Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel

Housed in a traditional mountain lodge with stone accents on its facade and pitched roofs, the Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel looks more generic from the outside than it is inside. The property was renovated in the mid-2010s and features a mix of contemporary and homey touches that makes it feel welcoming and fun. In the lobby, stone floors, plush tufted couches and armchairs, and a stone fireplace combine with large, bold paintings of dogs, lending the space a cozy yet playful feel. Throughout, untreated wood planks decorate walls, while retro-style lamps add some style. Most guests here are young couples and groups of friends (and their dogs) drawn by the hotel’s competitive rates, great rooms, and quirky design. The vibe is casual, and tons of locals flock to the property every weekend for its popular dining spots. This is an excellent pick for those who don’t mind being a little bit away from the hustle and bustle of Whistler Village, but travelers wanting to stay within easy walking distance of the gondolas may want to compare rates at the Crystal Lodge Hotel, which is generally just a few dollars more expensive and offers clean rooms, some with kitchenettes and gas fireplaces. At a higher price point, the Sundial Boutique Hotel is a charming property that’s located right next to the Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola. 

The Summit Lodge is located in the Lower Village, a quiet part of town home to grocery and liquor stores, a few restaurants, and a couple of pleasant public parks. The heart of the action in Whistler Village is just a five-minute walk away, which allows for easy access to dining and shopping while being away from the hustle and bustle. The hotel is about a 10-minute walk from the Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola, which may be challenging for those carrying ski gear. Those who prefer not to walk can either drive there in less than five minutes or take the hotel’s free shuttle bus to the ski lifts. Whistler Golf Club is a three-minute drive away, while the drive to Vancouver International Airport takes about two hours and 15 minutes. 

The hotel features 81 studios and suites, all decorated in a contemporary style that combines a soothing white-and-gray palette with bold pops of fuchsia and handpicked quirky artwork. Some units have eye-catching accent walls with colorful wallpaper, while others are a tad more subdued and the splashes of color are limited to bed runners and throw pillows. All rooms have small but fully equipped kitchenettes outfitted with fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and pots and pans. Living spaces have couches and dining tables. Kitchens in four-person suites come with dishwashers and bigger dining tables. Room amenities are great for the price and include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and well-reviewed Sealy beds topped with duvets and several pillows. All rooms also offer robes and hairdryers, while all suites feature sofa beds. Balconies and fireplaces are available in Deluxe King Studios, which also feature sofa beds for two additional guests. Bathrooms are clean but generic, with shower/tub combos and brown granite counters. Toiletries are Malin + Goetz. Dogs are welcome free of charge in all room types.  

The hotel is known among locals for its great dining options. Elements Urban Tapas Parlour is consistently ranked high for breakfast in Whistler, thanks to excellent eggs dishes and a famous French toast recipe. Sachi Sushi is a casual Japanese spot serving up excellent sushi, tempura, noodles, and hot pots. The hotel is adjacent to Eightyone, a casual cafe that turns into a co-working space in the afternoon. Pastries, sandwiches, quiche, smoothies, soups, and other snacks are all available here, along with hot and cold drinks. The heated outdoor pool is a good perk for all seasons and features a small whirlpool and a fire pit with a bench. Pool towels can be borrowed free of charge from the front desk. Taman Sari Spa is a Javanese-inspired wellness center offering well-reviewed massages and salon services. It features five single treatment rooms, a couples’ cabin with a hot tub, and a sauna. The hotel also offers a great array of freebies, including shuttle bus to the ski lifts, Wi-Fi, and coffee, treats and evening cocktails in the lobby. There is also a number of loaner bikes that guests can borrow free of charge. However, there is no gym here.