We’ve debated for a very long time about whether we should “show how the sausage is made” or discuss private matters in our Company Blog.
On one hand, everyone seems to LOVE our “lemme tell you about the time…” stories—often involving crazy guest antics, random maintenance issues, and the occasional you cannot make this up moment. Until now, those stories were shared privately among friends, usually over a drink and a few laughs.
…but today, two unrelated emails finally nudged me into writing publicly. Thanks, Greg and Jeff. Apparently, I needed a push.
Today, Guest Greg wrote:
“I wanted to ask about the reviews I was reading about your resort. The reviews on the Expedia site / VRBO, which is where I made my reservation, were very good, but other reviews I read about the hotel in general on sites like TripAdvisor are quite weak. I’m a bit concerned and wondering if there are two separate resorts there, which would explain the difference in reviews. I really hope we have access to the pool and common area that received positive reviews and are not booked into the hotel area of the resort which received negative reviews. Can you please clarify this for me?”
Fair question.
Below is my real written response (Not AI) —now shared with all of you.
Dear Greg,
Great question—and expert-level investigation on your part.
TL;DR version: You can put your excellent detective mind at ease. You absolutely have access to everything advertised for Grande Rockies 132. We pride ourselves on accurate listings. The photos you saw are of the exact unit you’re staying in and are updated frequently (most recently December 2025).
The longer version (only if you want the broader context behind inconsistent online reviews—which I suspect you do, because you asked):
Grande Rockies 132 is a specific, individually owned unit located within the Grande Rockies Resort.
The reviews you see on Expedia and VRBO apply specifically to our unit and reflect the experiences of guests who booked through Rockies Rentals. Rockies Rentals is a privately owned, locally operated management company. That’s good news for you.
Translation: we handle all guest communication and everything that happens inside the unit.
A different company operates the Front Desk (and it changes every few years), manages some other units in the building, and oversees common areas like the pool, parking, and garage.
Still with me, Greg?
The Onsite Management Company may not have great reviews. That history is exactly why some individual owners chose to hire a private management company instead. The typical difference between a hotel-style management company and a private one is … vibe. One often feels like a faceless corporation with policies that don’t flex, underpaid staff, and little room for nuance.
Rockies Rentals is the opposite. We care too much. Actual behind-the-scenes tears are shed when we can’t make things right for a guest or owner. Every team member shares in company profits—but only after being hired because they care. The profit share comes later. Let’s hope future employees don’t read this blog, or the cat will be out of the proverbial bag. Although if any future employee did read the depths of this obscure blog, I’d probably want them on my team.
Totally different energy over here.
Still tracking, Greg? I tend to be long-winded. Part of my charm.
There’s a second factor at play with TripAdvisor and Google: anyone can leave a review—whether or not they stayed there.
That means an unhappy guest who rented from an unreliable Airbnb host can leave a scathing review about the resort. It also means ex-employees, ex-partners, or generally unhappy humans can post whatever they like. Those reviews may have nothing to do with the Onsite Management Company — or the resort itself.
Even Rockies Rentals isn’t immune to this. I physically cringe when I see our less-than-five-star Google average. For most of our 16-year history, we were five stars. Then COVID arrived, and a lot of life frustration landed squarely on hospitality workers. That period forced us to start setting boundaries—with owners, vendors, and guests—especially when our most valuable resource was being mistreated: the people who show up to serve others.
And there you have it, Greg—the realities of unverified online reviews.
I’ve toyed with the idea of adding “Stories of Nightmare Guests” to this blog purely for the entertainment of our biggest fans. Most people are genuinely shocked by what happens behind the scenes in hospitality.
Case in point: this morning, a friendly competitor (Jeff) emailed to vent about a guest demanding a refund because “the wind was too loud.” The WIND. In our MOUNTAIN Destination.
True story. And it wasn’t even noon.
Who knows what the rest of the day will bring?
Maybe a windstorm will rip the metal roof off a private home, leaving me to make a very awkward call to the homeowner.*
Maybe I’ll calmly explain—for the umpteenth time—that yes, the cancellation fee still applies if you didn’t realize you needed a passport to enter another country.**
Or maybe I’ll intercept a call to gently outline two options:
- Continue verbally abusing our team over something they didn’t cause and can’t control, and are desperately trying to help you manage, or
- Pause to remember that a real person is trying to help you, and is less likely to do so while being berated. Let them help you solve the problem you’re actually having.
Choose a lane.***
* Been there.
** Done that at least five times a year.
*** I really should start printing “I Survived Today’s Overtly Aggressive Human” t-shirts someday. When I have time. For now, I’m too busy offering hugs and warm beverages to broken hospitality professionals.
At Rockies Rentals, we don’t just manage properties — we help amazing people make the most of mountain living and lifestyle investing. In our Owner Spotlight series, we chat with the folks behind the homes — the dreamers, investors, and mountain lovers who chose Canmore as their happy place.
Whether the Canmore Owners fell in love with the mountains on day one or it happened slowly over sunrise coffees and evening strolls, their homes tell stories — of family gatherings, deep breaths, and the kind of peace that only mountain air can give you. We’re so grateful to be part of those stories, one stay at a time.
⸻
Q: What first drew you to Canmore — was it love at first mountain view, or did the charm sneak up on you?
A: We bought our first home in Canmore, after living in a rented apartment in Banff for a few years. At the time, Real Estate in Banff was far more expensive than Canmore (oh how times have changed!). Canmore was the more affordable option, and we were ready to stop being tenants. And what brought us to Banff? A job. So I wish I could tell you that it was a series of family vacations and long-time mountain memories, but it was simply the available opportunities at the time.
Q: How long have you owned Aurora 225, and how has your relationship with the home evolved over time?
