Please note that the 5-star rating is adjusted for the price category (about US $100 per night at the end of season); it is entirely possible that a better accommodation can be found within Sun Peaks. In its price class, however, this is indeed an all-star establishment:
1) Location, location, location! All the time till the last hour of the season the Lodge retained a very definite ski-out experience: I was able to put on my skis right at the back door and go. Ski-in is possible with correct planning of the last run of the day, but generally I had to either push myself on skis or walk for the last 50-75 yards. This is the hotel closest to the assembly area of the ski school, lift ticket windows, and the all-important Sunburst and Sundance lifts (way closer than the more glamorous lodges, making it very feasible to retire to your hotel room for an hour while waiting for that elusive "hero snow"). The slope-side windows provide a great view of the lower part of the slopes and the lifts (the rooms on other side have a view of the main road in addition to the other side of the valley).
2) Rooms are well-maintained, beds are comfortable, kitchenettes are in working order. Note that if you would like the maid to wash the dishes for you. you will have to pay CAN$25 each time. There is no dishwasher in the room.
3) Staff if very friendly and helpful, check-in/checkout was efficient, local advice was spot-on.
4) One door of the ski locker room opens directly onto the snow (the other leads into the lobby).
The drawbacks are trivial (just me being petty): there is no decent restaurant in the same building and if you value your time you would quickly learn using the stairs instead of the single elevator when not wearing ski boots.
Will definitely use again. read more