Review: Westin Whistler | Prince of Travel

I stayed on the Westin Whistler on a latest ski journey to the Whistler Blackcomb resort. 

The Westin is without doubt one of the finest choices for utilizing factors and saving cash on sky-high lodging charges in case you’re headed as much as the Whistler space.

Right here’s a full evaluate of the property from my latest journeys, together with some extra ideas from a separate keep I had in a Bi-Degree Loft Suite. 

Westin Whistler – Reserving

Regardless of the season, a visit to Whistler hardly ever comes low-cost. You’ll be able to anticipate paid charges on the Westin to fluctuate from $300 (CAD) earlier than taxes in shoulder season, to $500–600 (CAD) within the peak of summertime, all the way in which as much as $1,000+ (CAD) throughout ski season, when the lodge is sort of absolutely booked. 

With the Marriott Bonvoy program, the Westin Whistler is a Class 7 property that prices 50,000, 60,000, or 70,000 Bonvoy factors per night time on the off-peak, commonplace, or peak charges, respectively. 

Given our target valuation of Bonvoy points at 0.9 cents per level, because of this it’ll possible be a greater deal to pay money on the Westin Whistler at off-peak instances and to redeem factors in case you’re staying at the most well-liked instances.

That’s precisely how I’ve booked my previous two stays right here. In the summertime, I paid $300 (CAD) for a one-night keep on a comparatively low-cost fee that I had sought out far upfront. In the meantime, I redeemed 70,000 factors per night time for a two-night keep in the course of the winter holidays.

It was definitely considerably painful to half methods with such an enormous sum of factors for a keep that was comparatively near dwelling, however that’s how Whistler’s winter costs have all the time tended to go. 

For different accommodations on factors, take into account the Delta Whistler Village Suites or the Hilton Whistler, though neither property seems to be as robust because the Westin. I could properly give these accommodations a go on my future visits to Whistler as a way to give you an apples-to-apples comparability. 

Westin Whistler – Location

The Whistler Blackcomb resort itself is positioned a two-hour drive north of Vancouver. For those who aren’t driving, there’s a devoted bus service that prices $35 (CAD) from Downtown Vancouver or $55 (CAD) from Vancouver Worldwide Airport that brings you proper to the doorway of Whistler Village. 

One main cause why the Westin Whistler is ready to cost such a premium is because of its location. Nestled within the coronary heart of Whistler Village, the Westin is merely steps across the nook from the primary Whistler Gondola that takes you up the mountain.

That’s a useful profit on ski days, once you’re attempting to squeeze in these early-morning runs in contemporary powder, in addition to relating to taking part within the après-ski and nightlife tradition that Whistler has to supply.

For the reason that lodge constructing is located on the mountainside, the Foyer ground performs host to the primary driveway and the check-in desks, whereas Flooring 1 leads out to Whistler Village by means of the ski outlets, ski valet, and rental amenities. 

Westin Whistler – Test-in

Our occasion of 4 pulled as much as the Westin Whistler after a sluggish noon drive from Vancouver. Once we took this journey, the area was experiencing some significantly frosty climate round –20˚C, so the street situations weren’t nice. 

The Westin gives both self-parking for $34/night time or a valet parking service for $38/night time. Because it was solely $4 additional, we determined to go for the valet parking to make it simpler for ourselves.

(I think about many visitors don’t make a lot use of the valet parking apart from the drop-off and pickup, since they’re largely right here to ski anyway.)

The lodge foyer was dressed up in Christmas decorations, together with a cute Westin sleigh. 

We had arrived on the property simply after midday, earlier than it turned too busy, and we have been helped fairly shortly. Like many employees members who work at Whistler, the check-in affiliate was an Aussie fellow. 

He tell us that our One-Bed room Suite with Queen Mattress, which I had upgraded to utilizing Suite Night Awards, had simply grow to be prepared for our arrival. 

He additionally confirmed our breakfast profit as a Titanium Elite member: complimentary buffet breakfast within the restaurant for 2. I used to be delighted that the breakfast buffet was again (we had a boxed in-room breakfast once we stayed in the summertime), however once I requested if it was doable to increase the profit to our occasion of 4, I used to be swiftly shot down. 

