The Dorothy Motel
250 Marmot Crescent, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1E8 Canada
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4.0
#2 of 2 motels in BanffLocation
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The Dorothy Motel is Banff’s first boutique motel offering ‘accommodation made simple’. Choose from a Superior Hotel Room, with either 1 King or 2 Queen Beds. This quaint motel adjacent to the woods, peacefully located at the start of Banff Avenue, is surrounded by forest with the majestic Cascade Mountain in the background. The rooms include everything you need for your next mountain retreat; a mini-refrigerator and microwave, in-room coffee and tea to get you your caffeine fix when you need it to get you kickstarted for the day, in-room safe, air conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi and parking. The bathrooms offer a stand-up shower, hairdryer and bath products from Rocky Mountain Soap. And yes, Banff’s newest motel is a pet-friendly, so take your furry friends with you. Bring your own bicycles, on-site bike storage and a fix-it station are available as well. We offer mobile check in or at the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa, just down the street (521 Banff Avenue).
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Vending machine
Hiking
Skiing
Kids stay free
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Shuttle bus service
Street parking
Wifi
Canoeing offsite
Non-smoking hotel
Express check-in / check-out
Room features
Allergy-free room
Blackout curtains
Housekeeping
Safe
Telephone
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Walk-in shower
Laptop safe
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Microwave
Refrigerator
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Quiet
Languages Spoken
English
Location
250 Marmot Crescent, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1E8 Canada
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 61 out of 100
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Detailed Reviews
The Dorothy is just fantastic, we were so pleased with our stay. The motel offers many special touches and amenities. The decor is fresh and bright and pleasing. The toiletries are high quality and we appreciated the ecologically minded large shower dispensers and full size hand soap and lotion dispensers. An added plus, the scent was great! The microwave and frig and full size kettle were great for eating in-room, as were the attractive big mugs they provide (and they gift you a mug!). The courtyard was pleasant, a nice place to hangout or enjoy a meal. There were other features we appreciated like USB plugs, a large drawer safe, and easy-glide drawers and bathroom door. Last but not least, the beds were quite comfortable. We will stay here again when we visit Banff.
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Picked out The Dorothy from Google based on rates. Looked pretty decent for a single night stay while travelling thru Banff.
Upon arriving, seen the sign directing you to go down the street for check-in. During summer season this would have been alright, nice easy walk but we stayed in January…and it’s cold. Trying to find a quick parking spot to run into Banff Caribou Lodge for check-in was a disaster. Cars and trucks everywhere. Check-in itself was very quick and staff were very nice to deal with.
Room itself was very clean. Nice comfortable bed, stand up shower with body wash/shampoo/conditioner supplied. Nice little in room coffee set up with actual mugs (you can take one as a souvenir). Nature floor covering seems tacky but I understand for cleaning purposes, especially in winter months. TV with cable if you’re interested in watching and a nice little balcony that over looks the central courtyard.
Parking during summer probably decent. Parking in January after some heavy snowfalls…bit more tricky. Doesn’t seem to be any staff on site but did notice security cameras watching from corners of building
If you’re just looking for a place to crash for a night or 2 while in Banff, this place would be just that.
Upon arriving, seen the sign directing you to go down the street for check-in. During summer season this would have been alright, nice easy walk but we stayed in January…and it’s cold. Trying to find a quick parking spot to run into Banff Caribou Lodge for check-in was a disaster. Cars and trucks everywhere. Check-in itself was very quick and staff were very nice to deal with.
Room itself was very clean. Nice comfortable bed, stand up shower with body wash/shampoo/conditioner supplied. Nice little in room coffee set up with actual mugs (you can take one as a souvenir). Nature floor covering seems tacky but I understand for cleaning purposes, especially in winter months. TV with cable if you’re interested in watching and a nice little balcony that over looks the central courtyard.
Parking during summer probably decent. Parking in January after some heavy snowfalls…bit more tricky. Doesn’t seem to be any staff on site but did notice security cameras watching from corners of building
If you’re just looking for a place to crash for a night or 2 while in Banff, this place would be just that.
