The Dorothy Motel in Banff, Alberta, Canada is a charming Rocky Mountain retreat. Admittedly, I secretly hoped the motel was named after Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. As it turns out, it wasn't. However, the story behind its name is even better....
The Dorothy Motel in Banff, Alberta, Canada is a charming Rocky Mountain retreat. Admittedly, I secretly hoped the motel was named after Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. As it turns out, it wasn't. However, the story behind its name is even better. The Dorothy was inspired the Bow Valley's trailblazing adventurous women and there was indeed a real Dorothy. The motel is named after real life adventure seeker named Dorothy Carleton who in 1946 moved to a backcountry warden cabin in Banff National Park where she raised three children.
As there is no front desk at The Dorothy, an app is available for check-in. The Bluetooth feature in the app also converts guests’ phones into the room key. However, the app did not work on the phone models that we had. Not to worry, as guests of The Dorothy can check in at the front desk of its nearby sister property, Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa. Room key cards are available as an alternative to using a phone.
The Dorothy Motel is a 3-star boutique motel with large, spacious rooms in Banff. Rooms are comfortable and equipped with everything you need for a mountain retreat. Part of The Lodging Company, guests have access to the hot tub at The Dorothy's...
The Dorothy Motel is a 3-star boutique motel with large, spacious rooms in Banff. Rooms are comfortable and equipped with everything you need for a mountain retreat. Part of The Lodging Company, guests have access to the hot tub at The Dorothy's sister property, Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa.
Look at all the snow! After a winter with very little snow, this snowy courtyard at The Dorothy Motel in Banff, Alberta was a sight for sore eyes. Nearly all the guest rooms at the Dorothy look onto the courtyard. During the winter months,...
Look at all the snow! After a winter with very little snow, this snowy courtyard at The Dorothy Motel in Banff, Alberta was a sight for sore eyes. Nearly all the guest rooms at the Dorothy look onto the courtyard. During the winter months, enjoying the snowy view from the warmth and comfort of the room is so peaceful. I imagine this courtyard must be a fabulous place to relax and enjoy the outdoors in the summer.
The Dorothy Motel is a great choice for cyclists. This beautiful gazebo located in the secure courtyard is actually filled with bike racks for storage and even has a fix-it station with a bike stand. The Dorothy has easy access to trails, such as...
The Dorothy Motel is a great choice for cyclists. This beautiful gazebo located in the secure courtyard is actually filled with bike racks for storage and even has a fix-it station with a bike stand. The Dorothy has easy access to trails, such as the Legacy Trail and to nicely paved roads with wide shoulders. Parks Canada is conducting a 3-year pilot program along the eastern portion of the Bow Valley Parkway restricting vehicle traffic from May 1 - June 25 and from August 30 - September 30. This is 17km stretch is easily accessible from The Dorothy and is a fantastic way to enjoy road riding in Banff National Park without needing to share the road with vehicles. Vehicle access to Johnston Canyon, cabins and campground is still available from the western portion of the road.
The rooms at The Dorothy have more character than a standard hotel. Somehow, they are bright and energetic, yet also relaxing. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. Drawing on inspiration from the Bow Valley's strong and adventurous women, the...
The rooms at The Dorothy have more character than a standard hotel. Somehow, they are bright and energetic, yet also relaxing. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. Drawing on inspiration from the Bow Valley's strong and adventurous women, the rooms have a feminine touch making them feel like home. The artwork in the rooms was created by Jason Thompson and is a tribute to the pioneering mountain women that made Banff their home. The image of the lady setting up her tent, is one that is a tribute to Dorothy Carleton, the hotel's namesake.
The bathrooms at The Dorothy Motel in Banff as big, bright and clean. They have plenty of counter space too. My favourite design feature is the fun pattern of the tile floor.
Each room at The Dorothy Motel in Banff National Park has a large and modern walk-in shower. Perfect for soothing sore muscles after a day filled with outdoor adventures in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
The Dorothy is a proud supporter of local businesses. Rocky Mountain Soap Company is a Bow Valley original started in Canmore, Alberta. The Rocky Mountain Soap Company handmakes high-quality products that are safe for you, your family and for the...
The Dorothy is a proud supporter of local businesses. Rocky Mountain Soap Company is a Bow Valley original started in Canmore, Alberta. The Rocky Mountain Soap Company handmakes high-quality products that are safe for you, your family and for the Earth. Their products are so well loved that this once small company has grown significantly over the years with stores all across the country now.
Rooms at The Dorothy come complete with a mini-fridge, microwave and a tea and coffee station. Here too, The Dorothy supports another well-loved local business, Evelyn's Coffee Bar located a little further down on Banff Avenue. The local coffee...
Rooms at The Dorothy come complete with a mini-fridge, microwave and a tea and coffee station. Here too, The Dorothy supports another well-loved local business, Evelyn's Coffee Bar located a little further down on Banff Avenue. The local coffee packets were a nice touch.