Lake Louise is located about 40 mins north of Banff, and 1 hour from Golden (Kicking Horse) so you have a few choices when it comes to lodging. Personally I prefer to stay at the Fairmont Lake Louise, as it offers convenience with a 5 min shuttle to the resort, luxury accommodations, and breathtaking views from the Glacier Bar. However, everyone has their own budget, needs, and preferences.
If you’re seeking a bit of nightlife, I would stay in Banff where there are a full range of hotels, another awesome Fairmont Banff Springs, condo’s, restaurants, bars, shops, and other attractions. There is an inexpensive shuttle bus that that runs through the town and takes you to any of the Ski Big 3 destinations including Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Norquay.
Another great option is to stay in Golden, where you can access Kicking Horse just up the hill, Revelstoke 1 hour West, and Lake Louise 1 hour East. If you’re thinking about discovering “The Great Powder Highway”, Golden is ideally located to sample some of Canada’s best ski resorts all in one visit. Additionally, this is a great take off for Heli skiing both directly out of Golden, and down the road in Revelstoke.