Thanks for the detailed review, escape4!

Having stayed at the Chateau Whistler 3 times since they reopened this summer, I would agree with some of your opinions. I think the check in at 5pm and check out at 10pm is pushing it a little much, and I definitely agree about the regular rooms being dated.

I'm very excited about the reopened, renovated Fairmont Gold offering, which is only a few weeks away. I'll be staying in one of the 2 bedroom gold suites in December, so I'll try to come back with some views on it.

I talked to the front desk manager last week and he mentioned that the last two weekends in October have been their busiest yet since reopening in June, at near sell-out (of their existing capacity). So it somewhat explains the kinks in the operation due to COVID (like limited breakfast hours, staff, lack of live music at the Mallard Lounge etc.). I don't know how they'll do it when capacity is increased with Fairmont Gold opening! They have recently changed the pool reservation system to 1-hours instead of 2 hour blocks, which has significantly helped with availability.

Still, I love the Chateau Whistler. It has a beautiful lobby and atmosphere, by far the best pool + hot tub facilities in Whistler, and an unbeatable location for ski-in, ski-out. I usually book in a group, so we get one of the newly renovated suites (which are beautiful), but I can totally understand why someone would be disappointed when you compare rates to other 4 star hotels like the Westin.