Hotel Review Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Jan 29, 2010
If you have a little more in the budget it would be well spent staying at this hotel. We were there off season so got very competitive rates, excellent accommodation and the service and facilities were as you would expect. We were stranded for a further 2 days in Whistler due to rock falls and the hotel honoured the rates we secured through expedia without proof or hassle and also helped us cancel our onward hotel.

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Jan 25, 2010
Excellent location for skiing. Within walking distance to Whistler Village. Breakfast buffet is just awesome. Staff are very friendly. A bit pricey. Check out the Aboriginal Museum which is a two minute walk from the Hotel.


Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Jan 18, 2010
We stayed two times at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler in 2009. Our first trip was an adult only getaway for my husband's 50thin July. We arrived after 11pm after a 2 hour limousine ride up from Vancouver airport. We had booked a 1 bedroom gold level suite with fireplace which opens onto both rooms for 4 nights. The suite while small (550 sq ft) is lovely and was in excellent condition. There is a large closet in the entry and a nice sized walk in closet off the bedroom/bath. The bathroom is very nice with marble throughout. There is a 1 person jacuzzi tub with massaging pillow and a separate large shower. The living room has a sofa bed and 2nd tv. Unfortunately or should I say fortunately our fireplace did not work. Maintenance tried to fix it but they needed parts. The Gold level concierge staff offered to move us to another room. We were requesting a king bed as we are both tall and do not sleep well in a queen which all the gold 1 bedroom suites have. We were given 2 keys to go check out options. The first was a gold level room...nice but way too small for our needs at 350 sq feet. The other option was up a separate elevator on the 11 floor and was the Lake Louise Suite at 800 st ft.. This had an entry hall with a smaller walk in closet than the 1 BR gold suite, but it also had a small kitchen(would have much rather had a 2nd closet) , a large room which was a combo living room with full size sofa, chairs and bedroom. It had 4 doors that opened out onto french balconies overlooking the front of the hotel, the valley and surrounding mountains. Awesome view! The bathroom was 1 large room done in white marble. It had a separate tub, bidet, and a shower with 3 heads. This bathroom would definitely be considered outdated and worn compared to the 1 BR gold suite. We went back down to the Gold concierge, told them we would take the Lake Louise suite and asked how much more it would cost us a night. They informed us with a smile that it would cost us nothing. Wow! We travel a lot and do not often run into this kind of service. The rate on this suite was more than 3x what we were paying for the other suite. We enjoyed the service so much that we told them upon check out that we would definitely return with our family in the near future.
We returned to the Chateau with our 3 sons Dec 18-25. The hotel was offering great deals on its website the week before Christmas as long as you checked out on the 25th, which just happens to be a great easy, cheap day to fly. We booked our 3 sons into the same type Fairmont Gold 1 bedroom queen suite above. They were alotted suite # 968 which looked out onto the forrest and the slopes of Whistler. The rate was $551.14 per nite including tax. Room was in excellent condition.
My husband and I decided to splurge and we stayed in the Banff Penthouse suite #1241. This is a 2 story suite on the top level of the hotel with 25 foot windows, 3 french balconies and commanding views of the valley. The best accommodations in this hotel. The bottom floor contains the entry long hall with 3 closets one of which contained a 1/2 size refrigerator. The main bathroom was disappointing. I felt like I was in a hole with no light. The bathroom definitely needs to be redesigned and redone. It was the worst of the 3 suite bathrooms we had encountered at the hotel. The living room was exactly as pictured on the website with fireplace, desk, 2 large sofas and 3 chairs and a large TV and entertainment center. Furnishings were very comfortable but beginning to look dated. There was no dining table as mentioned on the website and in the materials describing the suite in room. The suite was decorated with a full size Christmas tree and decorations on the fireplace and stairs. There are wooden stairs (scary in ski socks) that lead to the loft which contains a half bath, another desk, King bed and walk in closet. Again Awesome views and you can operate the curtains electronically! I am not a skier so I spent many hours reading and watching the winter wonderland through the windows of this suite. Each day we received different tasty goodies from the hotel. On Christmas Eve we received an autographed cookbook from their General Manager. We paid $1,327.39 a night for the penthouse suite including tax which was a big discount off rack rate of $2,400 plus tax... At that price I was happy, but I have definitely stayed in much more luxurious accommodations at that price. Usually the best suite in the house connects to other rooms to make larger suites. Not here. There are 2 penthouse suites and each it identical. Housekeeping was excellent both stays. Only complaint would be the crystal chandelier in the penthouse desperately needed to be cleaned. Also the only place to plug in the coffee maker in in the bathroom. I would agree with previous reviews that the hotel is showing its age and needs a refurbishment after the Olympics.
Service in the Gold lounge is excellent. That is what brought us back to the hotel in December and why we will return again. Nice breakfast selection as well as afternoon appetizers. Staff would let my kids borrow laptops and track where they had skied each day on the mountain.
Dinner in the wine room was excellent with a very nice ambiance. You had your choice from a 3 course menu served with or without paired wined. I think it was $89 with and $69 without. This was an excellent deal. Their wine list is exceptional and their prices were very competitive on their finer wines. Boys had room service that night. They spent more than we did on prime rib, coke and ice cream! We had lunch and drinks 2 days in the Mallard Lounge. The dim sum was excellent! Service was always friendly and professional.
We will definitely return to the Fairmont, both in summer and winter. I like the location of this hotel in the quieter Upper village. We did check out the Four Seasons in July and we were unimpressed, especially compared to the other Four Seasons we have stayed at around the world. In my opinion, the Fairmont Chateau is the place to stay in Whistler!

