Where to Stay in Whistler
Whistler is divided into different areas. The main ones to focus on are:
The main "hub" with access to lifts, restaurants, bars and shopping are in this area. It’s joined to Village North (5-10 minute walk) by an overpass and is about a 10 minute walk to the base of Upper Village by a walkway though the outdoor parking lots. Whistler Village is the only location in the resort with direct lift access to both mountains. Higher end hotels located in this area include the Pan Pacific Village, Pan Pacific Mountainside, Westin, and Hilton. Additionally, independent hotels (ranging from 3-4 star) offered in 'Village Proper' include Aava Hotel, Adara, Crystal Lodge & Suites, Sundial Hotel, Mountainside Lodge, Whistler Village Inn, Listel, Carleton Lodge, Executive Inn, Blackcomb Lodge, and Hearthstone Lodge. Besides the vast selection of fine dining and casual restaurants in this area, there is a Starbucks (in the Crystal Lodge), a small grocery store and liquor store. Village North This is the newer area with properties that have sprung up in the last two decades. Starting right across the street from village proper, with places such as Delta Village Suites and Cascade Lodge. Easy access to the main village via the pedestrian overpass. Close to the main village, shops, more restaurants, liquor store and IGA located in Market Place. Depending on which property you are in, you could be further away or closer to the main village. However because everything is walkable from this area you have your choice of the same restaurants and shops as you would if staying in the main village. There are no luxury hotels in Village North (as in none of the big name ones) but some smaller boutique ones such as Summit Lodge, the Pinnacle and Delta Whistler Village Suites. On top of this, there are plenty to select from if you’re looking for condos. Condos include Cascade Lodge, Glacier's Reach (with private hot tubs), Montebello (furthest away)Stoney Creek (made up of North Star, Sun Path and Lagoons), Symphony and Valhalla. Upper Village This area surrounds Blackcomb Mountain. Most condos in this area are ski in and there are some that are ski in/out. There are those that you could ski to the side of the street and then cross the street to your condo. The upper village is home to two main luxury hotels, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler and The Four Seasons Resort and Spa. Other hotels are Le Chamois, The Aspens, Woodrun Lodge and the Coast Blackcomb Suites. There are plenty of condos in this area to choose from, including ski in/out options. The Blackcomb area is connected to Whistler Village by a pedestrian walkway called the Fitzsimmon's trail. This walkway is only partially lit at night and walks through the main outdoor (free, no overnight) parking lot. Though it’s partially lit at nights, it is very safe. The walking time from the base of Blackcomb to Whistler Village is about 7-10 minutes. Driving time is about 2-3 minutes. Times are from the base area, which depending on the property you’re looking at, you’ll need to add some more walk/drive time. The base of Blackcomb is typically quieter at nights, with only a handful of restaurants and shops. You will find that most people will venture into the village for dining and bars. There are a few restaurants at the base to include Milestones and Merlin's as a more casual option, which is also a great place for après ski if you happen to be in the area. The two luxury hotels also have restaurants and bars if you don’t mind spending the dollars. There are a few places such as Portobello (at the Fairmont ) and Ciao-Thyme Bistro, B.B.K.'s Pub which offer more casual eats. Next to BBK’s Pub is the liquor store. There is also a small grocery store hidden at Club Intrawest (between Four Seasons and the Fairmont). In the winter months, if you’re staying in this area, chances are you are looking for a ski in/out property. If not, suggest you look to Village North so that you can be closer to the hub of the action. Stick to properties that are slopeside for ski in/out access, and not in the benchlands, which goes further out, not up the side of the mountain. Creekside Whistler Creekside is the original base area of Whistler before Intrawest moved the resort further up the highway to the current location. Aprés and night life, grocery and liquor stores, retail shopping, sunny patios, high-end dining and the legendary Dusty’s Bar & BBQ are all within easy walking distance from your lodging. Blackcomb Mountain and Whistler Village are easily accessed from the top of the Creekside Gondola by skiing directly into the village. Whether you’re staying at The Nita Lake Lodge, Legends, Evolution or First Tracks Lodge, Whistler Creekside offers great value for money. The accommodation cost is alot lower than that of similar standard to the village. The properties are all of a high standard with great facitilies. Other Areas There are other areas you may read about (for example., Nicklaus North, Blueberry Hill, Whistler Cay, etc,). These are further away and not an area to focus on unless you have been to Whistler many times and do not mind staying further. These are more residential areas. |
Property TypesHotels
Full hotel service, including on site restaurants, spas, concierge service, room service, valet and meeting rooms. Some of the hotels in here also have apartments within in them - One, Two and Three Bedrooms with full kitchens. Condos Units with kitchens or kitchen facilities. Great for families or if you’re staying more than a couple of days and want to make your own meals. Condos usually have front desks and offer housekeeping, but does not come with the full service amenities that you would find in a hotel, such as laundry service, concierge etc. Please note that when booking a Condo you will find that interiors vary dramatically as they are all individually owned. It is up to the owner to decorate and keep the property up to date. We have a list of condos which we solely use and are highly recommended from previous guests. |