Pacific Northwest/Rocky Mountain Splurge: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
From $535/night standard room
In the winter, it’s a fairy tale-like wonderland with ice skating and ice sculptures. The towering mountains right behind the glacially fed Lake Louise with a dusting of snow on everything do not hurt the image either. – Amanda Williams, Trekaroo Guroo
At The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, located near the intersection of the Trans Canada Highway and Banff National Park’s Icefields Parkway, guests can explore the majesty of the Rockies, its accessible glaciers, and incomparable hiking, all while returning to the hotel’s luxurious amenities. Classic elegance radiates from the hotel, which was built at the end of the 19th century to exploit the stunning beauty of the green Lake Louise and the Victoria glacier above it. Winter at the Chateau Lake Louise can’t be missed.
Runners Up
Fairmont Banff Springs, from $386. Known as “the castle,” this sister property to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise also evokes a very fairy-tale-esque splurge. Built in 1887 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the views of the Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park are matched by exceptional service.
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, from $1350. This “ranch” experience is beyond luxury, with exclusive access along British Columbia’s shore by seaplane only. The epitome of “glamping,” this, all-inclusive resort is worthy of a splurge.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler, from $346. The fairy-tale lodging at Fairmont Whistler, located adjacent to British Columbia’s Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, provides luxury, convenience, and exceptional service and perks. Kids will love the year-round pools, sledding hills, and twinkly lights.
The Broadmoor, from $250. The service at this five-star resort, located close to the famous Garden of the Gods, will certainly make you feel divine. Exceptional rooms, six restaurants, concierge service, spa, pools, and golf courses offer splurges to most any type of family.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, from $399. Tucked at the base of the mountains, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek caters to children, welcoming them with warm smiles, friendly faces, and plenty of luxury amenities. Both winter and summer seasons feature stellar perks for families.
Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, from $1599. Staff at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, located in Avon, Colorado, make it their goal to know every guest by name. Add to that the luxury of marble bathrooms, impeccable linens and Beaver Creek ski-in/ski-out access, and this is a worthy splurge for families seeking a ski getaway.
Suncadia Resort, Washington, from $259. Located just 90 miles from Seattle, Suncadia features a slew of family-friendly activities year-round including pools, water slides, hiking, biking, golf, tubing, ice skating, and more. Families can choose their luxury level by selecting rooms from the lodge, the inn, and luxury vacation homes.
Let’s head across the ocean to Hawaii to explore our top luxury picks on the Hawaiian Islands: