For my first stay, I was upgraded from a base-level room to a higher tier on account of my Accor Gold status. On a subsequent stay, I took advantage of a paid upgrade offer, which also came with access to the Fairmont Gold Lounge.
This review is a summary of a few different experiences at the property to date.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Booking
Whistler has earned a reputation as a top-tier but very costly destination, ranking amongst one of the most expensive ski destinations in the world.
Accordingly, standard rates at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler – generally regarded as the second-best hotel in the area, behind only the nearby Four Seasons – can be notoriously high during the ski season.
From November until around April, a night’s stay can range anywhere from $500–1,000+ (CAD), whereas during non-peak times, rates fall between $350–450 (CAD).
Fairmont is part of the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program, but it can be challenging to redeem Accor ALL points for free nights at a high value, as the program only allows you to redeem 2,000 points for €40 towards a stay.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Exterior
If you’re looking to book at a lower rate, Fairmont often offers chain-wide or property-specific promotions, such as second-, third-, or fourth-night free deals. Additionally, you can keep an eye out for Fairmont’s occasional discounted gift cards sales, as well as Amex Offers at Fairmont properties.
In my case, I booked my stays using a favourable travel agent rate, and I leveraged the ongoing Amex Offer for some more savings.
If you’d like to elevate your stay further, booking through the Accor STEP program would entitle you to additional benefits at no extra cost. Be sure to get in touch with a travel advisor with access to Accor STEP prior to your stay in order to unlock benefits like breakfast, room upgrades, early check-in, late check-out, and more.
Book with Prince of Travel and Accor STEP
Book a hotel stay with Prince of Travel through Accor STEP and enjoy exclusive additional benefits at no cost to you, including:
Daily breakfast for two guests
Room upgrade, subject to availability at check-in
Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
$100 (USD) property credit (benefit may vary)
Welcome amenity
Book Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Location
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, on the eastern edge of Whistler Village.
More Whistler Hotels
Review: Westin Whistler
Review: Delta Whistler Village Suites
Review: Hilton Whistler
It’s a 10-minute walk over to the heart of Whistler Village, where most of Whistler’s shops and restaurants are found along the cobblestone streets. However, the immediate surroundings of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler still offer some shops, restaurants, and cafés of their own.
The Blackcomb Gondola is just steps from the Fairmont, and takes less than a five-minute walk to reach. This is one of the main draws of the hotel, as it allows skiers and riders to conveniently carry their gear over directly from the hotel, and giving them a major advantage for first tracks in the morning.
Furthermore, you can ski directly to the entrance of the Mallard Lounge and Terrace, one of Fairmont’s on-site dining venues, making it a true ski-in, ski-out hotel.
A free shuttle bus stops at the foot of the hotel driveway to bring guests to and from Whistler Village, or heading to the nearby golf course if you’re visiting during the summer season.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Complimentary shuttle
Lastly, for those flying into BC, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is a scenic two hours from Vancouver International Airport along the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Check-in
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is hard to miss. Its stately presence stands out amidst the surrounding forest of snow-capped trees at the base of Blackcomb Mountain.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the friendly staff at the front door, who assisted with our bags and delivered them to the room. If you have any ski gear with you, they’ll also take your equipment to the storage area on your behalf.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Exterior
There’s also a series of entrances from the public areas near Blackcomb Gondola, which is where you’d access the hotel when heading up and down the mountain.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Blackcomb Mountain entrance
The hotel boasts a spacious lobby decorated with rustic wood and stone elements. Artwork of the surrounding mountains and wildlife are depicted on the wall, and comfortable, chalet-style seating is dotted around.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Lobby lounge
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Lobby lounge
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Lobby lounge
At the time of this stay, the lobby was lit up with festive holiday décor for an even cozier feel.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Lobby lounge
The check-in desks are situated to the right as you enter, and the associates quickly welcomed me as an Accor Gold member.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Check-in desks
To my delight, I was informed of an upgrade from the base-level room to the Deluxe Slopeside View Room on the 10th floor, thanks to my Accor Gold status.
Unfortunately, Accor Gold members are not entitled to complimentary breakfast, but I appreciated receiving a couple of drink vouchers as a status benefit.
With that, the check-in associate directed us to the elevator lobby, from which we made our way upstairs to Room 1044 on the 10th floor.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Elevator lobby
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Hallway
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Room 1044
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Deluxe Slopeside View Room
The Deluxe Slopeside View Room has a straightforward layout and is tastefully embellished with rustic accents that make it feel like your own little personal chalet overlooking the ski hill.
Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by the king bed as the centrepiece, complete with a large live-wood headboard.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Deluxe Slopeside View Room bedroom
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Deluxe Slopeside View Room bed
On the opposite wall to the kind bed is a lengthy armoire. Atop is a Nespresso, and quite a luxurious one at that. Above the armoire is a wall-mounted flat-screen TV.
Nestled into the right-hand corner is a cozy seating area, fit with a chaise longue, armchair, and glass table.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Deluxe Slopeside View Room seating area
On the table was a welcome gift in the form of fruit, sparkling water, and gourmet chocolate from the Fraser Valley, as well as Blackbear dark chocolate made in Whistler.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Deluxe Slopeside View Room welcome gift
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Deluxe Slopeside View Room welcome gift
A secondary armchair is tucked into the left-hand corner, with a set of decorative antlers hanging on the wall above.
Moving into the bathroom, the space is small but functional, with a lengthy single vanity to the right and a walk-in shower to the left. The shower’s water pressure was excellent, which is a much-needed feature after a hard day on the slopes.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Deluxe Slopeside View Room bathroom
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Deluxe Slopeside View Room vanity
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Deluxe Slopeside View Room shower
Furthermore, the Le Labo toiletries and plush bathrobes provided by Fairmont always add a luxurious and welcoming touch.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Deluxe Slopeside View Room bathrobes
Overall, the Deluxe Slopeside View Room was a well-appointed abode with impressive views of Blackcomb Mountain. In our case, the room was situated on the hotel’s uppermost floor, offering a sloped ceiling that heightened its charm.
I appreciated the warm and inviting décor of the room; while not overly extravagant, it felt very much like a private chalet, and was a perfect spot to cozy up after a long day on the slopes.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Deluxe Slopeside View Room view
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Deluxe Slopeside View Room view
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Fairmont Gold King Room
On a subsequent stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, I received an offer to upgrade to a Fairmont Gold King Room for $200 (CAD) a few days prior to my visit. Without much deliberation, I promptly accepted it.
Upon arrival at the hotel, I was pleased to discover that the bid upgrade had been cleared at check-in. As a result, I was assigned Room 867, situated on the eighth floor, also known as the Fairmont Gold Floor.
As I stepped out of the elevator and strolled towards my Fairmont Gold King Room, I noted the Gold Floor’s distinct hallways. The nature-inspired pattern of the floor and palette of green and grey earthy tones was lovely.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Hallway
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Room 867
As you step into the foyer, your eyes are drawn to the hardwood floors and tasteful white shutter-style doors adorning the closet on the right.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Fairmont Gold King Room foyer
As you move further into the main area, there’s a transition from hardwood floors to plush carpeting.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Fairmont Gold King Room bedroom
It’s worth noting that while the Fairmont Gold King Room offers a generous 365 square feet of living space, the regular King Room actually measures a touch larger at 400 square feet.
However, those who opt for the Gold Floor room can still expect more luxurious and well-serviced accommodations than standard rooms. And of course, access to the exclusive Fairmont Gold Lounge adds an extra level of prestige to your stay.
The Fairmont Gold King Room features a comfortable king bed that serves as the focal point of the space.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Fairmont Gold King Room bed
Opposite the bed is a marble-topped console that houses the Nespresso machine. Additionally, here were our additional tickets for a complimentary drink, as a result of staying on the Gold Floor.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Fairmont Gold King Room marble console
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Fairmont Gold King Room welcome gift
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Fairmont Gold King Room Nespresso coffee maker
Next to the windows, a small table with a flower arrangement is accompanied by a grey upholstered armchair and a standard dining chair, creating a nice cozy corner for reading or dining.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Fairmont Gold King Room seating area
Further enhancing the coziness of the room is the presence of a gas fireplace nestled in the corner.
The room offers delightful views of the mountains that more than compensate for the partial hindrance of the hotel’s roof.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Fairmont Gold King Room view
At the entrance of the room, you’ll find the bathroom situated on the left-hand side. It boasts a tasteful design with elegant herringbone flooring and a double vanity that features a generously sized mirror.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Fairmont Gold King Room bathroom
Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Fairmont Gold King Room double vanity
The corner walk-in shower in the bathroom is well-equipped with a dual rain and handheld shower head, allowing you to choose the perfect setting to suit your preferences.
