The concept of a “hotel within a hotel” is not a new offering, but it is one that when done correctly, it’s simply fantastic. Like so many of us, I love many of the perks that come with staying at a larger luxury hotel, but the personalized services of a boutique hotel provides a customized getaway that makes all the difference when aiming for the ultimate travel (and hotel) experience. As a longtime fan of Fairmont Chateau Whistler, I was thrilled to learn more about this newest offering that has me very excited about a future trip back to Whistler when the time is right!
Fairmont Chateau Whistler: A Special New Offering
Fairmont Chateau Whistler announced the opening of a sophisticated boutique hotel under a shared roof. Guests will enjoy an easy elegance, stylish surroundings, and elevated service in the sanctuary of the new Fairmont Gold lounge and 96 guestrooms. Designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), the $14.2 million project took inspiration from the nature and culture of the Whistler area to create a luxurious ski chalet experience. However, while Whistler has made its international mark for skiing, its world-class restaurants, shops, and galleries – along with scenic strolls in the mountain air are reason enough for a getaway to play or relax.
The new Fairmont Gold marries the sense of place with lush appointments, personalized service, and culinary artistry. A private concierge offers personalized service, while an exclusive lounge provides a treetop retreat to relax, read or catch up with friends and family. Award-winning Executive Chef Isabel Chung creates a daily extravaganza of gourmand delights for breakfast, afternoon tea, and après canapes.
“Fairmont Gold was designed as the next level for the discerning guest who wants the best when they travel,” explains Norman Mastalir, Managing Director of Fairmont Chateau Whistler. “The Lounge has a sense of exclusivity but it’s warm and welcoming with a luxurious residential feel. It serves as an extension to the guestroom and reflects Whistler’s awesome outdoors with the finest of amenities and service.”
Fairmont Gold always makes stays extra special, but this newest option sounds like one that has somehow managed to elevate services to an even higher level! Guests on Fairmont Gold bypass the main lobby and check in with the concierge on the private floor. Double doors open to reveal views that demand double takes of the spectacular forest and mountain peaks. An eye-catching light fixture inspired by ski poles and snowfall graces the entrance way and the reception desk is created from locally sourced oak wood ends and metal.
An outdoor patio, perched at eagle nest height, beckons with a long hand-hewn table repurposed from timber from mountain beetle killed pine and bar stools – perfect to sip morning coffee or a hot toddy.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler: Food & Drink Offerings
Indoors, the lounge offers a trio of options to explore. The pantry glistens with white quartz, Italian slate floors and wood beams and is home to the delicious fare created by the culinary team. The selection reflects seasonal offerings and Chef Isabel works with local growers to provide the best of the area on her table.
Chef Isabel makes her jams from BC fruit – some of it from her backyard, and honey is from the Hotel’s rooftop hives. Breakfast is healthy and hearty with eggs (occasionally gathered from her chickens), charcuterie, cheese, smoked salmon, yogurt, fruit, warm from-the-oven pastries, and daily hot specials served in covid-friendly individual sized Le Crueset and ramekin serving dishes.
Personalized cappuccinos, mochas, lattes and espressos can be made with a press of a button on the Nespresso machine, and filtered still or sparkling water from nearby Rainbow Glacier is on tap. In keeping with the hotel’s environmental initiatives, Fairmont Gold is plastic free. Thank you Fairmont Gold!!
Though there is a lot to do around Whistler, I know it will be hard to force myself to leave the property with so much to offer in the comfort of this new boutique hotel. Afternoon tea highlights the talented pastry brigade with finger sandwiches and sweets, while all-day snacks like nuts and cookies are available throughout the day.
Après hors d’oeuvres are a welcome respite after a day skiing (or relaxing), and an assortment of cheese, charcuterie, house smoked gravlax, fruit and hot and cold canapes are individually plated and served on personal sized hand carved cedar boards. Show stopping desserts are a highlight with a signature cake baked daily to complement the variety of sweet treats.
The extensive beverage program includes a martini bar, all the mixings for an old fashioned with exclusive barrel aged liquor, and a cocktail of the day. Gin aficionados can choose from 15 local, craft and international gins along with premium wines, champagnes, spirits and liqueurs and guests can purchase wines and tag them for use throughout their stay. Spirits range from premium brands to top of the line like Louis XIII cognac. House made maple chai sirop and locally sourced aromatic bitters provide endless options, and a cocktail consultant is close by to provide expertise on flavor profiles and techniques for adventurous tipplers.
A statement stone fireplace commands attention in the third section of the lounge. Each piece was hand selected by local craftsmen who constructed the masterpiece using a traditional masonry technique to balance each stone against the other. Décor meets artistry with a re-purposed pine beetle wood textured wall feature and artwork pays homage to the history of skiing in the area with black and white vintage photographs while a smoked glass piece reveals an etched topographical map of the area.
Overstuffed leather couches and chairs offer conversational seating with nooks that are perfect to cozy up in with a selection from the library of curated books that include Canadian and Whistler authors. Comfortable and relaxing, the lounge provides an opulent oasis whether it’s for a bite or leisurely linger.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler: The New Guestrooms
Spacious guestrooms also reflect the sense of place with extensive use of natural wood finishes, stone, leather and woven fabrics. All rooms have a hardwood floor entrance, gas fireplace and soaker tub. Black and white vintage photographs provide a glimpse into the past, while the experience is that of an elegant and luxurious ski chalet.
Snow reports aren’t required with large windows that allow the natural light – and forecast – to be revealed. A variety of accommodations are available from a king bedded guestroom to one- and two-bedroom suites that offer double sided fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, walk-in closets, powder room and adjoining rooms. The rooms were designed with style and comfort for a laid-back lifestyle with soothing blues, greens and beiges, beautiful finishings and rustic touches.
Fairmont Gold guests can enjoy a sensory aromatherapy spa experience in their room with Skinjay, an all-natural essential oil pod that diffuses through the showerhead. Scents can be selected to suit a mood with a shower menu that offers sleep, a blend of neroli, green tangerine and ylang-ylang, detox with carrot, rosemary, verbenone and juniper, play with lime, cinnamon and patchouli or party with peppermint, sweet lime and davana. Made in France, the capsules are completely recyclable and Fairmont Chateau Whistler is only one of three hotels in North America to offer this unique amenity.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler: Safety First
In order to safeguard the health and wellbeing of guests and employees, the hotel is operating with an abundance of caution and working closely with health authorities to ensure that the hotel remains a healthy and safe place for all who visit.
To learn more about how Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is keeping guests and team members safe, visit www.ALLSafeAndWell.com.
