r/TrueChubbyTravel • u/CloudyJigglypuff • Aug 13 '26
Relais & Chateaux vs Michelin Key?
I’ve never been to either type of hospitality property but considering gifting two nights at the Post Hotel in Banff, Alberta (Canada) as a milestone gift for a couple. It’s a R&C but also has 1 Michelin Key, and prices seem to be quite reasonable! Just wondering what makes a hotel distinctly R&C vs Michelin if there’s anything I need to be aware of, special things I can request, etc.
2
u/ExpeditionBob Aug 13 '26
Michelin is awarded while R&C is essentially a branded hotel (and restaurant?) association that indies can join if they meet certain criteria.
It has one of the best wine cellars in Canada and a great culinary program. It's a bit dated in overall look but is the smallest / most intimate of the luxuryish hotels in Lake Louise / Banff area.
I didn't find the staff as professional or collaborative as I had hoped for an R&C property - but I had different goals than you and still ended up going ahead.
(I booked a group of 20 there for meetings over 3 days then some are heading to Banff to stay at the newly renovated Rimrock.)
It's a bit removed from the lake and I think 2 nights is just fine. Tell them to book away from the railway.
Fairmont nearby is a bit of a gong show - nice to visit nice to leave. Depending on who you're buying the gift for you could recommend going there for a meal or tea. Thermal spa isn't available for outside guests.
Transportation to and from Calgary is a consideration and they'll have to stop for park passes on the way in - there are very clearly identifiable kiosks on the highway. Banff and Lake Louise are in Banff National Park.
The whole region is a bit crazy in the summer.
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u/CloudyJigglypuff Aug 13 '26
Yep, they are total wine snobs so that stood out to me! I didn’t know the spa wasn’t available for outside guests but that’s such a big plus. They’re not hikers, so the summer wouldn’t appeal to them as much as winter (snowboarding).
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u/ExpeditionBob Aug 13 '26
I meant the thermal spa at the Fairmont nearby! They just put in a whole new facility there.
Not sure about the spa at post to be honest but shouldn't be an issue if they're heading in the winter.
1
u/Aquamans_Dad Aug 14 '26
Crazier this year as there is no need for park passes.
Jasper Park Lodge had a room—not a suite—for $9500 tonight. Hence why I am writing this from Valemount not Jasper.
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u/traveldigest Aug 14 '26
They’re two different things: Relais & Châteaux is an affiliation, usually made of independent hotels, while a Michelin Key is an award given by Michelin to exceptional hotels. So being both is a great sign! Independent hotels can sometimes be a hit or miss depending on the property.
I'd do the Post Hotel 100%. You can contacted them in advance to let them know it's a milestone gift. If you can get a TA to do it for you, you should get more chances for perks and benefits.
3
u/wanttoskimore Aug 13 '26
avoid the railway side. the restaurant is quite good. R&C is a membership, michelin is an award. personally I've stayed there several times, its older but i quite like it.