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Jan 17, 2010
Location and service make up for a couple of big shortcomings at this great Whistler hotel.

Most noteworthy...

HOT TUBS - Yes, the hot tubs get a category of their own. Sitting outside in one of the three huge hot tubs looking at the mountain is worth the trip in and of itself.

LOCATION - As you sit in the hot tub, you really wonder how building laws could have allowed this place to be built where it is. You are literally steps from the lifts.

SERVICE - Every service interaction was outstanding - check in, concierge, housekeeping, fitness area, etc.

ROOMS - The hard truth. This is a Fairmont property with a stellar location and world class service. What's up with the rooms? Our unit felt very much like an 80s B&B. The wood had permanent stains, the television was very old. Inexcusable for what you think you are getting for a hotel of this caliber.

PRICES - You'll hit the panic button when you see most menu items. Nachos that are nearly $30. Really? On the upside... free Internet service for loyalty club members.

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Jan 13, 2010
We stayed at two hotels onour trip to Whistler. By far this hotel won. We paid for the buffet breakfast and it was amazing. They also offer you a 10 dollar dinner meal that changes each night and it was lovely
Staff were brilliant

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Dec 21, 2009
This place is one of the best! The staff treats you like royalty. The views, impeccable. The dining, great. Everything is high quality. Everything.
Its relaxing, comfortable, elegant, simply a gem and I hope the Olympics don't ruin everything.

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Dec 14, 2009
This hotel oozes class. It's position in the village is detached enough to have a special, private air to it, yet close enough for easy access. During the ski season the hotel is perfectly situated with the main express chairlifts for Blackcomb mountain leaving right outside the hotel.
It might well be expensive, but it's still 5 out of 5 for value for my money. Only slightly more than twice the cost of a British Travel Inn with infinitely greater facilities and attention to detail and your needs.

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Dec 1, 2009
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is by far the best hotel I have ever stayed at anywhere in North America. We drove up the entrance, and someone was there to open both of our car doors, and took our luggage for us. We walked towards the hotel doors and a doorman opened them for us. We had our own private check-in and private elevator to our floor. The room was lavishly appointed with a remarkable view of the Canadian Rockies. The room was so comfortable I didn't want to leave it.

I lost count of the number of swimming pools and outdoor Jacuzzi's this place had. There were indoor pools, outdoor pools, you could swim from the indoor outside to the outdoor pools. One pool you could swim (underwater) and hear music plain as day. The floor we stayed on had its own lounge with treats, meals, and drinks available all day long and into the evening. At the restaurants in the hotel and in Whistler we found the cuisine superb and the wine selection unexcelled.

