Lodging

Lodging varies from dorm bunks to European-style B&Bs to luxury hotels to condos. Keep in mind, there are only four properties in Whistler that are exclusively hotels—The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Four Seasons Resort Whistler, Hilton Whistler Resort, and Summit Lodge. All other properties are owner-owned and managed by property management companies. Many guests stay in the central village condominiums, but, because of individual ownerships, accommodations can vary widely in amenities, access, parking facilities and distance from the nearest village, shuttle or lift. When making reservations, assume nothing.

If you have special needs—babies in strollers, visitors in wheelchairs or other concerns—or even if you don't, think about asking some of the following questions in order to get a picture of where you'll be in this ever-growing collection of villages: Is there an elevator or only stairs (how many flights)? Secure underground parking? Kitchen? Hot tub or health club with indoor or outdoor access? Is there a charge for parking? A 24-hour front desk? Restaurant on the premises or nearby? In which of the five villages is the property found? Is it ski-in/ski-out and how is that defined? If not ski-in/ski-out, how far from the nearest lift and how do you get there? If you need to take a taxi or shuttle, is there a charge? Since there is now such variety in lodging, you'll be a happier camper if you query first about details. Don't assume you'll always be at the base of the major lifts. We'll do our best to let you know where our recommendations are, but it's a good idea to ask about details when you make reservations.

No matter what your budget, whether luxury or no-frills, you can find some bargains off-season or with lift-and-lodging packages. The best starting point is Whistler Central Reservations, (800) 944-7853, or Resort Reservations, (888) 284-9999. During holiday periods (generally late December), seven-night minimum stays are given priority. The online vacation planner allows guests to book all aspects of a vacation to Whistler, including air, lodging, car rentals, equipment rentals, lift tickets and lessons. For those of you traveling with Fido, check out Puppyzone.com, a listing of hotels that take dogs (you'll find quite a few).

In order to help you get oriented, we've separated accommodations into the five villages that comprise Whistler Blackcomb, starting with the southern-most Creekside and working our way north through Whistler Village, Village North (including Marketplace), Upper Village and Blackcomb Benchlands.

Creekside

First Tracks Lodge at Whistler Creek (938-9999; $$$–$$$$), Whistler's most exclusive suite experience with a 24-hour concierge, is about 11 yards from the base of the Creekside Gondola to the back door. Legends (938-9999; $$–$$$$) is about 30 yards from the gondola. Both are recently built, feature upscale ski-in/ski-out lodging, are right in the middle of the revamped Creekside development and are owner-owned. Whistler Resort & Club (932-5756; $$–$$$), an older property, has standard hotel rooms and suites. With 24-hour check-in and a funky, friendly atmosphere, it's a five-minute walk across the main highway to the Creekside Gondola base. You can hop a municipal bus every 15 minutes from any of these lodgings to the central Whistler Village for C$1.50.

Whistler Village

The 419-unit, all-suite Westin Resort & Spa (888-634-5577; 905-5000; $$$–$$$$) is mountainside with ski-in/ski-out access to both mountains, a world-class spa and health club, an indoor-outdoor restaurant with a West Coast menu and a cozy lounge for apres-ski. This four-star/four-diamond property features a 24-hour front desk, concierge and is a 30-second walk to the Whistler Blackcomb gondola base.

When you're walking in ski boots, location is everything. That's why Hilton Whistler Resort (800-515-4050; 932-1982; $$$–$$$$), formerly the Whistler Village Resort, is an ideal lodging choice. This resort within a resort has its own ski storage, rentals and service, and health club, plus 24-hour front desk and concierge. Recently renovated rooms are large, and many have kitchens, balconies and fireplaces. It's a three-minute walk to the Whistler Blackcomb gondola base.

You can roll out of bed and practically onto either the Blackcomb or Whistler gondolas from the Pan Pacific Lodge (888-905-9995; 905-2999; $$$–$$$$; left and above right). This chic hotel boasts one of the best locations for skiers and riders and we can't argue. Studios, one- and two-bedroom units all have full kitchens and fireplaces. Amenities include outdoor heated pool and hot tubs, exercise room, guest laundry, spa services, in-resort shuttle service and a pub restaurant (see Dining and Apres-Ski/Nightlife). Its new tower opened in July 2005. Pan Pacific has recently opened a second Whistler property, Pan Pacfic Whistler Mountainside (888-905-9995; $$$-$$$$), an 83-room, all-suite luxury boutique hotel. Located in the heart of Whistler Village, near the Pan Pacific Lodge, this property features fold-away tables, breakfast bars, kitchens and efficient use of space. Amenities are similar to the Pan Pacific Lodge and include a lap pool, hot tubs, spa, fitness room, complimentary breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres.

