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Where to Stay in Whistler

By Santorini Dave

Our Favorite Whistler Hotels

Village Centre: Sundial
Upper Village: Fairmont Chateau
Village North: Summit Lodge
Creekside: Evolution
Boutique: Summit Lodge
Budget: Adara
For Families: Four Seasons
Couples: Sundial
Swimming Pool: Pan Pacific
Ski-in/Ski-out: Pan Pacific Mountainside
Near Olympic Plaza: Summit Lodge

Large snow flakes drop on a snow-covered street lit up by green outdoor lights.

Our winter-wonderland view of Village Centre.

Whistler is the largest and one of the best ski resorts in North America. Located 78 miles north of Vancouver, British Columbia, it boasts one of the longest ski seasons from November to May. This bustling and vibrant ski-mountain town offers fantastic hotels with mountain views, and many have slope-side outdoor pools and hot tubs.

Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are right next to each other with over 200 ski runs. At the base of Whistler Mountain is the Village Centre, a mostly pedestrian area with hotels, restaurants, art galleries, shops, the Gateway Loop, Whistler Visitor Centre and an après-ski/nightlife scene. It has access to Whistler Village Gondola, Excalibur Gondola, and Fitzsimmons Express Chairlift. North of the Village Centre is Village North, which has the Olympic Plaza, outdoor ice-skating rink, restaurants, concert area, and the Audain Art Museum.

East of Village Centre and at the base of Blackcomb Mountain is Upper Village, which has the most luxury hotels. It has the Blackcomb Gondola, the Magic Chairlift, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, and it’s near Lost Lake Park and cross-country skiing.

About a ten-minute drive south of Village Centre is Whistler Creekside. It’s less touristy and less expensive. It has the Creekside Gondola, so you can get on the slopes without going to the Village Centre, but it has fewer restaurants.

Once at the top of either mountain, our favorite ride is the Peak 2 Peak Gondola that takes skiers (and sightseers) between Blackcomb Mountain and Whistler Mountain. It’s the world’s highest lift with glass-bottom cars that allow for incredible views of the valley below.

Those traveling to Whistler with children are well served and can choose from self-catering suites at the Pan Pacific Mountainside to outstanding amenities at the Four Seasons with heated outdoor pool, heated towels, kid-sized robes, and smores by the fire.

Whistler in Summer

Tall evergreen trees line a brick path.

Summer in Village North.

Whistler is fast becoming a popular summer destination, offering four world-class golf courses, zip lining, hiking, and mountain biking. During summer, travelers can experience the Cloudraker Skybridge, a suspension bridge offering breathtaking views of the valley below. To get to the sky bridge, buy tickets and ride the Whistler Village Gondola. Then, take the Peak Express Chair lift to the viewing platform at the top of the mountain.

Best Places to Stay in Whistler

Guest bath in a steaming pool outside with views of trees and mountains.

The outdoor part of the indoor/outdoor heated pool at the Fairmont Chateau.

Best Places in Whistle for…

  • Where to Stay in Whistler for First Timers: Village Centre
    A large alpine architecture building sits in snow.

    The alpine architecture of the Westin

    Whistler Village Centre is charming with its European style and alpine architecture. It’s the heart of Whistler and sits at the base of two mammoth mountains, Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. This area is primarily pedestrian-only and brimming with hotels, excellent restaurants, art galleries, and a vibrant nightlife. Village Centre is an ideal base for first-timers, convenient to services and walkable to the lifts.
  • Where to Stay in Whistler for Couples: Village Centre or Upper Village
    A cushioned bench has an evergreen holiday backdrop for photos.

    A photo spot in the lobby at Sundial Boutique .

    If you want the best selection of activities including the departure point for local excursions, then Village Centre is the place to be. Try the romantic Sundial Boutique (our favorite hotel for couples) where guests can reserve the hotel’s fabulous rooftop jacuzzi for a private experience. If you want to be pampered and indulge in little extras, stay in the Upper Village. The Fairmont Chateau offers couples massage suites and the Vida Spa.
  • Where to Stay in Whistler for Families: Upper Village
    Upper Village has several ski-in and ski-out hotels that provide the easiest and quickest access to the slopes. The convenience of returning relatively quickly to your hotel room from the slopes is great for families with young children. Additionally, the Upper Village is quieter than the Village Centre. In the summertime, kids will love the Family Adventure Zone located in the Upper Village, which offers a bouncy castle, climbing wall, bungee trampolines, and more.
  • Where to Stay in Whistler without a Car: Village Centre
    The Village Centre is the hub of activity and is pedestrian-only. The village is also small enough that you can walk almost anywhere in about 20 minutes.
Evergreen trees surround a blue pool with steam rising from it.

