The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler

As one of the closest hotels to the ski lifts, the Westin is a popular and lively place during the winter season, with lots of guests milling about throughout the day. This comes with several downsides, such as lengthy queues for the mandatory ski valet and crowds at the pool, so those seeking a more tranquil experience might want to look elsewhere. Many families with kids stay here, drawn by the convenience of spacious suites with full kitchens, so guests should expect children running around.

Interiors are sleek and contemporary in the typical Westin style, but with a mountain twist. The vast lobby pairs stone floors and rugged walls with blonde wood paneling and chic seating, and of course, there's a large fireplace to curl up by. Slices of tree trunks make up a stylish backdrop to the front desk, while a composition made from birch trees adds another rustic touch. The restaurant is also bright and airy, with high ceilings, lots of large windows, and clean-lined furnishings that create an inviting atmosphere, while the lounge has a more cozy, dimly lit vibe. 

Overall, this is a good choice for travelers keen on hitting the slopes and those wishing to self-cater, but some guests do find it a bit overpriced given the generic room decor and signs of wear. Both the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside and Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre tend to offer better value -- the larger one-bedroom suites at those properties are often not more than the cost of a Deluxe Studio Suite here. Also, both properties have far fewer rooms than the Westin, meaning fewer crowds. For a more intimate, boutique experience, check out the Adara Hotel, though it doesn't offer as many amenities.

The Westin Resort and Spa is centrally located within a short walk of Whistler's ski lifts, dining options, and attractions. The main pedestrian strip of shops is steps from the resort, giving guests easy access to great restaurants and shopping. 

• Two-minute walk to Whistler Village, full of apres ski dining, nightlife, shopping, and activities
• Five-minute walk to Whistler Ski Lift
• Five-minute walk to Whistler Golf Club
• 15-minute walk to the Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola with 360 views of the valley
• Seven-minute drive to the famous Scandinave Spa
• Eight-minute drive to Whistler Airport
• Two-hour drive to Vancouver International Airport

The hotel offers spacious suites bedecked in earthy colors and contemporary furnishings. The decor is fairly bland, plus guests note visible wear and tear, but the spaces are clean and come with fireplaces and large windows that offer views of the surroundings. All suites have work desks, living areas with pullout sofa beds (except for certain Deluxe Studio Suites), and full kitchens equipped with stoves, ovens, dishwashers, microwaves, coffeemakers, and fridges. Other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, and electronic safes, but Wi-Fi incurs a fee, though it's free for SPG members (the hotel's loyalty club that's free to join) and included in some suites. 

Deluxe Studio Suites are about 400 square feet, and most have a queen-size bed plus a queen-size sofa bed; a select number have two queen-size beds instead. Rollaway beds are not available in any room type, though cribs, playpens, and highchairs can be provided (though only depending upon availability). One- and two-bedroom suites have separate living rooms. Most units also have balconies or patios. Bathrooms are sleek and fairly standard, equipped with separate showers and tubs. A washer and dryer are provided on each floor for guests to share (except for the third floor). Note that the east tower is closer to the ski valet. 

The Westin offers good health and wellness facilities, including an indoor/outdoor pool, with a small indoor area that leads to a much larger outdoor part. It also has both indoor and outdoor hot tubs. The pool can get crowded, especially during peak season, but limited adult-only hours operate daily for those who want a quieter swim. The hotel's spacious gym is bright and airy thanks to large windows overlooking the pool, and it offers plenty of modern cardio and strength-training machines as well as weights.The Westin's gear lending program means that guests can borrow New Balance sneakers and clothes (for a fee). Other wellness facilities include eucalyptus steam rooms as well as a spa, which offers various treatments (including nail services in a pedicure lounge) and Vichy showers. 

Dining is available at Grill & Vine, an elegant yet casual space that serves local fare, while FireRock Lounge offers a cozy setting -- complete with fireplace -- for a pre-dinner or apres-ski drink. Healthy kids' menus are also offered, plus children are well catered to with welcome kits and various activities. Babysitting services are available.

The hotel offers a ski valet (included in some rates, though usually a daily fee), which is mandatory, as ski equipment is not allowed in guest rooms. Note that guests report that wait times can be lengthy during peak times.

The business center is open 24/7 and equipped with computers and a printer, plus cell phone and computer rentals are available. The hotel offers 21 meeting and event spaces suitable for a variety of functions, including a ballroom and outdoor venues. Wi-Fi is free in public spaces, but incurs a fee for in-room use (it's free for SPG members and in some suites). Valet and self-parking are available underneath the hotel, but both incur a daily fee.