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Not sure why there aren't more recent reviews. I recently stayed 3 nights at the Dorothy Motel in Banff and it worked out well for my trip.
It was a more affordable option than others in Banff, and it was convenient to restaurants and shops. There's a Roam bus stop a very short walk away, or if you want to walk down Banff Ave. it'll take you 10-15 minutes to get to most of the places. There's a Husky gas station, with an A&W, right next door to the hotel, but there are trees in between so it's not like you're getting a direct view of a gas station from the hotel.
Parking wasn't a problem, they have a parking lot behind the hotel, as well as a few spots out front. I was coming and going at different hours throughout the day, and I didn't have a problem finding a spot when I returned.
The style of the room was simple and modern, and my room was clean. I knew prior to arrival that there isn't a front desk at this hotel. You check in via an app, which is also your room key. No problems with this, it worked perfectly every time. If you want to speak to someone directly, you can do so at another hotel that's a relatively short walk away (they have signs up indicating where that is, and they also include that info in your confirmation).
During my stay there were some buildings under construction in the immediate area by the hotel. The noise didn't bother me, I was typically out the door early in the morning anyway.
Last but definitely not least, I was cracking up at the elk button on the phone in the room! I always appreciate fun touches like this in hotels.
The Dorothy was a good, more affordable option for Banff.
Date of stay: July 2023
Trip type: Travelled solo
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Very reasonably priced (by Banff standards), clean, comfortable. All you need when you will be enjoying Banff and area. Block off Banff Avenue. Lots of stores, restaurants nearby. Cute courtyard. Free parking.
Date of stay: April 2023
Value
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Stayed 2 nights over the holidays - paying a typically high rate. Fumbled our way through check in but were aware of this at booking. Noisy on/off heating system. Bathroom floor was FILTHY, corners of bathroom counter grungy - like nothing was ever moved so they could be wiped. . Toilet rocked and clanked every time anyone sat on it. Glass on shower looked like it was wiped with random dirty cloth used on everything else. Stained sheets and grungy extra blanket. We tolerated but did no enjoy our overpriced stay. We don't mind " basic" but cleanliness should not have to be sacrificed for >$400.00 for a 2 night stay. Avoid - we will not be back. Room 103. Will also reconsider any future stays at hotels in the same "family" ie. The Caribou - you are judged by the company you keep!
Room tip: I would avoid altogether.
Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Location
Service
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There is so much going for the Dorothy Motel - rooms are large and well designed, clearly newly renovated with all the modern amenities you’d hope for and some you didn’t realize you’d want. Hip retro vibe, good soaps, coffee, etc. And such a reasonable price! Check in was a little odd but as long as you download the app in advance and know what you’re in for, it’s fine. We also picked up bus passes and real keys at the sister hotel later on. Flooring is heated in the bathroom, but not elsewhere so bring slippers or sandals.
All this to say, we had booked in for two nights and left after one. The reason: the HVAC/heating is rough. It was pretty cold out and the little heater/ac unit was just blaring - it was like being inside a hair dryer at night, with the cycling on and off - even with earplugs it was rough. Meanwhile, the overhead vent seemed to be blowing colder air in. So it was alternately too hot and cold at the same time. And loud.
The motel is also quite far from the center of Banff but this was manageable and wouldn’t have been a deal breaker for us - really it was the heating system. I can’t imagine what it would be like if it was really cold out.
Shame as otherwise, The Dorothy is actually a pretty cool place.
Room tip: Bring slippers and ear plugs
Date of stay: November 2022
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Clean motel about 20. minutes walking distance to Banff main area
Value for price good within Banff‘s high price region
Very noisy all-night in-room air ventilation (not the controllable AC) - requires several attempts to get access staff knowing how to turn it off. Afterwards very quiet location.
Room tip: Free parking
Date of stay: September 2022
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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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.
Room tip: The courtyard remains lighted at night so it's important to tightly draw your curtains in order to avoid light from entering your room.
Date of stay: July 2022
Sleep Quality
Cleanliness
Service
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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.
