Looking to escape the punishing heat or just want to spend your vacation time skiing? Then a visit to Whistler is a must!
Enjoy snow-capped mountain peaks and beautiful hiking trails when you visit this massive resort area. Whistler sits 75 miles north of Vancouver. It’s easily accessible via train or car, depending on your preference. Plus, you can visit year-round, whether in winter or warmer months.
If you’re planning a visit, there are two great resorts to check out. Get to know the details in this Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler vs The Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
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- Quick Glance: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler vs The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
- The Details: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler vs The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
- Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler
- The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
- Best For: Which Resort Should You Go For?
- Wrapping Up
- FAQs
Quick Glance: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler vs The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
| Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler | The Fairmont Chateau Whistler | |
| Location | Upper Village, Whistler, Canada | Upper Village, Whistler, Canada |
| Getting There | If flying into the Vancouver Airport (YVR), the Four Seasons can arrange transport to the hotel. It’s a 2.5-hour drive on Highway 99. Helicopter and floatplane transfers can also be arranged | To reach Whistler, you can fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR) then arrange for a private car transfer, charter a helicopter, or use floatplanes. You can also opt to rent a car and drive the scenic Highway 99 |
| Room | 273 Rooms and Suites | 539 Rooms and Suites |
| Amenities | Outdoor swimming pool, Hot Tub, Fitness Center, Full-Service Spa, Event Room, Meeting Rooms, Business Center | Indoor/Outdoor Pool, Hot Tubs, Sauna, Steam Room, Spa, Kid’s Club, Tennis Court, Fitness Center, Golf Course |
| Food and Dining | 1 Restaurant, 1 Bar, Room Service | 5 Restaurants and Bars, Room Service |
| Staff and Guest Services | Attentive, professional staff | Prompt and professional. Great communication with guests and within the staff |
| Price | Low Season: $307 // Average Season: $506 // Peak Season: $896 | Low Season: $316 // Average Season: $507 // Peak Season: $792 |
| Points Redemption | No, the Four Seasons currently doesn’t have any points redemption program | Yes, through ALL – Accor Live Limitless |
The Details: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler vs The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler. Image Credit: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler
Perfect for a luxurious retreat, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler is one of the best mountain retreats to visit when visiting Whistler. If you’re up for adventure and luxury service, this is the hotel that’s perfect for you.
Location
Located at the Upper Village, this fantastic resort is only a 15-minute walk right from the main Whistler Village. Being in this area means you’re in a calmer, quieter part of Whistler. While there are only a few restaurants and bars in this area, there is a free hotel shuttle to take you to the main village in case you want to have more dining and shopping options.
To reach Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler, you can drive from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to get to Whistler. If you opt to drive, it will take about 2.5 hours. You can also opt for a helicopter ride or a floatplane.
Room
Composed of over 200 rooms, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler come with different room categories to suit every budget. Entry-level rooms start with the Resort Rooms.
Each room is smart and stylish. It’s fitted with a king bed and a single sofabed. This way, you can fit at least three people inside the room at one time.
These spaces measure 520 square feet and are splashed with a neutral color palette. Expect lots of wooden accents including a cozy sofa, leather-lined wood chairs, and chic tables. Standard amenities such s a flatscreen TV, DVD player, Nespresso machine, electronic safe are also included.
The bathrooms are spacious and decorated in a signature blend of wood and marble. Twin sinks are fitted on dark wooden cabinets along with LED lights for the mirror. There’s a full soaking tub with glass-enclosed private showers. L’Occitane bath products with thick, comfortable robes accompany each bath as well.
Amenities
Aside from access to a beautiful mountain, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler offer a handful of amenities for guests. They have a heated outdoor swimming pool surrounded by three hot tubs. Loungers offer seating around the sundeck as well.
There’s a 24/7 fitness center with cardio equipment, weights, and a spin studio. If you like to bike, there’s a bike rental shop as well. After a long day of skiing, you can relax by the spa and use any of its 11 treatment rooms, lounges, and salon. In addition, there are 12 event spaces, a large ballroom, and a 24-hour business center too.
For skiers, the resort has a ski concierge. The resort is also just a 3-minute walk from the famous Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club and about a 7-minute walk to the Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola Lift.
Families traveling with young kids will love how the hotel caters to children. They have toys, child bathrobes, kid-friendly menus, and toiletries. There are even free smores which you can roast at the fire pit at dusk.
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Food and Dining
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler – Braidwood Tavern & Bar. Image Credit: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler
The Sidecut Steakhouse serves as the hotel’s signature restaurant. They specialize in tasty meat steaks and fish. Guests can dine here for dinner while the bar is open for lunch as well. The food is expensive but it’s as expected from such a premium restaurant.
On the other hand, Braidwood Tavern is another vibrant area that serves delicious cocktails and local craft beer. It’s the perfect spot to hang out after a great day on the slope or after exploring the area.
In the mornings, a breakfast buffet is available with a host of food options. You can also dine inside your room if you don’t feel like heading out.
It’s worth noting that the food at the hotel restaurants is expensive. If you prefer more affordable options, you can venture outside the hotel and find several restaurants in the Upper Village or head to the Whistler Village for other restaurants.
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Staff and Guest Services
Friendly and professional, the staff takes into consideration every guest request. Despite being such a large resort hotel, it does have a cozy atmosphere, thanks in part to the attentiveness of the staff.
Price
In the low season, a standard room in the Four Season Resort and Residences Whistlers costs $307 per night. In the peak season, the room rate goes up to $896 per night. Meanwhile, during the average season, the same room costs $506 per night.
