A village beautifully manicured with creeks, waterfalls, and pristine lakes, a stroll through Whistler’s quirky neighborhoods offers a perfect selection of refined experiences amid the rugged West Coast beauty.
Known for being the Number 1 Ski Resort in North America, its postcard-worthy sites of snow-covered mountains and twinkling village lights display an unrivalled natural splendor that changes along with the seasons.
Nestled in a valley enclosed by coastal mountains and glaciers, Whistler’s stunning backdrop lures in visitors from all across the globe to its gorgeous hotels, which range from cozy mountain boutiques to magnificent, heritage-infused masterpieces. Here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Whistler, Canada (in no particular order).
Our Top 3 Best Cool and Unusual Hotels
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Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel Whistler
You will be hit with many surprises at this stunning boutique, where no detail is left unattended, and where comfort comes first.
Once you step past the traditional stone façade and pitched rooftops, what looks like a standard mountain lodge becomes a quirky, fun, and all-around outstanding hospitality experience.
The lobby is comprised of slate floors, untreated wood plank walls, bright pops of colour, and comfy armchairs & tufted couches beside the stone fireplace.
The pet-friendly element is evident through the large, colourful paintings of dogs, and the popular on-site restaurants offer a palpable buzz, attracting both jet setters and locals in to socialize.
Pros
Award-winning boutique hotel
Tufted couches along the stone fireplace
Quirky and fun atmosphere
Untreated wood plank walls
Cons
Crowded during peak ski season
No dryer in the room
Parking is a bit compact
Aava Whistler Hotel
Through its wooden Bavarian-style architecture elements and sloped roofs, Aava reflects the quaint character of the surrounding area.
The interiors are sleek and contemporary, with a few chalet-style touches sprinkled about, while the lobby evokes a graceful ambiance through funky modern lighting suspended from the ceiling, and a fireplace rested against a stone wall.
The 192 rooms boast stylish touches, and feature a colour palette of soft neutrals contrasted beautifully by dark wood furniture, and backdropped by beige carpeting and subtly patterned walls.
The on-site outdoor pool and hot tub make for a nice dip, and further high-end services include a fitness room, a sauna, a Nespresso café in the lobby, and complimentary snowshoe rentals for those looking to head out and ski in the surrounding alpine region.
Pros
Bavarian-style architecture
Complimentary snowshoe rentals
Fireplace with a stone wall
Cons
Pool close early
Parking can be extra
Elevator needs a replacement
Nita Lake Lodge
Delivering a quintessential Canadian feel, the Douglas fir, western red cedar, slate flooring and leather sofas with wool throws embrace upscale mountain comfort in every corner.
Permeating the hotel, the Artwork by local West Coast artists encompasses natural elements and themes to reflect a ‘woodsy’ vibe.
The 77 commodious guestrooms boast their very own gas fireplaces, as well as double soaker bathtubs and glass-enclosed rain head showers.
The traditional French cuisine in Aura restaurant’s open-concept kitchen is inspired by fresh coastal ingredients, while a healthy spa breakfast of poached eggs and avocado on toast is prepared to set you up for a memorable day on the slopes.
Pros
Stylish Boutique Retreat
Swedish Massage in spa
Heated flooring in the bathrooms
Spacious Guestrooms with Fireplaces
Cons
Food menu is a little limited
Small pool for family
Bar closes early
Adara Hotel
Adara Hotel brings together all the images of a Whistler vacation, from the exhilarating year-round mountain adventures on your doorstep to the gabled charm of the surrounding village, and the uninterrupted views of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
This boutique getaway blends the town’s rustic heritage with a modern take on Scandi-inspired design, offering a chic, fresh look. One of the most intimate hotels in Whistler, the cool & contemporary ambiance radiates through stylish interiors, which extend into the well-appointed guestrooms.
All boast modern tech-savvy amenities, including PlayStation 3’s and iPod docks, as well as electric fireplaces and fully decked-out kitchenettes.
Furthermore, the hotel is fully committed to protecting the natural resources of Whistler and beyond and has been awarded a Green Key FOUR key rating.
