Introduction
The Fairmont Vancouver is sometimes referred to as the castle in the city, owing to its architecture, which does make it look a bit like a (seriously oversized) castle from the outside. The hotel is located right in the middle of downtown Vancouver and within walking distance to the waterfront.
Check-In
By the time I arrive at the hotel from the airport, it’s just gone 14h. Check-in isn’t until 15h. However, the receptionist tells me that with my All Accor Diamond status, I have access to the Fairmont Gold Lounge on the ninth floor, and he can give me access to the lounge, so I can wait there for the room to be made ready. The weather outside is dreadful anyway, so I figure I might as well go up and have a drink before heading out. Perhaps the weather will improve. It doesn’t.
There’s a bit of a hold up with the room. I’m not sure what’s going on. In any case, it’s not until 16h30 that I am finally given a key to my room on the sixth floor.
The One Bedroom Suite
The one bedroom suite isn’t quite as grand as the one I had in Calgary, but still very nice and spacious. It’s certainly more modern. The door opens into a large foyer with a large inbuilt wardrobe on the right.
Straight ahead is the living room, which is spacious and comfortable. The bedroom is separated from the living room and can be closed off.
In the bedroom is another large inbuilt wardrobe with plenty of storage space and a chaise longue in the corner by the window. The bed is a King with a nice, firm mattress.
The bathroom leads off from the bedroom and is surprisingly small. It only has a walk-in shower and no bath.
Suite Amenities
There is a water kettle and a Nespresso machine available in the room. However, they only have sachets of that dreadful powdered creamer for the coffee. There are bathrobes, but no slippers. The latter are available upon request, though.
As a welcome gift, I have a bowl of fruit and a box of chocolates.
The Fairmont Gold Lounge
I’m still not quite sure how this Fairmont Gold thing works. My suite is not part of the Fairmont Gold programme, but apparently my Diamond status with Accor still means that I can access the Fairmont Gold lounge on the ninth floor.
The lounge is divided into three seating areas with plush, comfortable sofas and armchairs. There are also two pantries, of which one is for drinks and the other for food. Breakfast is served from seven in the morning, and it’s quite a nice spread that they have.
Then at 15h00 they serve afternoon tea with finger sandwiches and some very fluffy scones, and then at 17h00 they switch to canapés and finger foods. So you certainly don’t go hungry with lounge access.
Conclusion
All in all, I rather liked the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel. The suite was nicely appointed and the Fairmont Gold lounge access is a nice perk, especially if you consider just how fluffy their scones are. The location of the hotel in the centre of town is also nice, and Vancouver really is a very beautiful city. It’s location on the water reminds me a lot of Sydney. It’s just a shame about the weather.
My only criticism of the hotel is the confusion and delay at check-in, which I think could have been handled better. But these things happen.
Gotta have a bath!
How thoroughly underwhelming.
“It’s just a shame about the weather.”
To be fair, it is Canada in the winter…
Looks like a nice hotel overall, small bathroom aside. Were there decent views from your suite?
Granted. Although I wasn’t expecting tropical weather. Cold, yes. But not the permanent and constant rain. The view was nothing special really, as you’re right in the centre of town. I liked the hotel, despite the bathroom. And the lounge was nice.