Hilton, the Olympics, and Whistler proved to be a combination that compelled people to line-up and snap-up vacation suites valued at over $90 million in the upcoming Hilton Whistler Resort.  As a result, the suites in the resort community’s newest offering sold today within five hours of being put on the market.  With 172 suites, the suites sold faster than expected at a rate of one unit every 105 seconds.

 

This was the first major sales event for vacation suites in Whistler since last year’s announcement that the area will host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. 

 

The project is being developed by WW HOTELS (Whistler) Limited Partnership. The properties were sold by Playground Real Estate, the real estate sales and marketing division of Intrawest Corporation, in conjunction with Whistler Real Estate Company.  “Now, more than ever, people want a piece of Whistler,” states Phil Goddard, vice president for Playground.  “Furthermore, Hilton is a name people recognize for its high level of service.”

 

The resort will include first-class amenities such as a spa, fine dining, valet parking, and a swimming pool.  Many suites will even have wood burning fireplaces.

 

The property, owned and operated for 20 years as the Delta Whistler Resort, will change its name upon completion of renovations.  The property will become part of the world’s most recognized hotel franchises, Hilton Inns, Inc.

 

The resort’s entrance will be transformed to be brighter and more accessible to Whistler Village and the gondolas.  Although the facility is already a destination for art collectors, the new resort will include an expanded boutique mall complete with galleries and shops.

 

“Selling this much real estate in this short amount of time demonstrates the high demand for luxury resort vacation suites in British Columbia,” states John Ryan, Whistler Real Estate Co., who worked in conjunction with Playground on the project.  Although several of the units sold for well over a million dollars, the starting prices of $249,000 Cdn were perceived as a rare opportunity in the community known for its million-dollar residences.

 

This is the first time Hilton has been represented with a full service Hilton hotel in a Canadian mountain resort.  The hotel suites will be managed by an affiliate of Westmont Hospitality Group, Canada’s largest hotel management company.  Ryan adds, “Playground, Westmont, and Hilton feel that this is an irresistible opportunity for the major partners; obviously, the public agrees.”

Renovations of the current facility will occur in two phases.  The project’s completion is scheduled for fall 2005, ensuring that all new owners will be able to enjoy their vacation suite in time for the 2005 ski season.

 

People wanting more information on this and other resort properties should call 1-866-935-0210 or log onto www.yourotherlife.ca.

 

-30-

 

About Playground (www.playground.com)
Playground Real Estate Inc., an Intrawest company, is the premier provider of sales and marketing services for resort real estate world-wide.  The company draws on proprietary methodology called The PlaygroundTM Way to fulfill its mission of “connecting people with the ultimate places to play”.  With corporate offices in Vancouver, Playground represents unique real estate in five countries on two continents, including the world-renowned Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia –North America’s most popular mountain resort; Tremblant in Quebec – voted #1 ski resort in Eastern North America; and Florida’s Sandestin – 2,400 acres of white sand beaches and world-class golf.  To learn more about Playground visit www.playground.com.

 

About Hilton (www.hilton.com)
Hilton Inns, Inc. is the franchising arm of Hilton Hotels Corporation, recognized inter-nationally as a preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises more than 2,100 hotels, resorts and vacation ownership properties. Its portfolio includes many of the world's best known and most highly regarded hotel brands.

 

About Westmont Hospitality Group
Westmont Hospitality Group is Canada’s largest hotel ownership and Management companies.  It operates 163 hotels across Canada under various brand names:  Holiday Inn Select, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Sheraton, Hilton, Radisson, Delta, Travelodge, Best Western, Comfort and Quality.

 

WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT EXAMINED THIS OFFERING, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE CONDITION OF TITLE, THE STATUS OF BLANKET LIENS ON THE PROJECT (IF ANY), ARRANGEMENTS TO ASSURE PROJECT COMPLETION, ESCROW PRACTICES, CONTROL OVER PROJECT MANAGEMENT, RACIALLY DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES (IF ANY), TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND PRICE OF THE OFFER, CONTROL OVER ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS (IF ANY), OR THE AVAILABILITY OF WATER, SERVICES, UTILITIES, OR IMPROVEMENTS. IT MAY BE ADVISABLE FOR YOU TO CONSULT AN ATTORNEY OR OTHER KNOWLEDGEABLE PROFESSIONAL WHO IS FAMILIAR WITH REAL ESTATE AND DEVELOPMENT LAW IN THE COUNTRY WHERE THE SUBDIVISION IS SITUATED.

Contact Info:
John Kageorge , James Hoggan and Associates
Phone: 604-617-4745
jkageorge@hoggan.com
http://www.hoggan.com