Crystal Lodge Hotel

Although the Crystal Lodge Hotel is an all-season property, its cozy, mountain lodge-style interiors feel even more inviting in the winter. Exposed stone, wooden beams, and earth tones give common spaces a homey feel that calls for lazy evenings by the fire with a book or a glass of wine. The property is not quite upscale, but updates in the mid-2010s brought a fresher feel to some common spaces and many rooms. The cozy atmosphere, reasonable rates, excellent location, and great services and amenities make the Crystal Lodge a good pick for families, couples, and even business travelers. The hotel is one of the most pet-friendly properties in town, with no fees and free bowls, blankets, and treats. Another solid option for those traveling with dogs is the Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel, though it is farther away from the gondolas. The Listel Hotel Whistler is a good alternative for travelers on a budget, offering great freebies such as continental breakfast and Wi-Fi, along with an indoor hot tub and a central location in Whistler Village. At a higher price point, The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler has bigger suites with kitchens, sofa beds, and fireplaces, as well as a great spa and modern gym with views. 

The Crystal Lodge Hotel is located in the heart of Whistler Village. The main pedestrian strip of shops is at the property’s doorstep, giving guests easy access to great dining, shopping, and both the Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas. In fact, the hotel is directly connected to a wide array of shops and restaurants, including a pub, Starbucks, Lululemon, and The Old Spaghetti Factory. Famous Scandinave Spa can be reached by car in about six minutes, while Vancouver International Airport is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. The hotel has a heated underground parking (for a fee), and offers valet parking for a small extra charge. 

The hotel has 158 rooms, including a number of suites with up to three bedrooms. Guest rooms were fully renovated in the mid-2010s and have contemporary decor in a white, teal, and brown palette, while the rest of the units have only received partial updates and have a more homey mountain retreat vibe, with an earth-tone color scheme that includes green accent walls, and more classic furniture in darker hues. Starting at 210 square feet, entry-level Crystal rooms can be a tad compact, but families or groups traveling together can choose from a range of other room types, including studios, which have kitchenettes and better views, or suites, which come with full kitchens, gas fireplaces, and up to three bedrooms. Amenities are the same in all room types, and include free Wi-Fi, minibars, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and work desks. USB ports are available in renovated units. Bathrooms vary between renovated and non-renovated units: the former have deep soaking tubs and long wooden vanities, while the latter have more basic bathrooms featuring narrow stone counters, older sinks, and basic shower/tub combos. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided in all rooms.  

The hotel features a long list of features for all seasons. One of the best perks is the heated outdoor pool and hot tub. Though the deck is narrow and there isn’t much space to lounge, it is a favorite among guests both in the winter and the summer thanks to its warm water and partial mountain views. Guests traveling with bikes and skis can store their gear on-site free of charge, and there are a bike washing station and bike repair shop. Additionally, the 24-hour gym offers enough cardio and strength-training equipment for a full workout. Open only seasonally, the game room is a good perk for those traveling with children, complete with foosball, shuffleboard, ping-pong tables, and an Xbox. On the ground level are a number of restaurants, cafes, and shops, including a lounge with live music and screens for sporting events, a pub, Starbucks, and three solid eateries serving up international cuisine. Three meeting rooms offer enough space for events of up to 60 guests, and there is a business center with copying and printing services. Dogs are allowed at no extra fee.