Fairmont Chateau Whistler is a Luxury Resort Destination within a Luxury Resort Destination
It’s hard not to be smitten with the accommodations at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, this resort hotel has an ideally situated location in Whistler and self-contained amusement including a huge health facility with indoor and outdoor pool and spas, a lively lounge bar, excellently prepared, locally sourced gourmet food, a range of accommodations from basic to luxurious suites, and sincere service.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Valley View
Whistler is also a special destination for me because when I first moved to Vancouver, it was a beautiful, natural place I could easily get away to, from the bustle of urban Vancouver; winter, spring, summer or fall. Whistler is the traditional land of the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations long before the arrival of Europeans. Today, over two million people visit Whistler annually, snow skiing and snowboarding in winter, and, mountain biking at Whistler-Blackcomb in summer.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Gold Room (Fairmont.com photo)
My first year in Vancouver, I worked and lived downtown. I didn’t have a car, and didn’t need one. Because Whistler is a year-round resort, there are a number of buses running daily from downtown Vancouver to Whistler, with just one short pit stop in Squamish, there is little time or cost difference between traveling to Whistler by bus vs the car. Enjoy someone else driving, and take the greener choice.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Whistler’s landmark ski-in ski-out hotel and golf mountain luxury resort
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Welcome
I’ve been a Fairmont President’s Club member from day one, it makes my stay more personal, and there are perks with membership, like free wi-fi, newspapers, and person room preferences! Sometimes even extras, when we have a celebration stay! It’s easy to enrol, I recommend joining the Fairmont President’s Club.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Health Club Indoor and Outdoor Pools
Whistler – Golf
Dinning at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Locally Sourced, Finely Prepared
Through to December, partake in Fairmont Fridays at Mallard Lounge and Terrace. This recent visit was the first time I had the opportunity to encounter ‘Fairmont Friday’s’ in Fairmont Chateau Whistler. All I can say is from 5-7pm there are specially reduced drinks, and a steady stream of free hors d’oeuvres! They just kept coming, bite sized pizza, spinach filo triangles, pakoras.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Mallard Lounge – Draft of Phillips Hop Circle IPA and Fairmont Friday Nibbles
No wonder there was a huge lively crowd, free food! If you happen to drop by when they are not giving away the food, I highly recommend the ‘Slow Roasted Prime Rib Sandwich’, the most tender, prime rib, cut to your cooked-ness, melt in your mouth. Topped with sweet caramelized onions, and melty cheese and a side of fresh horseradish. I have travelled up to whistler for the day, just for this magnificent sandwich! (Oh, reading the drink menu and making a list!)
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Mallard Lounge – Roast Beef Sandwich
On last bit on dining. When I was there this summer, after long hikes and swims, we decided to splurge (calorically) and have a big night at The Grill Room.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – The Grill Room (Fairmont.com photo)
While there was a good amount of choice on the menu, we were eager to indulge in a steak, not something we eat often! We went for the 36 oz Canadian AAA Prime beef Porterhouse $84 — to share. It was absolutely excellent, high quality, tender and perfectly cooked to our particular request. We ordered several Vegetable plates for the table, and they were cooked perfectly, high quality ingredients, locally sourced like North Arm Farm rainbow beets, and fresh organic spinach, crunchy seasonal long green beans with fresh marjoram. The meal was complimented with a bottle of excellent Shiraz, and fabulous service. (The Grill Room’s Wine List won a silver medal in Vancouver International Wine Festival in March 2013.) It was one of the best meals I’ve ever had. It was around $250 in total with tax, but it was a perfect meal! (P.S. Complimentary parking is available for all patrons of The Grill Room. Bring your parking ticket to the restaurant for validation.)
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Lobby
Winter is equally beautiful in Whistler!
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
4599 Chateau Boulevard
Whistler, British Columbia
604 938 8000
Check out Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Facebook page for Special Offers, News, and photos (and photos of bears)!
Whistler in Winter
Getting to/from Whistler:
Pacific Coach – Whistler Express (Downtown Vancouver to/from Whistler)
Travel duration: approximately 2 hours.
Pickups/Returns are 4 to 5 times throughout the day, in downtown Vancouver at Burrard Station and Fairmont Waterfront.
Dropping off in Whistler at Gateway Loop Whistler Village, Legends Creekside, Upper Village – Fairmont Chateau Whistler (Zone 1).
Pacific Coach – YVY SkyLynx (YVR Airport to/from Whistler via Downtown Vancouver)
Travel duration: approximately 2.5 hours.
Pickups/Returns are 4 to 5 times throughout the day, at YVR Airport, International Arrivals Terminal, Arrivals Level, Whistler Bus Bay #10
In general, the cost is around $55 each way per person, so a return is around $110. You can add a one time $15 for trip cancellation. Costing around $125 return/per person. FYI, If you take your own car, include the cost of gas (about $60-$80) plus parking in Whistler in Lots 1-3 is $8 per day or $35 Self-Parking at Fairmont Chateau Whistler, never mind the cost of snow tires you might need Oct-March.
Pacific Coach Ph: 1 800 661 1725
Enjoy!
Note: This was not a complimentary trip. I payed for my accommodations, meals and drinks. I am a Platinum President’s Club Member, and any perks are based on that.