Jan 28, 2010
Wow - First of all, the staff is wonderful - helpful, informative,
professional, from the front desk staff to the ski valet folks to the
staff member who was so nice when I had some questions.
Location-wise, it's not in the Village itself, which is a little bit of
a drawback for me. However, it's also kind of nice being away from the
hustle and bustle, plus there's a shuttle that will take you anywhere
(Village included) runs every five minutes or so. Today is Australian
Day and, because our Aussie friends like to celebrate that occasion with
gusto, I'm thankful that I'm not in the Village, actually, because sleep
might be a tough commodity to come across tonight in hotels down there!
My stay last night was quiet as a mouse, though I don't think the hotel
is very booked - the Olympics are only a couple of weeks away and folks
might be a little scared off by that. For me, the area is wonderfully
decorated in anticipation of the wonder two or three weeks the Olympics
will be hosted here.
I heard some folks complain about the decor and the hotel being
run-down. The decor is what you'd see at any Marriott in a ski area -
rugged but just fine. What kind of furniture do you want in a place like
this, where people clomp in with their ski gear, prop there boots up on
tables, etc.? Victorian-era antiques? Like the rest of the hotel, it's
not brand new and has some wear and tear, but nothing to be concerned
about (unless you just like to complain). It's been well maintained,
considering the abuse ski hotels take. I'm staying in a studio and it's
wonderful - the balcony is a nice touch, a 32" LG flat panel is mounted
so that it could be viewed either from the couch or the queen bed, the
kitchen was immaculate and the bathroom was fine too. You even have a
real-flame fireplace. What more could you ask for? When I walked in I
smiled immediately, which is how I know I picked a good spot to stay in.
Someone else complained about the lack of a "happening" restaurant/bar.
That's par for the course with Residence Inns, however, and I couldn't
care less. With all that's available in the Village, who cares? I'll be
spending my time in the world famous Garibaldi Lift Company, annually
rated as one of the top ten apres-ski places in the WORLD. There are
tons of options and I tend to want to go out and find cool spots, not go
down to the hotel bar/restaurant downstairs and hang out there.
What sold it for me is the slope-side location. Pick up your skis at the
free valet, walk out a door, walk fifty feet, put on your skis, and ski
down the last few hundred yards of a mild Blackcomb blue (Merlin's) to
the Wizard Express lift. From there take the Coaster Express lift and it
will put you right at the Peak 2 Peak gondola, in case you want to head
over to Whistler. At the end of the day take a blue or a green down and
you can ski right to the door to the ski valet.
I'm going to check out the pool and hot tub, both of which face the
lifts (nice).
One negative, but typical of ski resort hotels - the parking is not
free. It's $15/day, but you get a parking garage for that, so the
frequent snows that bury BC won't mean you'll have to uncover your
vehicle when you're ready to leave.
All in all, I will definitely stay here again.
Hotel Review of the Residence Inn Hotel Whistler
Jan 18, 2010
A tired hotel in urgent need of modernisation and upgrade of amenities.
No wonder it is no longer a Marriott. Whilst staff in the hotel are
friendly in general, they cannot help the location they are given to
work with. After a long flight and 2:30 hour transfer from Vancouver I
was disappointed to find no restaurant or room service available, a
simple 'holiday shop' presented a tasty tea of Doritos and salsa dip.
The selection available was like a 80s school tuck shop, except I
couldn't find the Space Raiders and tip top juice.
A fairly large room was presented, old style decor but generally clean
until I found several old toe nail clippings beside the chair, that put
me off my treats from the tuck shop straight away.
The hotel was generally cold and several guests joined me back at
reception asking for further blankets, quilts etc. We certainly received
the seconds from the back of the store room.
It was impossible to find anywhere to sit at breakfast unless you
arrived before breakfast started. 7:15 is the optimum time to attend the
07:30 start. Breakfast was exactly the same everyday expect the addition
of meat patties on alternate days. There was a wide selection of food,
but eggs however versatile do get boring after three days straight. Not
too bad as it was included in the hotel costs, I would have rather paid
less.
