Before I get on with describing the resort, let me say that the price varies TREMENDOUSLY depending on the season and whether the place is having a promotion. In summer, it can be as little as $75 a night for a fabulous studio that sleeps four comfortably. In high ski season, that same studio can run about $250, depending on the exchange rate.
That said, let me describe the resort. You drive up and the valet will park your car after taking all your stuff to your suite. We chose a studio and were a little worried that we'd be cramped, as there were four of us. We shouldn't have worried--it was wonderful--but then again, we were outside most of the time. If I were going to spend lots of time in the suite, and there were four of us, I might opt for a one- bedroom unit.
The suites are very, very nice: granite countertops in the kitchen, rich wood paneling, huge soaker tubs, gas fireplaces, balconies, fabulous floor-to-ceiling windows with views from every room. I actually preferred the "cheap view," which is a combination of village and mountain. The pricier "mountain view" is nice, too, but not worth any extra money, given the beauty of the other views.
I felt very pampered. The staff was warmly attentive without being in the way. They even brought me some rental ski pants because I forgot mine. It was only about $20 to rent better pants than I own for four days.
The spa looked great; but since we skied or ate during every available moment, we didn't actually visit it. The heated outdoor pool and hot tubs were nice après ski--really relaxing. From the pool deck, you have an awesome view of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. We liked the steam room, too, but preferred the hot tub because of the view.
Our private balcony was small, but had a great view of the village below and the mountains in the distance--nothing you couldn't see from your tremendous picture windows, though.
Besides the fact that these suites are so luxuriously appointed, they also appear to be closer than any other accommodations to the lift--I'd say about 30 yards, at most.
We liked the plush bathrobes, the high-speed Internet access, and the Dublinn pub downstairs in the main lobby, too. You won't find an all-around more perfect place to stay in Whistler in this price range.
If you're like me, you like to see the room ahead of time on the Internet. Go to www.panpacific.com and on the opening page, you'll see Whistler listed under Canada. Click on Whistler and check out the room photos. You'll be looking forward to your stay. One other thing--the Murphy bed in our studio suite was very comfortable and had built-in halogen reading lights.