Holidays ~ Old Hotel Style

Each Christmas, David and I attend a delightful Christmas lunch at the grand historic Palliser Hotel in downtown Calgary. We both cherish lovely old things and days gone by, so we enjoy making these historic places part of our holiday season:

The Palliser sits in the shadow of the Calgary tower, on one of the oldest streets in Calgary. The hotel opened in 1914 and always hosts Calgary's most famous guests, including celebrities, rock stars, politicians, and royalty. This is where the well-heeled stay when they're in town, so you know lunch will be good...!

Today, the hotel was beautifully appointed for Christmas. I am so fond of wreaths (my favorite Christmas motif, if you hadn't noticed!). These windows are perfect:

The front lobby is very grand and delightfully sparkly for Christmas. A gingerbread replica of the hotel took center-stage in the lobby this year:

The ballroom was all ready for guests or a recital:

The main dining room is very inviting for Christmas lunch, which includes an amazing salad and breads table, clam chowder, turkey, prime rib, pork tenderloin, stuffing, cranberries and every other holiday dish you can imagine:

Meals are prepared by a team of 50 chefs and helpers, including wonderful pastry chefs who create a stunning dessert table each year:

My favorites are the yule log, flourless chocolate cake, and the German stollen (before I even start here, I am usually full already...)

I *adore* my coffee, but simply can't tolerate it (caffeine) due to migraines, so I enjoyed a rare splurge with a small pot of decaf!

After our meal, we wandered the hotel admiring all the glorious crystal chandeliers:

David's company Christmas parties were once held here, in the Crystal Ballroom:

What a charming place! I would love to stay here for a night or two...

Happy Holidays!

We are heading out to Lake Louise, in the Rocky Mountains, tomorrow for the night, to stay at the beautiful Chateau Lake Louise, which is another Fairmont grand hotel. Stay tuned for more holiday hotel photos...

Afternoon Tea at The Banff Springs Hotel

I am feeling rather spoiled (when I am not having blistering migraines this summer). I went for afternoon tea again...this time at the marvellous Banff Springs Hotel, last weekend, with my dear friend M.

Historical photos from The Banff Springs collection, circa 1910

One of the supreme benefits of living in Calgary is our proximity to the Rocky Mountains, and my favorite hotel, the inimitable Fairmont Banff Springs. The Banff Springs was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway, and opened in 1888:

A short 1.5h drive puts us here (Mt Rundle, to the right). Life is beautiful!:

Here we are, M. & I, ready for serious eating after a brief stop at the Willow Stream Spa, inside the hotel:

After a brief wander 'round the hotel, we headed towards the restaurants, passing this lovely recital hall along the way (you can get married here!):

Afternoon tea takes place in the breathtaking setting of the Rundle Lounge, which sits above the hotel's back foyer:

Beautiful tables await in this charming old room...(how romantic!)

We had a window seat, which was perfect for watching the fog lift whilst perusing the tea selections. I ordered the Cascade Mountains Peppermint Tea, imported from nearby Washington state (where some of the best peppermint tea in the world is grown):

A charming silver pot of dainty flowers adorned each table:

The views are rather smashing. The Banff Springs sits in the shadow of Rundle Mountain, with views of the icy green Bow River:

The food is not bad either. In fact, the tea was lovely and compared favorably with afternoon tea at The Empress, which I posted about a couple of weeks ago (here). Servings at the Banff Springs were only slightly smaller, but cost $20 less! And, you could have as many pots of different tea as you like!!

I loved the miniature yellow creme brulees and adored the raisin scones (I need a recipe!). I am addicted to them, and their companion...Devonshire cream. If you've not had it, you have not lived.

The day was perfect for our luncheon! Banff is heavenly...

I hope some day you get to visit Banff!

Here is my favorite viewpoint to see the hotel, from across the river. It is most stunning in winter:

xo Terri