The Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Canada

· spectacularly beautiful location · 15 minutes' walk to Banff centre · regular shuttle bus to Mount Norquay, Sunshine and Lake Louise ski areas with up to five departures every morning, depending on the resort (free with Tri-Area lift pass) · 15 minutes from Mount Norquay, 25 minutes from Sunshine and 45 minutes from Lake Louise · regular shuttle bus to Banff town (small extra charge)

The Fairmont Banff Springs is an icon of Canadian history. Built in 1888 with the laying of the Canadian Pacific Railway, it was one of a string of opulent hotels designed to tempt skiers out to the Rocky Mountains - and it worked. The hotel has become the destination for wealthy Europeans looking to see Canada’s staggering mountain scenery and to climb its rocky peaks. They attracted the cream of society, with the likes of King George VI, Winston Churchill and Marilyn Monroe among the hotel's star-studded showreel of past guests.

You can’t help but be bowled over by the Fairmont Banff Springs, or the Castle in the Rockies, as it’s known. It was modelled on a Scottish baronial castle and its austere walls contain a mind-boggling mix of restaurants, bars, lounges and grand ballrooms. Each is dotted with little nods to its historical theme, from whole suits of armour to grand thrones carved from wood. There’s a world-class spa, naturally, indoor and outdoor hot tubs and swimming pools - open from 6am until 11pm, so great for jetlagged travellers - marble-floored lounges and even a bowling alley. This is North American luxury at its finest, so the bedrooms are beautifully styled, with all the mod cons you'd expect - not to mention their heavenly beds.

The famous Fairmont breakfasts will keep you on the mountain until dinner, but you’re also just a short walk from Banff, which is full of lively restaurants, bars and shops. And when you’re ready to hit the slopes, the hotel shuttle bus is right outside to whisk you up to Banff's famous Big 3 mountains: Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise.

Please note:

Rooms are priced on maximum occupancy. The price of the room is the same regardless of the bed configuration.

· one of the world's leading luxury hotels set in its own extensive grounds · indoor and outdoor swimming pool and hot tub · extra charge for the award-winning Willow Stream Spa with mineral pool, massage and beauty treatments - free entry with any treatment · selection of 20 in-house shops · several onsite restaurants and bars · ice-skating rink · free WiFi throughout · 764 bedrooms

All rooms have cable TV, pay-per-view video, free WiFi, hairdryer, telephone, coffee maker, iron/ironing board, safe and bathroom with shower and WC

Fairmont Room - sleeps 1-2: Either one king bed OR one queen bed.

Deluxe Room - sleeps 1-4: Either one king bed OR one queen bed OR two queen beds OR two twin beds.

Junior Suite - sleeps 1-4: One king bed and a double sofa bed.

Fairmont Gold Room - sleeps 1-2: One king bed OR two queen beds OR two double beds. On an exclusive private floor with its own lounge, serving complimentary continental breakfast, après-ski canapés and an honour bar.

· optional upgrade to bed and breakfast with full American breakfast · continental breakfast included with Fairmont Gold rooms