A beloved Canadian destination for outdoor enthusiasts and within easy reach of shopping, dining and entertainment, the alpine town of Whistler, British Columbia, is the full package. Culture Trip has rounded up the hotels right in the middle of the action – and they come with the bonus of affordable price tags.
In its own words, Pangea Pod is neither a hostel nor a hotel, but the “best of both worlds.” Converse with like-minded travelers in the vibrant communal Living Room, where you can embrace your competitive side with a selection of board games, before retiring to unique pod-style rooms. For the best views, head up to the rooftop patio and bar and drink your way through the cocktail menu.
This six-story, all-suite hotel makes the most of its ideal setting in the heart of Whistler Village. Its heated outdoor pool, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped courtyard, is one of the largest in town and looks out over Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Walk 10 minutes to the lifts to access their world-famous slopes, or hop on a complimentary shuttle just across the street to get to restaurants, shops and bars.
If you’re looking for a modern hotel experience with a cozy mountain-lodge feel, make a beeline for Crystal Lodge. Just steps from the slopes and with complimentary boot and glove dryers, and ski, snowboard and bike valet services, this place was built with adventurers in mind. Fancy some indoor fun? The hotel’s game room features foosball, shuffleboard, table tennis and an Xbox. Foodies will enjoy Basalt Wine & Salumeria’s famous alpine-style cheese fondue, and the hotel’s five other connected eateries, including a Starbucks and a pub.
While it started life as the Timberline Lodge in the late 1980s, extensive renovations transformed the property into Whistler’s first designer boutique hotel. Expect Scandi-chic interiors and views of the famous Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Among the Adara Hotel’s notable features are its two-level lobby, complete with a fireplace and cozy lounge area, and its rooftop, which features a mountain-brushing heated pool, a hot tub and a firepit and is open year-round.
Contemporary guest suites at the Pinnacle Hotel come with a full kitchen, a toasty gas log fireplace and a relaxing whirlpool tub, while top floor suites allow for soaking beneath vaulted ceilings. Enjoy on-site ski and snowboard rentals, or hop aboard the shuttle service outside the hotel to get to the mountain base swiftly.
Along with backing onto the Whistler Golf Club, Aava Whistler Hotel is steps from the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, and thanks to its complimentary valet service and partnership with Crankworx Whistler and Pinkbike, it’s known as the bike-friendliest hotel. Adventure lovers can rent GoPros from the lobby free of charge, where hanging egg chairs sit among a roaring fire and Nespresso machines.
Home to Whistler’s premier fine-dining restaurant, the award-winning Bearfoot Bistro, the Listel Hotel has a flair for food; the west coast halibut served with potato gnocchi, morel mushrooms, citrus gremolata and brown butter espuma (foam) is a winner. As an aperitif, enjoy vodka at the world’s coldest ice bar, the Ketel One Ice Room. If you’re in the mood for some late-night cocktails, stop in at the hotel’s Champagne Lounge, where you can also enjoy live music from its resident pianist, Cameron Chu.
Whistler Village Inn and Suites, housing 86 cozy guest rooms, is a popular accommodation choice for its central location; it’s just steps away from attractions such as the Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola and Whistler Mountain Bike Park. During your stay, take advantage of the hotel’s year-round heated pool, barbecue rental and complimentary coffee in the lobby. You can also enjoy discounted dining at the neighboring steakhouse, the Keg.
When you need a break from exploring Whistler Village and its shops, restaurants and galleries, relish a quiet moment in the Whistler Peak Lodge’s indoor hot tub. Alternatively, for a real taste of luxury, take a five-minute drive to the Scandinave Spa to experience the age-old Finnish tradition of soaking in soothing outdoor baths. Afterward, retreat to your room, warm up by the fireplace and watch a movie on the flat-screen TV.
Between its thoughtful interiors, award-winning restaurants and hot chocolate happy hour, there’s little not to like about the Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel – a regular recipient of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence. Drag your eyes away from the mismatched furniture and quirky artwork around the hotel to relax in the Lotus Spa & Lounge and try Whistler’s best-loved sushi restaurant, Sachi Sushi. Each uniquely styled room comes equipped with an iPad and a full bathroom with a tub and Malin + Goetz toiletries.