Needing a break from the city, two of my girlfriends and I took an overnight trip to Whistler this weekend. Driving up Sunday, we arrived to the beautifully rustic Fairmont Chateau Whistler.  As Whistler Blackcomb has not officially opened for the winter ski season (opens this week, November 23), the hotel was buzzing with anticipation of the upcoming season – preparing for the opening of yet another busy season.

We were greeted by the valet who offered us the option of either self parking ($35) or valet ($39). We opted to valet for the simplicity of not having to lug our stuff from the parkade up. Customer service is as expected for the Fairmont chain – top-notch and the team was always knowledgeable and easily accessible – from the valet, to registration, to concierge assistance on dining recommendations and directions. What I loved about the hotel was the warmth and charm the lobby exudes when you walk in. It was a mix between Christmas decor, with large Christmas trees and wreaths displayed in every room and lobby space, but also with the traditional and elegant rustic decor of log cabin / BC artwork.

Arriving to our room, a deluxe bedroom with 2 beds, we were welcomed with chocolate granola bars, sunflower seeds, fresh and dried raisins and berries, and with a bottle of San Pellegrino. The room was more than spacious for the 3 of us, and had enough robes and slippers for each of us to use within the hotel.

One of my favourite in-room amenities, which a lot of people disregard during hotel stays, is the coffee/tea provided. At most hotels, the rooms are not equipped with a separate kettle for boiling water. As I’m not a coffee drinker, the taste of tea with coffee lingering in the water is not enjoyable. The Fairmont chain is known for thinking about that, and instead includes not only a Keurig coffee machine, but also a separate kettle for tea drinkers. Thanks to the individual that pitched this idea and made it happen – I can now kick back, watch some TV and sip on a wonderful cup of Fairmont tea.

After dinner out in Whistler Village, we rushed back to the hotel in order to enjoy their health club & pools – probably the more enjoyable health club/pools in Whistler. Their fully equipped health club included a large state of the art fitness room, Eucalyptus steam rooms (our favourite!), sauna, hot tub, 3 outdoor whirlpools and 2 swimming pools, as well as indoor swimming and whirlpool. We stayed until closing rotating between the Eucalyptus steam rooms and the outdoor whirlpools. If not for dinner, we probably would’ve been there earlier and had poolside Cabana food and drink service as well. Highly recommend this property just for these amenities alone – for us ladies, the Eucalyptus steam rooms were well appreciated after the drive, shopping and dinner at the village. They also have an on-site spa, Vida Spa, should guests want a massage or salon services, however we were going to venture to Scandinave Spa the next morning so did not take advantage of the convenience of Vida Spa this time around. However, I’m sure those who spend a day skiing, will not only take advantage of the whirlpools and steam room, but also Vida Spa’s much needed massage service!

Although the hotel is a short 10 minute walk from Whistler Village, and there are several restaurants and bars in Blackcomb Village, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler also has several restaurants and a warm and cozy lounge (The Mallard) that stays open until 1am with live music in the evenings.

A ladies’ getaway with spa time, great food in Whistler Village, as well as drinks at the bar can all be enjoyed at this world class resort. We ended our stay in the evening with a nightcap and a good night’s sleep!

Thanks to the Fairmont Chateau Whistler for hosting us on this ladies’ getaway – this is one of our new favourites and a great short getaway from the city when we need a retreat. For those BC residents, please remember to inquire about the BC Residents’ Rate – a discount exclusively for locals!

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own. Although Fairmont Chateau Whistler provided complimentary accommodation for this trip, I was not compensated for this article.