A: In 2018, I was working in Real Estate in Canmore. I saw the listing and knew that it was special, so I reached to a few clients to let them know the gem I found for them. None of the Clients were ready to buy. And the more I thought about it, I pondered “If it’s good enough for me to poke my clients, why wouldn’t it be god for me?”. And we made an offer the same day.
Q: When you were house hunting, what made you stop and think, “This one’s special — this is the one”?
A: Aurora 225 has no neighbours — which is absolutely unheard of in a standard condo building! On one side is the Garbage/Recycling Room. The other side is a rarely used Board Room Meeting Space, with a Private Bathroom. We often used that hallway bathroom if we had extra guests with us. And we loved the funky hot tub, and the Movie Theatre (UPDATE: the theatre is currently closed until further notice).
Q: What’s one of your favorite memories at Aurora 225 — the kind that makes you smile every time you think about it?
A: For one of our “North of 40” Birthdays, we decided the best Birthday Parties were when we were kids. Pizza. Grocery Store Cake. Pool Fun. Loot Bags. Funny Games like “Pin the tail on the donkey”. So, we did exactly that. And a group of middle-aged friends really embraced the silliness of it all. They brought Water Pistols and bubble wands as Birthday Gifts. Someone found a “Unicorn Horn Ring Toss Game” — which meant lobbing soft rings at party-goers heads. So fun!
Q: Describe your perfect Canmore day. Where are you headed, and what’s on the agenda (or off it)?
A: Leisurely Brunch with friends. Strolling down Main Street to check out the Art Galleries. Then to the Engine Bridge for a river-walk, and some envy-inducing family photos. Catch some comedy or a film at ArtsPlace.
Q: Are you a breakfast-on-the-patio, lunch-on-the-trail, or a cold-drink-on-a-warm-patio kind of person — and where’s your go-to local spot for that meal?
A: I’m a sucker for breakfast at any time of day. Kudos to the Canmore Restaurants that serve a late breakfast. Brokin’ Yolk or BankHead Restaurant
Q: If someone told you they were thinking of buying in Canmore, what’s the one piece of advice you’d want them to hear before they start the search?
A: “The best time to buy real estate was yesterday. The next best day is today.” That’s a quote from someone else — lol, and the Rockies Rentals team kept saying it. From a pure investment point of view, Aurora 225 double in 6 years. Plus the Rental Revenue. Plus all of the family memories that we had there. My stock portfolio never took me on vacation.
Q: Since Rockies Rentals handles the hard stuff — what do you now have more time to do, and how do you spend that time?
A: Travel. Travel. Travel. Specifically with loved ones. The best thing for me is that I can be there anytime a friend needs me. Or when there is a cool concert they want to attend. or a seat sale to somewhere warm and beachy.
Q: What surprised you most about owning in Canmore — something you didn’t expect but now love (or laugh about)?
A: The Bunnies. Everyone thinks they are protected natural wildlife. LOL — No, some irresponsible pet owner couldn’t take care of their pet and let it free. And then bunnies did what bunnies do.
Q: If Aurora 225 could talk, what do you think it would say about the guests who’ve stayed there?
A: Hmmm … interesting question. As the unit is mostly suited to couples, I think A225 would have appreciated watching loving couples make a meal together, or curl up on the couch after a long day of mountain activities.
Q: What’s your favorite local “hidden gem” — a place or activity most visitors don’t discover on their first trip?
A: SheepDog Brewing. A perfectly local story, and a perfectly local crowd. Or the Open Mic Nights at Wildlife.
Q: Complete the sentence: “The best part about owning in the Rockies is…”
A: The deep blue sky. Love that blue sky!
Q: After working with Rockies Rentals since 2018, you know how much the Dream Team loves a good funny or heartfelt story. Give us your best! Whether it’s at the house, in Canmore, or working with the team.
A: On the funny side, it’s gotta be that Unicorn Birthday Party. On the heartfelt side, we were able to make the unit available to people evacuated to Canmore from Jasper. To know that I can just pick up a phone and say “Hey — make the unit available to the evacuees!” and the Rockies Rentals Team will just make that happen.
Q: Would you be willing to share a few of your favorite photos — the ones that capture the feeling of your Canmore experience, not just the view?
A: Sadly, no time to post photos. I will try to find some the next time I am home … which is rarely.
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller
Treat yourself to a 7+ night getaway and enjoy 10% off your stay at Rockies Rentals. More mountains, more cozy nights, and a little extra cash left in your pocket — because adventures this good deserve to be savoured. Book your week-long escape now — before life speeds by!
SALE DATES: This offer applies to new reservations made between Oct 27, 2025 to May 31, 2026.
STAY DATES: This offer applies to new reservations for Guests staying between Oct 1, 2025-Dec 19, 2025 and Jan 4-May 31, 2026.
MINIMUM STAY: 7 Nights
MAXIMUM STAY: 14 Nights (Need longer? Contact our Team)
PROMO CODE: WEEK10
The NOT-SO-FINE PRINT:
Cannot be combined with other offers.
It’s been far too long since you’ve hung out with your friends and family. And we miss you. Serving Guests brings us joy. Plus, we ‘re starting to lose our “Folding Fitted Sheet Skills” . So please enjoy some extra time in the Canadian Rockies. You know you want to!
SALE DATES: This offer applies to new reservations made between Oct 27, 2025 to Dec 15, 2025.
STAY DATES: This offer applies to new reservations for Guests staying between Oct 27, 2025 to Dec 15, 2025.
MINIMUM STAY: 3 Nights
MAXIMUM STAY: 6 Nights
PROMO CODE: PAY3STAY4
The NOT-SO-FINE PRINT:
Cannot be combined with other offers.