The outdoor heated-pool and hot tub at the Four Seasons.

4 Best Areas of Whistler

1. Village Centre

People walk through a town with skis and snow boards.

The Village Centre by Crystal Lodge.

Village Centre is primarily a pedestrian-only zone with 200+ shops and restaurants, including fine dining, boutique shops, and several art galleries. It also boasts the most options for the après-ski/nightlife scene.

A line of people stand in the snow wearing colorful ski clothes.

Lining up to ride the Excalibur Gondola outside Sundial.

Within Village Centre is Gateway Loop, home to the Whistler Visitor Centre and the transportation hub for taxis, local buses, and charter buses to Vancouver, Vancouver International Airport, and tour excursions.

A round small indoor pool has a narrow opening to an outdoor pool.

The indoor part of the all-weather indoor/outdoor pool at the Westin.

Skiers get in line in the snow to ride a gondola.

The entrance to the Excalibur Gondola in front of Pan Pacific Mountainside.

2. Upper Village

A skier in a royal blue ski jacket skis into town.

The end of a ski run off of Blackcomb Mountain.

At the base of Blackcomb Mountain and the Blackcomb Gondola is the Upper Village. It’s home to two of the most prestigious hotels in Whistler: the Fairmont Chateau, a castle-like hotel with 519 guest rooms and has its own golf course. The iconic five-star Four Seasons has exceptional amenities with a first-class Spa, ski concierge, and one of the best steakhouses in town. It’s also our favorite hotel for families.

A wood arched bridge crosses a rocky glacial-blue creek.

Fitzsimmons Creek trail bridge.

The Upper Village is also home to the SSquamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, a modern museum with cultural exhibits. Just past Upper Village is Lost Lake, a serene and scenic old-growth forest. Lost Lake Park offers cross-country ski trails, and biking/hiking trails. The Upper Village is a 15 to 20-minute walk (5-minute drive) from the Village Centre, and the route crosses the beautiful Fitzsimmons Creek with glacial waters. Free shuttle service is available between Upper Village and Village Centre.

colorful blown glass sculptures and paintings on walls sit in an art gallery.

The contemporary art gallery at the Four Seasons.

A skier in a blue coat skis down a slope.

Our short walk to the Fairmont Chateau (yellow building) at the end of our ski run in the upper village.

3. Village North

People walk up a short snowy hill to slide down it.

Sledding in the snow at the outdoor playground.

Village North is home to the Olympic Plaza, with an outdoor ice-skating rink, outdoor playground, and a bandshell for concerts. Most areas are pedestrian-only, with plenty of nearby restaurants and shops.

A bakery counter full of pastry options.

The amazing selection of pastries from our visit to Purebread.

Near the plaza is Purebread, one of our favorite and best bakeries in town. Audain Art Museum is a 2-minute walk from Olympic Plaza, with temporary exhibitions and permanent collections from some of British Columbia’s best-known artists, including First Nations artwork and a collection of 33 Emily Carr paintings.

  • Best Luxury Hotel in Village North
    Summit Lodge • Hotel phone: +1 604-932-2778
snow falls on a lodge.

The Summit Lodge just steps from the Olympic Plaza.

4. Whistler Creekside

People walk with snowboards on one shoulder down a path from the mountain.

Whistler Creekside at the base of Whistler Mountain.

Whistler Creekside is four miles south of Whistler Village, about a 10-minute drive on the Sea to Sky Highway. It is a less touristy area with a quiet charm and laid-back vibe. However, there are fewer options for restaurants and cafes. It’s also less expensive and has free public underground parking for day skiers. Creekside Gondola, at the base of Whistler Mountain, allows access to the slopes without traveling into Whistler Village. Whistler Creekside has its own Whistler/Blackcomb guest services and rental equipment. The year-round walking trails at Creekside lead to three lakes. Try staying at Evolution, which offers condominium-like suites, large balconies, an outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and a games room.

  • Best Luxury Hotel in Whistler Creekside
    Evolution • Hotel phone: +1 604-932-2778
People soak in an outdoor hot tub.

Our view of the heated pool, hot tubs, and sauna at Evolution .

