With its Bavarian-style architecture of sloped roofs and lots of wood, the Aava Whistler Hotel looks like many other Whistler hotels on the outside. Interiors are sleek and contemporary, with some -- but not many -- chalet-style touches sprinkled about. The lobby features funky modern lighting suspended from the ceiling and a requisite fireplace against a stone wall. A long wooden communal table illuminated by a wall of windows offers a nice spot to enjoy a warm beverage by, and there's a small self-service Nespresso cafe in the lobby too. The sleek and impersonal nature of the place will not suit travelers seeking mountain charm and a cozy vibe, but it's a clean, pleasant, and convenient property that offers a decent number of amenities and freebies. The property attracts couples on a ski getaway, as well as families with kids who are drawn by the larger suites -- some of which have kitchenettes. Business travelers are also catered to with meeting rooms and free Wi-Fi.

The hotel is located just outside the main action in Whistler Village, and is within a short walk of bars, restaurants, and the lifts in Skiers Plaza. Whistler Village is the hub of Whistler's activity, and is where visitors can find the famous gondolas that carry skiers and snowboarders up the mountain. Easiest to navigate by foot, this neighborhood has plenty of pedestrian walkways, and many trails link the Village to different parks, golf courses, and lake beaches. Whistler Village offers plenty of shopping and a variety of restaurants (including fast food chains), coffee shops, and bars.

• Two- to five-minute walk to various restaurants and bars
• Three-minute walk to Whistler Golf Club
• Five-minute walk to Village 8 Cinemas
• Six-minute walk to Skiers Plaza, for the lifts up to Whistler Blackcomb
• 12-minute walk to Whistler Health Care Centre
• Eight-minute drive to Whistler Airport
• Two-hour drive to Vancouver International Airport

These contemporary rooms are tastefully decorated, featuring a color palette of soft neutrals contrasted by dark wood furniture. Oversize white tufted headboards framed in wood are a focal point, while large beds are topped with quality white linens. Beige carpeting and subtly patterned off-white walls provide a backdrop to the simple wooden furnishings -- though some of the pieces show some wear and tear. Guests should also note that there have been complaints of noise due to thin walls.

Suites offer more space and have separate living rooms with fireplaces, while Two-Bedroom Suites have kitchenettes with dining spaces as well. All rooms have work desks, as well as flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, mini-fridges, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are fairly standard, if a bit small, with shower/tub combos and small sink vanities -- some guests complain of not enough storage space. Hairdryers and Aveda toiletries are provided. Executive Suites have larger bathrooms, with double sinks and double walk-in rainfall showers.

The hotel has a heated outdoor pool, though it's a bit small in size, as well as a hot tub. There's a small fitness room equipped with a handful of machines, and guests can also make use of an on-site sauna.

A seasonal breakfast buffet is available in the winter for an additional fee. There's also a self-service Nespresso cafe in the lobby, but the hotel does not have a full restaurant or bar.

The hotel offers an array of freebies, including ski lockers, a ski boot dryer, two-hour snowshoe rentals, and two-hour fat tire bike rentals. During the summer season, freebies include a bike valet, a secured bike vault, a bike wash and tool station, and trail bike rentals. There's even a GoPro HD Camera Demo Lab. Other facilities include two event spaces that are available for meetings or other functions, and can accommodate up to 120 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.