The general expectation has been that accommodation alternatives would dry up as the 2010 Winter Olympic Games approached. Whether it has been the global economic downturn or a general misunderstanding of Olympic demand this simply has not happened. In fact, It would be fair to say that as the Games approach the accommodation sector (especially longterm) appears to be loosening up a bit.
In Whistler itself the Whistler Workforce project headed up by Alvarro Ponce de Leon still has 300 beds available for Games time rental. The purpose of the housing is for staff and volunteers over a term and not visitors but it is a significant block of housing less than a kilometer from Whistler Village. “I want to be a part of the Olympic experience”, said Mr. Ponce de Leon “I have all the permits, buildings and site prep finished… All I need now is clients”.
Just south of Whistler in Paradise Valley there is another block of accommodation that is available for housing. The Global Nations Village project is also available for employers but it is primarily intended for Olympic visitors. The project will offer free transportation to and from Whistler and high end “movie set accommodations in the middle of the Paradise Valley”. The goal of this project is to provide guests accommodation close enough to Whistler to be a part of the action while still in the pristine wilderness that is British Columbia’s Glacier Valley.
If you are looking for luxury there is also some of that still available. Newwest Travel has created an option that will offer 4 star accommodation in the heart of Vancouver, BC. Newwest will have a cruise ship, the NCL Star moored on in the Vancouver Harbor allowing guests to have waterfront accommodation and enjoy everything the 2010 winter games will have to offer. Prices are reasonable and if you book now you may still be able to secure the view that you want.
Although the above options are all non-traditional accommodations they promise to meet the needs of workforce and Olympic visitors. It really is not too late to plan on being a part of the 2010 Olympic experience. At Ridebooker.com we think you can still find accommodation that works and we are happy to provide reasonably priced highest quality transportation that matches.
