Luxury Hotel Review: Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Fairmont Chateau
First impressions:
If you’re itching for a mountain escape that offers that quintessential winter lodge, cozy-up-by-the-fire feel, then look no further...head to the Fairmont Chateau Whistler!
You'll immediately enter into a spacious lodge, filled with comfortable sofas, warm fires, and floor to ceiling windows that hint at the slopes outside. Live music pours out from Mallard's Lounge, where crowds enjoy apres-ski drinks and food. It's obvious from the moment you walk in, the Fairmont Chateau is the place to be!
Location and amenities:
If you're a die-hard skier or snowboarder, maximizing your time on the mountain is an essential part of a ski vacation. Bottom line: you can not get closer than the Fairmont. The Chateau stands at the base of Blackcomb Mountain (Whistler actually refers to two mountains: Whistler and Blackcomb), and is set up to simply make your life easy. The ski rental shop sits within the hotel (easy), their ski valet takes all your gear for you at the end of the day (easy), the lift is a 15 second walk away (easy), and at the end of the day they serve you hot chocolate (I’m sold). To read more about skiing, go here.
Not surprisingly, the hotel caters to skiers; however, it still includes other amenities for everyone to enjoy. There is a health club, with an indoor/outdoor pool, multiple hot tubs, a steam room, saunas, and a relaxing sitting area stocked with hot drinks and flavored waters. If you’re in the mood to work out, check out the fitness center nearby. Not too shabby Fairmont.
If your muscles need some lovin' after a day on the slopes, head to the spa. Embracing the spa life is just as much part of the Fairmont culture as the emphasis on skiing. Believe it or not, it's very common to see numerous hotel guests simply strolling through the lobby in their spa robes. During my first visit, I remember thinking this was a very interesting Canadian custom; however, if you stay at the resort, I promise you too will assimilate to the public robe-wearing fashion strut.
Time to eat!
Are you getting hungry yet? Although Whistler Village has some of the best food in town, if you're having a "stay-in-be-cozy" kind of night, you won't be disappointed with the food on site. The Mallard Lounge has an expansive menu, catering to every crowd out there. In the mood for Nachos? Done. Or, what about a warm winter soup? Done. Wait, do you prefer something classic, like a burger or fish and chips? Done and delicious. Okay, what if you're vegan? No problem -- how about something inventive like a fried artichoke sandwich with eggplant? I loved everything I ordered, and felt right at home during my meal. Claire roamed around the lounge socializing with everyone, and she highly recommends the Mac and Cheese. P.S.-- don't miss out on their famous hot chocolate too!
Come morning time, you'll most likely still be full, but it's important to fuel up before hitting the mountain. The Fairmont has a take-out restaurant, called Portobello. However, I'd make time for at least one breakfast experience at Wildflower Grill. The buffet includes fresh smoothies, roasted potatoes, an omelette station, homemade muesli with poached apricots and peaches...and of course a lot of pastries! If you prefer a la carte, don't miss the avocado toast with poached pear and red onion relish, and the honey buttermilk pancakes.
Entertaining little humans:
The indoor/outdoor pool is one of my favorite aspects of this resort (and one of the reasons I've returned 3 times!). The water is bath-tub warm, and perfect for splashing around with the little ones. There are also adult-only pools and hot tubs if you prefer to have some kid-free time. However, I must warn you: kids take over the pool during apres-ski hours. It's like a swarm of ants, bursting with energy for one last go before bedtime. If you’re itching for some quiet time by the pool, I suggest heading over in the morning hours (when the kids are in ski school), or from 8pm onwards (when they go to bed).
If you bravely included young kids on this vacation (brave, in this sense, means your children are too young for ski school), you can still keep them busy all day. I rented a sled for Claire, and used the tiny hill adjacent to the pool for some quick access sledding. "We" (mostly me) built a snowman, and we rolled around in the fresh snowfall. If you prefer a less cold activity, I suggest putting your little one in a stroller and walking to downtown Whistler. It was only a 10 minute walk from the hotel, and Claire loved exploring a new environment. Plus, the walk to Whistler Village was right out of a winter wonderland!
Rest up:
Is it time for bed yet? After a day of skiing, it's important to have a comfy bed to crash. You will not be disappointed on this front. Additionally, almost all of the rooms underwent renovations recently, and have updated furniture and interiors to reflect the alpine look. In previous years, I stayed in deluxe slopeside view room -- it's the perfect choice for a party of 2. This year, with Claire and my mom along for the trip, I selected a Junior 2 bedroom suite. While it did provide us with the additional space (2 bedrooms, small living area, 2 bathrooms), it was smaller than I had expected. At this resort you are paying for proximity to the mountain-- not space. However, we found it cozy, comfortable and convenient to be so close to the slopes. .
Would I Return?
As mentioned, I have visited this hotel 3 times and so the answer is an obvious, "Yes." I love its ski-time vibe, luxurious touches, and inviting atmosphere. I would love to return again, for another ski trip or to check out the scene in the summer or fall.
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