Originally Posted by
OfficeGlenn
Booked a standard King Room through Amex FHR for 1 night in January 2023 during ski season.
Received the following benefits:
Was given an early noon check-in on arrival
Daily Breakfast Buffet for 2 in Wildflower (which covered the full cost of breakfast including 15% tip)
4 PM late checkout
No Room Upgrade - although offered one for $250 which was declined
No Accor Benefits even though I am an Accord Diamond as they said booked through third party (although I have booked Virtuoso rate at other Fairmont's before and got the benefits and points for stay) so wasn't provided with drink vouchers.
I think the previous reviews were spot on - this place is overrated.
Service, which is usually the hallmark of a Fairmont was a bit lack luster, with multiple miscommunications and service issues.
Used up the $100 US food and beverage credit (which only converted to about $120 CDN - even though the current conversion is around $135) for Dinner at the Wildflower, and I thought it was just average, and certainly doesn't stack up to other top restaurants in Whistler.
While the hotel is located in the Upper Village with easy access to Blackcomb Mountain, I prefer staying in the Village. You are just in the heart of the action, with much easier access to both mountains. Yes you can access Whistler from Blackcomb via Peak to Peak, but you factor in the extra waiting time, and the extra time for the ride roundtrip, its not really worth it.
My recommendation is for a Luxurious stay, and if you have the money go for Four Seasons. For an experience similar to the Fairmont, save your money and stay at the Westin.
glad you had a reasonable stay in whistler. My expectations of the fairmont whistler are always low when i arrive at the hotel.
I usually stay there about 4x a year. These are some of my thoughts on your review above.
early check in. I dont usually check in early but the few time i do. They usually have rooms available. Its large hotel. People check out early so housekeeping is working to turn rooms over early in the morning. I do nt see a problem.
love the bfast buffet at the wildflower. Always look forward to it. Room service bfast is not bad either. I usually go 1 each if staying 2 night's.
room upgrade. If booking the lowest room. The fairmont room. The upgrade is a deluxe. It usually is slightly larger room. And if you get a double upgrade its a deluxe with a slope view.
ive booked the fairmont room. And wishes they didnt upgrade me. They gave me a deluxe facing the pool. Im a bit noise sensitive. That pool view room is noisy. Wish they would have just gave me a fairmont room facing the forest. Nice and quiet .
Staying there and being familar with the hotel. Im not polite in stating. Not asking. That i will be staying in my amex fhr room until 4 pm. They get the message. I usually call down last thing before i go to sleep on night before departure
i was a diamond last year. I always book amex fhr. I usually receive all the accor stuff. The night credits. And points. You must have gotten a new agent. As i would not have left the front desk without those welcome drink vouchers. Welcome drinks very important to me. Also receive Lame welcome amenity of a choc bar in room.
we like to use the welcome drink vouchers and the $100 usd at the mallard lounge. Its a great experience if you get a seat.
agree wildflower for lunch / dinner is lacklustre. We dont go. Rather eat takeout sushi.
i think ive stayed at most upper tier hotels in whistler village. We have always gone back and been the most comfortable at the fairmont.
disagree with your statement about the westin. Its no where near the quality of the fairmont.
and for the four seasons vs Fairmont comparison.
rooms are better at the 4s. 4s is usually more expensive than the fairmont.
with fhr. 4s offers a spa credit only. No use to me. I dont like the dining/bar/ restaurant setup in the basement of the 4s. Feels all cramped and an after thought of how its designed.
this might have changed. But i dont like the food and beverage at the 4s. Thier bfast buffet suck compared to the fairmont. Their lounge seating not as comfortable. Not as grand.
whistler always has suffered from a lack of experienced labour. Or a transient work force. So when i arrive in whistler. I know im lucky the service person showed up for work.
the fairmont is no where near perfect. When i go im very practical. I know the hotel is slammed. I dont expect a luxury experience. I just expect things to be made right. Of chuckle it off.
far different expectation than from a couple arriving at the fairmont and expecting a 5 star luxury experience with all the bells and whistles.