Now it's summer but just today I recalled our wonderful time at Whistler the end of February, 2012. The timing of our arrival couldn't have been better. There had been a dump of 20 inches of snow the night before. Not 5-6 cm like usual, but 20 inches! Locals told us they had the best skiing in years. We did, too. The other part of "wonderful" was staying at the Mountainside Lodge. I'd stayed here twice before and liked the lodge, the great outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, and being in the center of Whistler Village where all the action is. This handy location is less than a block to walk to the Whistler gondola...with or without skis.

This time we had a room on the 5th floor next to the elevator and with an unblocked view of the Village and where skiers gather to take the Whistler gondola. We also enjoyed watching people swim and steam rise from the pools next to a huge mound of snow. Another plus is Umberto's Italian restaurant inside the lodge. Excellent and elegant though expensive.

Our cozy loft room had a flatscreen TV and toasty-warm gas fireplace with raised hearth in the small but attractive sunken living room. The couple with us enjoyed their queen bed loft with bath and even a dry sauna and large closet. In the living room my friend slept on top of the couch rather than open it to a sofa bed and take up space. I slept on top of the day bed that served as seating for the dining table rather than use the trundle below. This may sound awkward, but both of these sleep arrangements worked fine. The small kitchen was adequate enough to make French toast for breakfast. Delicious, I might add, on a snowy morning.

Front desk people were friendly and helpful on the phone as well as in person. Parking and ski lockers under the lodge are convenient. The only drawback is the sometimes slow elevator. The cost for four of us was less than $800 for 3 nights including parking. Very reasonable I think. So, if I go to Whistler again, I'll stay here...unless I stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

We stayed in a loft suite during the Crankworx Festival. This hotel is in an excellent location and the service is good. Some maintenance and updating is required as the sink drain was plugged and the closet door became jammed on its track. I would definitely stay at this hotel again, however here are some things that guests should be aware of:
1. The loft suite has a skylight that cannot be covered. It's daylight in the room at 5:00 AM in summer.
2. There is no wheelchair ramp or access to the lobby. People who can't climb stairs have to enter through the underground parking garage.
3. The underground parking is only 6' 8" height. My 4x4 pickup would not fit under it and the only other parking I could find was $28.00 PER DAY under the Pan Pacific across the street.

Very nice resort - great location. Though Whistler is known for its activities and nightlife, this resort still managed to cater to families and guests of all ages. Nicely done.

PRO's: Great location - though it is in the heart of Whistler, it wasnt too noisy. It was a bit loud at night, but just put on the AC unit and you will be fine. Close to all activities: hiking (Lost Lakes was our fav. Gondola - short walk frorm resort (we didnt do the peek to peek but loved hiking the Alpine Trails - gorgeous views!) River Rafting - Wedge Rafting is great! Groceries: MarketPlace IGA (10 minute walk) It has ok prices (food is expensive in Whistler, so be prepared to pay a bit more than usual). Pool & Deck: Very nice - good size. Rooms: Very nice size- we had a 1 bedroom and there was so much space - kitchen is very nice and has everything u need. A/C: Other reviews complained of poor air circulation but we were fine - we had 2 A/C units and they were sufficient.

CON's: Surprsingly can't think of any other than the price of parking ($18 per day), but that's cheap for Whistler!

TIPS: We were there during the Crankworks Festival which was a lot of fun, BUT, expect it to be loud at night (i used ear plugs and was fine)
TIPS: The Village can be a bit confusing so orient yourself to it during the early morning hours when it isnt busy - so that you dont get lost.
TIPS: Best Swimming: Lost Lake (beautiful views and they have nice bathrooms too)
TIPS: McDonalds - if you want a cheap meal, McD's is within walking distance
TIPS: Best Hiking: Alpine Trails - need to take the gondola & chairlift

We came from 3 nights at the pan Pacific across the way and stayed 3 nights. The downgrade was obvious and dissapointing. First off, one of the staff was argumentative with me even though THEY made a mistake about the booking( I had the email confirmation). The whole place reaks of garlic from the restaurent in the building. There is only one small elevator- expect wait times around checkout. The rooms were spacious and clean but extremely cheaply finished. The small old tub had jets that did not work. The pool area is right beside the restaurent which opened their sliding doors- awkward for us and likely the patrons. there are lots of good places to stay in whistler for better quality/ cost. We would not return.