However the real credit to the Fairmont Chateau Whistler was the service. They treated you like Royalty! If you needed something it was done immediately. They always treated you with respect. I was called "Sir", my wife was called "Mam" They worked hard to make our stay memorable and they did an impressive job! They went above and beyond our expectations and I will visit there again and highly refer the hotel to my friends and anyone who wants 5 star treatment at a luxury hotel.

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Nov 19, 2009
We have stayed as a family at Chateau Whistler many times this year. With a 4 year old, the pool is terrific and their meal plan of "kids under 5 eat free" is a real bonus. However, after our last stay, we are starting to run out of excuses as to why this hotel's rooms are so run down. In the past, we gave them the benefit of the doubt "it's high season, they are busy" etc. but this last stay has confirmed that room maintenance is just not a priority. Broken tiles, chipped paint, stained carpets, safes with low batteries that don't work, tubs that don't drain, taps that drip..it is all a bit much when you are paying $160+ a night. Sure, you can call maintenance, but should you have to spend your whole time on the phone reporting things that don't work at a 4.5 star hotel?

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Nov 9, 2009
I decided to make a reservation at the Chateau Whistler for a couple of days for my spouse and I to relax away from the city. We drove through rain and snow to get here and were really looking forward to the fitness center (Jacuzzi & heated pool.) Upon checking in, we were told that the Jacuzzi & heated pool area was already closed for the evening. This was so disappointing, it was early evening and it should have been open for use by patrons. Next morning, it was discovered that we were given INCORRECT information at the front desk! Needless to say, I felt like I wasted a night at this property.
Upon returning home, my credit card company could not figure out what was happening with my account because of almost 20 transactions. Yes, TWENTY credit card "authorizations" and "holds" this hotel placed on my VISA. Having traveled extensively, authorizations are normal however, the number of transactions for a 2 night stay was unacceptable and outrageous.
Also, our bags went to the wrong room upon check in.
If this stay were FREE, it still would be remembered as a headache!

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Oct 25, 2009
First of all the service at this hotel could not be faulted. Extremely efficient and friendly. It also had the best room service I have had. Room service that actually tastes good and arrives hot. I would definitely stay at this hotel again but the room we stayed in was looking very tired. Our view also was just of the trees outside so I think if you ask for a village view it would be much nicer. Our room seemed very dark. We did get the room at an extremely cheap price so I was not concerned. If I paid more I probably would be disappointed. All in all a great hotel just needs a freshen up to the rooms as they seem a bit dark and old. This was the lead in room type so I am not sure what the other rooms would be like!! For anyone there during the warm months a gondola ride up the mountain in the summer is just beautiful and the hotel can organise lift passes for you and just put them on your room bill!!

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Oct 15, 2009
What a great experience! The location of the Fairmont Chateau Hotel Whistler and beautiful views of Whistler and the mountains were breathtaking. This is a luxurious hotel and the rooms were very nice. All the restaurants and amenities were excellent. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone traveling to Whistler, be it for business, skiing, summer activities, romance, or family vacation.

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Oct 7, 2009
Clearly the best hotel in Whistler Fairmont Chateau Hotel Whistler
and in the premier location in the Upper Village- venue for the slopes and first rated golf course. Château Whistler golf course is an absolute must to play for the avid golfer. Outstanding layout with views galore. Family friendly as well for those who want to take in the views only. Service and food were exceptional quality and were up to the Fairmont discriminating standards.

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Sept 12 , 2009
The Fairmont Chateau Hotel Whistler is right at the base of the mountain, the hotel is in a perfect location if you want to do mountain activities and be close to the action of the village, but far enough away so you don't have the loudness of party goers in the village. The rooms have real furniture, not generic hotel stuff and incredibly comfy beds and linens. The hotel staff were genuine and positive. When we thought we were out of luck due to time constraints and not able to do a ziptrek tour, the concierge found us a tour that wasn't available in the regular listings that we were able to make! Drinks at the Mallard Lounge were strong and well made, and room service dinner and breakfast were served exactly at the time they said it would be and delicious! (try the salmon for dinner!) Also had wonderful dinner in the Wine Room. Spent a long time in the hottest of the three outdoor hot tubs (the one closest to the fitness area) and being served soda and lunch by the pool is pretty great! They amazing have two pools, one set aside for laps only! Outside fire pits were great to sit around and have a drink. Beautiful hotel inside and out, can't wait to go back!

