O' Canada
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - August 2024
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - August 2024
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
As the president of the Canadian Pacific Railroad, William Cornelius Van Horne, famously said, “If we can’t export the scenery, we’ll import the tourists”.
Fast forward to today, and the mission at the Hotel Vancouver remains the same - to provide a home for tourists that travel.
But hold that thought…
Opened in May 1939, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver was known as the ‘Castle in the City,’ and celebrated its 85th anniversary in May of 2024.
Long considered one of Canada's grand railway hotels, at 17 stories tall, the Hotel Vancouver was the tallest building in the city until 1972.
Fast forward to today, and you’ll experience a hotel that embraces its 2019 $75 Million refurbishment, highlighting its history and personality.
With the renovation, no part of the hotel was left untouched.
Let’s start with the Public areas,
As the anchor for the lobby, Notch 8 is the ultimate spot to relax, catch up with friends, experience high tea, unwind with a cocktail at the end of a busy day, or just enjoy a meal.
I suspect everyone’s favorite part of being in the lobby is spending a couple of minutes near the concierge desk with two of the favorite hotel personalities - The dogs, Ella & Elly!
Then there’s the updated conference space, from boardrooms to ballrooms, encompassing more than 20 event locations and 63,000 square feet of meeting space, from historic ballrooms to a 15th-floor venue offering stunning city views of the city through floor-to-ceiling windows.
The sleeping rooms, post renovation, are spacious and well-appointed and include upgrades to the exclusive Fairmont gold rooms and Fairmont Gold Lounge.
I’ve had the chance to stay in the hotel a number of times over the years, but never in a suite - That changed with this visit and made the stay even more special.
The post-renovation hotel's historic past is seamlessly connected to today and the future, and The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver hits all the marks.
That's the way I like it.
My personal connection to the Hotel goes back almost 25 years and includes a 20+ year friendship with the hotel Director of Sales and Marketing, Brent Iverson and more recently, Heike Tiemann, Regional Account Director, Group Sales for the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Waterfront and Fairmont Pacific Rim.
Special people creating special friendships in a special industry. I like it.
Now back to my thoughts on the hotels continued mission - Today’s travelers arrive by car and airplane, spend a few nights exploring the city, then either board a ship for an Alaskan cruise or perhaps board the Rocky Mountaineer to travel by rail through the heart of the Canadian Rockies to Banff, Alberta.
I’m lucky enough to have done both the Rocky Mountaineer - both directions - and an Alaskan cruise on two different cruise lines, and I can say there is no bad decision to be made on either of the options.
While we were in-house, I saw groups for both activities. You could sense their excitement. That makes me smile.
Restaurants
My favorite restaurant in Vancouver is Nightingale.
Owned by David Hawksworth, also chef/owner of its celebrated sister restaurant, Hawksworth, Nightingale was recently named Canada’s Best Farm to Table Restaurant.
Nightingale hits every note with a broad series of small plates and larger entrees ranging from organic salads, seasonal vegetable options, pizzas from a wood fired oven, house made pastas and a can’t miss fried chicken, among so many other options.
If you’re thirsty, local craft beers, speciality cocktails and a well chosen wine list are on hand to solve that problem.
You won’t be disappointed.
ACTIVITIES
If you're like me, any activity that includes alternate means of transportation has the makings of an adventure. Add three types of transportation and you’ve turned up the volume on a fun outing.
I’m talking about making your way to North Vancouver and Grouse Mountain. Your adventure begins when you board the Sea Bus at Waterfront Station and sail across the Burrard inlet to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver.
Upon arrival, make your way to the parking garage and board the #236 bus to Grouse Mountain. The fare is included in your SeaBus ticket. Upon Arriving Grouse Mountain, walk across the way to the gondola, purchase your Mountain Admission ticket, and up you go.
Enjoying lunch or a beverage is the best way to sit and enjoy the views looking across to the city, Stanley Park, the Lionsgate Bridge and the sights below.
On the bus ride to or from the Lonsdale Quay and Grouse Mountain, add to your adventure with a stop at the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Don’t be afraid! The sense of accomplishment that comes from making your way across the bridge will convince you that it was all worth it.
Time to go…
Want to know more about Vancouver or other destinations in Canada? Or anywhere, for that matter? I'm always happy to share my experiences, so don't hesitate to contact me with questions.
Don't forget that the team at GlobauxSource and our partners stand ready to help you make an informed decision, and ensure your and your group's satisfaction.