The Crystal Lodge (800-667-3363; 932-2221; $$$–$$$$; below right) added 22 rooms in an extensive renovation for a total of 159 rooms. Cozy common areas around the fireplaces give a European atmosphere. This lodging in the center of the village has 24-hour front desk service, elevators and is a two-minute walk to the Whistler Blackcomb gondolas. Underground parking is C$12 per day.

Hearthstone Lodge (800-663-7711; 932-4161; $$–$$$$), Best Western Listel Whistler Hotel (800-663-5472; 932-1133; $$$–$$$$), and Blackcomb Lodge (888-621-1177; 932-4155; $$–$$$), which recently underwent a $5-million renovation, offer good accommodations with 24-hour front desk service, elevators and some walk-ups. All are within three minutes walking distance of the main village and the Whistler Blackcomb gondolas.

Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort (800-229-3188; 938-0878; $$$–$$$$; below left) is in Whistler Village Centre. Its suite design is very imaginative and no cleaning sprays are used in certain "allergy-free" rooms. It has a concierge, 24-hour front desk service and is a three-minute walk to the Whistler Blackcomb gondola base.

One of the newer properties in the heart of Whistler Village is Adara Hotel, (866-23272; $$$-$$$$) a 41-room boutique hotel at 4122 Village Green close to shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Expect 24-hour front desk service with concierge, all guest services and five star amenities.

The Coast Whistler Hotel (800-663-5644; 932-2522; $$$) is well placed, across the road from Whistler Village. The rooms are small, the staff friendly. The pool and hot tub are busy every night. Kids stay free. It seems to be popular with the younger set and is on the outskirts of the main village, about a five-minute walk from the Whistler Blackcomb gondola base.

If you don't mind a longer walk to the village center, the Tantalus Lodge (888-633-4046; 932-4146; $$$–$$$$) is a comfortable suite alternative to staying in the heart of the village. This Delta property has 24-hour desk service and a heated outdoor pool and hot tub that require a short outdoor walk across the parking lot. It offers a complimentary shuttle during ski hours to the Whistler Blackcomb gondola base or take about a seven-minute walk over a hill. All 76 units have two bedrooms, two baths, full kitchen, fireplace and balcony. Good for couples traveling together or families with teens.

Upper Village

Opened in June 2004, Four Seasons Resort Whistler (888-935-2460; 935-3400; $$$-$$$$) raised the elegance bar in Whistler. This premier resort hotel features 242 spacious guest rooms, suites and townhomes. All units are decorated in rich colors blended with wood accents and have gas fireplaces; most have balconies. Amenities include a spa featuring special therapies for men and unusual, local organic seaweed treatments; a health club; outdoor free-form pool and hot tubs; restaurant (see Dining) and bar. The Four Seasons also offers a full-service ski concierge facility at the Blackcomb base. The resort is on the shuttle route and within walking distance to lifts and the main Whistler Village.

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler (800-606-8244; 938-8000; $$$–$$$$; below right) is another Whistler premier property. It has 550 rooms in 12 stories, an expansive sun deck stretching below the high turrets next to the indoor/outdoor pool and hot tub, two restaurants (see Dining), an  expanded lounge off the lobby for great apres-ski, an extensive health club and renovated world-class Vida wellness spa, high-speed Internet connections in most rooms at C$14/day and prime ski-in/ski-out access to Blackcomb. The ambience is distinctly upscale and the service outstanding.

The Glacier Lodge (888-898-9208; 905-0518; $$$–$$$$), centrally situated at the Blackcomb base across from The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, features suites with kitchens, gas fireplaces, balconies, living rooms, dataport telephones, duvets and all the usual high-end amenities. It's a two-minute walk from the base of the Blackcomb Wizard lift.