Lastly, the affiliate confirmed the parking fee of $38/night time for valet parking, legitimate till 4pm on the day of checkout. Whereas the parking charges on the lodge aren’t low-cost, I’m no less than blissful to see that the Westin doesn’t stoop to the extent of charging an arbitrary resort price. 

Westin Whistler – One-Bed room Suite with Queen Mattress

I stayed within the One-Bed room Suite with Queen Mattress on two of our visits to the lodge in the summertime and winter. 

In the course of the summer time, I had “suite-talked” my solution to the improve on account of my Titanium Elite standing, whereas I used Suite Evening Awards to provide myself higher odds of the improve on our latest winter journey resulting from our bigger occasion. 

The rooms and suites on the Westin Whistler very a lot include the coziness that you just’d anticipate from a ski resort. They aren’t very massive in any respect, and the One-Bed room Suite gave the 4 of us simply barely sufficient area to snug reside, dine, and play. 

To its credit score, the suite gives a kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, range, sink, and dishwasher, which is available in very useful on longer stays once you don’t wish to eat out each night time. 

There’s additionally a easy espresso maker in each room.

Then there’s a four-person eating desk, plus a dwelling space with a sofa, tv, and hearth. 

Jessy’s mother and father took the main bedroom, which doesn’t provide a lot area for something apart from the mattress itself.

In the meantime, Jessy and I took the couch mattress, which occupies many of the dwelling space when deployed. Mix that with our ski boots and poles (that are introduced upstairs to your room whereas your skis and snowboards are saved on the ski valet downstairs), and the room can definitely really feel a bit of cramped at instances. 

The lavatory consists of a bathe, bathtub, sink, and bathroom. An omnipotent blast of piping-hot water is a must have at any ski resort, and I’m happy to say that the Westin Whistler’s bathe did a terrific job of soothing the muscle mass after a protracted day on the mountain. 

Lastly, the One-Bed room Suites provide a small balcony from which you’ll be able to catch a breath of contemporary mountain air. Again in the summertime, we had a view overlooking the lodge pool beneath, whereas our view within the winter was close-up in opposition to the mountainside.

General, the visitor rooms on the Westin Whistler are cozy and useful, although in no way overly luxurious. 

The rooms are nice for enjoying some board video games within the night and crashing earlier than hitting the slopes within the morning. However in any other case, not like some other ski resorts around the world, there’s no cause to spend an excessive amount of time indoors.

Westin Whistler – Bi-Degree Loft Suite

On a subsequent go to to the world, I had an opportunity to remain in a Bi-Degree Loft Suite.

The Bi-Degree Loft Suite is a classy two-level suite with a completely outfitted kitchenette on the primary stage and floor-to-ceiling views of Whistler beneath.

As you step inside, you’re greeted by a well-appointed kitchenette, full with all of the necessities to arrange a fast chunk.

There’s an oven, stovetop, microwave and full-sized fridge. Moreover, the cupboards are absolutely stocked with any dishes you may want readily available.

A espresso maker sits atop the counter, and a kettle may be discovered inside the cupboards.

Halfway into the suite is a small eating desk with seating for 3.

Then, positioned close to the towering floor-to-ceiling home windows is a seating space comprised of a sofa, armchair, and picket espresso desk. From the home windows, you’ve got a terrific view of Whistler Village beneath.

On the other wall are a wall-mounted flat-screen TV and a toasty in-suite fire.

Adjoining is a small desk, which was fairly small and had restricted floor area, however however serves as a useful workspace.

Continuing across the nook and up the steps, you’ll arrive on the loft, which performs host to a cushty king mattress that faces out in direction of the home windows.

Within the left-hand nook, a small TV is housed atop a small armoire inside an alcove. From right here, you’ll be able to look down at the remainder of the suite for an aerial perspective.

To the best of the king mattress is the doorway to the toilet that includes a standalone vainness, adjoining bathtub and walk-in bathe. Regardless of being a bit small, it supplied wonderful water strain.

I discovered the Bi-Degree Loft Suite to be a quaint hideaway, affording nice views of Whistler Village beneath. Although not probably the most trendy in design, the Bi-Degree Loft Suite nonetheless affords wonderful performance and luxury.