Let's talk.
As the president of the Canadian Pacific Railroad, William Cornelius Van Horne, famously said, “If we can’t export the scenery, we’ll import the tourists”.
Fast forward to today, and the mission at the Hotel Vancouver remains the same - to provide a home for tourists that travel.
But hold that thought…
Opened in May 1939, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver was known as the ‘Castle in the City,’ and celebrated its 85th anniversary in May of 2024.
Long considered one of Canada's grand railway hotels, at 17 stories tall, the Hotel Vancouver was the tallest building in the city until 1972.
Fast forward to today, and you’ll experience a hotel that embraces its 2019 $75 Million refurbishment, highlighting its history and personality.
With the renovation, no part of the hotel was left untouched.
Let’s start with the Public areas,
As the anchor for the lobby, Notch 8 is the ultimate spot to relax, catch up with friends, experience high tea, unwind with a cocktail at the end of a busy day, or just enjoy a meal.
I suspect everyone’s favorite part of being in the lobby is spending a couple of minutes near the concierge desk with two of the favorite hotel personalities - The dogs, Ella & Elly!
Then there’s the updated conference space, from boardrooms to ballrooms, encompassing more than 20 event locations and 63,000 square feet of meeting space, from historic ballrooms to a 15th-floor venue offering stunning city views of the city through floor-to-ceiling windows.
The sleeping rooms, post renovation, are spacious and well-appointed and include upgrades to the exclusive Fairmont gold rooms and Fairmont Gold Lounge.
I’ve had the chance to stay in the hotel a number of times over the years, but never in a suite - That changed with this visit and made the stay even more special.
The post-renovation hotel's historic past is seamlessly connected to today and the future, and The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver hits all the marks.
That's the way I like it.
My personal connection to the Hotel goes back almost 25 years and includes a 20+ year friendship with the hotel Director of Sales and Marketing, Brent Iverson and more recently, Heike Tiemann, Regional Account Director, Group Sales for the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Fairmont Waterfront and Fairmont Pacific Rim.
Special people creating special friendships in a special industry. I like it.
Now back to my thoughts on the hotels continued mission - Today’s travelers arrive by car and airplane, spend a few nights exploring the city, then either board a ship for an Alaskan cruise or perhaps board the Rocky Mountaineer to travel by rail through the heart of the Canadian Rockies to Banff, Alberta.
I’m lucky enough to have done both the Rocky Mountaineer - both directions - and an Alaskan cruise on two different cruise lines, and I can say there is no bad decision to be made on either of the options.
While we were in-house, I saw groups for both activities. You could sense their excitement. That makes me smile.
Restaurants
My favorite restaurant in Vancouver is Nightingale.
Owned by David Hawksworth, also chef/owner of its celebrated sister restaurant, Hawksworth, Nightingale was recently named Canada’s Best Farm to Table Restaurant.
Nightingale hits every note with a broad series of small plates and larger entrees ranging from organic salads, seasonal vegetable options, pizzas from a wood fired oven, house made pastas and a can’t miss fried chicken, among so many other options.
If you’re thirsty, local craft beers, speciality cocktails and a well chosen wine list are on hand to solve that problem.
You won’t be disappointed.
ACTIVITIES
If you're like me, any activity that includes alternate means of transportation has the makings of an adventure. Add three types of transportation and you’ve turned up the volume on a fun outing.
I’m talking about making your way to North Vancouver and Grouse Mountain. Your adventure begins when you board the Sea Bus at Waterfront Station and sail across the Burrard inlet to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver.
Upon arrival, make your way to the parking garage and board the #236 bus to Grouse Mountain. The fare is included in your SeaBus ticket. Upon Arriving Grouse Mountain, walk across the way to the gondola, purchase your Mountain Admission ticket, and up you go.
Enjoying lunch or a beverage is the best way to sit and enjoy the views looking across to the city, Stanley Park, the Lionsgate Bridge and the sights below.
On the bus ride to or from the Lonsdale Quay and Grouse Mountain, add to your adventure with a stop at the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Don’t be afraid! The sense of accomplishment that comes from making your way across the bridge will convince you that it was all worth it.
Time to go…
Want to know more about Vancouver or other destinations in Canada? Or anywhere, for that matter? I'm always happy to share my experiences, so don't hesitate to contact me with questions.
Don't forget that the team at GlobauxSource and our partners stand ready to help you make an informed decision, and ensure your and your group's satisfaction.
Let's talk.
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