From US$250 on ski-season weekdays, including wifi
– Special complimentary treats like coffees and candies turn adults into happy kids.
– Technically not a ski-in-ski-out hotel, but pretty close with the complimentary shuttle (plus you’ll get insider info from the driver!).
“Hi Beau!”, I crooned, as I walked back into my suite at Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel. I knew the look on Beau’s face meant he wanted to hear all about my scooter ride (“We saw a bear!”, I told him) and that he was wondering if I was nervous about going bobsledding later. Oh, and that he’d love another fish pellet if I had any handy.
Beau joined my beau and me for our stay at Summit Lodge, a boutique hotel where you can expect fun, friendliness and something special. Beau was one of those something specials — a betta fish from Summit’s foster-a-fish program. He’s meant to help kids feel more at ease while they’re away from home, but he makes adults like me feel like a very happy kid.
More kid and kid-at-heart friendly stuff at Summit includes an afternoon selection of candy at Reception and a coffee / hot chocolate bar, complete with whipped cream and an assortment of sprinkles. All complimentary too.
Four-legged friends are also welcome, free of charge; so welcome that there’s a chalkboard at Reception listing all their names (I really wanted to meet the dog called Asparagus). Your room will be prepared with pet-friendly supplies, and Talitha, Summit’s canine ambassador, makes sure everyone is on their best behaviour. Concerned about allergies? No problem, Summit keeps several rooms pet-free and can even provide down-free pillows.
This 81-room boutique hotel caters to the grown-up side of you too. There’s a spa off the lobby — Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa — the only authentic Javanese spa in North America. If you’ve ever been to Indonesia, you know how much of a treat this is. Eco-products, a free 1-hour bike rental and luxurious bed and bath amenities all appeal.
Facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, with a sauna just inside the door. The hotel’s back patio also has a barbecue if you’d like to eat in for dinner, plus every room (not just the suites) has a fully-equipped kitchenette.
Summit is on a quiet street away from Whistler’s bar scene, but with several great restaurants really close. You can get to Elements Urban Tapas Parlour, one of Whistler’s insider favourites, without even going outside. The walk to the ski lifts is just 7 minutes, though you can take the complimentary winter shuttle too. And of course there’s a complimentary ski and bike valet.
Attached to the hotel is Underground Tuning which provides hand-waxing and tune-ups on boards and skis — the best in Whistler. In summer you can rent a scooter or bike (including tandems) from Spitfire Scooter Rentals to see more of Whistler and its great scenery.
Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel is one of those rare hotels that makes you feel happy and special (even if you’re a jaded travel writer like me!).
