Whistler

[vacation dreaming]

I am looking for information on the Hilton Grand Vacation Club Whistler. Interval rates it Elite. I see it wasn’t built as a Hilton and the reviews mention renovations to “bring it up to Hilton standards.” My son wants to ski Whistler next winter. We typically stay at Marriott ski resorts (this year it was the Ritz Carlton Vail) so I am trying to understand what to expect if we are able to trade into this property. Does anyone know if all of the rooms have been renovated? Is it possible to get an interval trade? Any other advice? I don’t ski, so I was looking for the nicest property in Whistler to spend time in the unit and this was the only one rated Elite on interval. I realize it won’t be the Ritz but is it comparable to a Marriott? Thanks!

 

[GT75]

HGVC Whistler is an Embarc property that doesn't trade directly in HGVC. HGVC Whistler trades via HGV Max, but with very limited availability, from my understanding (based on what those who have access have told me). Whistler does trade via DEX. I find very good availability via that exchange system. I was able to book there this past ski season easily and also next year. I see good availability for the 2027 ski season there currently.

I don't know about availability in II. (but I should have access to that exchange system also soon).

btw, HGVC Whistler has only been rebranded as HGVC and isn't part of HGVC (club).

 

[vacation dreaming]

HGVC Whistler is an Embarc property that doesn't trade directly in HGVC. HGVC Whistler does trade via HGV Max, but very limited availability, from my understanding (what those who have access have told me). Whistler does trade via DEX. I find very good availability via that exchange system. I was able to easily book there this past ski season and also next year. I see good availability for the 2027 ski season there currently.

Have the rooms been renovated? Is it comparable to a Marriott property?

 

[GT75]

Have the rooms been renovated?

@cd5 will need to comment on that because I don't know.

Is it comparable to a Marriott property?

I also can not compare to the Marriott system because I have never stayed in that system. I can say that it is certainly is consistant with HGVC and maybe slightly better. I was very impressed with the property and like it very much. I can post pictures of my room, if you like (I had a 2BR perm LO).

Of course, the best way to trade into that property is via the Embarc system itself.

 

[PaulaC]

Have the rooms been renovated? Is it comparable to a Marriott property?

We stayed there a few years ago when it was an Embarc property and can tell you even if it has been renovated, it wouldn't be comparable to a Marriott property. It is a small property and didn't have a lot of amenities ...a small market and 1 small pool, no restaurants on the property, etc. The units were very rustic, but that may be typical for the location.

 

[GT75]

1 small pool,

There are two pools.

 

[Ski-Dad]

I am in Whistler now for a ski week. I cannot comment on the HGV property other than to say it is not an easy trade. I had an II OGS search two ski seasons for a ski week and came up empty both times. I was using a good trader and started my search in the spring of the prior season. I was open to any week in the Jan to March window. Interval came up empty handed two years running.

I have had luck getting Whiski Jack units in Whistler via RCI several times. I am staying at Lake Placid Lodge this week via RCI.

 

[cd5]

@cd5 will need to comment on that because I don't know.

I also can not compare to the Marriott system because I have never stayed in that system. I can say that it is certainly is consistant with HGVC and maybe slightly better. I was very impressed with the property and like it very much. I can post pictures of my room, if you like (I had a 2BR perm LO).

Of course, the best way to trade into that property is via the Embarc system itself.

The reno in Whistler as been completed. I'll attach some photos.
The club at Whistler has about 120 rooms total and it is the largest of the Embarc locations. In my opinion, Embarc is absolutely comparable in quality to Marriott - I've stayed at many MVC. Embarc at ski locations have a rustic, ski resort vibe that reflects the communities they are in. They are not meant to look like a generic American hotel/mega-resort as many Marriott/Hilton clubs do.
Next major reno is at Mont Tremblant in Quebec and starts in September to be completed by the end of 2027 if all goes well.

 

[bizaro86]

I think the Embarc ski locations are way nicer than the average MVC resort.

Unless you're opposed to the extra wood in the styling (which is imo way nicer than the white panel doors you'll find at mvc).

The full size laundry is better as well, imo.

Bathrooms, living rooms, and bedrooms are probably comparable.

And of course - if you want to go to Whistler staying with MVC is not one of your choices.

 

[vacation dreaming]

The reno in Whistler as been completed. I'll attach some photos.
The club at Whistler has about 120 rooms total and it is the largest of the Embarc locations. In my opinion, Embarc is absolutely comparable in quality to Marriott - I've stayed at many MVC. Embarc at ski locations have a rustic, ski resort vibe that reflects the communities they are in. They are not meant to look like a generic American hotel/mega-resort as many Marriott/Hilton clubs do.
Next major reno is at Mont Tremblant in Quebec and starts in September to be completed by the end of 2027 if all goes well.

The photos are very helpful and the unit looks great! Thanks.

 

[vacation dreaming]

I think the Embarc ski locations are way nicer than the average MVC resort.

Unless you're opposed to the extra wood in the styling (which is imo way nicer than the white panel doors you'll find at mvc).

The full size laundry is better as well, imo.

Bathrooms, living rooms, and bedrooms are probably comparable.

And of course - if you want to go to Whistler staying with MVC is not one of your choices.

Based on the photos of the renovation, I would agree the unit looks great.

 

[vacation dreaming]

For those of you familiar with Whistler in general, if I am unable to get a trade, where would you recommend I reserve a cash stay? Looking for a combo of full kitchen, 2 bedroom, location, preferably luxury without Four Seasons prices.

 

[cd5]

For those of you familiar with Whistler in general, if I am unable to get a trade, where would you recommend I reserve a cash stay? Looking for a combo of full kitchen, 2 bedroom, location, preferably luxury without Four Seasons prices.

Are you a Hilton owner? If so, there is a FB group you can join (Embarc-Hilton Exchange group) that is for Embarc & Hilton members who want to exchange with each other directly to go to the other's club. You could also ask to rent directly from an Embarc member who has extra points and is willing to make a booking for you. It's majority Embarc members and we see exchanges (or skmply rentals) happening regularly.