Like a fairytale castle in the center of the city, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is filled with gourmet dining and luxury shopping in a prime location.
Vancouver is an easy city to get lost in. You can weave from street to street, bike around tall trees at Stanley Park and get excited at the food and drink scene. It's becoming more and more apparent that we like this city, and are happy to go back. So when we had a chance to visit Vancouver it was an easy decision! And when we learned that one of the most famed and historic hotels in the city was available, I might have gotten a little more excited than usual...what can I say, I have a soft spot for a hotel with history.
The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, or more aptly known as the Castle in the City, lives up to its name. The property stands tall in the city center and can be seen from every direction. It is timeless luxury rolled into one of the best hotel brands out there: Fairmont.
To give you some perspective on the hotel, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver dates back to 1888, when railroad companies were primarily responsible for constructing large luxury hotels. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is actually the third Hotel Vancouver and has a long history of providing luxury amenities to travelers for both business and pleasure over the centuries.
The current version was built around the Great Depression, which delayed construction while funds were found. It eventually opened in time to host King George VI and Queen Elizabeth and continues to host royalty and VIPs and special events of national and international importance. From the architecture to the style of the guest rooms, there are British castle-like features every place you look. Most recently, the hotel underwent a massive multi-million dollar renovation in 2012 to update the bar, restaurant and lobby.
About The Hotel & Design
The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is right in the city center and there is a nonstop parade of people walking in and out. We don’t typically do large hotels, but the history was enough to convince us to give it a try! Not to mention the location was absolutely perfect! It is also close to the convention center making it ideal for business people too—we stayed long enough to learn more about the surrounding area. Although the hotel is big, it has a really comfortable charm about it, that is usually associated with much smaller hotels.
The design feels very timeless and modern at the same time. The facade is chateau-esque, with its spires and varied levels making it look like a castle. Dior, Gucci and other luxury boutiques line the lobby floor along with the concierge desk and check in area. There is also a great bar/restaurant, where we might have spent some time people watching and sipping on some delicious cocktails! The hotel recently completed a $12 million restaurant, bar and lobby renovation, providing the ‘Grand Dame’ with a sense of renewed luxury and it shows! The space is chic, inviting and modern.
“The hotel recently completed a $12 million restaurant, bar and lobby renovation, providing the ‘Grand Dame’ with a sense of renewed luxury”
About Our Room
As soon as walked into our room, we were greeted with a bottle of chilled bubbles, chocolates and personalized Le Labo amenities... it's these little details that make me feel so welcomed and taken care of!
We stayed in a "Fairmont Room," which was a standard room and very comfortable. We had small windows, like a castle, but the views shot straight onto the city, which was great! The design was a bit too “historical” for me, given that all the rooms and suites are modeled after English castles, but charming none-the-less with vintage furniture and period design. The creamy color scheme is soothing and fits in with the classic ambience found throughout the hotel.
Despite the old world charm, there are plenty of modern amenities in each room including wireless internet service. The room was small but depending on the bed configuration can be suitable for up to four people, making it large enough for a family.
“As soon as walked into our room, we were greeted with a bottle of chilled bubbles, chocolates and personalized Le Labo amenities”
Dining at Notch 8 - An Ode to The Past
Named after a train's top speed, Notch 8 is the hotel’s main dining room and it’s fantastic! The design is glamorous and modern with a touch of 1930s charm, all without being over the top. It’s a great place to grab a drink with friends, or sit back in their cushioned booths for a fantastic meal.
We had breakfast every morning here, where the buffet had tons of choices and fabulous healthy options too! For dinner one night we started in the lounge and ended up in one of the booths for dinner. Live music was happening and the ambiance was charming and romantic. Don’t miss the rotisserie chicken and poached salmon!
And if you’re into Afternoon Tea, it’s also at Notch 8. There are options for kids and adults and it’s definitely the type of historic activity that seems extremely well suited for a hotel steeped in British royal history. But of course if you prefer cocktails to tea, they have you covered with all the classics as well as a few craft creations.
What to do at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is perfect for leisure like us that prefer to indulge in the luxury of the spa, rather than waking up and heading to an activity. The hotel has a full spa with all sorts of treatments and massages as well as indoor and outdoor pools and a health club equipped with the latest and greatest equipment. And if classes are more your thing, then check out the yoga and pilates classes that are offered on one of the hotel’s numerous floors.
The concierge is also more than happy to point you in the direction of activities to enjoy in and around the city, from biking to hiking to whatever your interests happen to be. If you are unsure where to go and what to see, Vancouver is home to tons of museums and also has some of the best seafood on the west coast—including sushi. The hotel is pet friendly and features high-end perks like a Gold Floor and a President’s Club for Fairmont members.
The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is elegant, comfortable and glamorous in an ideal location! The hotel is just a hop, skip and jump away from other sites and attractions in British Columbia, which makes it a perfect base for day trips to nearby towns and cities if you’re on a longer vacation. It’s also a perfect place to stay if you’re looking to board a cruise (most likely Alaskan) or have other business in Vancouver!
For more information about Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, visit their website: