate over a two-week window at US$787 and the highest at US$1,122 per night. Relais & Châteaux lists starting rates at around US$456 for certain dates, though availability and seasonal variation affect these numbers significantly. A 2018 quote from Hotel-Addict cited approximately CA$580 per night for a standard king room with fireplace and mountain view, and Mommy Gearest’s 2018 review noted roughly US$450+ per night. These figures have likely risen with inflation and post-pandemic travel demand.

Location and how to get there

The Post Hotel & Spa is located at 200 Pipestone Road, Lake Louise, Alberta, within Banff National Park. The property is less than 10 minutes by car from the Lake Louise shoreline and approximately 5 minutes from the Lake Louise Ski Resort. From Calgary International Airport, the drive takes roughly 2 hours via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). From the town of Banff, the drive is approximately 40 minutes north on Highway 1.

Guests driving from Calgary should note that a Parks Canada pass is required for entry into Banff National Park. The pass can be purchased at park gates or online in advance. Winter drivers should be prepared for snow and ice on the highway, particularly between November and April.

Our pick: Who should book the Post Hotel & Spa?

For those weighing their options in the area, our detailed Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise guide provides a thorough comparison of amenities and rates.

Frequently asked questions

Sources cited

This review draws on the following sources:

• Relais & Châteaux — membership and room information
• Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts — ownership announcement and historical origin
• Post Hotel official blog — Wine Spectator Restaurant Award 2024
• Hotel-Addict — facilities, distance, and room details
• The Luxury Travel Expert — experience score, food rating, service rating
• Vicarious Magazine — historical details and room features
• Kayak — aggregated review score and pricing data
• Expedia — recent guest reviews
• TripAdvisor — guest reviews and sentiment
• Mommy Gearest — guest experience rating and Condé Nast Traveler mention
• Styled to Sparkle — romantic getaway feature

Related reading: Miramonti Boutique Hotel: MICHELIN Guide Retreat – Avelengo · Grand Hotel Portovenere Review: Gateway to Cinque Terre