British Columbia Hosts the World
by Melanie Chambers
West coasters have long known that they live in God’s country — ocean on one side, the mountains on the other. And now as host to the biggest and most prestigious international event on the planet, the rest of the world can take a peek.
If you want to make an impression on your clients or employees, here are a few new (or newly renovated) hotels in the area that make you want to pack your bags — permanently.
Fairmont Pacific Rim
The Vancouver cityscape has a new addition: opening this month in time for the Olympics, the Fairmont Pacific Rim stands out on the city skyline.
Designed by architect James Cheng, the glass facade means that 70 per cent of the rooms have extreme views of nearby West and North Vancouver, Stanley Park and the Pacific Ocean.
Another great view is that of the rooms overlooking the nearby Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre rooftop green space: “It’s like looking at a park,” says Randy Zupanski, general manager of the Fairmont Pacific Rim.
But step inside, and the opulence is apparent: in the centre of the lobby resides one of only 2,500 Fazioli pianos in the world — considered the most expensive piano, the Italian gem was flown in from Italy.
Step into the rooms and the opulence follows: “It’s actually a resort in the centre of the city,” says Zupanski. Many Olympic high dignitaries and sponsors staying for the Games will be able to relax in the 15,000-square-foot Willow Stream Spa that has group treatment options and access to a 2,500-square-foot outdoor terrace with meditation pods, cabanas and a swimming pool.
And the 37 suites (10 per cent of the hotel’s rooms) range in space from 800 square feet all the way up to the Chairman’s suite, which the managers have affectionately dubbed the “Rock Star.” It is equipped with a private elevator, a custom eight-foot-long Swarovski crystal chandelier, a 500-square-foot ensuite marble bathroom with hand-carved soaker tub, and its own exercise area and outdoor patio with cabana (to name a few amenities).
www.fairmont.com/pacificrim
Asian Attitude
Located on the first 15 floors of Vancouver’s tallest building — 61 storeys in all — the Hong Kong-based franchise Shangri-La thinks Vancouver, as the gateway to the East, is a perfect fit for one of its newest hotels.
And with all 119 rooms full for the entire month of February’s Olympics, Shangri-La Hotel anticipates a healthy March, as well. “We’re looking forward to the post Olympic boom,” says Ed Brea, the general manager.
The boutique hotel means that it’s smaller and more personal than a traditional chain hotel. And whereas boutique often implies ultra modern, Shangri-La’s decor is traditional Asian — minimalist and clean lines.
Boutique also means personal service is paramount: guests are escorted to their rooms during check-in and the nightly bedding turndown service is standard.
The spa, called CHI, also calls on traditional eastern philosophies: “It’s branded on a Himalayan-type massage experience and is very focused on healing.”
www.shangri-la.com/en/property/vancouver/shangrila
Aava Whistler Hotel
With McDonald’s top employees staying here while they serve the Olympians during the Games, this newly renovated hotel is also ready to serve your best employees and clients.
Located just steps from Whistler Village, neighbour to Whistler’s largest conference centre and near the skiing giants, Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, the hotel has something to offer every employee — whether it’s for work or play.
“It’s a great place to reward your top sales people or if you are having meetings to learn about a new product,” says Tony Medd, the hotel’s operations manager.
With larger hotel room desks, the latest in business technologies, a meeting room for 120, and a short walk to the Telus Whistler Conference Centre, Aava has put great thought into making your work more efficient.
Not only is the entire hotel wireless, but also new boardroom equipment is making technology seamless. “Before you couldn’t plug in a camcorder or projection screens without needing some third-party device; now there’s no adaptability issues.”
www.aavawhistlerhotel.com
