Emerald Lake Lodge

Lovely location but rooms tired and bathrooms fixtures cheap and poor. Staff mixed - especially on reception. Some unhelpful and surly. Dining staff and food first rate.

If you are prepared to pay quite a lot of money just for staying in a beautiful location—though not secluded anymore—then go ahead. Otherwise, I would look for somewhere else to stay.We had expected a secluded place, but it was packed with tourists. Of course, that cannot be blamed on the hotel. We were, however, disappointed that the iconic photo the hotel uses to promote the lodge was only a cafe.The service in the hotel reception was on more than one occasion very bad. You were handled in the same way as people standing on an assembly line. The information was given so quickly that it was difficult to understand it all. Even when the receptionist was made aware that we were not native speakers, she just kept on at the same rapid pace. You truly did not feel like she was there for you at all; you were just a number to her.On a positive note, we experienced good service at the Burgess restaurant and during breakfast, and the drivers on the hotel's shuttle buses were also very nice.Unfortunately, the room itself was very old and not very well maintained; the balcony looked like it had not had a coat of paint for several years. Furthermore, the building is extremely poorly insulated against noise. We were awakened several times during the night by people in the room above us. This was not because the guests above were being noisy, but simply because everything could be heard through the ceiling.Beautiful scenery and some good staff members, but overall, the high price tag does not match the reception service or the quality of the rooms.

Amazing location, good lodge and saw a black bear up close. Worth sharing some context re other less positive reviews below but most importantly, this is a fabulous, almost mystical location and once the tourists leave early evening, you are left to enjoy a magical and peaceful location where you can walk around the lake on trails, mostly boardwalked. Dinner in Mount Burgess, overlooking the lake, was excellent. Other lakes (Louise and Moraine) now have restricted access. Emerald is even more beautiful, stunning location but open to all so attracts hoards of visitors who encroach on the entrance to the lodge - not a lot the lodge can do about that. Whilst the lodges are not 5 star luxury and a bit dated, they are fine. Most, maybe all, have a view of the beautiful Emerald lake. Definitely ask for a lodge away from the entrance for privacy and quiet. Because you can’t drive beyond the lodge parking, you have to get a shuttle. Arriving at 4pm (check in time), wait was a little longer than ideal. Check in was also a bit chaotic as everyone arrives at the same time. Disappointing that our rooms weren’t ready but we were given a couple of freebies which was good compensation for a 30 minute wait. Overall, would go back in an instant and enjoyed our stay - I suspect public access to the lake will get restricted soon.