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Apr 28, 2010
We stayed in a 2 bedroom unit on the 4th floor of Eagle Lodge for 5
days during Spring Break (first week of April). It was a last minute trip we
decided to take because of the excellent deals that were being offered -- there
was a buy one night, get one night free offer, which effectively lowered the
room rate to less than $180 per night. I guess things have slowed now that the
Olympics are over. We reserved as part of a package (air, lift tickets, lessons,
lodging) and the travel agency reserved the room through Whistler Premier. The
people at Whistler Premier were helpful and allowed us to check in a few hours
early.
The unit was serviceable and fine, particularly for the amount we paid.
Basically its a comfortable but no frills apartment building. It is on the
smaller side. The dining table is up against a wall because there is not enough
space so it gets a bit cramped. The kitchen was sufficiently appointed with
silverware, pots, pans and dishes. Although there is a washer and dryer, there
is no detergent provided. There is complimentary broadband cable internet
provided that worked well throughout the week. The bedrooms are also small, and
there is little space for clothes or to place your suitcase. Bathrooms are
clean. The unit was supposed to allow free local calls, but it did not work. I
did not follow up with the management company because I had my cell phone with
me which was fine. There is a hot tub on the first floor of the building which
is convenient. It is usually pretty crowded. There is also an exercise room
which consists of one treadmill and one cycling machine. The trash room on the
parking level is very difficult to find (no directions). There is no
housekeeping service during the week but the unit was sufficiently stocked with
towels and toiletries so that was not a problem for us.
The biggest positive is the location. The three lodges (Deer, Bear and Eagle)
are all located right in the middle of Whistler Village and you will not need a
car - everything including grocery markets are walking distance. We took Pacific
Coach lines (a bus service) which picked us up right outside Vancouver Airport
and dropped us in front of the Deer Lodge building, where you check in for the
Eagle Lodge. I was skeptical about using the bus service but it worked out
really well -- the buses are clean and with courteous drivers, and the 2.5 hour
drive is very scenic. You don't need a rental car.
Our unit faced the back of the building, rather than the main village stroll. It
was quiet, and in the morning you can see the ski slopes on Blackcomb Mountain,
provided that the clouds have cleared.
Cell coverage (both voice and data) is excellent throughout the village and
almost everywhere on the slopes on both mountains. Be prepared to spend, as
everything in the village (shops and restaurants) is very, very expensive, even
in the slow season, when we were there. Having praised the location, I will
point out however that contrary to the town plaza website, it is not a 3 minute
walk to the lifts. It is more like a 10-15 minute walk on a slight incline. Its
not a hard walk, but its far enough that if you have two young children with you
as we did it is better to pay for storage at the base of the lifts rather than
lug all your equipment back. Each unit does have a ski locker on the first floor
of the building. I did not see anyone use the lockers during our stay; I think
everyone used the pay storage (which is in basement level of Carleton Lodge,
across from the main gondola lift).
There is a full-service (sit down) restaurant called Christine's that is next to
the Peak 2 Peak gondola station half way up on Blackcomb Mountain which was
excellent - good food, wine list and service.
And of course, the skiing was good. I would return again if the same promotions
were being offered, otherwise if we go back to Whistler we will likely book
somewhere at the base.
Guest Review of the Town Plaza Suites Whistler
Hotel
Mar 27, 2010
I am going to try to be fair in this review. I currently have two nights left of
my three week stay. I came to Whistler for work, and my work paid for my
accommodations in the Bear Lodge of the Town Plaza Suites. The location of the
Town Plaza Suites could not be any better. It is right in the middle of the
Village Stroll. It has been wonderful just walking out of the condo and having
so many things to do within walking distance.
I understand that each condo is individually owned...and for this, I imagine
that each guest has a different story to tell. My condo is just ok. It has cable
tv, internet, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, full kitchen, etc. I guess my biggest
complaint is that I feel kinda dirty in my condo. There is a cleaning service
that comes once a day, and without sounding too mean, the cleaning crew doesn't
seem to do the best job. They haven't vacuumed yet, and seem to just wipe
countertops with "wet ones." Also, the unit has a washer and dryer, which is
great, but the guys that clean the apartment wash your towels daily, put them in
the washer, force the washer to run through it's cycle in half the usual
time...and then half the time forget to put them in the dryer so they smell when
you find them the next day. I feel that the beds are a little skeevy. The sheets
are cleaned once a week, which is fine, but the down comforter and duvet cover
has not been cleaned since I've been here...and I seriously doubt it was cleaned
before I got here. Grosses me out so I don't use it. One of the bathrooms has a
shower in it and it is clearly not "Cleaned" every day. The condo has been
almost $1000 a night. I have colleagues staying in other apartments at the Town
Plaza Suites and they really vary. Some are furnished very sparse, others very
nice. I think they only reason I am not really disappointed is because I am not
paying out of my own pocket. If I were, I think I would be disappointed.
The location is truly the best part of the the condos. Without a doubt it is
centrally located and close to everything. Parking is included, and that has
been helpful. The front desk is in another building and they are not 24 hours.
If you get locked out, forget your key, or demagnetize your key, it is a bit of
a hassle to get one late at night.
Guest Review of the Town Plaza Suites Whistler
Hotel
Feb 21, 2010
The condo was about 12 minutes walk from the lift as we expected. The room had a
good view of the main pedestrian walkway and close to restaurant and shops. We
had maid service one day out of 5 which was ok for us. The fold out sofa bed was
not the most comfortable but overall we were pleased.
Guest Review of the Town Plaza Suites Whistler
Hotel
Jan 3, 2010
We stayed 3 nights in Feb with our 5 year old. Our stay was Ok. The large size
of the condo and the central location to everything was a plus. Having free
internet was an added bonus as most hotels do charge for this. The unit was a
bit dated but the room itself and bathroom was relatively clean. When in the
room it was nice to have the view as Whistler is a beautiful place to visit.
Guest Review of the Town Plaza Suites Whistler
Hotel
Dec 1, 2009
We booked the unit through
www.allure-hotels.com The unit was in the Deer Lodge. I believe all
the units are individually owned. The owner was great. Considering we booked the
day we left. We didn't have to deal with the management or reception. The
underground parking was great. Located directly under the building. So we
weren't hauling luggage through the snow. The unit itself was amazing. It faced
the brewery and the mountains. Its at the end of the village. So it was fairly
quite. The balcony has awesome patio furniture. The unit was so cozy and comfy.
Most of all, we couldn't have picked a better time to visit with lots of pow pow!
We didn't want to leave! |
