With a Hogwarts-like setting on a wind-buffeted bluff overlooking Upper Waterton Lake, the grand Prince of Wales blends Swiss-style architecture with the atmosphere of a Scottish castle. The old-world charms extend to serving staff in kilts and high tea in the main lounge – very civilized. The large lake-facing windows frame the wilderness that awaits.
The carpeted rooms, spread over five floors, aren't particularly inspiring, though – the charm is in the setting and common areas which retain much of the original hand-carved woodwork. All of the bathrooms, most quite small with sinks outside per the architect's design, have been renovated in the last two years. This regal hotel was the brainchild of Louis Hill; built in 1927 by the US-owned Great Northern Railway, it was the only Canadian link in its chain of historic accommodations.