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Ski season…tons of people, lots of snow and stupid drivers.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It's hard to find an affordable place to stay in Banff, especially during the busy summer tourist season. The Dorothy Motel is newly renovated and used to be the "Bumpers Inn" (which had horrible reviews). I would say this new place is quite good! The rooms are bright and newly renovated, and they make really good use of space, with convenient hooks and shelving, as well as a microwave and fridge in the room. While it is at the end of the hotel strip, it's only a 15-20 minute walk from downtown Banff, and right next to the A&W and gas station. You also get a free bus pass, which makes it convenient to go to other places like the Gondola, etc.
The staff were really friendly and helpful, and when I left my watch after checkout, they let me go back and look for it.
Would definitely stay here again!
The staff were really friendly and helpful, and when I left my watch after checkout, they let me go back and look for it.
Would definitely stay here again!
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Date of stay: August 2021
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
On my Room room reservation lady never ever tell us their won’t be any front desk or staff to check in us. On arrival we seen the notice on the wall asking us to call “ Banff Caribou Lodge“. When I called the Caribou reception staff put me on HOLD over 15 minutes. Then we went in person to Lodge Caribou to checked in & picked up keys.
Back to the rooms , Very clean rooms, but it's like a ghost town. No one on site hotel workers at all. No room cleaning done till we checked out. Inside the room No sugar / no drinking water bottles on the coffee desk. For two nights over $425 .00 way to much. No free breakfast at all. We have to drive all the way to Hotel Caribou to eat our breakfast with paying $$$. On our check out we end up going back to Hotel Caribou to returning keys and completed the bills. Hotel Lodge Caribou I think understaff / over worked ? front desk staff very kind, but looks over worked long hours / tired faces.
Back to the rooms , Very clean rooms, but it's like a ghost town. No one on site hotel workers at all. No room cleaning done till we checked out. Inside the room No sugar / no drinking water bottles on the coffee desk. For two nights over $425 .00 way to much. No free breakfast at all. We have to drive all the way to Hotel Caribou to eat our breakfast with paying $$$. On our check out we end up going back to Hotel Caribou to returning keys and completed the bills. Hotel Lodge Caribou I think understaff / over worked ? front desk staff very kind, but looks over worked long hours / tired faces.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip: NO one on site to check in / clean Room / Way high Price / No physical security on site .
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent two nights at the Dorothy Motel. It's a recently renovated, old style motel. The room was large, comfortable, clean, and designed with a bit of whimsy. The motel is one block off the main drag and a handful of blocks north of Banff's busy tourist district. For some, it's well-located, for others it's a 7-minute walk that they'd rather avoid. There is ample parking at the motel. The key system is a bit wacky because there is no front desk at the motel and therefore you use your phone to enter your room. Not to worry, you can get a key from a nearby affiliated hotel. The value was very good. Remember, when you're in Banff you are hopefully spending much of your time out in the fresh mountain air so the motel room need only be clean and well located.
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Date of stay: July 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: The courtyard remains lighted at night so it's important to tightly draw your curtains in...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
the Dorothy isn't in the middle of town, but id you are on a n=budget, this is a great place if the room styles suit you needs. We found the rooms great, recently renovated , very good size, bar fridge, microwave and comfy beds. the App check in is great and the Caribou staff are very helpful and only a call away. We got into town early and the Caribou staff stored our gear till the room was ready. The local roam bus is a great service and stops just around the corner and the ski buses also pick-up at the caribou. So you can get anywhere you need without driving and the walk isn't that bad. When in Banff, we'll be staying at The Dorothy Motel
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Date of stay: March 2022
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: nice quiet street, rooms to rear nice and near on-site parking
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This place is perfect! And the price is fair for the location since it’s located directly in Banff. It’s a bit far from downtown if you want to walk. There is a convenience store right beside the motel which is very convenient.
The room was fully renovated, the beds were confortable, the place was clean and everything we needed was there. We spent 3 nights there, we asked for new towels and the garbage to be emptied out, it was always done before we came back. A big plus, the complimentary products smelled so good and were from a local company.
