The Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain

This charming hotel stays busy year-round, with couples and families on ski trips or summer weekend getaways, and corporate groups here for retreats and other functions. The airy lobby is a contemporary take on a rustic ski lodge, with natural stone walls and pillars, handsome wood paneling, and a fireplace that makes the space a cozy spot for guests to hang out. The lobby bar, another popular gathering spot, is impressive and enticing, with a backlit wall of liquors and wine bottles. While the hotel definitely has an upscale vibe, the atmosphere is causal and relaxed. 

The Westin enjoys a beautiful setting near the Georgian Bay at the base of Blue Mountain and its many ski trails. It’s across picturesque Mill Pond and about a six-minute walk from Blue Mountain Village, with its charming shops and restaurants. The ski lifts are only a few minutes away by car, and there are more dining and shopping options at Collingwood, about a 12-minute drive from the resort. Toronto Pearson International Airport is roughly two-hour south by car. 

Guest rooms and suites at Westin Trillium House Blue Mountain are spacious and well-equipped. They're done in an attractive mix of light earth tones, with espresso wood furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, and high-quality all-white bedding. All units feature balconies or patios, seating areas with sleeper sofas, and gas fireplaces. They also have kitchenettes that include mini-fridges, sinks, microwaves, and dishwashers. Larger suites (from one- to three-bedroom) can sleep up to 10 people, and have larger dining tables and full kitchens. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, robes, irons and ironing boards, and safes. Bathrooms have a similar look, and come with wide granite vanities, magnifying mirrors, shower/tub combos or showers with rainfall showerheads, and White Tea toiletries.  Units are generally well-maintained, but some of the furniture we saw showed minimal wear. Many offer lovely views of the mountain, village, and pond.

This upscale hotel caters to skiers, with free ski lockers and discounted lift tickets for sale at the front desk. The property's biggest drawback is that it lacks a spa, although in-room services can be arranged. Otherwise, there's a solid crop of features for a comfortable stay. For on-site dining, Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill serves breakfast for a fee, plus lunch, and dinner with a focus on North American comfort food. The lobby bar also has a pizza and appetizers menu, and room service is available. The year-round outdoor heated pool and two whirlpools is a highlight, and there's a 24-hour fitness center with an excellent selection of Life Fitness cardio and weight-training equipment, plus a sauna. Guests who forget to pack workout clothes can borrow New Balance gear and running shoes from the hotel for a fee. Kids are a priority at this family-friendly property, with a Kids Club play room, video arcade, and supervised activities. Other amenities include a 24-hour business center and 7,000 square feet of meeting space, but Wi-Fi is free only for Starwood Preferred Guest members. Valet and self-parking in the hotel’s underground garage costs extra, but there’s a free outdoor lot in the village. The hotel welcomes pets with some restrictions.