Pros
Modern Scandi-Inspired Design
Tech-Savvy Amenities
Year-round pool and Hot Tub
Fully decked-out kitchenettes
Cons
Room service can be slow
Faint noise from the bar
Pool open too late
The Westin Chattanooga
Delivering an idyllic setting for families, friends, and couples alike, a modern alpine setting is combined with classic elegance, in an award-winning property that showcases the best that Whistler has to offer.
Located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, this tastefully designed, 519-room behemoth is perched amid Bavarian-styled buildings, with easy access to ski lifts. The interior décor is comprised of exposed wooden beams and stone-tiled walls, with a mountain-esque twist.
The on-site Vida Spa has its philosophies rooted in the delicate balance of inner calm, outer vitality, and spiritual health, and blends the ancient Indian principles of Ayurveda with modern Western practices in personalized treatment plans.
Pros
Chic Upscale Resort
Modern Alpine Setting
Tasteful Interior Design
On-site Vida Spa
Cons
Distance from Downtown Whistler
Some rooms are dark
Check-in can be slow
Four Seasons Resort Whistler
A luxurious take on the traditional mountain lodge, this recently renovated, 273-room masterpiece is tucked away in Whistler’s upper village.
Evoking a modern-rustic feel, the classic stone-and-wood ski lodge style is expressed vividly through modern and indigenous art and soaring wood-beam ceilings.
Whilst Four Seasons boasts a grand architectural design, an informal boutique-hotel feel is brought out through an earthy palette of neutral tones and modern furniture, upholstered by subdued lighting, courtyard firepits, and poolside sauna cabins.
The guestrooms feature granite fireplaces, and their mid-century-inspired embellishments mimic the surrounding forest tones. These include ash cabinets, sculptural light fixtures, floating brass lamps, and iron-frame leather chairs.
Pros
Modern-Rustic Design
Onsite breakfast serving
Relaxing Courtyard Firepits
Poolside Sauna Cabins
Cons
Not budget-friendly
Spa closes early
Some rooms are without a balcony
Tantalus Resort Lodge
Surrounded by evergreen forests and sublime mountains, Tantalus Resort Lodge has nurtured a unique hospitality experience inspired by traditional ski lodges from around the world.
The accommodations are perfect for the budget-conscious traveller, yet incorporate exceptional amenities to bolster your stay, from traditional fireplaces and large dining areas to the largest balconies in Whistler.
The suites come with two lockable bedrooms, and are perfect for families and friends alike. With a full selection of year-round and seasonal amenities for you and your family to enjoy, here you can relish in total comfort.
However, as the hotel is Located just a 5-minute walk from endless dining and shopping options in the village, you are never far away from a trendy hip scene.
Pros
Unique Ski Lodge-Inspired Design
Spacious Suites with Fireplaces
An outdoor pool and two hot tubs
Cons
TV can be dated
The heating system needs maintenance
The Westin Resort & Spa
A popular and lively place during the winter season, The Westin Resort & Spa is one of the closest hotels to the ski lifts, meaning you can fulfil your Canadian bucket list without wasting any unnecessary time.
The interiors are sleek and contemporary in the typical Westin style, but with a charming mountain twist. Stone floors and rugged walls are combined with chic seating areas and a gorgeous fireplace in the lobby, whose reception is backdropped by compositions made from birch trees.
The hotel’s spacious suites are bedecked in earthy colours and elegant furnishings, topped with living areas with pull-out sofa beds, and fully equipped kitchens.
Pros
Chic and Insta-Worthy Resort
Onsite spa and wellness centre
Elegant furnishings
Cons
Extra for wifi
Sauna needs renovation
The Crystal Lodge
Embodying the soul of Whistler through a warm welcome, award-winning service, and a purity of spirit as fresh as the alpine air, The Crystal Lodge greets you with a cosy boutique atmosphere.
A chic, all-season property which pays tribute to a rich history, its exposed stone and earth tones give the common spaces an ambient feel which calls for lazy evenings by the fire.