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Sept 6, 2009
as for the hotel, it was lovely. like an earlier contributor, we also stayed on the 20th anniversary sale and had it not been for the stellar bargain, our room itself would not have impressed. the window seat and view from the 8th floor were fantastic though and that would have been worth the usual rate.
in the mornings, when the sliding doors were open in the fitness center, the fresh air made the workouts even more invigorating.
the location was perfect. even though the business center was closed during our 4-day stay, the front staff gave us access when we asked.

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Sept 2, 2009
We stayed here for our honeymoon ! When we got to the hotel, we upgraded to the "gold level". I'm not sure that we needed to gold level or that it provided anymore for us than what the other rooms/floors provided. However, we did have UNLIMITED drinks, snacks, ice, and concierge service. The breakfast was nice and saved us from finding breakfast every morning at other places. We were able to eat and hit the slopes by 7 a.m. which were right out the back door of the hotel!!! We were very pleased with everything at this hotel. However, the cost of things are outrageous!!! We ate at the Wildflower (hotel rest.) and our ticket was nearly $75.00 for a sandwich, soup and pork chop! Whistler was beautiful and we were glad we stay outside the Village...WHISTLER WAS AMAZING!!!

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Aug 19, 2009
Got a suite for 3 nights with the wife, my 8 yr old and my 1 yr old.

Pros -
1. I liked being 5 minutes away from the main village.
2. Had a great meal at La Rua across the way with just the Mrs. Caramba! was good with the kids. Friendly waiters.
3. The pool area is big and lots of amenities. You can get there via the 3rd floor to avoid lobby if you like. It's nice at night in the hot tubs. I think they are all different temperatures.
4. The gold lounge on the 8th floor. I think booze is free most of the time except weekends? Good free breakfast. They didn't seem to check ID or anything upon walking in.
5. The kids play zone nearby.
6. The golf course Big Sky in nearby Pemberton is worth checking out.

Cons -
1. Wife said her facial experience at the spa wasn't great.
2. The Keg restaurant - food was uninspired. (salmon dish)
3. The suites are small. It's a shame they did not blow out the 2nd unnecessary closet to make more room.

I would go again.

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Jul 19, 2009
We have stayed at this property twice this year. Our first stay was in Feb/March. We booked it on a whim, literally a day in advance in response to an advertised special. We loved Whistler as a romance destination. Upon our return booked with the Chateau for a visit the last week in June for a very well priced golf package.

Arrival and Check In: We were contacted by the hotels well in advance of our arrival date to have our tee times arranged. Contact in advance with Andrea at the President's Club reservations desk were excellent.

When we arrived, we had a tee time set up prior to check-in and I had made some inquires about storing our luggage. We pulled up in a cab, were greeted, upgraded, check-in and whisked to the golf course in an Escalade in moments. A crackerjack team at the door, the desk, the shuttle and the golf course. We did this for an entire week and this team was the best. We felt like a million bucks.

Accommodations: We stayed slope side this time. IMHO both side have nice views. Chateau Whistler has a very traditional décor style. Wouldn't mind seeing future upgrades go more modern, but that's nitpicking. Room were very comfortable, very quiet, with very nice large bathrooms, beds wonderful. No flat screen, but that's not an issue for us at all. Housekeeping staff attentive and helpful.

As an aside, we found the winter budget room" cozy" small but very comfortable. A really good value. We got what we expected for the low price + the benefits of being a lovely property.

Fitness: Very good gym. Loved the outdoor heated pools and hot tubs. Fantastic after a day of golfing in cool weather.

Location: We loved the quieter location on the Blackcomb slope. Easy access in minutes by free shuttle or foot to town, proper. A few shops anther hotels nearby to keep it from being isolated. The door staff lent us an umbrella when it rained.
All in all, a wonderful stay. We received very good value for the money and our President's Club membership did indeed offer benefits. We're hooked.

