Unbelievable Views Await: Crandell Mountain Lodge, Waterton (AB)
Okay, buckle up buttercup! Because we're diving HEADFIRST into Crandell Mountain Lodge in Waterton, and let me tell you, it's NOT your average cookie-cutter hotel experience. I'm going to try to be organized…ish… but frankly, the whole "Unbelievable Views Await" thing kind of throws me. It's pretentious, right? Let's see if it lives up to the hype. SEO-wise, we're going for gold here, but I'm also gonna just… feel this review.
Unbelievable Views Await: Crandell Mountain Lodge Review – A Honest, Messy Deep Dive!
Right, so, accessibility. Important, vital, all that jazz. Crandell claims to have facilities for disabled guests. I didn't personally test every single nook and cranny, but the website says they have an elevator, which is HUGE for a mountain lodge. Now, the real test is how well-integrated everything feels. Is it an afterthought, or is it genuinely designed to be accessible? Call ahead, ask specific questions. Don't just take my word for it, or the website's. That's my first tip.
Internet. Oh, Internet. And Wi-Fi. And the modern burden.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Internet, Wireless (that’s “internet access – wireless”, right?) and Internet [LAN]! Okay, thank goodness. I'm addicted. Seriously. I need it. Which is good. But… LAN? Is this 1998? Crandell, honey, ditch the LAN cable and embrace the cloud. Embrace the future! Though, for some, a wired connection could be a blessing. I'm sure some people actually like not being constantly logged on. I am not one of those people. I need my Instagram and my doomscrolling. So, the Wi-Fi had better be good, and thankfully, is free.
- Internet Services: Again, standard fare, but essential. There's something about being disconnected in a hotel that's…well, disconnecting. If they can't handle my basic need to connect, I'm off!
Things to DO! Let's talk Relaxation, Baby!
Okay, NOW we’re talking. I’m picturing myself, post-hike, utterly defeated, completely breathless. I've climbed a mountain or two ( okay, one. Okay, a small hill). And I crave… relaxation.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Yes, yes, YES! This is where Crandell is aiming for the win. The whole "spa/sauna" thing is intriguing, all that hot/cold therapy, what could go wrong? What could go right?! I mean, the view could be killer. That would be something. Does it have a pool with a view?
- Swimming pool [outdoor] and Pool with view: My kind of pool! I loathe indoor swimming pools in hotels. They're always chlorine-y and depressing. An outdoor pool with a view? Now that's something I'd get excited about. And if the sun is on the pool, it could be a major "life moment" or just another day.
- Body Scrub, Body Wrap, Massage: Oh, hell yes. My muscles already ache just thinking about it, the thought of a massage after any activity appeals to me.
- Fitness Center/Gym/Fitness: Okay, so, I'm all for being healthy and all, but…I'm on vacation. Maybe I'll use it, maybe I won't. It is there if I get hit with a sudden burst of guilt.
- Foot bath: I'm imagining this foot bath, is it outdoors? Is it bubbling, and refreshing? I'm in!
Cleanliness and Safety: Crucial!
Let's face it, post-pandemic, this stuff is critical. I want to sleep soundly, not worrying about invisible nasties.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: Okay, Crandell, you're doing it right. This list is impressive. It’s the kind of thing that makes you feel like you can breathe a little easier.
- Doctor/nurse on call; First aid kit: Good to have, always. You never know.
- Cashless payment service: Convenient and sensible.
- Shared stationery removed: Brilliant. No more grubby pens!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Adventure (and potentially the lounging!)
Alright, let's talk food. I'm hungry. Like, perpetually hungry.
- Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Breakfast [buffet] Okay, a LOT going on here. Two restaurants! Now, I'm a sucker for breakfast buffets. I'm there to eat and not stop. I love options.
- Bar: Crucial.
- Room service [24-hour]: The ultimate comfort.
- Snack bar: For those moments when you need a sugar fix (or, ya know, a quick snack).
- Vegetarian restaurant: Excellent for the herbivores.
- Breakfast in room: Now we're talking. Lazy mornings, coffee in bed…bliss.
- Buffet in Restaurant: Breakfast Buffet? Yep, I already said that was a win, but now that I'm envisioning the waffles, I'm getting excited
- Asian Breakfast: I'm imagining something more than simple toast, more than simple eggs. I'm picturing tasty flavors.
- Bottle of Water: Gotta stay hydrated, but make it fancy.
- Salad in Restaurant: The health option. I'm not saying I would order a salad at all.
- Soup in restaurant: I could use that for a rainy day!
- Western Breakfast: Simple, classic, and easy.
Services and Conveniences – Making Life Easier
The little things that make a big difference:
- Concierge, Dry cleaning, Facilities for disabled guests, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Safety deposit boxes: All the practical stuff. I’m a sucker for a good concierge. They really do make your trip better.
- Air conditioning in public area, Elevator Good, good. Comfort matters!
- Food delivery, Convenience store: Helpful.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: A free CAR PARK! Amazing, especially in a touristy area.
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential, because sweating through your clothes is no fun.
For the Kids – Family and Child-Friendly (Important for Some!)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Good for families. I was lucky enough to get a break from kids on my trip.
Access!
- Check-in/out [express, or private], Front desk [24-hour], Excellent, I'm all for convenience.
- Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Soundproof rooms, Smoke alarms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Very good, all the things that make you feel comfortable and safe!!
Available in All Rooms!
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Alright, this is a laundry list of what I see! So let's get to my thoughts and feelings!
My Hot Take – The Emotional Core!
Okay, stop me if I’m rambling. I'm picturing myself, exhausted, from a long day of (wait for it) unbelievable views. I'm craving that spa, that pool. I want a cocktail, maybe two. I want to be pampered! And
Unbelievable Plano Getaway: Quality Inn West Plano - Dallas Deals!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into my glorious (and probably slightly chaotic) adventure to Crandell Mountain Lodge in Waterton! I'm talking real life, people. No Instagram-filtered perfection here. Just me, the mountains, and a healthy dose of existential dread… and hopefully, a decent cup of coffee at some point.
Day 1: The Great Escape (and the Great Forgot-to-Pack)
Morning (aka The Pre-Trip Panic): Woke up with a jolt, heart hammering. Did I pack everything? The existential question of every trip. Double-checked the list. Triple-checked. Realized I'd left my favourite hiking socks (the ones with the llamas) in the laundry basket. Cue dramatic sigh. "Well, this is going to be a disaster," I muttered to my cat, Mittens, as she stared at me with her usual judgemental expression.
Afternoon (The Drive of Dreams… and Delays): The drive itself, oh boy. Started with a glorious, Spotify-fueled playlist of "Songs to Conquer Mountains To." Then… construction. Because of course. Two hour delay. "This is some BS," I grumbled under my breath, watching a semi-truck inch past at a snail's pace. But the scenery, the first glimpses of the Rockies? Absolutely breathtaking. Started to feel a tiny sliver of the "adventure" creeping in, maybe I could handle the impending disaster I was sure this trip would become.
Evening (Crandell, I Swear It's Not You, It's Me): Finally made it to Crandell Mountain Lodge. And wow. Seriously. Wow. The wood smells, the massive fireplace, the cozy little rooms…okay, Crandell, you win. But, I tripped on the way to my room because I was too busy admiring the view. Classic. The lodge staff were so welcoming, I started to feel human again. The dinner was hearty and delicious and I got to meet a couple from Calgary, who, unlike me, seemed to have their lives completely together. Feeling a little bit of jealousy and a whole lot of longing to be that together. But hey, at least I remembered my toothbrush…
Day 2: Hiking Hell (and Unexpected Heavenly Moments)
Morning (The Quest for the Peak): Decided to be ambitious and try a hike. Key word: Try. Chose the Red Rock Canyon trail, thinking, "Easy peasy." Famous last words. The initial incline was… brutal. My lungs felt like they were going to explode. I wanted to turn back and order a pizza. Repeatedly.
Afternoon (Sweat, Tears, and… Triumph): But I kept going. Slowly, painfully, but going. Saw a marmot. Briefly considered becoming a marmot. Reached a viewpoint. And… holy crap. Holy. Crap. The view. The colours. The silence (except for my ragged breathing). It was utterly, completely worth it. The Rockies, in all their glory. Started to realize the point some of my friends constantly make about hiking, and I think I got it.
Evening (The After-Hike Bliss… With a Side of Guilt): Back at the lodge, I was a sweaty, shaky mess. But also euphoric. Ended up eating three plates for dinner and drinking far too much wine. Woke up at 4 am with a stomach ache. So maybe, too much exuberance? Started drafting a strongly worded email to my gym. "I have to get back in shape. It's a matter of survival!"
Day 3: Lakeside Rambles and Existential Crises
Morning (Lakeside Contemplation): Went to stroll by Upper Waterton Lake. The water was like glass. The mountains were reflected so perfectly. Sat on a bench, contemplating life. Considered moving to Waterton and becoming a professional mountain-staring person. My brain was a mess, but the calm was pretty fantastic.
Afternoon (The Quest for Caffeine): Went to the town for a coffee. Waterton town is adorable and full of shops with kitschy souvenirs. I'm almost certain that if I let myself loose in a shop I would buy everything. Managed to restrain myself. Then went for my coffee, and the barista managed to make me the best coffee I have had in a while. I could conquer the world with this caffeine.
Evening (The Farewell Feast and the Sadness): Dinner at the lodge again. Said goodbye to the nice couple from Calgary and felt a pang of sadness knowing the trip was ending. And maybe, just maybe, I'd actually enjoyed it. Maybe. It's hard to admit. Because this will be gone.
Day 4: The Long Drive Home (and the Seeds of New Adventures)
- Morning (The Emotional Hangover): Woke up with a slight melancholy. The mountains were calling. The lodge felt like a warm hug. It was time to leave. But I was leaving a better me. Realized those llama socks I’d forgotten… not the end of the world.
- Afternoon (Drive, Drive, Drive): The drive back. The scenery was still incredible, but I was already starting to plan my next adventure. Somewhere with a different kind of mountain, maybe a beach.
- Evening (Crandell, a new me): Back home. Back to reality. But this time, with a little bit more peace. And maybe, just maybe, a slightly different outlook. And I already, already, craved Crandell and Waterton. And the mountains. And I am so grateful for the beautiful mess it was!
So there you have it. My Crandell Mountain Lodge adventure. Messy. Imperfect. Glorious. And honestly? I wouldn't have traded it for anything. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find those llama socks. And maybe book another trip.
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