If you have a quick look online you’ll soon find Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, which is situated in Canada’s coastal province of British Columbia, offers a ton of accommodation – so much so that choosing the right place to stay can be a difficult (and time consuming) process. Rather than spend hours of your precious time sifting through potential options, take a read of this list, which includes everything from top of the line private residences through to affordable yet conveniently located hotel rooms and self-contained apartments.
THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL & RESIDENCES
The Four Seasons Whistler is an all-encompassing property that is bound to offer something for everyone. Within the hotel there are studio, one and two bedroom options available, and just metres away there is a separate building that houses private residences with two, three and four rooms. The epitome of luxury, the residences are equipped with the highest quality furnishings and all the mod cons, including en-suite bathrooms, private balconies, one-touch heating/air conditioning and multiple televisions.
The hotel offers a number of facilities, including a gymnasium that operates around the clock, a day spa, heated outdoor pool, whirlpools, steam room and sauna, and it is home to the renowned Sidecut restaurant (steak fans need to head here during their stay) and Fifty Two 80 Eatery + Bar, which is great for a post-ski drink, plus its where you’ll head for the hotel’s buffet breakfast each morning.
Perhaps one of the things that sets The Four Seasons apart it is partnership with luxury adventure company, Headline Mountain Holiday’s. Here the focus is around delivering truly unique experiences for guests, from heli-assisted snowmobile tours (prices start at CAD $1395 per person) to tours of the famous Pemberton Ice Cap (from CAD $1300 per person) and backcountry hot-springs (from CAD $1850 per person), both of which you’ll travel to via helicopter.
Prices start at around CAD $239 for a hotel room in early winter, and rise to around CAD $439 during the high season. Private residences start at CAD $2,400 in early season, and expect to pay around CAD $3,700 during high season. All prices exclude taxes.
THE LISTEL HOTEL
If you’re after a convenient location in which to stay, check out The Listel, which is situated just off the Village Stroll and only a few minutes’ walk from the Whistler and Blakcomb gondolas. The 98-room hotel, which spans a total of three floors, features three different room configurations – there is a studio option complete with either two queen beds or one king, as well as The Standard Suite, which is equipped with a king bed and fold out couch in the living room. Other facilities include a whirlpool, sauna and a breakfast room. Don’t forget to check out the famous Bearfoot Bistro during your stay, either.
Prices starts at CAD $119 per night around November to early December and late April, and during peak periods such as Christmas and New Years prices can rise to as much as CAD $599 per night.
THE PAN PACIFIC WHISTLER
The Pan Pacific Whistler encompasses two properties, both of which are centrally located. Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside is situated right at the base of Whistler mountain, and its outdoor heated pool and hot tub are the perfect spot to take a dip after a day on the hill, plus they are the perfect vantage point from which to watch the weekly Fire & Ice Show (its where pro skiers and boarders do crazy tricks through a ring of fire). The hotel features studio, one and two bedroom suites complete with all the essentials, such as full kitchens, fireplaces and private balconies.
Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre is around a five-minute walk from the original hotel, and in close proximity to a number of restaurants and bars, including Earl’s, Mongolie Grill, 21 Steps and more. There are studio, one, two and even three bedroom suites here (the latter sleeps between eight and 10 people, making them perfect for large groups), and many offer mountain views.
Guests at both properties receive access to a complimentary ski valet so they won’t need to lug their equipment around, and there is also complimentary ski and board storage at the base of both mountains – it’s the little things that count here.
At Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside prices start from CAD $369 per night in winter, plus tax, meanwhile winter prices start at CAD $379 a night at Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre, plus tax.
THE COAST BLACKCOMB SUITES AT WHISTLER
The Coast is the highest ski-in ski-out property on Blackcomb mountain – guests can simply walk outside, click their skis on or strap into their board and head down the slope. There are a total of 198 suites, with studios and one and two bedroom options available.
The hotel is equipped with an in-house ski and board hire, and there is a mini supermarket if you’re not keen on catching the free shuttle (it takes only a few minutes) down to Whistler village for groceries or dinner. For a truly unique experience, head to the outdoor heated pool and hot tubs, which are situated right next to the ski run.
Prices vary according to time of year, however they generally start at around CAD $199 per night for a studio.
NITA LAKE LODGE
Nita Lake Lodge backs on to the stunning Nita Lake in Creekside, which is about a five-minute drive from the main village (the hotel operates its own shuttle for guests). In winter it’s typically frozen over, and in summer it’s a popular spot for fishing, kayaking and other water sports. Choose from studio, one bedroom and two bedroom suites, as well as the hotel’s signature Nita Suites. If you’re looking to spend a little extra, opt for the Rainforest Suite, which has its own elevator entrance.
Chef Dean Hossack oversees the hotel’s food offering, where local produce is at the forefront – in summer ingredients are sourced from the hotel’s own rooftop garden. Aura is the fine dining restaurant (you’ll even find vegan options here) although it’s got a casual feel, and there’s Fix Café – a cosy coffee shop that serves everything from sandwiches to freshly squeezed juices. Cure Lounge & Patio is a great spot for après overlooking the lake (do yourself a favour and check out the cocktail menu, where a number of concoctions offer a fresh new take on the classics) and it’s recently introduced a Local Farm Cheese Program, which shines the spotlight on a new local cheese farm each month.
If you’re looking to rest the legs for the day, you’ll find plenty to do without even leaving the hotel. Book in for a treatment at the day spa, hang out in the hot tub, take a yoga class or check out some local art at White Dog Gallery.
Prices start from CAD $199 in winter, CAD $189 in summer and CAD $159 in spring/autumn.
AAVA WHISTLER HOTEL
Are location and affordability two of the top things you look for when choosing a place to stay? Well, look no further thanAava Hotel, which offers competitive prices on its four room configurations, and it’s situated adjacent to Whistler’s main village (you’ll get there within a few minutes’ walk). There is an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast every morning, a gym for those keen on a pre-ski or board workout, and a heated pool and hot tub – perfect for soothing those aching muscles after a long day on the hill, or for a simple relax while the rest of your group hit the slopes.
In order to help you re-live your Whistler experience, Aava has added a GoPro Demo Lab office to its offering – a service that is free for guests. Simply head up to the counter and request to use one for the day. Upon returning the GoPro, one of the hotel’s tech specialists will help you edit your footage – bragging rights? Tick!
Prices start from CAD $125 in summer and CAD $195 in winter.
While Whistler Blackcomb is best known as a ski resort, there are countless things to do in summer here, too – from mountain biking (it hosts the infamous Crankworx event each year) to kayaking, waterskiing and hiking, and the nearby Pemberton plays host to the aptly named Pemberton Festival, which attracts world famous artists each year. What you’ll notice, and what’s even better, is that hotel rates are generally more affordable in the warmer months – the perfect excuse to escape Australia in the winter.
Thanks to Tourism Whistler for arranging tours of these hotels, and to the staff at each of the properties.
Select images courtesy of The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler and Nita Lake Lodge. All other images: writer’s own.
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