What is Kananaskis Mountain Lodge?

Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is a Selected hotel located in Kananaskis Village, Canada. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does Kananaskis Mountain Lodge have?

Kananaskis Mountain Lodge has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is Kananaskis Mountain Lodge located?

Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is located in Kananaskis Village, Canada, in the North America region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book Kananaskis Mountain Lodge?

You can view more details and booking information for Kananaskis Mountain Lodge through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

Kananaskis Mountain Lodge | Selected in Kananaskis Village

Name: Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
Address: Kananaskis Village, North America, Canada
Rating: 4.5

Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, an Autograph Collection property in Kananaskis Village, Canada, offers a luxury mountain escape nestled within the stunning Canadian Rockies. Recognized as a Michelin Key Selected property, it aims to blend modern comfort with its natural surroundings.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is largely positive, with many guests praising its beautiful setting, amenities, and often, its service. However, there can be some inconsistency in guest experiences, particularly regarding service and the functionality of amenities. While some guests have "fantastic" stays with "top touch" service, others have reported disappointments, especially when paying premium prices.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects of the lodge:

Location & Views: The lodge is ideally situated in Kananaskis Village, offering breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies and serving as an excellent basecamp for both summer and winter outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and golfing.
Kananaskis Nordic Spa: This adults-only oasis is a major draw, offering a thermal experience with hot and cold pools, steam rooms, saunas, and relaxation areas, making it a perfect place to unwind. Access to the spa often requires advance booking.
Family-Friendly Amenities: The lodge boasts a heated outdoor pool and an indoor waterpark with slides and a splash park, making it appealing for families. There are also supervised kids' activities and a Children's Creative Centre.
Design & Ambiance: The lodge is described as "beautifully decorated" with a modern alpine aesthetic that seamlessly blends luxury with mountain living. The lobby, especially during holidays like Christmas, is noted for its beautiful decorations and inviting fireplaces.

3. Room Quality

Guest rooms are generally described as spacious, clean, and well-decorated, with comfortable beds and often offering great views of the mountains or the firepit area. Many rooms include Nespresso machines. Bathrooms are typically modern, clean, and feature walk-in showers or a combination of shower and tub. Some guests have particularly enjoyed the bi-level lofts for their extra space and additional washroom, which can be ideal for families.

4. Dining Experience

Kananaskis Mountain Lodge offers several dining options, including Forte Restaurant, Blacktail Bar, Cedar Room, Woody's Pub & Patio, and Market Cafe.

Forte Restaurant: Specializes in savory Italian dishes, including handmade wood-fired pizzas, roasted meats, salads, seafood, and house-made pasta. Breakfast here is highly praised, with guests calling it "fantastic" and "one of the best spreads" they've experienced, offering both buffet and à la carte options. The breakfast buffet, even at $32 per person, is considered good value.
Other Dining: The food quality across all outlets has been described as outstanding by some guests. The Cedar Room may require or strongly recommend reservations due to popularity. Woody's Pub & Patio offers classic pub food and pool tables. In-room dining is also available.

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff is mixed but generally leans positive. Many guests have experienced excellent and friendly staff, with some noting "top touch" service that includes personalized touches like snacks in the room, thank you notes, and proactive texts to assist guests. Some guests, particularly Marriott Titanium Elite members, have received complimentary upgrades and breakfast vouchers. The front desk staff are often helpful in coordinating reservations for dining and spa sessions.

However, some negative experiences have been reported, including long wait times at check-in due to understaffing, issues with housekeeping not making beds, and difficulties getting seated at restaurants even when they appeared half-empty. There have also been instances of booking discrepancies regarding spa-inclusive packages, leading to guests paying more than expected without receiving advertised inclusions.

6. Location & Accessibility

The lodge is located in Kananaskis Village, approximately 60 to 90 minutes west of Calgary. It is accessible via Highway 1 and then Highway 40, which offers scenic views. The village itself offers trails, a pub, a cafe, and an outdoor store where guests can get s'more kits for fireside moments.

The property serves as an ideal base for various mountain activities:

Winter: Proximity to Nakiska Ski Hill.
Summer: Close to Kananaskis Golf Course and numerous hiking trails like Troll Falls and Yates Mountain.
General: Kananaskis Outfitters offers equipment rentals.

Visitors to Kananaskis Country are required to purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass ($15 daily or $90 annually per vehicle) to fund maintenance and preservation efforts. The hotel offers a shuttle service to the Kananaskis Country Golf Course for a fee. Free public parking is available in the village, with underground parking also an option for a fee.

7. Value & Pricing

As a Michelin Key Selected property and a Marriott Autograph Collection Category 6 hotel, pricing can be on the higher side. Cash rates can be upwards of $600 per night, especially during peak seasons like Christmas, with spa-inclusive packages starting from $649 (Mon-Thu) to $799 (Fri-Sun). There is also a mandatory resort fee of $25 per night.

While some guests find the value to be excellent, especially when redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points or utilizing promotional rates, others feel that for $600 a night, they expect a higher standard, particularly when amenities are non-functional. The breakfast buffet, at $32 per person, is generally considered good value.

8. Common Complaints

Recurring issues and criticisms include:

Inconsistent Service: While many praise the service, others have encountered slow check-in processes, difficulty getting restaurant reservations even with available tables, and issues with housekeeping.
Non-functional Amenities: Some guests have reported issues such as hot tubs being out of service for their entire stay. The indoor waterpark, indoor hot tub, and steam room are undergoing renovations with an anticipated re-opening in Spring 2026.
Towels: A specific complaint mentioned by one guest was that towels felt "thin, rough, and clearly overused" and like "Brillo pads" for a high-priced hotel.
Noise: One guest reported a "VERY noisy" room due to constant vent noise from the heater/air conditioning.
Booking Discrepancies: Issues with pre-booked packages not being honored upon arrival, particularly regarding Nordic Spa access, have led to disappointment and extra charges.