AOL PICK from our Editors
Few places on earth have the lodging capacity and density that Whistler offers, which is close to 6,000 rooms. Virtually all rooms have pullout couches, in addition to beds. And virtually all units are privately owned, even in hotels, a development phenomenon known as “strata development.” Aside from dozens of hotels, a hugely popular and practical option is to rent one of the many condos found around the resort, chiefly in the Upper Village. The Tourism Whistler booking engine covers almost all hotels, condos and rental houses; bargains and stay/ski packages are common, except over the Christmas holiday. It’s important to note that the central part of Whistler Village is not a serene neighborhood, and if you need quiet to sleep, you’ll do better in the Upper Village, Creekside or at an outlying lodge or rental. If you’re on a stringent budget, there are only a few economy lodging options; you might do just as well to gather up friends and family, rent a condo or 4-person room and cook your own meals. The cheapest hotel room in town is $80 or so during the low-traffic periods; the most expensive is a $12,500 suite at the Le Chamois. In our opinion a room with a view isn’t a necessity (after all, you’re not here to sit in your hotel), but if that’s important to you most hotels are so endowed, as there are mountains in every direction in Whistler; but ask for the third floor or higher.
The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler
Neighborhood: Whistler Village Price Range: Expensive Piney wood trim and leather furniture mark the rooms—all suites, actually—at this excellent hotel which is just about the closest (a 2-minute walk) to the Whistler Gondola. Most units have serviceable kitchens and dining areas, and the hotel’s lavish spa has indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, as well as a eucalyptus steam room. The hotel design is the epitome of Whistler lodge style, with huge timbers, massive fieldstone and earth tone décor.
Four Seasons Resort Whistler
Neighborhood: Upper Village Price Range: Expensive In spite of the fact that the Four Seasons is so massive that it’s practically its own village, the resort feels cozy and personal. The resort spans 273 rooms in two multi-story buildings, a huge outdoor pool, three hot tubs, and a very attractive spa that is larger than a boutique hotel. Nonetheless, it has an intimate, friendly air, thanks to the attention of the staff who are quick with a smile and a hand when needed and warm wood tones throughout. The decorators have made heavy use of regional artists (including a stunning 12-foot canvas by the stairwell in the main lobby), rooms are spacious and richly decorated, every amenity you can imagine is in-room or onsite. Though there’s a hotel shuttle to the lifts, you can walk: It’s only a 10-minute warm-up stroll to the Blackcomb base.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Neighborhood: Upper Village Price Range: Expensive Ok, so it doesn't look like a chateau and you'll have to squint to see any semblance of the Loire Valley, but the unexcelled service and quiet elegance at this massive hotel at the base of Blackcomb is the reason to stay at the Fairmont. One of the earliest high-flying hotels at Whistler, Chateau Whistler is steps from the lifts at Blackcomb base. Room décor has a more-refined air than most in Whistler (no knotty pine here), and on top of all the ultra-luxe service and shine are the traditional Fairmont afternoon tea, and the more modern Fairmont green ethic: The company is one of the world leaders in sustainable hospitality operations. If there’s a drawback, it’s that the atmosphere is a bit stuffy.
Callaghan Country Lodge
Neighborhood: Coast RangePrice Range: Expensive
Now for something completely different: This divine hand-crafted log lodge is so high in the Coast Range wilderness northwest of Whistler that it can only be reached by snowmobile or snow-cat. You won't find any buzz, bustle, disco, or limos here. Built by a small group of Whistler craftsmen and carpenters as a getaway, the warm-wood ambiance of the interior provides a cozy respite from the stunning wilderness outside. Guests ski the high valley’s Nordic trails, snowshoe through the woods, take dogsled rides, or simply fly down the small tubing slope; then repair back to the lodge for hearty home-cooked meals which, we're happy to say, are included in the rates.
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Callaghan Country LodgeAdara Whistler Hotel
Neighborhood: Whistler Village Price Range: Moderate The Adara is one of the few lodgings in Whistler to veer from the resort’s stereotypical fieldstone, wood, deep carpet and towering mountain lodge design. Adara combines uber-hip touches—two-toned wood, molded plastic, in-room settees—and personable service. The outdoor hot tub and the French press coffee are plusses. It’s in the center of the main village, so this is not for people who need lots of quiet to sleep. Maybe that’s why the rooms also include bedside white-noise machines.
Nita Lake Lodge
Neighborhood: Creekside Price Range: Moderate A key facet of the revival of Creekside, Nita Lake’s heavy stone/big timber design is familiar to all who frequent Western mountain resorts. Part of the complex is the train station at which the Rocky Mountaineer pulls in from Vancouver. Fireplaces, soaker tubs, heated floors and other standard resort amenities mark the rooms; the key features are the quiet area, slightly lower room rates, and easy access (5-minute walk) to the Creekside Gondola.
Edgewater Lodge
Neighborhood: Alpine Meadows Price Range: Moderate By Whistler standards this is way off the beaten path. Parked on a small promontory in Green Lake at the north end of the valley, Edgewater has 12 cozy rooms overlooking the lake and the tall peaks beyond. It’s about a 10-minute shuttle ride to the main village lifts base, but the Valley Trail system and lakeside activities such as skating in winter, paddling and swimming in summer, are just out the door. The on-site restaurant means guests need not go out for meals. In summer, the bird-watching is superb.
First Tracks Lodge
Neighborhood: Creekside Price Range: Moderate You can’t get closer to a lift than this in Whistler—the upload pad for the Creekside gondola is about 25 steps from the back door of First Tracks. However, if you’re looking for the buzz and bustle of the main village, it’s not reachable on foot from here, a fact that suits some fans of this lodge just fine. Rooms are well designed to hold multiple guests, with kitchens and pullout couches; the décor is classic Whistler, with stone, earth and forest tones.
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First Tracks LodgeHI Hostel Whistler
Neighborhood: Function Junction Price Range: Budget Whistler’s once-thriving collection of budget, bunk-bed lodgings has dwindled to near invisibility, but this spiffy new replacement in the Olympic athletes’ village is ideal for economy travelers. The hostel’s 188 beds are in both shared and private rooms, and a vast array of facilities ranges from parking to ski/board storage to free WiFi. Rates start at just $35, by Whistler standards mere pennies.
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HI Hostel WhistlerUBC Whistler Lodge
Neighborhood: Creekside Price Range: Budget Owned by a University of British Columbia alumni group, this small, 42-bed hostel is open to the public, as well as students. There is just one two-person private room; the rest of the lodge consists of dormitory housing with a communal kitchen, small games room, Internet access, laundry—pretty basic, except for the hot tub and sauna that are de rigeur at ski resorts. Rooms are spartan, but rates are great (starting at $40 during ski season), and the collegial atmosphere is a step up from the usual free-wheeling hostel.
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UBC Whistler LodgeBest in Whistler Travel
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