New system means less confusion for guests, specifying type and quality of accommodations
Tourism Whistler hopes to resolve some of the confusion that visitors sometimes experience while booking accommodation in Whistler through a new rating system.
The Five Peaks Rating System evaluates accommodation based on a number of criteria, such as the quality of the property, the facilities and amenities that are available, proximity to the mountains, and services offered. The system also breaks down accommodations into four specific property categories; hotels, condos, townhomes and executive homes.
"The Whistler Peaks Rating System will provide Whistler visitors with consistent, reliable information on what to expect from a Whistler accommodation," said Shannon Story, manager of members and guest experience for Tourism Whistler.
"This is an important initiative towards ensuring a high level of guest satisfaction. The system will be branded to represent reliable, relevant information to the consumer."
Tourism Whistler started looking into the creation of a standard rating system after a number of visitors complained that their accommodations were not what they expected. Visitor disappointment and confusion was compounded by the range of stratified hotels, the myriad of property management companies operating in the same buildings, and by the maze of front desks throughout the village.
Tourism Whistler will be incorporating the Peaks system into their advertising materials and Web site, www.mywhistler.com.
Some of the criteria that will factor into a rating include in-room amenities like square footage, air circulation, bathrooms, fireplaces, televisions, telephones, kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms and security, and property amenities like hot tubs and pools, exercise facilities, ski and bike storage, activity booking services, front desk and housekeeping. The Whistler-specific criteria include proximity to slopes and village.
In addition, the specific property types have specific criteria. For example, a condo unit could be rated by how close and how accessible the front desk is for a property.
The Peaks system rates properties on a scale of one peak to five peaks.
Five Peaks – Luxury accommodations for the sophisticated traveller. The very best that Whistler has to offer, these properties typically offer complete personal service, deluxe surroundings and the highest standards of comfort with the most extensive facilities and services.
Four Peaks – Superior accommodations geared toward the discriminating traveller, offering excellent hospitality and customer service. They offer a wider range of amenities and services.
Three Peaks – Comfortable accommodations offering above average facilities and services with some amenities.
Two Peaks – Modest accommodations suitable for those seeking value over atmosphere. The may offer limited on-site facilities and services.
One Peak – A one peak property will receive a "Not Rated" designation.
The rating system was developed in conjunction with Whistler property managers and the Tourism Whistler Board of Directors. Full rating evaluations will be conducted every second year. Once a property has been rated, Tourism Whistler will issue a certificate and sticker indicating the property’s rating.
Participation in the rating system is free of charge and voluntary at this point. In time, Tourism Whistler wants to rate and classify all legally-zoned tourist accommodation in the resort.
All local hotels have been rated, and the majority of property management companies have had their inventories rated.