11 Best Hotels in Whistler

1. Fairmont Chateau – Upper Village

Hotel Phone: +1 604-938-8000
A large white covered bed sits in a hotel room with a wood slab for a headboard.
Lavish hotel with a modern alpine style boasts ski-in/ski-out convenience and numerous amenities like an art gallery, luxury boutique shops, and a small grocery store. Their guest rooms are stylish, with a lounge area and live-wood headboards. Suites come in 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom with two bathrooms, fireplace, sofa bed, and down-filled duvets. There are options to upgrade to the Fairmont Gold level for private reception and concierge, complimentary food and beverages, and an honor bar offered in their exclusive Gold Lounge. Fairmont Whistler offers two outdoor heated pools with underwater music, a hot tub, and a barrel sauna next to a real wood-burning fire pit. Indoors, there’s a sauna and eucalyptus steam room. There are five onsite restaurants, including The Clubhouse grill at their golf course (seasonal).

2. Four Seasons – Upper Village

Hotel Phone: +1 604-935-3400
A loveseat sits in front of a bed in a hotel room.
Five-star resort with chic guest rooms that are spacious and well-appointed with fireplaces, sofas, a walk-in closet, and Nespresso machines. There is a top-notch spa, outdoor pool, and a large fitness room. This is our favorite hotel for families with young children. It has a games room, pool table, ping pong, roasting smores in the courtyard, and complimentary wine tasting for the adults. The hotel sits in a quiet and peaceful area in the Upper Village. Our favorite steakhouse + bar has mountain views. There’s exemplary service for every need. For instance, the pool deck offers refillable water stations, skin care products, and sunscreen. Four Seasons is not a ski-in ski-out hotel but does offer a dedicated ski concierge. Guests can hand off their skis and walk to the hotel from the lifts in 8 minutes.

3. Sundial – Village Centre

Hotel Phone: +1 800-661-2321
A bed with a wood headboard has a fuzzy blanket over the end.
The hotel has 49 homey and comfortable suites featuring a fully equipped kitchen, a gas fireplace, and heated bathroom floors. It’s only 200 feet from the Lifts. Guest rooms are bright with natural light, and their premium Hot Tub Suites (available in one and two bedrooms) are popular. Two-bedroom suites can sleep 6. The rooftop hot tub has a reservation policy for a private experience. There are three independent restaurants on the second floor, and the hotel is steps from many more eateries and bars. Ski rental, ski & bike secure storage, and coin-operated laundry are all onsite.

4. Pan Pacific – Village Centre

Hotel Phone: +1 604-966-5500
A carpeting living room with a sofa, fireplace, and tv.
Fantastic central location in Whistler village this all-suite hotel is a 5-minute walk to the lifts. A heated outdoor saltwater lap pool is nestled beside two hot tubs and offers terrific mountain views. There is no all-day restaurant, but they offer a cocktail bar + menu that opens mid-afternoon. A complimentary hot buffet breakfast is provided. The hotel has easy and quick access to many restaurants, cafes, and shops in the Village Centre. The modern rooms have full kitchens and a gas fireplace (king-size beds in the one, two, and three-bedroom suites). The studios have space-saving Murphy beds + sofa beds and can sleep 4. Bathrooms have a separate shower and bathtub. There’s a small day spa on the lobby level. It’s a convenient 2-minute walk to Gateway Loop for bus service to downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport. It’s also a pet-friendly hotel.

5. Pan Pacific Mountainside – Village Centre

Hotel Phone: +1 604-905-2999
An apartment with a fireplace, sofa, chairs, tv, and kitchen and dining area.
This kid-friendly hotel is the best ski-in/ski-out resort in Whistler, only a 1-minute walk to lifts and both Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas. The all-suite hotel has modern apartment-like rooms; the largest has two bedrooms + two bathrooms and can sleep 6. Suites feature a fully equipped kitchen, gas fireplace, and private balcony with either mountain, village, or valley views. Some rooms have Murphy beds to allow for more space. Opt for the mountain view rooms for the best experience and to view the fire and ice shows in Skier’s Plaza, where expert skiers jump through burning hoops. Families will appreciate the hotel’s theater and games rooms, including Nintendo. There’s an outdoor pool and jacuzzi. The hotel has a No-Pet policy.

6. Westin – Village Centre

Hotel Phone: +1 604-905-5000
A restaurant with hight ceilings and lodge-like chandeliers.
Luxurious residential-style suites at the base of Whistler Mountain. The hotel is close to two gondolas, and the suites feature a fireplace, a soaker tub, and a full kitchen. The largest suites are the 2-bedroom (sleeps 6) and the Penthouse (up to 8 people) with vaulted ceilings, jacuzzi soaker tubs, sofa beds, and wonderful mountain or village views. Ask for 8th-floor rooms and above for fabulous unobstructed views. The hotel has an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, 2 hot tubs, a steam room, and a sauna. There’s a modern and large gym with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Full treatment spa is onsite. Laundry coin-operated machines are on every floor.