There is a little courtyard and it’s super cute at night. The lobby is a few blocks away but we only needed to go there for the check-in. We didn’t have time to enjoy the jacuzzi at the main hotel, but it’s a big plus for the ones who would like to take the time to go there and enjoy it. The staff was also super friendly.
The only negative comment I could make is concerning the parking. When you arrive late, it’s hard to find a spot, you might have to go in the street.
Bottom line, we would definitely stay there again.
The room was fully renovated, the beds were confortable, the place was clean and everything we needed was there. We spent 3 nights there, we asked for new towels and the garbage to be emptied out, it was always done before we came back. A big plus, the complimentary products smelled so good and were from a local company.
There is a little courtyard and it’s super cute at night. The lobby is a few blocks away but we only needed to go there for the check-in. We didn’t have time to enjoy the jacuzzi at the main hotel, but it’s a big plus for the ones who would like to take the time to go there and enjoy it. The staff was also super friendly.
The only negative comment I could make is concerning the parking. When you arrive late, it’s hard to find a spot, you might have to go in the street.
Bottom line, we would definitely stay there again.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: It’s sometimes hard to find parking when you arrive late at the hotel. You might have to park in...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charming, renovated motel off the beaten path, located on the far end of Banff Ave. 15 min walk to downtown. Quiet and clean. Fast free wifi and free parking. Has mini fridge and microwave. White wooden paneling walls, updated honeycomb tile bathroom, and comfortable quality mattress. Rocky Mountain Soap Factory toiletries. Feels like a quaint country cottage except the hideous camo flooring. Check in is either mobile (use phone's Bluetooth to unlock door) or at Elk Lodge 2 blocks away. No on-site service desk. Affordably priced and a good value.
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ideal to the story behind its namesake, the Dorothy Motel offers simplified motel accommodation in Banff. A great option for those traveling to this area by car not keen on spending too much on where they sleep. That siad, the boutique feel/setting and amenities are certainly sufficient.
An idea I could suggest is to bring 'room shoes/slippers' with you
An idea I could suggest is to bring 'room shoes/slippers' with you
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Date of stay: November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Dorothy was perfect for our recent stay in Banff. During Covid, the refurbished motel was perfect in that it allowed us to remain outside until we entered the privacy of our own room. And the room was perfect! Super clean, the decor tipped its hat to nature and local artists but in a minimalistic fashion that was incredibly clean. We stayed four nights and loved every minute of our time at The Dorothy. We were also pleasantly surprised to find champagne in our room to help us celebrate our anniversary. Such a nice touch! We were also happy to find we could take one of The Dorothy coffee mugs home with us and did just that. Best stay during our week long trip in the Rockies. We will be back!
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes you can! It’s about a 5 minutes walk. The opening hours are kind of long also.
Hi Nicole,
The flooring at the Dorothy Motel is a custom linoleum - They are floor tiles with a photo of the forest floor.
"The courtyard remains lighted at night so it's important to tightly draw your curtains in order to avoid light from entering your room."Read full review
"Keep your phone on you. The hotel they use as a backup check in is not close so of your phone doesn't work,then pan on driving."Read full review
PRICE RANGE
C$403 - C$580 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
bumpers hotel banff, bumpers motel banff
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Bumpers Inn
LOCATION
CanadaAlbertaCanadian RockiesBanff National ParkBanff
NUMBER OF ROOMS
42
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Dorothy Motel
Which popular attractions are close to The Dorothy Motel?
Nearby attractions include Banff Legacy Trail (0.6 km), C Level Cirque Trail (0.6 km), and Spray River Trail Loop (0.6 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Dorothy Motel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and shuttle bus service.
Which room amenities are available at The Dorothy Motel?
Top room amenities include a flat screen TV, a refrigerator, and blackout curtains.
Is parking available at The Dorothy Motel?
Yes, free parking and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Dorothy Motel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Farm & Fire, Whitebark Cafe, and El Toro.
Are pets allowed at The Dorothy Motel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to The Dorothy Motel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Cave and Basin National Historic Site (3.1 km), The Luxton Home Museum (1.4 km), and Old Crag Cabin (1.5 km).
Is The Dorothy Motel accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and facilities for disabled guests. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.