When

When
it comes to choosing a base for our outdoor adventures,
we’ve always looked to Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer’s mantra –
“location, location, location” – for inspiration. And, being less
than a minute’s walk from Whistler’s main square and a leisurely
five-minute stroll from the ski lifts, Adara Hotel – one of the
town’s longest-standing boltholes – fits the bill perfectly.

Blending a rustic chalet feel with pared-back Scandi interiors,
the boutique stay nods to its mountain location through the use of
natural wood and stone. There are characterful touches like mounted
deer antlers above the front desk and a cosy fireplace in the main
lobby, while pops of colour and mid-century furnishings lend
contemporary flair. As with all good stays, though, what really
makes this place special is its people – staff are thoughtful,
genuine and always friendly (including towards four-legged friends,
who are also welcome to stay).

The lobby, left, and the rooftop pool

Rooms

The Adara might be one of the smallest and most intimate
boltholes in the area, but don’t think for a second that this
translates to the size of its rooms – all 42 of which are
handsomely spacious. Ranging in size from a penthouse to lofts and
small suites, many with their own private balconies, the rooms
reflect a simple, functional Scandi-chic aesthetic with clean lines
and contemporary-cool furniture.

What’s for breakfast?

The homemade breakfast bars offered at the front desk every
morning are sure to lure you out of any slumber and downstairs, but
if you’re after something more filling you’ll find a delectable
brunch menu next door at Stonesedge Kitchen (where all guests
receive 10 per cent off food purchased with a drink). Think
everything from healthy buddha bowls to indulgent Belgian waffles
and traditional poutine.

How about lunch and dinner?

Stonesedge Kitchen is your best bet for unfussy, locally sourced
mountain fare. Inspired by the Pacific Northwest’s natural larder,
chef Robert Henderson’s lunch menu offers seasonal salads, burgers
and charcuterie boards. For dinner, expect a polished menu of
freshly shucked East Coast oysters, with mains ranging from vegan
risotto to red wine-braised beef short rib, and Ocean
Wise-certified Kuterra salmon on a roasted potato cake.

Is there a bar?

Yes, Stonesedge Kitchen next door doubles as a bar. You’ll find
the kitchen’s old-school aesthetic gets a kick of new-school cool
through its creative menu of cocktails, seasonal craft beers and
local wines (who knew Whistler’s slopes were also home to a handful
of family-run vineyards?).

Amenities

A rooftop pool and hot tub come with killer views of both
Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, and there’s a fire pit to cosy up
to for après-ski sundowners. A handy store room next to the main
lobby provides ample space for skis, snowboards, bikes and
luggage.

How about their green credentials?

Environmentally friendly processes including in-room recycling
schemes, the use of eco-conscious cleaning products and WattStopper
lighting controls, which reduce electricity consumption by up to 30
per cent, are all in place, although we couldn’t help but notice
the unnecessary use of plastic in some rooms. Free sachets of
Hammer Roasting ground coffee in every room demonstrate the hotel’s
support of locally owned businesses.

What about accessibility?

An accessible lift in the lounge provides access to all
floors.

What’s the crowd?

Lovers of all things outdoors – from groups of friends to
couples and families.

Things I should know

Although the hotel itself is generally quiet, noise from nearby
bars and nightclubs picks up at weekends – make use of the earplugs
provided on your bedside table.

Within a short walk I can find…

One of the Adara’s main drawcards is its central,
right-in-the-thick-of-it location. Step outside the hotel’s front
door and you’ll find yourself at Mountain Square, smack-bang in the
centre of town. From here, it’s just a five-minute walk to the ski
lifts, and mere seconds to Whistler’s world-class line-up of bars,
shops and a staggering array of restaurants (there are over 170 to
choose from across town).