Feb 23, 2010
The Westin is close enough to the base of the Whistler gondola to demand
the high prices (2 minute walk), but there is something lacking in a
hotel that bills itself as a Resort Hotel.
We had a double room, on a high floor, overlooking the valley - all is
good there. The room itself was a bit small - everything was squished.
And it would have been nice to have king beds instead of queen. Kitchen
with 2 burner stove, mini fridge & dishwasher - but the fridge is far
too small to stock much more than a day's worth of food if you planned
on cooking some meals (we did).
The thing that bugged us what the mandatory fee for "Ski Valet", in
which you hand over your skis to the bellboy at check-in, and then pick
them up in the morning on your way to the gondola. Nice, but they charge
$6 per pair of skis (including my kid's 2 ft long skis), and there is no
other option to stash them away yourself at the hotel. But, for this
price they dont' take your boots or poles and so you still have to clunk
around the halls and elevators with your gear on.
The pool/hot tub was well used by guests and so overcrowded, and we
weren't there when the hotel was at capacity. If they kept the pool a
bit warmer, perhaps people over the age of 10 would use it too. And
there was not a single staff person in the pool area or gym facility any
of the times we went. So you can forget about pool-side service.
The usual extortionist rates apply for internet access (which is
tantamount to charging for 'colour tv!').
They do seem to have a pet program - we didn't see any dogs, but there
were dog treats out (no kid treats, tho' - which I found kind of
ironic). The pitchers of lemon water in the lobby areas were nice.
All in all, I'd stay there again just because of proximity, but only if
the price was really right. And I'd park in a cheap public lot, as once
you get there, you don't need your car (although during the Olympics,
you wont get that choice as there is no parking except at your hotel).
Hotel Review of the Westin
Hotel Whistler
Feb 14, 2010
Great location. Small rooms and ridiculous charges; $32 per day parking,
$6 per set of skis per day storage (with a policy of no skis in the
rooms so this is pretty much mandatory), $50 charge for late check-out
(despite the hotel suffering low occupancy), $24 per day internet access
fee, $5 per 500 mL bottle of water. Poor value compared to the Pan
Pacific and Hilton, both of which have the same proximity to lifts.
Hotel Review of the Westin
Hotel Whistler
Jan 25, 2010
We have just returned from the Westin Whistler, and have to thoroughly
recommend it to others.
We travelled from the UK with Ski Independence, and stayed in a one
bedroom suite in the East Tower (I think!) overlooking the Gondola to
Whistler and the lower run into town, in room 501. I would ideally have
later picked a higher up room for an even better view, but on check-in
we felt extremely looked after by the man there, who did his best to
find us a lovely mountain view room with a King sized bed.
The room was more than spacious for two, with the sofa bed in use to
take 4 it may have been a little more fuller feeling, but I could have
managed more than happily with our two little ones had I been travelling
with them. There was a table for 4, crocks, etc and full facilities for
4 and plenty of storage for 4 skier/boarders in my opinion, but I don't
take masses of gear and clothes either. As long as you don't 'take the
kitchen sink' there's plenty of room for 4, and masses for 2 anyway!
And the bed.....I want one!!!!! So comfy like sleeping on a cloud, and
pillows to match. Fantastic! Changed to your preference according to
their usual environmental policy. Couldn't fault it. Can I buy one in
the UK??!!
The kitchen is great, Starbucks coffee and takeout cups too save a
dollar or two, and even the dishwasher is emptied for you (!), fab!! My
only gripe was that the service staff for the room were at times a
little variable. On most days my robe was wet from the pool so it went
in to change, and it wasn't replaced (there are no heated rails in the
bathrooms so they don't dry - I would have been more than happy to
re-use if this was the case), and I was left traipsing the corridors
looking for the staff. This happened at least half the time. Cleanliness
was mostly great, but some dusty areas were regularly missed. But this
is just me being picky, and we were more than happy otherwise.
