As of May 1, the Radisson name is longer associated with The Aspens.
The Whistler Lodging company, previously Powder Property Management, has reached an agreement with Radisson Hospitality Worldwide to terminate the Radisson franchise associated with The Aspen units, formerly managed under the name of Radisson Blackcomb Suites, The Aspens.
The units managed in the property will now operate under the independent banner of Aspens on Blackcomb by Whistler Lodging Company.
The Aspens, located slope-side on the Benchlands, was developed by Intrawest in 1993. The following year, Powder took over management of the condo hotel and immediately franchised it as a Radisson.
Don Shindle, vice president of development and operations for the Whistler Lodging Company, said that being affiliated with the Radisson name was instrumental in establishing The Aspens in the market place.
"Through this relation and Whistler Lodging Companys extensive marketing and sales efforts, the hotel has developed a sound business base and solid reputation," noted Shindle. "However, within the current framework of properly management in Whistler, it no longer makes sense to operate what is viewed as a full-service franchise."
Shindle said his company is pleased to take this opportunity to emphasize the more "intimate and casual" experience offered at The Aspens rather than "the more generic feel of a corporate hotel room."
The Aspens on Blackcomb by Whistler Lodging company is now being marketed under the umbrella of the newly-formed Condominium Lodges Collection that was created in December last year as part of the companys name restructuring.
Gabrielle Stauber, lodge manager of the Whistler Lodging Companys units at The Aspens, stresses that the change is one of name only.
"Besides the name change, everything remains the same."
The Whistler Lodging Company is the resorts largest property management company. It operates more than 800 suites, town-homes and executive homes throughout Whistler. The company is owned by ONeill Hotels and Resorts, which also manages the Westin Resort.