Why Four Seasons Whistler Deserves Its Two Shiny New Michelin Keys

In September the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler joined the ranks of the world’s most acclaimed hotels with its prestigious Two Michelin Keys (a.k.a. ‘Exceptional Stay’) designation. And after our recent stay in a mountainside Executive Suite, we totally get why the hotel is now part of this exclusive club.

As you may have guessed, the Michelin Keys are the hotel version of the Michelin Stars restaurant accolade. Thirty-three hotels in Canada received between one key (denoting a ‘very special stay’) and three keys (‘meaning an extraordinary stay’) this year. Only 293 other properties around the world received two Michelin Keys, including just two others in the Lower Mainland and Whistler: The Rosewood Hotel Georgia and The Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

When adjudicating hotels, Michelin evaluators inspect everything from dining to amenities.

In terms of guest services, the Four Seasons Whistler prides itself on staff being ultra-attentive in every guest interaction. From the mug of hot apple cider presented to us at check-in, to the kind greetings from hotel staff as we passed them in the hallways, we felt totally welcome and right at home throughout our stay.

Hotel amenities are the second category Michelin adjudicators review in determining which properties receive the coveted two keys designation. After check-in, we headed to Braidwood Tavern to enjoy complimentary wine tasting, then made our way back to our two-room Executive Suite which featured regal wood panelling, marble and nostalgic Whistler art pieces, to sit by the fireplace and enjoy our apéro.

A knock on the door was a hotel staff member offering complimentary turn-down service, and after our bed was prepared, we washed our stress away with a soak in our en-suite tub with luxe Grown Alchemist bath products. Next, we donned an ultra-soft bathrobe from our walk-in closet before settling in for the deepest sleep under the cloud-like down comforter and pillows the Four Seasons is known for.

In a future stay, we’ll look forward to 24-hour laundry/dry-cleaning/pressing, complimentary equipment storage, and ski concierge at the base of the Blackcomb gondola — and don’t forget complimentary s’mores by the fire pit. And if we one day travel with children or pets, we’ll have the convenience of cribs, high chairs, night lights, baby soaps, plus pet amenities including a bed, bottled water, food and water bowl. (Can we move in, please?)

Four Seasons Whistler also proved to be outstanding in the dining category. For a Saturday night celebratory dinner, we sat down for an elevated comfort food feast at the hotel’s Braidwood Tavern. From the sparkling wine and truffle fries, to the crispy-skinned braised salmon over a bed of flavourful seafood risotto, to the surprise birthday dessert, it was a dining experience we’re still telling our girlfriends about. The next morning, we sampled the array of items in Braidwood Tavern’s breakfast buffet (complimentary for guests staying in suites), and were blown away by the heavenly chocolate banana bread pudding, Paris-worthy flakey croissants and exotic fresh squeezed juices (think pomegranate and mango) which we enjoyed at our fireside table.

Looking ahead, the resort will be adding even more luxe amenities to its offerings. The hotel’s general manager Chelan Goonetilleke says he’s “thrilled to announce a collaboration with Moët, bringing a touch of luxury and celebration to your après-ski experience at the pool. The Library by The Macallan will also make its much-anticipated return, providing a sophisticated and inviting space to enjoy a drink in style”. Could there be a third Michelin key in Four Seasons Whistler’s future? That would be a yes from our perspective. —Lise Boullard