One other area of house-keeping which let them down was round the pool,
where occassionally other untidy guests left rubbish, and it wasn't
cleared sadly.
The pool however was perfectly warm, lovely to swim outside, with piping
hot whirlpools in and out, with a deliciously cold dash from one to the
other!! Lovely mountain views (not the ski hills) too. On return back
through the pool to cool off, again was a lovely cold warmth that didn't
leave me dithering. Perfect temps all round, and the pools themselves
were fantastically clean.
We were never caught by the $$ for ski valeting, which you have to use
anyway. We were never told about it, and never charged, so as far as I
was concerned it never existed...unlike other reviewers, which was odd?
WiFi sadly was extortionate as other reviewers had said, and you can get
it for free (well a coffee anyway!) at many places in town, try the Lift
Coffee Co (right outside the hotel), Starbucks and Blenz Coffee Co.
Wouldn't dream of paying the prices they charge at the hotel (they are
not alone apparently), especially as aren't local calls - and therefore
the internet call - free in Canada anyway? The cost of the rooms, this
should be thrown in in this day and age imho...gripe over!!
Location is fab, a very short walk to Whistler Gondola, where the
skiiing and boarding was great, if a little poor snow into the village
below Olympic station level and the equivalent on Blackcomb. However
snow above this was world class, and we had many good days over our 9
days on the hill, including two or three powder days, one with 15" or
more :D
We didn't eat in the restaurants (apart from the Sushi place within the
hotel shopping run, which was wonderful - Spider Rolls to die for!), or
use the Spa, so can't say anything on these, but they did seem pricey,
but I would imagine worth it, and the deals on a few Spa things were
mighty tempting!!
Other than this we would 110% recommend Sushi Village - Sushi
perfection, again Spider Rolls, and Mango Caterpillar Rolls were
amazing! Sit at the Bar and watch - you get to see other stuff to try
beyond your usual faves, and the Sushi chefs are incredible! Go go go!!!
(Yum I miss it can you tell!?)
On the whole, the Westin exceeded our expectations, I would thoroughly
recommend it to anyone. Apart from maybe the traveller who has nothing
better to do than stay at great places and then score them very low on
here for very small problems. Nowhere is 100% all the time, I am
representing my very tiny little niggles for all to see, but also
championing a very worthy 5 star rated, 5 star ranking hotel and thank
all the lovely staff for a fabulous stay. We will be back.....one day!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Hotel Review of the Westin
Hotel Whistler
Jan 25, 2010
I have been to Whistler many times now and been in all hotels. The
Westin is undoubtedly the best hotel in the Village, and although very
expensive - it is unrivaled!
The Spa/ Gym facilities are fantastic as is the Firerock lounge for food
and drinks.
The rooms have Kitchen & Laundry amenities, which can cut the cost of
your stay!
The Westin is also very relaxed in comparison to the other up-market
hotels in the village. The Fairmont Chateau for example does not have
such a good location and is very dated and uncomfortable
Hotel Review of the Westin
Hotel Whistler
Jan 18, 2010
We stayed here in January with our 3 boys aged 11, 9 & 7. Firstly
Whistler is a great place to ski with a great village. The Westin was in
a great location right next to the Gondola and with a great Ski Valet
service at the bottom of the hill.
The service from staff was quiet good.
We stayed in a 2 bedroom dulux which had two bedrooms, kitchenette and
living room. In short the rooms were some of the smallest that we have
ever stayed in and for that reason alone I would not stay here again.
Also given all the ski gear for 5 people we had little room.
The pool and spa was good. There was a coin operated washing machine and
dryer on every level.
The other negative thing was the mattress and pillows (were not of
typical Westin Standard).
All in All great location but ho hum rooms and would not stay here again
Hotel Review of the Westin
Hotel Whistler
Jan 16, 2010
I have been to Whistler many times now and been in all hotels. The
Westin is undoubtedly the best hotel in the Village, and although very
expensive - it is unrivalled!