Points Redemption
As of the moment, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler does not have any loyalty program.
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Who Is It For?
Perfect for families, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler are among the best vacation spots if you’re traveling with kids or the entire brood. You can visit during winter or the summertime because there’s always something to do.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler Gallery
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler – Deluxe Room. Image Credit: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler – Deluxe Executive Suite. Image Credit: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler – Spa. Image Credit: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler – Outdoor Heated Pool. Image Credit: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Image Credit: The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Practically an institution in Whistler, Canada, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is among the most prominent hotels in this area.
Location
With a prime location right on the slopes of Blackcomb Mountain, it’s the ideal hotel whether you’re visiting Whistler in the summer or winter. Like the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is located at the Upper Village.
This is both a pro and a con. For one, it’s a bit further away from the main town, which is about 15-minutes away. However, for those looking for a hotel close to the ski-lift, then the Fairmont delivers at being only 50 steps away.
But, during the summertime, you might want to opt for a location in the main village if you want to be near the bike park. Another disadvantage is that the hotel is a bit farther away from the all restaurants and shops in the main village. It’s not a deal-breaker but something to consider if you want to be near these areas.
Room
Rooms at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler are spacious and fitted with the right amenities to ensure comfort. There are 539 rooms spread out in different categories. Each room includes the usual amenities, like a Keurig coffeemaker, a kettle, and a tea-making station.
All rooms are airy and cozy with a relaxing homey vibe. There’s a king bed or two queen beds with lodge-style decor. You can expect sandy beige colors with gold tones and chic warm lighting to give the room a restful tone. There are also splashes of wood and large windows to offer a view of the outside.
The bathrooms are well-appointed with marble sinks, a huge vanity mirror, a soaking tub, and glass-enclosed showers. Toiletries and various bath amenities are provided too. Some rooms have been recently renovated so these are a lot more modern in decor.
Amenities
As you would expect from a popular ski resort, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler offers several ski amenities. This includes a ski concierge which makes it convenient to store your skis, which means you don’t have to haul them around but only grab them once you need them.
During summer, they also have bike storage which operates similarly. This makes it easy for you to rent a bike and only worry about it when you have to use it.
Other exciting amenities include an 18-hole golf course with an outdoor lap pool. There’s also a second indoor and outdoor swimming pool with a spa and a huge gym. You can also enjoy a tennis court, bocce court as well as a croquet lawn.
If you want to get to know the area, the hotel has something called the Whistler Experience which is great for guests to try out. Guests can go ahead and enjoy hiking along the various trails in the summer or winter. If you want to do some shopping, there’s a resort shop selling jewelry and clothing as well.
Food and Dining
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Dining. Image Credit: The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
There are currently four restaurants available on the property. The Wildflower serves as the resort’s breakfast restaurant. A buffet-style breakfast is served each morning with a dedicated omelet and carving station.
However, if you’re craving meat and other fine dishes, head to The Grill Room. This is found right inside The Wildflower, in an elevated section. It’s open for dinner only and treats guests to fresh, locally sourced fare.
The Mallard Lounge is where you can have cocktails and order delicious food. This is a favorite spot for guests as you can grab both meals and a “nightcap.” On select days there’s live music and a heated fire pit in case it’s cold outside.
For grab-and-go options, head to Portobello. They offer gourmet donuts or mac and cheese. There’s delicious beer on tap and espresso too.
Other dining options include The Clubhouse which is found at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club and a private dinner at the unique Snow Globes. The latter is simply a globe-like structure that can accommodate a private 5-course dinner for up to 6 guests.
Staff and Guest Services
Despite having over 500 rooms, the guest services, and staff have good communication with each other. There’s always someone to answer your questions or help you navigate the sprawling resort when you need it.
Price
A standard room at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler in the low seasons costs $316 per night while in the peak season, the same room could fetch around $792 per night. During the average season, a standard room goes for $500 per night.
Points Redemption
If you’re a member of the ALL – Accor Live Limitless loyalty program, you can use points to book a stay at the hotel.
Who Is It For?
This is the perfect resort for adults who want a quieter and calmer vacation spot. However, families or groups of friends who are traveling together will also enjoy this hotel. Regardless of the season, there are amenities and activities to do in the area. Plus, the ample guest rooms and good dining options are also a treat.
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Gallery
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Pool. Image Credit: The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Living Space. Image Credit: The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Guest Rooms. Image Credit:
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Lobby. Image Credit:
Best For: Which Resort Should You Go For?
| Winner | What Makes It Great | |
| Best for Food | Fairmont Chateau Whistler | There are more dining options at the hotel (Always a plus!) |
| Best for Pools | Fairmont Chateau Whistler | Boasting one of the largest swimming pools in the area, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler wins this one |
| Best for Spa | Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler | The resort has a full-service spa with a manicure/pedicure patio |
| Best For Adults | Fairmont Chateau Whistler | Although they’re perfect for families too, if you’re feeling a more adult vibe on vacation, this is the place to be |
| Best for Families | Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler | It’s known to be a family-friendly resort |
| Best Location | Tie | Both hotels are located at the Upper Village section of Whistler |
| Best for a Calm Vacation | Tie | If you visit in the tourist season, both hotels can get hectic. However, you can find quiet pockets of calm within both |
| Best for Service | Tie | Both hotels have well-trained, accommodating staff to assist guests |
| Most Exclusive | Fairmont Chateau Whistler | The Fairmont is slightly more exclusive |
Wrapping Up
Both the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler and the Fairmont Chateau Whistler have much to offer so either one of these resorts will ensure you’ll have a great time while you visit Whistler.
Safe Travels!