Bed down at this simple, Scandi-style bolthole for a reliable stay in the heart of the action-packed Canadian resort
09 May, 2023
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
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.
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.
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.
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?).
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.
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.
An accessible lift in the lounge provides access to all floors.
Lovers of all things outdoors - from groups of friends to couples and families.
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.
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).
Doubles cost from £95 a night. adarahotel.com