Banff Ptarmigan Inn, Banff, Canada

· 1 minute's walk to the resort centre · ski bus stop outside of hotel · 13-minute bus ride to the Mount Norquay ski lift

Make the most of Banff with a stay at the Ptarmigan Inn. You’ll find this mountain hotel in the centre of Banff National Park, only steps away from the hustle and bustle of Banff Avenue and the downtown area.

The 134 bedrooms at the property are spacious and warm, and have been recently renovated to a typically North American design – the old photos that grace the walls above the bed, as well as the kaleidoscopic headboard designs, add a lovely bit of character to the rooms.

As you enter the Ptarmigan you’ll immediately notice its huge atrium-style lobby, complete with a huge sculpture of a skier suspended from the back wall – it’s pretty impressive, and really gets you in the mood for a day on the mountains. The standard rooms at the hotel have indoor balconies overlooking the atrium, which adds to the atmosphere and vibe, but if you’d prefer exterior views, make sure you pick a superior room.

In the mornings, you’ll have breakfast at the onsite Meatball Pizza and Pasta restaurant. You can fill up on a range of hot and cold produce, or create your own breakfast at the made-to-order omelette station. When it comes to lunch and dinner, if you’d prefer to stay closer to home, sample some of the dishes the Meatball Pizza and Pasta are famous for – stone-hearth, thin-crust pizzas and hearty pastas (spaghetti and meatballs being the speciality). The staff are attentive, the prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

For lazy afternoons and evenings, take a dip in one of the two indoor hot pools, or close your eyes and relax in the steam room or sauna – after all, ski holidays aren’t just about the slopes.

· hotel bar and lounge · sun terrace · après bar · free WiFi · two indoor hot tubs · sauna · steam room · fitness room · one lift to the third floor · laundry facilities on request · ski room with lockers

· hot and cold buffet breakfast

All rooms have a flatscreen cable TV, free WiFi, telephone, hairdryer, safe, tea and coffee-making facilities, mini fridge, room service and are non-smoking.

Standard room - sleeps 1-4: overlooking the atrium with one king bed or two queen beds, private bath and WC.

Superior room - sleeps 1-4: two queen beds, private bath and WC.

Superior king room - sleeps 1-2: one king bed, private bath and WC.