Fairmont Pacific Rim: Sizzle on the Pacific
The heated outdoor pool at the Pac Rim. Photo: Fairmont Pacific Rim
As you walk into the cavernous lobby of the chic Fairmont Pacific Rim, you notice quickly that it stands in stiletto heels - a class apart from other hotels in Vancouver: the door staff offer warm greetings and their colleagues in the lobby offer to guide you to your destination. Evenings at the 'Pac Rim' lobby brings a sizzle to the city, as the well-heeled gather to sip, savour and take in recorded and live tunes. In fact, the lobby is one of the most popular evenings spots in the city. Don't be surprised to see some familiar faces from Hollywood.
But what really impressed Savvy Traveller during its first stay here was the professional service and warm hospitality at the 20th floor Fairmont Gold Lounge. The spontaneous small touches blend with a subdued atmosphere punctuated by a seeming never-ending flow of continental breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening hors d'oeuvre and drink offerings. When we mentioned a favourite wine that wasn't available on the Lounge Floor, Supervisor Sarah Hill surprised us with a complimentary glass pinched from the lobby bar. When overhead lighting made it difficult to work on our MacBook Pro, a cordless lantern was offered.
This is one of the most high-tech hotels in Canada: rooms have intuitive controls that dim lights and close curtains. Lounge guests have access to pre-programmed iPads and a well-supplied work station. The washrooms are spacious - with deep bathtubs and separate shower stalls equipped with tropical shower heads - and also high-tech: we were especially impressed with the television sunk into the bathroom mirror. The trademark Fairmont beds live up to their promise of a wonderful night's sleep. There were occasions where we found the technology frustrating: the sink taps in the public washrooms had to be coaxed to emit water.
The 377-room hotel blends modernity with West Coast and Asian elements, while taking maximum advantage of the spectacular views. For diversions, there is the Willow Stream Spa and full fitness centre, the authentic Pan-Asian bistro, Orzu, and Giovane - the Italian-inspired deli and cafe. Architect James K.M. Cheng sculpted the building to frame the iconic, neighbouring Marine Building - said to be one of the world's finest examples of art deco.
Many visitors to the city - which recently hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics - complain of high costs of food and entertainment: guests to the Fairmont Pacific won't find much relief. Even in the Lounge (where guests pay a premium), a glass of local wine is $15 from the honour bar. In the spa, a 60-minute sports massage clocks in at $149 (plus tax).
The lobby lounge has become a popular hangout for local socialites, though there are complaints of the bad acoustics, making casual conversation difficult. Many locals who come here for the first time leave with sticker shock: wines by the glass hover near the $20 range and it doesn't take long at all to ring up a bill in the triple digits.
The Fairmont Pacific - one of four Fairmont properties in Vancouver (three of which are all withing a half kilometer of each other!) - had its soft opening during the February 2010 Winter Olympics - a brave move by any measure by general manager Randy Zupanski and his team. It has done very well since. The harbourside location - connected to the new Convention Centre and seaplane terminal is incomparable.
Room rates are easily in the 5-star range. A recent scan for a weekend night generated C$534 (regular room, incl. taxes and fees) to C$709 (Fairmont Gold room), and up.
1038 Canada Place.
604-695-5300.
Email:pacificrim@fairmont.com
*According to Tourism Vancouver, total taxes and 'Destination Marketing Fees' (DMF) for Vancouver hotel rooms are 15.74% of the room rate.