Ski Independence, the tailor made ski holiday experts, have just released details of their top luxury hotels in Whistler.
“Whistler Blackcomb offers some of the best skiing on the planet. It’s an 8000 acre playground spread over two huge mountains with terrain to suit all abilities including welcoming beginner slopes, wide open cruisers, tree skiing, bowls and steeps. The hardest decision every morning will be where to ski that day!” says Michael Bennett (Managing Director Ski Independence)
There is a wider choice of accommodation in Whistler than any other ski resort in North America so deciding where to stay can also prove tricky. You can self-cater and stay in a Whistler condo – a great choice for guests who prefer the extra space and flexibility – or you can choose a Whistler hotel and will be spoiled for choice as there’s something to suite every taste and budget. At the luxury end, Whistler hotels offer arguably the best value for money of any ski resort in the world. The competition between them is fierce and so rates are considerably lower than you might expect for some of the world’s leading luxury hotel brands.
Here’s Ski Independences Top 5 Luxury Hotels in Whistler
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
The Chateau has iconic status in Whistler and rightly so. This landmark property sits slope side at the base of Blackcomb Mountain with an outdoor pool and fire pits looking onto the slopes. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is a huge hotel with 550 rooms and suites yet retains a friendly and homely feel with super friendly staff that are clearly proud to be working there. The rooms range from the entry level Fairmont room all the way up to four bedroom suites and in addition there’s a Fairmont Gold floor with its own lounge and Concierge. There’s the obligatory spa plus indoor and outdoor pools plus shops and a ski rental and sales. The Mallard Lounge is the perfect spot for après ski and there are two restaurants – The Wildflower is the fine dining option and Portobello is more of a relaxed café style option. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler should rightly be on everyone’s wish list of Whistler luxury hotels.
Four Seasons Resort Whistler
The Four Seasons brand is world renowned for luxury and service and their Whistler hotel is without doubt one of the best in their portfolio. The hotel has a contemporary alpine style and is smaller in size and arguably more intimate than its larger counterparts in Whistler. It doesn’t have the same buzz as the Chateau but the fact it’s quieter will be part of the appeal to many guests. The Four Seasons is located near the Chateau, a five minute walk to the base of Blackcomb or guests can take the free shuttle. There’s a handy Ski Concierge at Blackcomb base to leave your skis and boots at the end of each day. The Four Seasons has a breathtaking spa, swimming pool and serves great food and drinks at the Fifty Two 80 bar and bistro. In addition to the hotel rooms and suites the next door building houses the Four Seasons Resort Whistler Residences which are exceptionally luxurious condos for guests who want extra space and flexibility but also want to be able to use the facilities of the main hotel.
Westin Resort & Spa
The Westin Resort & Spa Whistler is superbly located just steps from both of Whistler’s gondolas right by the heart of Whistler Village. This also means that all of the village shops, bars and restaurants are on the doorstep. The Westin is a large 419 room hotel on a grand scale with a huge lobby and wide open public spaces and the hotel has recently benefitted from a recent top to toe refurbishment. The Westin offers rooms and suites with more flexibility at a lower price point than many of its competitors and so it’s perfect for families who might need the extra space. Room types include the Studio Junior Suite, One and Two Bedroom Suites and all with either standard or mountain views. The hotel has a particularly good après ski bar, a nice restaurant, an Avello Spa plus indoor and outdoor pools. Families will also like the onsite the Westin Kids Club.
First Tracks Lodge
First Tracks Lodge is located in Whistler Creekside Village which is the first base are you come to when approaching Whistler on the Sea to Sky highway. The Creekside Express gondola allows fast and easy access to Whistler Mountain and is just steps from Fresh Tracks Lodge. The Creekside area is quieter than either Whistler Village or the Blackcomb base areas and so appeals more to families although is home to Dusty’s saloon, one of Whistler’s most popular and lively après ski bars. First Tracks is slopeside and is an all-suite property with units in sizes from one to four bedrooms. Every suite has a large sitting room, a full kitchen and a private balcony so there’s lots more space than a standard hotel. There’s a pool and hot tubs, a fitness centre, a 24 hour front desk and a concierge.
Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside
The Mountainside is the sister property top the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre which is of an equal standard but we’ve chosen the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside for this list because of its outstanding location. The hotel sits in a commanding position right at the base of Whistler Mountain and is the closest hotel to both the Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas. There’s an elevated outdoor pool and hot tub to the front of the hotel with a breathtaking view of the slopes. The hotel has a range of room sizes from studios up to two bedroom suites and all units have the flexibility of a kitchen and most feature floor to ceiling windows to take advantage of the breathtaking views. If you’re a fan of après ski then look no further than the Dubh Linn Gate pub which is located under the hotel and is arguably the best après ski venue in Whistler.
Contact Details:
Lewis McKay
Sales and marketing
Ski Independence
Tel: +44 131 243 8081
Web: www.ski-i.com
Twitter: @SkiIndependence
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkiIndependence