The best Whistler hotels for every traveler type

Spanning 8,171 acres of ready-to-shred, deep powder perfection, smooth corduroy and Olympic-level terrain parks, Whistler Blackcomb is a world class playground for skiers and snowboarders. When they tire of carving up the slopes, there’s a vibrant après game to partake in plus spas, breweries, bars, cafés and dining options rivaling the number of ski runs. After the snow melts, out come the golfers to play the fab four of Nicklaus North, Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Big Sky, and Whistler Golf Club.  While each course presents unique challenges, they all share in eye-popping views of the majestic Coast Mountains. With dozens of lodges and chalets looming under Whistler’s peaks, picking a hotel can be overwhelming.  Playing matchmaker, we hook up travelers to the resort property tailored to their vacation expectations.

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The Family Guy: Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Fairmont Chateau Whistler in the Upper Village | Photo: Courtesy of Tourism Whistler, Mike Crane

This grand Canadian chateau with ski-in/ski-out access is perfect for those with tots in tow.  Children under 5 eat free at the Wildflower and the Chalet (open only in winter) when accompanied by an adult, plus older kids up to twelve can stray from the children’s menu and receive portion appropriate adult menu items for 50% off. Amenities: An indoor pool with a swim window into the heated outdoor pool where there are a quartet of hot tubs and a lap pool.  PressReader puts hundreds of international newspapers and magazines at every guest’s fingertips.  There’s also unlimited access to Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club’s driving range and twice daily yoga classes.

The Penny Pincher: The Pangea Pod hotel

Photo courtesy of Pangea Pod

Billed as “chic, shared and central”, this “sleeping pod” concept is an excellent option for adventurous solo travelers who like to be in the center of the action. “Our unique pod hotel experience will speak to sophisticated, value-conscious guests unwilling to compromise on location, function, and aesthetics,” says co-founder Russell Kling of his and his wife’s pod hotel set to open in the heart of Whistler Village in April of 2018.
Amenities:  Each wood lined capsule will come equipped with a memory foam double mattress, LED lights, and a fan for ventilation and white noise.  There are hangers for clothes, luggage stowage space, and a lockable cabinet for valuables.

The Romantic: Nita Lake Lodge

Photo courtesy of Nita Lake Lodge

Perched on the shores of a gorgeous and serene glacial fed lake, this lodge has a romantic vibe. Along with the de rigueur fireplace, rooms are also equipped with double soaker tubs and glassed-in rain showers.  It’s a free, ten-minute shuttle ride away from the hustle and bustle of the Village, but only a short walk to the gondola. For guests who like to enjoy the mountain, but at the same time want peace, quiet and tranquility, this is the spot.
Amenities:  Aura restaurant tantalizes palates with locally sourced British Columbia cuisine.  Sample some salads, salumi and seafood while sipping on a cocktail and soaking up lakeside views at Cure Lounge & Patio.  Guests can nourish their chakras by indulging in the signature Kundalini massage treatment at the hotel’s full service spa.

This 3.5 star property at the base of Whistler Mountain by the Creekside Express Gondola features one-bedroom and den units on up to four bedroom suites. The outdoor patio is decked out with a pool, steam room and hot tub area as well as a couple communal BBQ’s for grilling out. Amenities: Ski-in/ski-out access, an outdoor pool plus hot tubs and free WiFi. Suites include washers/dryers, fireplaces and sofa beds. It’s also just a short stroll to Alpha Lake Park featuring basketball, tennis and volleyball courts for the warmer months.ALSO: There’s snow doubt about, Orbitz Rewards members save big! Sign up today.

The One Percenter: Four Seasons Resort Whistler

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons, Whistler, BC Canada

For discerning travelers after an exquisitely coiffed AAA Five-Diamond property, this is it. Along with attentive, 24-hour beck-and-call service courtesy of a multilingual staff and well appointed modern rooms and suites, there’s also daily wine tasting receptions and live music three nights a week in the bar.
Amenities: After working up an appetite on the slopes sidle into SIDECUT Modern Steak + Bar. In winter, enjoy hot chocolate in the lobby or cozy up the fire pit for s’mores. Guests also can enjoy the eucalyptus steam room, glacier rain showers and outdoor whirlpools.

The Party Person: Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside

Photo courtesy of Tourism Whistler

This superbly located, all-suite property is a stone’s throw from the Blackcomb Excalibur, Fitzsimmons express lift and the Whistler Village Gondolas.  Village nightlife is a short walk away.  Whistler stag and stagette parties tend to dance the night away at subterranean club Garfinkels.
Amenities:  Take the plunge in their all-season saltwater pool and whirlpools while gawking at the mountain views and checking out what’s going down at Skier’s Plaza. The Dubh Linn pub is also a lively meet market.

The Pack of Friends: First Tracks Lodge

Photo courtesy of First Tracks Lodge

This 3.5 star property at the base of Whistler Mountain by the Creekside Express Gondola features one-bedroom and den units on up to four bedroom suites. The outdoor patio is decked out with a pool, steam room and hot tub area as well as a couple communal BBQ’s for grilling out.
Amenities: Ski-in/ski-out access, an outdoor pool plus hot tubs and free WiFi.  Suites include washers/dryers, fireplaces and sofa beds. It’s also just a short stroll to Alpha Lake Park featuring basketball, tennis and volleyball courts for the warmer months.

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Tagged: Canada