The absolutely outfitted kitchenette is certainly handy as you’ll be able to simply whip-up your individual meals or snacks as you want. Moreover, the in-suite fire provides a contact of coziness in between milling round Whistler Village, and the robust water strain is certainly appreciated after a demanding day on the slopes.

Westin Whistler – Breakfast

Breakfast is served within the lodge’s principal restaurant, Grill & Vine. I used to be delighted to see that the total breakfast buffet had been restored by the point of our keep in December 2021.

Whereas visitors can take breakfast within the restaurant, they’re additionally supplied take-out containers to replenish on the buffet if they should get breakfast to-go. This meant that despite the fact that the lodge denied my request to increase breakfast to our occasion of 4, we may nonetheless all get pleasure from breakfast just by filling up our sizeable take-out containers with sufficient breakfast for 4. 

The buffet consists of your typical cold and warm breakfast gadgets, together with separate stations for fruits, pastries, and cereals. Whereas many of the gadgets have been pretty commonplace, I did recognize sure additional touches like guacamole, which you don’t see all over the place. 

Espresso and juice are additionally included within the breakfast profit for elite members.

General, I believed the Westin Whistler’s elite breakfast providing was pretty good, particularly in these present instances when many accommodations (significantly in North America) like to stint out on breakfast advantages. 

Westin Whistler – Ski Valet

The ski valet or “mountain concierge” service is a trademark of any ski resort, and the Westin Whistler isn’t any exception. The lodge’s ski valet is discovered on the in-house Can-Ski Efficiency retailer, which can be the place you’d go to lease or buy tools.

The ski valet prices $7/day, though this price is waived for Westin visitors who’re staying in a collection (together with Suite Evening Award upgrades). Subsequently, I didn’t must pay for our utilization of the ski valet on this specific keep.

Merely drop off your tools once you’re accomplished within the afternoon, after which come again within the morning to select them up earlier than heading up the mountain. I discovered the ski valet to be an extremely handy service, particularly with the Westin being mere steps away from the gondolas. 

Westin Whistler – Different Services

Along with the Grill & Vine restaurant, there’s additionally a Japanese restaurant referred to as Kaze onsite, which is open for dinner. They function independently fairly than a part of the lodge, although, so you’ll be able to’t invoice your meal to the room.

There’s additionally a wide range of retail outlets, lots of which focus on ski & snowboard gear, on the first-floor stage.

The mezzanine ground performs host to The Mountain Membership, which, alas, shouldn’t be an govt lounge that Marriott elite members get entry to. As an alternative, it’s a non-public members’ membership operated by Gibbons Whistler, so that you’d must have a membership to achieve entry. 

Lastly, the second ground of the lodge performs host to the spa, pool, and health amenities. 

There’s a linked indoor/outside pool that looks like a really good place to unwind after a protracted ski day, if not for the truth that it’s prone to be very busy down right here within the afternoons. Definitely, it looks like a greater match for members of your occasion who won’t be snowboarding to come back calm down in the course of the daytime. 

There are additionally indoor and outside scorching tubs, which I might’ve favored to utilize, if not for the truth that we had already paid a go to to the close by Scandinave Spa as a part of this journey. 

The health centre was closed on the time of our keep resulting from provincial well being restrictions. It’s not a really large fitness center, though there’s no less than an excellent number of train tools packed into the small area. 

Conclusion

For the rooms, facilities, décor, and the general product of the lodge alone, it should be stated that the Westin Whistler delivers comparatively little even whereas charging a small fortune. 

However that’s merely the lay of the wind up right here in Whistler in the course of the winters, when avid skiers and riders from everywhere in the world flock to Whistler Blackcomb’s twin peaks for an action-packed escape. 

Redeeming Marriott Bonvoy factors right here on the Westin Whistler can no less than prevent a major out-of-pocket quantity in your lodging. Contemplating the lodge’s strengths, like a bountiful elite breakfast and a main location steps from the gondolas, the Westin Whistler is about nearly as good because it will get relating to redeeming factors for accommodations round these components. 

For those who ask me, this place is asking out for W Accommodations to make an entrance someplace in Whistler Village… however till then, the Westin is prone to stay my resort of alternative for a weekend ski getaway.