My family (2 adults/2 kids 10 & 12) will be going to Whistler in mid-January. We will be flying in and out of Seattle and renting a car. My questions are: Where to stay (travel agent suggested Cascade Lodge), should we take a side-trip to Vancouver and only go to Whistler for 4 days, and should we ski all 4 or 5 days or leave a day off for village activities? Thanks

There are many great places to stay in Whistler. Our favorite is the Marquise. It is located in the Benchlands. Each unit is individually owned so there are differences in appearance. We like it because there's a heated pool and jacuzzi. You can see the mountain as you swim or soak. Also, the unit we rented had a fireplace, kitchen and separate bedroom. Our kids used the sofa bed. The prices at Marquise are much better than many other places that do not offer the amenities that the Marquise does. We brought our 2 children and we all fit comfortably in the 1 bedroom unit we rented. I've been to Cascade Lodge as well. It's not as nice as Marquise but you might get a better price. The problem with Cascade lodge (like most of the village units) is that the partying gets pretty loud in the village. We like the benchlands because its quiet at night. It's easy to walk to the village (only 5-10 min walk) or take the free shuttle. Also, you can walk across the street and ski to the lifts from the Marquise. <BR><BR>Also, Vancouver is a nice city and is worth a day stop. . . so is Victoria.<BR><BR>I would take a day to shop in the village if I were you. The Canadian dollar goes a long way as it's $1.60 now!<BR>If you need anymore advice. Let me know. Vanessa

I have done the same trek seattle to whister via rental car the last two years. My advice: fly in/out of vancouver, as there is not much to see between seattle and vancouver. I would also recommend taking the shuttle to whistler, no need for a car in whistler. plus you can enjoy the scenery from the shuttle, fantastic views!<BR>Vancouver is a great city, i have stayed overnight there the past two years, I recommend it. not driving to and from seattle will free up some time for you.<BR>and whistler: ski everyday if you can, if not, lots of shops and eats to keep you busy...great place! I have also stayed in the marquise, no complaints. Very quiet.<BR>Stay on the blackcomb side if noise is a concern. You'll have a great time.<BR>btw, i am returning for a third year in a row also in January

Hi,<BR>we have been to whistler 3 times with our girls and have stayed at the Marquise, you can ski almost to the door,but no one liked all the walking to get to the village (shops and restaurants)after a day of skiing. You can eat in as their is kitchen facilities. Also stayed at the Delta suites, that was a long walk to the slope carrying skis (the kids found that hard)and those suites were less than 400 sq feet...I can't remember the name of the motel we stayed, it was at the base of whistler and it was great. their is a big playdium right beside it. our conclusion: we prefer the motel, the kids can stay in the room if that is what they want(after skiing all day sometimes they are just too tired to go out for dinner-our youngest fell asleep in the restaurant)meanwhile you can go down for a walk, a drink....and everything is close, unlike the Marquise. no matter what, you'll really enjoy it, one of our best holidays.

There's no simple answer to your choice of lodging at Whistler. It all depends on your budget. 5-star hotels include the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Westin, Pan Pacific, Delta. The Marriott Residence Inn's a great place. Breakfast is included and it's located right next to the Wizard Chair on Blackcomb. But you'll need a car. Try these websites: www.whistlerblackcomb.com, www.whistler.com, www.whistlerresort.com, www.whistleraccommodations.com.

Hello E.<BR>Our family usually stays at THE ASPENS. It is a condo/hotel, slopeside on Blackcomb Mountain. If you have never been to Whistler before there 3 skiable mountain areas ... Whistler Creekside(the original ski area, in the midst of revamping) Whistler village (lots of apres ski and noisy nightlife) and Blackcomb benchlands (Chateau Whistler, some restaurants, kids area, and near lake, nice xcountry trails).<BR>THE ASPENS has 1 and 2 bedroom lovely suites with full kitchens, fireplaces hot tubs, heated pools, exercise room ski valet service in the building, and underground parking. You will not need your car again, after you pick up your groceries.<BR>We use www.whistlerpremier.com to reserve.<BR>Wherever you stay, hope you have sunny days and LOADS of snow.<BR>A.M.

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