Hillcrest Hotel

The Coast Hillcrest Resort Hotel is a huge beam lodge located just a few kilometres from the town centre of Revelstoke. The hotel is more rustic than chic, with the décor incredibly fitting for the mountain-side setting. Many, many steps up from “comfortable”, it’s like an upmarket lodge.

Many hotels claim that they provide great service, but at the Hillcrest they really do. A friendly yet professional culture seems to start with management and spread to all the staff including those on front reception, the waiters, cleaning staff, and the all important bar staff who serve beverages in the hot tub. Fantastic! Ron, one of the restaurant waiters is an institution of the Hillcrest, and like other staff has an amazing knowledge of his product (food and wine!) as well as the ski hill.

AccommodationThe hotel has a range of rooms to suit different needs and budgets, from the lovely comfort rooms up to two floor suites. All rooms have two queen beds or a king sized bed, and some of them even have a spa (hot tub) in situ. Rooms either feature dramatic views of the Columbia Valley, or a tranquil garden view which is likely to be snow covered. Here are the basic types:

Comfort Room -In-room safe, air conditioning, aomplimentary in-room coffee, tea and hot chocolate service, aomplimentary local calls, wireless internet access, alarm clock radio, cable television, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, room Service, non smoking environment.

Superior Room - Includes Coast Comfort Room amenities, upgraded bathroom amenities, plush terry cloth bathrobes, all have balconies, small under counter fridge

Jacuzzi Junior Suite - Beautiful valley view junior suite with king bed, jacuzzi tub, private balcony, small under counter fridge, large television

Executive Jacuzzi Suite - All of the above features plus: Small sitting area with pullout sofa

Tower Suite - Two level loft suite with king size and queen size bed beautiful valley view junior suite with king bed. Jacuzzi tub, private balcony, small under counter fridge, large television, two full bath rooms

Hotel FacilitiesFacilities of the hotel include an exercise room, sauna, indoor hot tub, and a lounge area with couches and pool table. A highlight of the facilities is the outdoor hot tub which is great for hearing the skiing stories of the day. This hotel is home to Selkirk Tangiers, and if you’re not heli-skiing and hear the adventures of the day in the hot tub, you’ll either make the most of living vicariously through the stories, or be incredibly jealous. Selkirk Tangiers have a shop in the lower level of the hotel with some tempting souvenirs and ski clothing.

RestaurantsThe scrumptious food at the Hillcrest is an absolute highlight. The Begbie Room is the formal dining restaurant with gourmet fare and great wines. A bold claim has been made by the Powderhounds that the steaks are up there as some of the best ever! The Crème Brûlée is mighty fine too. The bar has more casual style dining with many of the same menu items as the restaurant, but also some pub style meals. The hand-carved furniture is rustic, and the fireplace and live music adds to the pleasantly relaxed atmosphere of the bar.

Why stay at the Hillcrest Hotel?Overall, the ambience of this hotel is delightful and is in keeping with the general ski culture of Revelstoke. The rates are reasonably priced for the high quality that you get.