The Spa/ Gym facilities are fantastic as is the Firerock lounge for food
and drinks.
The rooms have Kitchen & Laundry amenities, which can cut the cost of
your stay!
The Westin is also very relaxed in comparison to the other up-market
hotels in the village. The Fairmont Chateau for example does not have
such a good location and is very dated and uncomfortable.
Hotel Review of the Westin
Hotel Whistler
Jan 14, 2010
I've stayed at this hotel many times since it opened. They used to
charge a flat resort fee, but have recently done away with this in
favour of charging a-la-carte.
We only stayed for one night on a last minute deal. The room was about
$200 after taxes. However, valet parking is $32 and ski valet is $6 per
pair of skies. They do not allow you to have skies in your room, so this
is pretty much a mandatory charge unless you leave your skies in the car
and self-park. For some reason, we were never charged the ski valet, but
still...
The room was recently renovated and very nice overall. The location is
also excellent for access to the gondolas. However, beware of all the
extra charges!!
One tip: if you have to check out, but still want to ski, you can leave
your bags with the bellhops and use the fitness facilities to change
afterwards.
Hotel Review of the Westin
Hotel Whistler
Jan 14, 2010
We stayed in a two room apartment which was very spacious and welcoming.
The rooms were very well appointed with very comfortable beds - so a
good nights rest was very easy especially after a day on the slopes!
Great location - you can rent ski equipment on the ground floor and
store equipment with the valet service. The lifts and meeting point for
the ski school is a little over a stone's throw away. We used the room
service, which was very good and prompt. Staff were very attentive and
when we had a problem with a room key they were onto the problem
straight away and very apologetic. Would love to go back there again and
have no problem recommending this hotel to anyone. It made our
experience at Whistler even better.
Hotel Review of the Westin
Hotel Whistler
Dec 20, 2009
We stayed here in January with our 3 boys aged 11, 9 & 7. Firstly
Whistler is a great place to ski with a great village. The Westin was in
a great location right next to the Gondola and with a great Ski Valet
service at the bottom of the hill.
The service from staff was quiet good.
We stayed in a 2 bedroom dulux which had two bedrooms, kitchenette and
living room. In short the rooms were some of the smallest that we have
ever stayed in and for that reason alone I would not stay here again.
Also given all the ski gear for 5 people we had little room.
The pool and spa was good. There was a coin operated washing machine and
dryer on every level.
The other negative thing was the mattress and pillows (were not of
typical Westin Standard).
All in All great location but ho hum rooms and would not stay here again
Hotel Review of the Westin
Hotel Whistler
Dec 14, 2009
I've stayed at this hotel many times since it opened. They used to
charge a flat resort fee, but have recently done away with this in
favour of charging a-la-carte.
We only stayed for one night on a last minute deal. The room was about
$200 after taxes. However, valet parking is $32 and ski valet is $6 per
pair of skies. They do not allow you to have skies in your room, so this
is pretty much a mandatory charge unless you leave your skies in the car
and self-park. For some reason, we were never charged the ski valet, but
still...
The room was recently renovated and very nice overall. The location is
also excellent for access to the gondolas. However, beware of all the
extra charges!!
One tip: if you have to check out, but still want to ski, you can leave
your bags with the bellhops and use the fitness facilities to change
afterwards.
Hotel Review of the Westin
Hotel Whistler
Dec 4, 2009
We stayed in a two room apartment which was very spacious and welcoming.
The rooms were very well appointed with very comfortable beds - so a
good nights rest was very easy especially after a day on the slopes!
Great location - you can rent ski eqiuipment on the ground floor and
store equipment with the valet service. The lifts and meeting point for
the ski school is a little over a stone's throw away. We used the room
service, which was very good and prompt. Staff were very attentive and
when we had a problem with a room key they were onto the problem
straight away and very apologetic. Would love to go back there again and
have no problem recommending this hotel to anyone. It made our
experience at Whistler even better.
