I'd stay here again, but in a different room. We stayed in the Miette Suites building in the corner…read moretower king suite. My folks stayed in a lower level queen room with a kitchenette, and that room was way nicer in terms of decor. It was also less than half the cost of the big goofy suite we stayed in, $140 a night versus $350. No dogs allowed in the suites, so add puppy-sitting to that cost, but they are allowed in other rooms.
The king tower suite needs upgraded for the price, the decor is dated and just bad: off centre sconces and faded pictures, Chinese theme vases mixed with Italian rococo ones. Just a decorating disaster, feels like stuff was salvaged from the set of a 1970s porno and stuck in here randomly. Why not mountain themes in the decor, why the mixed cheap junk? The whole set up is awkward and unwelcoming. Lots of dead and unused space, silly little on/off gas fireplace, huge bar countertop with no purpose really other than a little bar sink now that the 1970s cocktail scene is a good 50+ years gone. There's only 2 wine glasses, 2 water glasses and 2 coffee cups. The suite feels incomplete, unfinished, and neglected.
The best part about this suite is the huge bathroom: great big shower, 2 sinks, jacuzzi soaker tub. Truth be told, I got this suite for the tub, but I was a bit disappointed. The jacuzzi works fine but it's late 1980s style; the jets are not very powerful and the timer is weirdly at the bathroom door where you are guaranteed to accidentally hit it while trying to find the light switch. The tub it set up for 2 people to sit in different areas while resting their heads on tub cushions that are long gone, leaving behind awkward and pokey holsters. Kind of a dated let-down, like the rest of the suite. And why the crappy toiletries - "conditioning shampoo" - really? For $350 a night?
All this aside, I liked the outdoor garden, and the facilities, rooms and property are kept very tidy. For a ski town, the place is immaculate. They start cleaning at 0900h, no lie, because of high turn-over. Check in is at 1600h, check out is 1100h. It's a very convenient location, with beautiful views all around, and we never had trouble finding a parking spot close to our room. The hotel was pretty much booked solid but it was never noisy and didn't feel crowded or busy, even over the long weekend. One must book significantly in advance, however, as tour groups stay here.
I would definitely avoid higher level rooms in the summer, there is no air conditioning in any of the rooms, even the expensive suites. Fans are provided, but it's doubtful they would suffice on a hot day. We were on the 3rd floor on the second week in October, and the main living area was quite warm, never mind the tower where the bedroom is located. We had the fan on upstairs immediately, and it was only 23C outside. I think in the summer it would be unbearable, but for winter or spring it's perfect.
Will try the pool and the onsite restaurant next time!