7. Crystal Lodge – Village Centre

Hotel Phone: +1 800-667-3363
A king-sized bed with a teal upholstered head board sits in a hotel room.
Central location in the heart of Whistler village. This 157-room property is modern and well-appointed with mini-bars, flat-screen TVs, and coffee makers. Allergy-free rooms are available. There’s a ski, board, and bike valet, plus boot and glove dryers. Crystal Lodge has compact single-bed rooms—perfect for a solo traveler. Their large 3-bedroom suites or the 3-bedroom penthouse can sleep up to 8 people. Most suites have a full kitchen, gas fireplace, and balcony. There’s a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, and hot rock sauna. The games room has foosball, shuffleboard, and table tennis. The hotel has a pub, lounge, restaurant, and Starbucks, with other options nearby. It’s a 3-minute walk to gondolas and lifts.

8. Adara – Village Centre

Hotel Phone: +1 604-905-4009
A large king-sized bed sits in a cozy hotel room.
Budget-friendly hotel in Whistler Village, steps to restaurants and shops, and a 5-minute walk to the ski lifts. Their two-bedroom suites are the most spacious and located on the top floor, which is a better choice for less noise away from the clubs/pubs. The rooftop pool and hot tub have mountain views. Our favorite budget hotel rooms have a flat-screen TV with HD cable, mini fridge, microwave, coffee/tea press, kettle, in-room safe, rainfall shower, iPod dock/clock radio, bath robes, Playstation, and hairdryer. Complimentary ski, golf, and bike storage is located near the lobby. The restaurant is rustic and casual. Pet friendly rooms available.

9. Summit Lodge – Village North

Hotel Phone: +1 604-932-2778
A hotel room with a bed facing a tv and fireplace.
Boutique hotel with a relaxed vibe offers contemporary and colorful guest rooms located across from the outdoor ice-skating rink at Olympic Plaza in Whistler Village North. Guests can access a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, fire pit, and indoor dry-cedar sauna. Summit Lodge is nestled in a quiet location, a short 5-minute walk to the Village Centre or a 10-minute walk to the lifts. All rooms and suites have a fully equipped kitchenette: mini fridge, microwave, stovetop, 2-cup coffee machine, toaster, and small dining table. One-bedroom suites have a dishwasher. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and limited underground parking for a fee. It’s an easy walk to Audain Art Museum, 250 m.

10. Evolution – Whistler Creekside

Hotel Phone: +1 604-938-9999
A room with a kitchen, sofa, chairs, and a fireplace that has a window that shows through on to the deck.
This property is an 8-minute walk to the Creekside Gondola and lifts. The Creekside area is excellent for those wanting a quieter and more laid-back atmosphere. The modern apartment-like suites are great for families, and the hotel includes a theater room and games room with Nintendo. Evolution has full kitchen suites ranging from 1 bedroom (4 people), 2 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms (6 people), and 3-bedroom suites (8 people). There are heated outdoor pools, hot tubs, a sauna, a steam room, and a fitness room. It’s a one-minute walk to Tim Hortons coffee shop and a 5-minute walk to several eateries and shops in Creekside Village. Whistler Village is a 10-minute drive or a 4.5 km walk/bike/run along the paved Valley Trail. Check-in is at the adjacent Legends Hotel.

11. Delta – Village North

Hotel Phone: +1 604-905-3987
A furnished apartment.
Rooms and one to two-bedroom suites within a 10-minute walk to the lifts or a complimentary shuttle ride. Two-bedroom suites offer options for group travel as there is a foyer between the two (not your typical 2-bed suite configuration). Perks include complimentary overnight ski storage at the base of the mountain (skis only – no boots or poles) and ski storage at the hotel. There are complimentary coffee and muffins available in the lobby. For a quieter stay, avoid rooms above the pub or choose rooms facing the pool. The hotel has 1 restaurant, 1 pub, an indoor/outdoor connecting pool, and 3 hot tubs (2 outdoors and 1 indoor). It’s easily walkable to the Village Centre, which has various eateries and pubs.

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave I’m Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a quick guide on visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my small team and I provide guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece - as well as favorite places to stay in some of my favorite cities - like London, Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Venice, and Florence. Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.