Blackstone Mountain Lodge was built in 2008 and is a member of Clique family condo-hotels. There are ongoing refurbishments here, with most recent upgrades focusing on replacing the carpets and sofa beds and adding new RestWell mattresses in the rooms. Nearly all of the individually-owned units are available in the rental pool, so it's likely you'll face a packed house at this popular property. The international front desk staff collectively speaks over 10 languages and the hotel prides itself on being able to provide personal recommendations for restaurants, hiking trails, and fun ideas for day trips. The vibe here is social, friendly, and communal -- something that is purposefully done through the hotel's features, particularly in the outdoor common space and organized activities (rare for a condo-hotel). It's what sets this spot apart from its competitors and even its sister properties, so it's a great pick for anyone looking for the independence of a self-catering property who appreciates the sociability of a hotel. 

The hotel is located on the eastern edge of town, just a few minutes' walk up the hill from Bow Valley Trail. This area is predominately filled with condo-hotels, so if you want to get to the action, you'll have to walk about 25 minutes (or drive five minutes) to the center of town. There are also two grocery stores, a Starbucks, and banks within an extended walk or short drive. 

• Five-minute drive to the town center
• Six-minute drive to Silvertip Golf Course
• Eight-minute drive to Pigeon Mountain
• 10-minute walk to the Legacy Trail leading to Banff
• 11-minute drive to the Nordic Center
• 12-minute walk to Elevation Place
• 13-minute drive to Grassi Lake trailhead
• 20-minute walk to plaza with Safeway grocery store, Starbucks, banks, liquor store, and restaurants
• 22-minute drive to Banff
• 70-minute drive to Calgary International Airport

The 150 rooms here are spacious and contemporary. You'll get smoky and earthy tones, carpeting, and furniture with the occasional scuff, plus slate backsplashes and granite countertops in the impressively equipped gourmet kitchens (think: everything you would need to prepare a killer holiday meal and then some.) Convenience features are ample and include Bluetooth speakers, free local calls and 20 minutes of long distance calling per day, individual Napoleon grills on the cork-floored balconies, and toiletries including makeup remover wipes and vanity kits in the bathroom. 

The One- and Two-Bedroom Suites come standard with gas fireplaces and Whirlpool refrigerators sporting built-in ice machines. Bathrooms have Moen raindrop showerheads, waffle-comb robes, and deep shower/tub combos. The huge four-bedroom, four-bathroom Penthouse is often rented for retreats or groups of friends and has an extra-long balcony with a two-sided fireplace shared with the living room, and views of Hau Ling, Three Sisters, and Rundle mountains. Other upgrades include a steam shower, banquet dining table, and 60-inch flat-screen TV, plus a den area with small library. 

While most of the units here are condo-style, there are a few two-queen hotel-style rooms with a sink, coffeemaker, two queen-size beds, large mini-fridge, deep shower/tub combos, Blue-ray players, and desks. 

Most of the hotel's standout features are located in the small back courtyard that's open year-round. There's a patio area with seating around two fire pits on one side, and a dedicated barbecue space with top-of-the-line Napoleon grills, umbrella-covered seating areas, and a clever pick-and-cook herb and fruit garden on the other. Ten-person hot tubs are not uncommon for Canmore, but Blackstone has two, where you can soak while its snowing (as long as the weather stays above 13 degrees), or dip in the small pool that's heated to 84 degrees. 

A social aspect rather unique for a condo-hotel are Blackstone's organized activities, like beer and cheese tastings, trivia, or EDM dance nights. Like most other Clique properties, guests also get discounts at local golf courses and tour services. Families like the free board games, playpen, and DVDs to borrow (in-room movie rentals are an extra fee), plus there's foosball and a Wii console in a small game room located next to a decent-sized gym. Spa facilities are sparse, but provide two standalone massage rooms and several treatment options. 

Freebies aren't really free, as they're covered in the daily resort fee. These include Wi-Fi, pool towels, concierge services, heated garage parking with ski storage, and a waxing table. There's also a self-serve car wash and bring-your-own-lock bike storage. There's an off-lobby meeting room for 30 to 60 people that often brings in retreats and business travelers. Note that the hotel doesn't have a restaurant or bar.