The board/ski room was a benefit and staff there friendly, although one
day my friend’s bindings were very loose on the board when handed over,
unsure what happened there. Ski/board out is on to the end of a blue
down to the Blackcomb lifts, very handy.
The friendly board/ski room staff where happy to put kit back on the
racks again at the end of the day. All handy and included in the cost, a
certain plus to the hotel.
If you want to enjoy the après ski, don't bother coming to this hotel,
there is no bar and not even a snug room with an open fire. You can
certainly find a table in the evenings where there had been none a
breakfast, that’s because everyone has escaped to somewhere else.
The free shuttle to the village (part of the local council buses) is a
bonus, essential infact for your sanity. Whistler Village is a short 15
minutes away and the buses do run with good frequency.
Would I stay here or recommend this place, no certainly not! It is not
like the pictures or the impression you will build in your head. Stay
somewhere in Whistler Village or somewhere with at least a bar where the
hotel has seen some interior decoration in the last decade. There are
cheaper and equally better places to stay in the area.
Hotel Review of the Residence Inn Hotel Whistler
Jan 7, 2010
My husband, children and I usually stay here on family holidays during
the summer and winter every time we are in Whistler. It is a great hotel
with breakfast included, it's private, quiet and we love the ski lodge
furnishing and feel. This time, however, some friends and I booked a
girls long weekend and it was EXCELLENT. We had a great two bedroom
suite overlooking the snow covered treetops and the Blackcomb ski
slopes, we were comfortable and the un-pretensious service was
exceptional and not in your face (which I Iike). I highly recommend this
hotel for a girls getaway or a quiet family holiday.
Hotel Review of the Residence Inn Hotel Whistler
Dec 20, 2010
Great experience at this place .... my lasting memory is soaking in the
outdoor hot tub ~ so relaxing, in a postcard perfect slopeside setting
with big snow-laden trees. Interactions with staff were positive:
genuinely friendly and action-oriented, and offered great insights about
how & where to find the kind of fun we were seeking in Whistler. Our 1
bdrm room nicely accommodated a group of friends: my bed was the
pull-out couch and it was comfy and well appointed with nice linens etc.
I walked away with a feeling that I had experienced whistler magic at
good value.
Hotel Review of the Residence Inn Hotel Whistler
Dec 2, 2010
We decided to see Whistler in summer because the pictures we've seen of
the area are breath-taking. The real deal is even better. Given the
lower cost of the Residence Inn at Whistler, I expected to be a little
disappointed. I wasn't. Our room was a suite with a kitchenette and was
perfect. My kids loved to pool. The staff was friendly. The breakfast
buffet had everything you could imagine. The hotel is very close to lots
to do. We hiked along the slopes and down into the village. There were a
bazillion things to do. I loved watching the mountain bikers do tricks
on the slopes as we ate lunch. We rode the gondola up to the summit and
saw bears below us. There are several provincial parks near by with lots
of hiking. My family loved the whole experience.
Hotel Review of the Residence Inn Hotel Whistler
Nov 17, 2009
I was pleased with the room, kitchen facilities, and king size bed. We had
tickets to the native cultural center included in the room price, plus a more
than we could eat buffet breakfast, so that was a great value. The free bus
shuttle was handy to get to town. The pool/hot tub was not working, but we were
offered use at a different hotel, but that was not convenient to drive to
another hotel. We were happy with our stay.
Hotel Review of the Residence Inn Hotel Whistler
Nov 9, 2009
I travel to Whistler a number of times each summer to ride in the Whistler Bike
Park, and the Residence Inn is always my first choice for accommodations. The
complimentary breakfast is a great way to start a day of activities, the parking
easy, and they even have "bike pods" to securely store our mountain bikes. Two
hot tubs and a swimming pool make hot days comfortable and help relax after
eight hours of body pounding downhill riding!
You can keep up on your work load with their complimentary internet, and if you
know where to look you can find a blue run bike trail down the hill from the
hotel just across the ski run. Ski run you say? Yes, this hotel is the furthest
up on Blackcomb mountain so it's ideal for ski in and ski out in the Winter.
Hotel Review of the Residence Inn Hotel Whistler
Oct 22, 2009
We love going to Whistler as a family and every time we go, we Stay at the
Residence Inn. The staff are friendly and accommodating. The beds are so
comfortable and I always have a great sleep. We usually stay in the one or two
bedroom suites and love the kitchenettes in the suites. I love the rustic cabin
feel to the rooms. Our kids love the outdoor pool and hot tubs. The
complimentary breakfast is great with lots to choose between hot and cold
breakfast items. I can't say enough great things about this hotel. We love the
shuttle that takes you to the village, the 2min walk down the mountain (in the
summer) to the Upper village and the beauty of the outdoor amenities in the
winter. It's the perfect hotel for our family!!
Hotel Review of the Residence Inn Hotel Whistler
Nov 17, 2009
I was pleased with the room, kitchen facilities, and king size bed. We had
tickets to the native cultural center included in the room price, plus a more
than we could eat buffet breakfast, so that was a great value. The free bus
shuttle was handy to get to town. The pool/hot tub was not working, but we were
offered use at a different hotel, but that was not convenient to drive to
another hotel. We were happy with our stay.
Hotel Review of the Residence Inn Hotel Whistler
Nov 9, 2009
I travel to Whistler a number of times each summer to ride in the Whistler Bike
Park, and the Residence Inn is always my first choice for accommodations. The
complimentary breakfast is a great way to start a day of activities, the parking
easy, and they even have "bike pods" to securely store our mountain bikes. Two
hot tubs and a swimming pool make hot days comfortable and help relax after
eight hours of body pounding downhill riding!
You can keep up on your work load with their complimentary internet, and if you
know where to look you can find a blue run bike trail down the hill from the
hotel just across the ski run. Ski run you say? Yes, this hotel is the furthest
up on Blackcomb mountain so it's ideal for ski in and ski out in the Winter.
Hotel Review of the Residence Inn Hotel Whistler
Oct 29, 2009
We love going to Whistler as a family and every time we go, we Stay at the
Residence Inn. The staff are friendly and accommodating. The beds are so
comfortable and I always have a great sleep. We usually stay in the one or two
bedroom suites and love the kitchenettes in the suites. I love the rustic cabin
feel to the rooms. Our kids love the outdoor pool and hot tubs. The
complimentary breakfast is great with lots to choose between hot and cold
breakfast items. I can't say enough great things about this hotel. We love the
shuttle that takes you to the village, the 2min walk down the mountain (in the
summer) to the Upper village and the beauty of the outdoor amenities in the
winter. It's the perfect hotel for our family!!
Hotel Review of the Residence Inn Hotel Whistler
Oct 15, 2009
This was our annual family trip. The hot tub was amazing! I had lots of fun
there. The only bad thing is that in the years we have been there, the breakfast
buffet menu has not changed at all, although it is nice that there is a
breakfast buffet. But overall, I had a very enjoyable time.
Hotel Review of the Residence Inn Hotel Whistler
Oct 11, 2009
Enjoyed small touches eg. cookies and candies. Enjoyed convenience store. Buffet
breakfast was great. Parking was expensive. Considering it is located far from
village, should incorporate complimentary parking. Good value for money.
Comfortable. Great for families traveling.
Hotel Review of the Residence Inn Hotel Whistler
Sept 29 , 2009
The staff was very friendly and helpful. The hot tub did not feel clean and was
cold. The residence inn Marriott is a very good hotel. You get what you pay for.
