For anybody going to visit Banff on a budget I strongly reccommend staying in Canmore. It is only a short drive from Banff and the prices aren't so sky high. I stayed in the Blackstone Mountain Lodge with my two kids and it was ok. It is nothing too special, basic and clean but maybe not as classy as it should be for the price paid. Having said that it was perfect for the kids. There is an outdoor pool which kept them busy all day and then when I wanted some quiet time in the evening, there was an arcade room where they hung out with other kids…this was worth the cost alone!