Hotel Review of the Westin
Hotel Whistler
Nov 17, 2009
I just wanted to commend The Whistler Westin Resort and Spa for such superb
service, it made all the difference in the world! We stayed at the Westin for 2
nights in October for a National Teachers Math Conference and I could not have
been more pleased with the hotel and fabulous staff. We had the opportunity to
stay in the newly renovated junior suite 750.
The Westin was amazing with service to match! My husband and I have stayed at
many Sheridan's and Westin's as my sister works with the company and we enjoy
the perks! We have stayed at many different locations from Saskatoon to several
in the United States. I have to say the Westin Resort and Spa's service
definitely was over and above any of our expectations. They met all of our
needs, from a late check in to a even later check out. We went to dinner at the
Aubergine Grill. I highly recommend it! The food was beautiful and the Chef came
out to meet us and ask us how our meal was. The food was delicious!
Thank you for such a wonderful stay!
Hotel Review of the Westin
Hotel Whistler
Nov 2, 2009
We stayed at the Westin for three nights in early September and could not have
been more pleased with a hotel.
Firstly, we were in room 510 (one-bedroom suite), which is one of the newly
refurbished quiet rooms in the east tower. It was a suite with main living area
(with fully-equipped kitchen, dining area and lounge), bathroom and separate
bedroom. The sofa was a sofa bed and there was also a small balcony.
Secondly, we had booked the hotel as part of a tour from our base in Vancouver
through the official Whistler tourist agency, along with a return trip on the
Whistler Mountaineer train.
The whole thing was amazing value with the hotel room rate coming in at CAN$159
before taxes.
The bedroom was compact, but had lots of storage space, so nothing was left
lying around. A large flat screen TV is provided at the foot of the bed, along
with another in the main lounge area. The bed was queen size and amply equipped
with pillows.
The bathroom was also great. A nice-size tub and separate shower enclosure were
a real luxury. The air extraction was superb - nothing stayed misted up!
With the kitchen, dining and lounge area all combined, the suite felt roomy and
spacious, definitely a plus for a longer stay.
The only minor downside was that the balcony was only large enough for two
chairs and no dining table, but it did have superb mountain views and allowed
for plenty of ventilation through the open door.
I have to say that the Westin was far nicer than the Hilton, which is right next
door. The reception area at the Westin is lovely - huge and welcoming with large
sofas, fireplace and iced water always available. Our tour pick-up was from the
Hilton, which seemed small and cramped in comparison.
The pool area was the best I have encountered at any hotel - it's a swim-out
heated indoor/outdoor pool, with indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, steam sauna and a
scenic exercise area - all with mountain views. Beware the other hotels whose
pools look out over the highway (eg the Best Western). Guest changing was clean
and towels provided.
Our room was quiet - we did not hear any noise at all from outside and only a
little in the lounge area from the room next door (which housed some
tired-sounding kids at one point). With a separate bedroom, neighbour noise is
not an issue.
The hotel is not really geared up for feeding its guests, although there is a
restaurant on-site. With Whistler Village right there on the doorstep (5 mins
walk), you don't need anything else and of course, all meals can be prepared in
the room or brought up by room service.
If visiting Whistler in the off season, get the gondola tickets and travel up to
the mountains. The hiking is excellent and you can get maps from the village
information booths. Take warm clothes as you will ascend to around 2,000m.
Do take a walk out to Lost Lake (with your swimming things if it's warm) - it's
an inviting mountain lake, well-equipped with swimming platforms and even a
raft! Do research the 'bear protocol' as we saw 4 wild bears during our 4-day
trip!
We would highly recommend this hotel and could not fault even one small thing
about our stay.
Westin Hotel Review ::
Whistler Canada
Westin Hotel Whistler
4090 Whistler Way
Whistler, BC V0N 1B4 CA |