Le Chamois (888-560-9453; 932-8700; $$$–$$$$), just down the plaza from The Fairmont Chateau, is another upscale property with all the usual amenities. The European-style hotel houses a topnotch restaurant (see Dining), and is a brief walk to the base of the Blackcomb Wizard lift.

Village North

Delta Whistler Village Suites (800-268-1133; 905-3987; $$$–$$$$) includes amenities such as kitchen facilities, pool, indoor/outdoor hot tubs and workout room. It's a 10-minute walk to the base of Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas or just a free shuttle ride away.

The Summit Lodge (888-913-8811; 932-2778; $$$–$$$$), in the center of Whistler's Marketplace and a 10-minute walk to either the Blackcomb or Whistler bases, is a quiet, luxurious boutique retreat with 81 fireplace suites, covered balconies, soaker tubs, kitchenettes, down duvets, terrycloth robes and dataport telephones. This is not your cookie-cutter lodging. The hotel recently opened an exclusive Javanese spa (see Other Activities) and an adjacent restaurant, Elements. Summit Lodge also features an outdoor heated pool, hot tub, sauna, workout room and shuttle service to the ski lifts.

Pinnacle International Resort (888-999-8986; 938-3218; $$$–$$$$), on Main Street in Village North Centre, bills itself as Whistler's first "boutique/romance hotel." It has 84 suites with queen beds and double hot tubs close to the fireplace. It's an eight-minute walk or a short shuttle ride to the Whistler base.

Glacier's Reach (800-777-0185; 932-1154; $–$$$) condos are owner-owned and some of the better value properties in Whistler. Many have kitchens and private outdoor hot tubs—their big claim to fame. Underground parking is C$12 per day, no elevator but a pool and common hot tub. They offer an "extras" package with a resort calling card, no charge for local calls and many complimentary rentals and services throughout the villages. It's a 10-minute free village shuttle ride to and from either base. A grocery store and many shops are across the street in Marketplace.

Benchlands

Marriott-Residence Inn Whistler/Blackcomb (800-331-3131; 905-3400; $$$–$$$$; below), with 186 units, is secluded, up at the end of Painted Cliff Road on the Blackcomb side beside the Wizard Express lift and alongside the Lower Cruiser run. Ski out to the Wizard Express in the Upper Village and ski in back to the hotel. Good spring bear sightings in this neighborhood.

Accommodations Outside Main Villages

These lodgings are a bit less expensive than those nearer the village core. You can catch a shuttle, taxi or municipal bus into the core for a small fee.

Edgewater Lodge (888-870-9065; 932-0688; $$$–$$$$) is on a peninsula of Green Lake, bordering a golf course and the River of Golden Dreams—great for those who want luxury and no village bustle. It has 12 rooms, six are suites, a hot tub, award-winning dining room serving breakfast for guests and dinner for anyone with reservations (see Dining), cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It's a 10-minute drive from the village base.

Two dormitory lodges and a youth hostel have beds for less than C$40 a night and private rooms for about C$80 a night. Fireside Lodge (932-4545; $) is about 4 miles south of the main village, a five-minute walk to the bus stop and another five-minute bus ride to the Whistler Blackcomb main base. AMS/UBC Whistler Lodge (932-6604; $), about a mile from Creekside Village, is a "bring-your-own bedding" lodging (though you can also rent bedding). It has a hot tub, sauna, common kitchen and laundry areas and is a short municipal bus ride or 20-minute walk to the Creekside base. Whistler Hostel (932-5492; $) is about 6 miles west of Whistler Village. Its desk is open mornings and afternoon/evenings only.

Whistler also has upscale B&Bs. These are in residential areas and usually have no more than eight rooms. Most have private baths. Rates start at about C$125 and include breakfast. Ask for those with B.C. Accommodations approval.

Durlacher Hof ( 938-1924; $$$–$$$$) is the genuine B&B article for skiers wanting an Austrian lodging experience. At the door, you swap your boots for boiled-wool slippers. Each of the eight rooms has its own bath and extra-long beds. They can accommodate 16 to 20 guests. Breakfasts are always spectacular, as only the Austrians can do, and on occasion, visiting celebrity chefs prepare dinner on the weekends. It's about a five-minute transit bus ride to the main village.

Accommodations Legend (Cdn$): (double room) $$$$–$200+; $$$–$141–$200; $$–$81–$140; $–$80 and less