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Jul 14, 2009
The Fairmont is a great place to stay if you want to be right where all the action is. Right outside the doors is a child's paradise. Whistler Kids includes everything from a mini luge ride, to bungy swings to mini golf. My husband and I don't have kids, and even we enjoyed this area. You are just steps from the gondolas and several restaurants. The hotel itself is beautiful; rooms are cozy, but not too small. The outside pools are great (heated pools are a big plus), but I have to say that I was very disappointed in the spa area. We visited the spa to take showers right before closing (11pm), and I was hesitant about even going into the shower, given how unclean it looked. It has nowhere near the serenity or amenities that the Four Seasons does, and this is the only spa I have been to where they don't provide robes. We had to use the robes from our room if we wanted to use the spa area.

We ate at both the Wildflower Restaurant and the Mallard Lounge. We had not-so-great service at the lounge, because we had to find someone to take our order. We sat in the back because there was a singer performing that night and we didn't want to sit too close. However, once the server arrived, it was an okay experience. A much better experience was to be found at the Wildflower Restaurant. The service was wonderful and both the dinner and the breakfast bufftet that we had was very good.

The main downside to this hotel is that it tends to attract a lot of kids and rowdy adults. We could hear yelling coming from downstairs as late as 1am. There is a firepit next to the pool and after these rowdy adults were told to get out of the pool after closing time, they moved to the fire pit and continued their rowdiness there.

We would probably stay here again, but we felt that the Four Seasons was nicer; even without all the proximities to the area attractions.

A tip; if you haven't already done so, join the Fairmont President's Club. We are members and you get credits for each time you stay, which leads to rewards, like free nights. Takes a while, but in the meantime, there are other perks. When we arrived at the hotel, we didn't even have to check in. It was already done for us! And we got free daily papers and free internet. Plus, the President's Club is free to join as well.

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
June 27, 2009
This was one of the best vacations we've ever had. The Chateau Whistler is a beautiful resort in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable.
The staff is first rate as was the room and amenities. Everything is within walking distance: Shopping, hiking trails, ski lifts, adventure tour booking stations.
We can't wait to go back to Whistler, and will definately stay here when we do.

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
June 20, 2009
We had a fantastic stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort. Nice rooms, delightful staff, great ambiance. Wildflower restaurant was terrific. The location is great, all the fun is right outside the door.

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Apr 4, 2009
PERFECT LOCATION!!! Ski in ski out... right from your door to the gondola. The service is always great! The hotel is very classy and the spa is perfect. There is a lap pool if you want to swim, and 3 outdoor spas and one indoors, all with a view on the mountain. Overall I definitely suggest this hotel as the best in Whistler, having stayed at a few others before.

Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Apr 1, 2009
Admittedly, we were a low-margin customer as we had booked a $99 rate. But we had a very nice stay on our first trip ever to Whistler...

As Fairmont Presidents Club members, the hotel sent an email a week before confirming our stay and inviting any questions beforehand. I sent a quick note back alerting them our dog would be joining us. (They charge $25 CAD (per night?) for a dog of ANY size.)

We pulled up to the hotel and the $27 CAD/night self-parking was full, so we had to valet for $32 CAD. Oh well, not the end of the world. On the upside, the valet checked us in right at the curb and was handing us the keys by the time we'd pulled our bags out of the car. So that was really fantastic stuff.

We walked into a more spacious than expected room, and our dog was excited to see a big bed and bowl on the floor waiting for him. Brilliant.

All the services I could have asked for without ever having to ask. Will definitely stay here the next time we find ourselves up in Whistler.


Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Mar 24, 2009
I have now stayed at the Fairmont Banff Springs, Lake Louise and Seattle and Fairmont Whistler.
It was a week long average stay for us... We were definitely not impressed.
The pool and gym were nice, not as large/ nice at the Banff Hot Springs however.
Being at the bottom of Blackcomb ski hill was nice, however it is not in the 'Village', where everything is happening. Having to get on a shuttle to go the village got a bit annoying.


Hotel Review of the Fairmont Hotel Chateau Whistler
Mar 20, 2009
Rooms were beautiful, and the bed (mattress, linens, pillows) were AMAZING - I actually bought 2 pillows to take home. The hotel is a beauty. The breakfast buffest is one of the best I have ever had ... ever. Had an amazing time even though I don't ski.
 

Fairmont Chateau Hotel Whistler
4599 Chateau Boulevard
Whistler, British Columbia V0N 1B4 Canada