With summer road trips heating up, we’re looking for more out of hotels than just a place to catch some zzz’s. For 2008, destination hotels – hotels that inherently offer activities and amenities that make for a unique vacation experience – are the hot ticket, offering road enthusiasts everything from rustic wilderness resorts and majestic castle settings to water parks and casinos. But with the cost of filling up gas tanks climbing, we’re opting to take road trips closer to home. So to help you get a head start on your plans, Hotels.ca has compiled the top ‘Road Trip-able’ destination hotels that are a perfect fit whether a romantic getaway or a fun family outing is on the itinerary.

Vagabond Lodge at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden, BC

For a completely rustic and idyllic vacation, BC’s Vagabond Lodge not only has spectacular scenery, hiking trails, and heli-skiing, it also comes without the modern disturbances of televisions or phones in their rooms. Why be glued to the television when patrons can watch flames flicker in the stone fireplace, go on a wild white water rafting adventure on the Kicking Horse River or gaze at the majestic Rocky Mountains? This hotel, about eight hours from Vancouver, helps families reconnect with each other in an otherwise always-connected-by-technology world.

St. Eugene Mission Resort and Casino in Cranbrook, BC

Situated between the Purcell and Rocky Mountains in Cranbrook, British Columbia about 10 hours from Vancouver, the St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino stands on what once was the St. Eugene Mission. Today, St. Eugene Mission Resort offers an amazing golf course complete with spectacular views of the St. Mary River and the Rocky Mountains, incomparable mouth-watering dining experiences, and, for those who are feeling lucky, the Casino of the Rockies, the only casino in the Kootenay Rockies.

Emerald Lake Lodge in Field, BC

Emerald Lake Lodge is an escape to the wilderness located in Yoho National Park just west of Lake Louise, five hours from Edmonton. This peaceful and secluded mountain getaway is truly nestled in the heart of Mother Nature – with breath-taking views and exciting activities like hiking, rock climbing, white water rafting, canoeing and fishing. And to further complete the rustic feel, the lodge offers a calming diversion from the hectic pace of life – visitors won’t find televisions or internet access in their rooms or be able to get mobile phone reception anywhere in Yoho National Park.

Fantastyland Hotel at West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, AB

Where else can road trippers sleep in an igloo, experience Arabian nights or escape to the islands in a Polynesian room? At Edmonton’s Fanstasyland Hotel, where guests can choose from 120 theme rooms and visit the adjacent West Edmonton Mall to explore Galaxyland Amusement Park, try for some hole-in-ones at Professor Wem’s whimsical mini-golf course, and shop ‘til they drop at the more than 800 stores and restaurants.

Hotel Arts in Calgary, AB

Instead of simply having artwork in hallways or room walls, the Hotel Arts in downtown Calgary is itself a work of art! This boutique hotel with an urban-chic motif showcases a rotating collection of modern art within its public spaces. With rattan chairs, cabanas and large white umbrellas, the hotel’s poolside area feels like a tropical getaway. This design-driven hotel artfully meshes Calgary’s cultural scene with a boutique sensibility.

The Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, AB

What person wouldn’t love the opportunity to stay in a historic castle for one night? Styled after a Scottish baronial castle, The Fairmont Banff Springs offers stunning vistas, championship golf courses, unparalleled skiing, classic cuisine and Willow Stream, a world class European-style spa. With the gorgeous backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, patrons can hit the links, go horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking while indoor thrill seekers can enjoy shopping, relaxing treatments at the Willow Stream Spa and even fit in a raucous game of bowling.

Columbia Icefield Chalet in Jasper National Park, AB

At the Columbia Icefield Chalet, guests are literally across the street from the Icefield – the largest sub-polar body of ice in North America covering 325 square kilometres with solid ice up to 365 metres deep. The Columbia Icefield is a powerful, dynamic force, shaping the regional landscape and climate. Guests have the opportunity to tour the Icefield during the day and sleep atop the Icefield Centre at night, with guest rooms occupying the top floor of the centre boasting spectacular views of the mountains and glaciers all around. In addition, this hotel and centre three hours from Calgary and five hours from Edmonton also houses the “The Glacier Gallery” – an extensive interpretive centre packed with information on this special area of Jasper National Park so guests can not only feel at one with the glacial splendor but learn more about it.

Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls, ON

Less than two hours drive from Toronto, Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls is a family destination resort that brings northwoods adventure and pampering relaxation together. Jam packed with kid-friendly activities morning to night, Great Wolf Lodge has an indoor water park experience that lets young and old soak in the fun with KidCabin suites that resemble actual log cabins to give kids a place to rest their heads after a full day at play. Mom and Dad can indulge at Elements Spa Salon, a quiet retreat with soft music, aromatherapy candles and trickling water to restore balance and well being with environmentally friendly products.

Huff Estates and Winery in Picton, ON:

For those Ontario residents who crave the flavour of local Ontario wines, the new Huff Estates and Winery in Picton offers a perfect vineyard setting just two and a half hours from Toronto. Dating back to the 1820′s, the Huff Estates and Winery offers packages to fit any getaway needs and lets guests not only tour the Huff Estates Winery but also enjoy wine tasting sessions.

The Elora Mill Inn at Elora Gorge

The Elora Mill Inn is a historic hotel that dates back to the 19th century as one of Ontario’s “Four Great Mills” and promises a charmingly historic ambiance. When guests stay the night they find themselves experiencing a part of history as the Inn itself is built from the actual mill. The inn’s H2O Restaurant boasts cuisine from local ingredients and the Gorge Lounge & Patio features live Jazz events and a balcony overlooking the Grand River. This quaint hotel is a gem in the charismatic limestone village an hour and a half west of Toronto’s city lights, but feels like a pastoral getaway to nature.

Sterling Inn & Spa in Niagara Falls, ON

For couples seeking a romantic road trip getaway this summer, the Sterling Inn & Spa, Niagara Falls’ only boutique hotel, caters to couples. From the pampering relaxation of ONE, the full-service spa to AG, the fine dining restaurant offering regional fare, the Sterling Inn & Spa is a retreat from the stresses of the city. The essence of Niagara is embodied in this cozy and tranquil hotel which offers a destination of romance with revitalizing cultural spa therapies from around the world and mouth-watering feasts to satisfy the palate and bring out the essence of the local ingredients.