Blackcomb Springs Suites

This classic, mountainside ski lodge surrounded by towering pines offers a peaceful alternative to the hustle and bustle of Whistler Village. Its 10 p.m. quiet time is strictly enforced, and there’s no bar or restaurant on the premises to create late-night noise. Given its isolated location, it caters mostly to avid skiers who desire a ski-in location, as well as to older vacationing couples who prefer to be removed the Village nightlife. There's a cozy lobby with rustic charm that has huge wooden beams, stone columns, and slate floors. The small breakfast room and lovely pool area are the main gathering places for guests, who tend to be families and couples. 

The Coast occupies a scenic mountainside spot that has terrific views, but it’s isolated, with no restaurants or bars within walking distance. It’s a great location for avid skiers who want to be close to the slopes, as it’s within ski-in/ski-out distance from the Wizard Express chairlift. It’s also just a six-minute drive or hotel shuttle ride to Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola, and seven minutes to Whistler Olympic Plaza in the heart of the Village, where there's plenty of dining and entertainment. The Whistler Conference Center also is in the Village. Vancouver International Airport is a little more than a two-hour drive from the hotel. 

These residence-style suites are spacious and clean, but they have a drab decor and worn furnishings that could use an update. The Studio, One-, and Two-Bedroom Suites are decorated primarily in neutral earth tones, including cream walls and patterned carpeting with light-brown and gold. The pine wood furniture includes headboards and dining tables, and while much of what we saw was functional, it showed signs of wear. Gas fireplaces are a nice touch, but the kitchens have dated Formica-style countertops and older appliances. However, they're well-equipped, with full fridges, ranges, dishwashers, microwaves, coffeemakers, and cookware.Sleeper sofas in the living rooms are standard, as are flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and robes. Perhaps the nicest aspects of these suites is the roomy balconies that provide lovely views of the surrounding woodlands and/or mountains. The two bathrooms in the Two-Bedroom Suite we saw also had dated Formica-style vanities. One had an acrylic shower insert with sliding glass doors, while the other had a shower/tub combo with standard white tile, though all come with hairdryers and toiletries.Units in the back of the property tend to hear less noise, but all suites are generally quiet. Guests visiting during the summer months should note there is no air-conditioning (fans are provided), and many summer guests have complained about their suites being uncomfortably hot and stuffy.  

Features at this hotel squarely cater to skiers who plan to spend most of their time on the mountain. There's free ski equipment valet and storage services and an on-site ski equipment rental shop that stays open late. The hotel’s free shuttle service into Whistler Village also can connect skiers to the slopes via the Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola. Perhaps hotel's biggest drawbacks is that there's no full restaurant or bar on-site, but the hotel offers a free continental breakfast with a few hot items such as waffles and oatmeal. Free coffee and ice water are available all day in the lobby, where there is a small pantry that sells snacks. After a long day of skiing, guests can soothe tired muscles in two spacious outdoor whirlpools that are open-year round. They're set in a lovely area with towering pines and a spacious heated pool, also open year-round. The fitness center gets natural light, and it has weight-training and cardio equipment including a treadmill, elliptical, and stationary bicycle.Other amenities include a guest laundry room with multiple washer/dryers, and valet dry cleaning and laundry also are available. Wi-Fi is free and accessible throughout the hotel. There's parking in an underground garage, but it costs extra, and pets are welcome with a surcharge.