Perfect for fun, this is also one of the best party hotels in Whistler.
The 158 rooms boast contemporary décor in a white, teal, and brown palette, while the outdoor pool and heated tub offer a graceful setting to return to after a day exploring the alpine.
For children, a games room complete with foosball, shuffleboard, ping-pong tables, and an Xbox, provides exceptional entertainment options.
Pros
Modern and Trendy Atmosphere
Chic Boutique Property
Outdoor pool and heated tub
Games Room for Children
Cons
No microwaves in the rooms
Small room for families
Not a budget-friendly option
The Listel Hotel Whistler
The Listel is beautifully positioned in the centre of Whistler village, the hub of the town’s activity where you can find the famous gondolas that carry skiers and snowboarders up the mountain.
The hotel is comprised of 98 well-appointed guestrooms and suites, which boast electronic safes, fridges, coffee and tea-making facilities, and plush linens.
A perfect solution to melt away the stresses of life, The Listel’s year-round outdoor hot tub and saunas, and the cozy lobby fireplace, are beautiful spots to kick back and relax after a scintillating day on the slopes.
For the ultimate dining experience, the award-winning Bearfoot bistro serves exquisite international cuisine in a warm atmosphere, with a wine cellar that houses over 20000 of the finest wines and champagnes.
Pros
Cozy Lobby Fireplace
Elegant Central Location
Electronic safes in rooms
Extensive Wine Cellar
Cons
Pool occasionally unavailable
Not for all ages
Sundial Hotel
Situated just moments from your next outdoor adventure, Sundial Hotel is encircled by jaw-dropping panoramas and offers a low-key vibe decorated in local artwork, and rustic furniture, while featuring an opulent stone fireplace.
This stunning boutique offers 49 one- and two-bedroom suites, whose homey décor of warm tones and contemporary furnishings befits the hotel’s glorious mountain setting.
Fully equipped kitchens and breathtaking mountain and valley views are just the icing on the cake! Boasting three restaurants as well as a rooftop hot tub, you are graced with an abundance of social settings, as well as a key to the wonders of Whistler’s vast wilderness.
Pros
Boutique atmosphere
Jaw-dropping panoramic vistas
Rooftop hot tub
Cons
No gym
Pets not allowed
Le Chamois by Whistler Premier
Offering you the opportunity to indulge in a charming boutique experience that blends the casual lifestyle of Western Canada with European elegance, the luxury accommodations at Le Chamois offer exceptional views and unparalleled access to adventure.
In-room comforts include fully stocked kitchenettes and very distinctive West Coast décor. Located mere steps from the lifts and ski schools on Blackcomb Mountain, slope-side access is made incredibly easy.
Hiking, biking, and golfing experiences on your doorstep make this sumptuous hotel a popular choice for the summer season too. Le Chamois further boasts a seasonal outdoor heated pool and year-round hot tub.
Pros
Cozy and Charming Aparthotel
Western Canada and European Blend
Unparalleled Adventure Access
Fully Stocked Kitchenettes
Cons
Elevator can be slow
No on-site restaurant
Lounge Area can be small
Top 12 Cool Hotels in Whistler Compared
The table compares and contrasts the top 12 cool and unusual hotels in Whistler.
Lee Hubbard – writer and photographer
Lee mostly spent his formative years as a junior Spielberg wannabe, devouring movies in front of a cinema screen, but then a “year out” after graduating turned into a not-too-shabby six years of working, travelling and volunteering across the globe. Attempting to satisfy his curiosity and passion for discovery both at home and abroad, he became a concierge at a luxury hotel and a member of the prestigious Les Clefs d’Or, whilst still finding time to visit over 60 countries in his time off. On his jaunts he combines all his passions – seeking out film locations, discovering off-the-beaten track adventures and extraordinary wildlife encounters which so far have included meetings with orangutans, whale sharks, gorillas and polar bears. He counts New Zealand, Canada, Tanzania, Denmark, Borneo and Mongolia among his favourite travel destinations. Find Lee on LinkedIn or Facebook.
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