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Even if we had all the money in the world, we’d choose sleeping under the stars over a fancy four poster bed (at least that’s what I like to fool myself into believing 😬). But my goodness, a night in a Fairmont bed is always worth writing home about. So here it is.
We were fortunate to have a couple excellent family adventures at the Chateau Whistler last spring/summer. Before that, I was no stranger to the epic landmark (thanks to the good eats), situated at the base of Blackcomb mountain, in Whistler’s (quieter) Upper Village, a short stroll away from Whistler’s (busier) Main Village. We used to live in Whistler, and recently moved about an hour down the Sea to Sky highway to Horseshoe Bay, but it’s still our go-to for a quick and easy getaway. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler makes it something special, that’s for sure.
Aprés visits to The Mallard, their lux and cozy, couch filled lounge open to the hotel’s large main lobby, cannot be beat imo. We have also been making it an annual tradition to eat at The Wildflower‘s famous Mother’s Day Brunch since my daughter was just a wee bébé. Portebello has also been a staple in my pre-snowboarding regimen, to fuel my days up in the mountains.
The hotel couldn’t be more convenient, situated right at the base of the Blackcomb Gondy. Thanks to its name, Blackcomb tends to be the lesser known of Whistler resort’s mountains, where the ratio of locals to visitors tends to be higher. It funnily happens to be the larger of the two mountains, has shorter lift lines, and is insanely fun. My best days on both mountains have hands down been on Blackcomb, off Seventh Heaven, and behind on the Blackcomb Glacier/Bowl. It basks in the afternoon sun, so is super cruisy to finish the day off on, before returning back to your evening’s cushy digs.
Tell me a better way to relax ye olde muscles after a long day on the slopes than in a hot tub, and I won’t believe you. The Fairmont’s Vida Spa and pools are worthy of a visit in themselves. Many locals have caught onto this and get monthly under the table/non-advertised passes in the winter to soothe and warm their weary woes.
A nice restorative yoga class after a long day could possibly tie with the hot tubs, in terms of rejuvenating bliss. To coincide with the spa, the Chateau offers top notch yoga classes, whether to limber you up to start your day, or to soothe said sore muscles at the end. If you’re lucky, you may time your visit with a sound bowl experience to revel in complete relaxation to soothe the soul.
They make things super simple and efficient with their slopeside ski valet and ski and snowboard rentals. Also slopeside, maple infused hot chocolate awaits to warm yourself in the afternoons, sittiing on their red adirondack chairs next to propane fire pits. Picturesque, and oh so quintessential.
If you haven’t thought of visiting Whistler in the summer, than get on it, as each summer the visitors increase, making no season an off-season. The world’s best mountain and downhill biking are at the Chateau’s doorstep. Hiking more your thing? Strap the hikers on and head up the Blackcomb Ascent Trail/Grind to get to the top, and take the gondola down to save your knees. If you’re a seasoned golfer, you’ve probably heard of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s namesake golf course.
Spring and Fall, also known as the ‘shoulder seasons’ are the quietest time to visit Whistler, where you can find sweet lodging and dining deals. The nostalgia and anticipation fall brings, with the cooler temps and first signs of snow, feels like magic. Some of the top restaurants in town offering $50 (or less $) a la carte 5 course meals/experiences.
We love eating local and getting a taste of what life is like wherever we visit by checking out the local markets. Right outside the hotel’s doors, you can find the Whistler Farmer’s market, filling up the village stroll with local art, goods and yummy eats, May to mid-October, on Sundays from 11am-4pm.
The Chateau also comes complete with it’s own tennis and pickleball courts. Also, tucked beyond the courts is the hotel’s own playground, encompassing a large fenced-in area for kids to run around, complete with a climbing play structure and swings. We found this incredibly convenient plus the kids adored going. It was entertaining for all of us, as we met families (and friends for the kids) from all over the world.
If all the perks, the brilliant Blackcomb location, the good food and amenities, weren’t reason enough, Fairmont is making steps towards a sustainable future. They are showing that they care about the environment, knowing that Whistler, and many of their hotel’s locations, are so popular due to being surrounded by incredible nature at their doorsteps. So let’s preserve that! And they’re trying, and also prompting guests to think about their own impact, when they travel and what they can learn and take home with them.
The friendly staff are also a fond memory for us. From checkin, to our room servicing crew, smiles were had all around. From delivering our bags to bringing the kids their own bathrobes, the service is top notch, making you feel welcomed, and truly feeling like it is a home away from home during your stay.
With all this said, the main reason to choose the Fairmont over all the rest… The bed! The crisp white linen, the cushy mattress, it is enrapturing, I sink into it, and could stay tucked in it all day, everyday (if it weren’t for the kids telling me they’re hungry). Open the curtains, I know I’m in Whistler, I can watch the sun cast its shadow over the mountains, all from the comfort of those stunning beds. The natural live edge wooden headboards. The room. The towels. The (reuseable and refillable) toiletries. All a bonus.
In summary, if you’re looking for a most excellent stay, warm cozy beds, good food, great amenities, and the best location, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is your answer. We give it 4 sets of luxurious thumbs up!
