Adara Hotel

With its friendly and inviting atmosphere -- complete with resident dog -- this boutique hotel offers a cozy and intimate mountain retreat. Rustic mountain staples like exposed stone and lots of wood are paired with modern furnishings for a chic twist on chalet style. Curved red sofas sit on a circular rug in the lobby where guests can often be found lingering in front of the fireplace, while the scent of freshly baked cookies (a thoughtful free daily perk) enhances the supreme coziness. A collection of mounted deer antlers painted red adorn one of the walls, and are just the type of cheeky modish elements that are found throughout. This property attracts a varied mix of guests, including couples, families with kids, as well as business travelers and corporate retreat-goers.

The Adara Hotel is located in the heart of Whistler Village, putting dining, shopping, nightlife, and outdoor activities just a short walk away. This also means that noise could be an issue, however, especially from nearby Moe Joe's Nightclub, as well as from Buffalo Bill's Bar, which is in the same building as the property. The hotel does face the central part of the square, meaning that views are lousy when compared with those at other hotels in the area. - Two-minute walk to the Whistler Conference Centre

• Four-minute walk to Whistler Golf Course
• Seven-minute walk to the lifts at Skier's Plaza, for skiing and snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb
• 15-minute walk to the Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola with 360-degree views of the valley
• Eight-minute drive to the famous Scandinave Spa
• Eight-minute drive to Whistler Airport
• Two-hour drive to Vancouver International Airport

Guest rooms at the Adara are fairly spacious and feature simple, contemporary decor -- though some guests remark that they look a bit dated. Red accents, like curtains, pillows, and bed frames, liven up the off-white walls and dark carpeted floors, while sleek furniture features a stylish wood-grain pattern. All rooms have electric fireplaces and seating areas, as well as being equipped with modern gadgets like flat-screen TVs with HD cable channels, Sony Playstation 3s (movies and games are available), and iPod docks. All of the units also have convenient kitchenette areas with mini-fridges, microwaves, and French presses with free coffee and tea, while some of the suites have full kitchens with two-burner stoves, sinks, fridges, dishwashers, microwaves, tea/coffee-making facilities, and dining areas. Suites also have separate living rooms and some have private balconies. Other standard amenities include safes, plush bathrobes, hairdryers, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are sleek and modern, outfitted with walk-in rainfall showers and toiletries. Many guests rave that rooms here are impeccably clean and housekeeping does a great job. 

The on-site Stonesedge Kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus it has a bar and lounge area that's ideal for an après-ski drink. There's a patio for those who'd like to enjoy their meal or drink outside. The hotel also offers a number of freebies, including breakfast bars in the mornings, coffee and tea, and freshly baked cookies in the lobby.A small heated outdoor pool on the grounds is open seasonally, and there's a hot tub open year round. Red padded loungers line the surrounding sundeck, which also features outdoor sofas and umbrella-shaded tables.Other amenities offered here include a business center, free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property, and free ski, golf, bike, and luggage storage. Valet parking is available on-site. Be aware that this is a dog-friendly hotel, and there are no size restrictions on pets; guests should also note there's a resident golden retriever.