It's great for groups and family that want to save money by cooking in your
hotel without the extra cost of staying in a condo or time share. Great stay.
Hotel Review of the Residence Inn Hotel Whistler
Sept 12 , 2009
Quiet, scenic location away from the hustle and bustle of Whistler but
conveniently close to everything. Cost of parking your car. We ended up staying
2 additional days because we liked the location and this hotel so much
Hotel Review of the Residence Inn Hotel Whistler
Sep 5, 2009
Unfortunately we only had one night for our mini-vacation, as we would have
loved to spend some more time here. Great service from the staff, friendly and
accommodating. Our room was very spacious, clean, with all the amenities we
needed and a great view from the balcony.
We spent some time at the pool which was busy (hot afternoon), but still felt
like we had our own space and freedom to move in, and out of the pool. Didn't
use the shuttle as we choose to drive to the village instead, but would have no
hesitation jumping on as it seemed to be running quite frequently.
Great time, looking forward to the opportunity to return!
Hotel Review of the Residence Inn Hotel Whistler
Sep 1, 2009
The widely varying reviews of this hotel nearly stopped me from booking here --
But I was using Marriott points and am glad I went ahead with my visit (I am
silver level Marriott elite and diamond level Hilton).
I was in Room # 506, a large 1 bedroom unit facing the mountain, (basically view
of the forest). This was nice and quiet, as opposed to some other rooms which
face the pool area or the parking lot/road end. In my opinion, the room is in
good condition....the decor is "faux antique" trying to achieve a kind of
ski-lodge/distressed furniture style, which I think some reviewers may have
misinterpreted as "worn" and beat up. The style is a bit unusual for a Marriott
property but is intentional.
Lack of AC COULD be an issue at the peak of summer -- highs were in the mid 80's
during our visit, but cooled nicely at night, and we had no problem with the
room cooling down. The room was clean, and service attentive. There is a nice
large Weber bbq in the common area, which you can "reserve" in 1/2 hour
increments.
Breakfast is fairly basic -- but is free, after all, and in keeping with "free"
breakfasts offered at mid-priced hotels.
The pool/hot tubs did get very crowded on the weekend - but again the pool
capacity is in line with other Residence Inn and Homewood Suite/Hilton Garden
Inn type properties. I did not notice that any of the area "resorts" have
especially large pools, as this is not what Whistler is about. If you want a
huge resort pool, you go to Palm Springs/Florida/Arizona for that.
We found the shuttle to be very convenient - every 15 minutes, and no longer
than a 10 minute ride. Our car stayed parked most of our 5 day visit. While not
in the village, this location is nice and quiet. All in all, we had a nice stay,
and I would rate this property totally in line for this class of hotel.
Hotel Review of the Residence Inn Hotel Whistler
Aug 27, 2009
We visited the Marriot Residence in Aug this year. We are a family of 4 with 2
young children. We had a blast. The location is perfect, the shuttle service is
very convenient, and fun for the kids. The pool was well used the week we were
there, and the breakfast buffet was clean and well stocked. The room was
spacious and clean and the view was spectacular - I would definitely recommend
this hotel to any family travelling with kids...
Hotel Review of the Residence Inn Whistler
Aug 26, 2009
We stayed here (once again as we have often) and in the last week of July during
the hot spell. We really have to commend the people at this hotel because this
was probably the worst hot spell they've ever had and they did a magnificent job
making us (and so many of the other people staying there) comfortable .
Breakfast is great and how can you complain when anywhere else, whether hotel or
restaurant, it would cost 2 people at least $35.00 with coffee, tip and taxes
(and you can always buy the eggs and bacon and make it yourself in your room's
kitchen if you want).
With the shuttle you can spend your whole day shopping, eating and drinking amid
the villages crowds and noise and then return to the tranquility of your suite
(it's nice to have that extra glass of vino and not worry about driving!).
The truth is you simply can't lose when you stay here. Comfortable rooms, very
attentive staff, even the mgr knocked on our door to welcome us back! (privately
we refer to him as "bigfoot" because he's so tall and he must wear size 16
shoes). Best of all, with breakfast included (and a good one too) it's like
getting a $35.00 a night rebate! Don't stay anywhere else, winter or summer. You
won't regret it!
Hotel Review of the Residence Inn Hotel Whistler
Jul 21, 2009
Over all, quite good. Let me start with the downside. There were a few things
about this hotel that were a little annoying…There is no service elevator so the
staff and guests have to share two very overworked, quirky elevators. The floor
plan is not intuitive and there is very little signage to help you find your way
around. When the elevators were too busy, we tried the stairs. You wouldn’t
think getting from the fifth floor to the lobby would be tricky but it was! The
pool was a bit small and chaotic as there were some guys who thought it was okay
to drink alcohol (out of glass containers!), and a herd of pre-teen boys playing
a pretty cut-throat game of water football with no staff to stop either group
from less than family-friendly behaviour. The “fitness centre” isn’t great –
only one of each piece of equipment for a total of 5 machines.
These do seem minor as the really important things cleanliness and good
customer service were in ample supply. The staff were incredibly friendly and
helpful without being the least bit overbearing. The room was very clean (and I
am hard to please when it comes to cleanliness) and in very good repair.
There is a well-stocked little mini-market in the lobby with snacks, sundries,
and a small selection of microwavable meals. The location is tremendously scenic
and tranquil – definitely not part of the Whistler Village “scene” which is what
makes it nice for families. The free breakfast was great but go early! There was
a very long line by about 9:00 a.m.
Some rooms are advertized as accommodating 3 or 4 guests but have only one bed
and a sofa bed. The sofa-bed wasn’t great but fine for one night. We went in
summer – not sure the room would have comfortably accommodated three people in
ski season with all our winter clothes and gear.
Location is gorgeous. The view from our winnows was nothing but beautiful
forest. Sitting on the balcony was very serene and relaxing while all the
excitement of Whistler was just 5 minutes away – truly the best of both worlds.
Hotel Review of the Residence Inn Hotel Whistler
Jul 19, 2009
Booked the Residence Inn by Marriott after a cruise to Alaska and before flying
home from Vancouver. Whistler is a charming ski village that is also impressive
in the summer. The Residence Inn is located in the upper village away from the
noise of the center of Whistler village. They have parking on premises for
$14.00 per night and there is a shuttle that runs frequently to the main
village. We had a large studio room with a queen sized bed and a small
kitchenette and table. It faced the back of the hotel which was nice and quiet
since we arrived the day before the Fourth of July and the hotel was filled with
families and celebrating teenagers. A buffet breakfast is included and features
scrambled eggs, fruit, cereal and an assortment of rolls and bread. It was very
crowded due to the holiday but after the crowd left it was much easier to enjoy
breakfast. The hotel is not air conditioned but we were able to get a nice breeze
from our balcony and the front desk also brought us a large fan. The staff is
very friendly and accommodating and were available to advise us on many
activities. Sunny at the front desk was kind enough to order us a pizza for
delivery even though it was difficult to get through to them on the phone. She
took the time to help us out and arranged for them to come back after we missed
the delivery. By the way, the pizza they delivered was $20.00 and was NOT what
we expected.....Don't order pizza here if you are from the east coast. It is not
what we are used to. This hotel is very good for families, seniors and people on
a budget. It is clean and the staff are all willing to go out of their way to
help. They also accept dogs and it was amusing to see them in the elevator. All
were very well-behaved. There is much to do in Whistler such as hiking to lovely
waterfalls, taking the gondolas, shopping in the main village , ziplining, and
many more activities. Wish I had more time there. Would definitely return again.
Residence Inn Whistler
4899 Painted Cliff Road
Whistler, BC V0N 1B4 CA
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