Fairmont Pacific Rim

Inspired luxury in B.C.

When you're traveling, it's easy to say 'hey, we don't need anything special, just pick a place.' That works until you've had the extreme pleasure of staying at a Fairmont where every detail has been given much thought. Once you've experienced their type of hospitality, the average hotel seems so…average.

Opened in 2010, the Pacific Rim is Fairmont's more edgy-luxurious property in Vancouver, B.C., with unobstructed views. Even the meeting and event spaces (15,000 square feet) have floor-to-ceiling windows. Not close enough to outside? Try the Owner's Suite roof-top terrace for dinner events for up to 60 people. Twenty-two floors of this 45-floor building are hotel-related (377 rooms); floors 23 and up are luxury condos.

Rooftop pool cabana

We can all smile at the "Cheers" bar mentality where everyone knows your name. But there's no denying that it's very welcoming when someone addresses you personally. Once you've checked in at the Pacific Rim, your name is on everyone's lips. When the front desk staff member gives you the key, they don't hand it over the desk. They walk around, hand it to you and thank you for staying with them. That's a welcome. Wherever you are, the Lobby Lounge + Raw Bar, ORU, the spa, etc., your name is used.

Although you may not spend a lot of time in your room with so much to see and do outside of it, poor accommodations can ruin things. No need to worry at Pacific Rim. A standard room is beautiful with a killer bed, leather chair(s), desk space and huge windows. There's really not a bad view when you're in Vancouver. It only gets better from there. Beds and windows get larger, there are more chairs. State-of-the-art technology allows you to open curtains, turn on/off lights, and control temperature and TV/music with the touch of a button. Rooms have Nespresso machines, 24-hour room service, and an iPad to read the newspaper and connect with staff.

King guest room

Bathrooms at Pacific Rim are beautiful. Whatever size room, the bathroom is going to be another place you don't want to leave. Granite; crystal clear glass showers; deep soaking tubs; walnut wood; thick towels, bathrobes and slippers; TVs (because who doesn't want to keep up on things while in the bathroom?). For rooms with two beds, there are also two basins. Each bathroom is very spa-like. If it's time for a major treat, you'll need to try the Signature Ofuro room and bathroom. It doesn't get much better than sitting in a deep Japanese soaking tub overlooking Canada Place, Coal Harbour, the North Shore mountains and Stanley Park.

Ofuro bathroom

If your bathroom isn't enough spa for you, try the 5^th floor Willow Stream spa. Yes, there are lounge areas (ladies, mens, mixed), nail spa, and fitness center. But there is so much more. Lounges lead to two outdoor hot tubs, an infrared sauna, and terrace with single seats or large curved furniture where two can relax together. Men's and women's spas have similarities, but the women have at least one extra: a 15-head 'experiential' shower with optional misting. Both sides have steam rooms. We're talking long rooms covered in brilliantly white, sparkling clean small white tiles. A steam room from heaven. If you haven't released all your toxins after this, you simply aren't trying. There are nine treatment areas where you can experience any number of signature treatments (including a pregnancy massage), and focused on different parts of your body: legs, back, etc. The Back Soother involves cleansing, exfoliating and covering your back in remineralizing moor mud (it's a good thing), along with a foot and scalp massage. One treatment suite is for couples-two massage tables, a Japanese deep-soaking tub and a great deal of room in which to feel pampered. In addition to the spa, there is a roof-top pool (all ages welcome), hot tub, cabanas with TVs and outdoor fireplaces.

Spa terrace

Food and beverage options are meant to provide a global experience. Off the lobby with an outdoor entrance as well, giovane café + eatery + market is just that. You can have a casual meal at the Italian cafe; you can buy prepared, frozen or dried food to go (there is even a dry-aging glass cabinet with hanging meats); or stop in for an espresso. ORU Cuisine, their largest restaurant, features Pacific Northwest ingredients with Pacific Rim flavors. Just past the host desk, there are two large-ish tables, great for a quieter meal (but without a view). ORU, like most rooms in the hotel, has huge windows giving a floating-above-the-crowd feel. At breakfast, you can go a la carte or sign up for the buffet-a long counter full of everything you could possibly want, including cooks providing crepes and eggs to order. At other times, the counter leads the eye into the open kitchen. There are two chef's tables, a private dining room, and wine tasting area.

giovane market

One of the most interesting spaces is the Lobby Lounge and RawBar. This area is split down the middle by a glass fireplace with multiple flames in a single line-dramatic. At one end of the lounge, near the actual bar, is a white piano where musicians entertain. On one side of the fireplace is the lounge (beverages, casual food) and the other side the RawBar, Vancouver's first 100% Vancouver Aquarium Ocean Wise sushi restaurant, referring to its completely sustainable seafood menu. They source only the best local and Pacific Rim Ocean Wise recommended items. Sushi Chef Takayuki (Taka) Omi, foreground in photo, is a master at presentation, flavor, and education. Choose the Omakase meal or go simple with a donburi bowl or bento box.

Lobby Lounge RawBar

Overlooking the lobby area is The Curator's Table, inspired by the question 'If you could invite seven people to a dinner party, who would they be?' Personalized menu, multi-course, wine-paired: very high end, you may never do it, but isn't it fun to contemplate?

It all adds up to one amazing experience, one you shouldn't miss.

Fairmont Pacific Rim
1038 Canada Place
Vancouver, B.C. V6C 0B9
604-695-5300

Other Fairmont Vancouver properties:

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
900 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6C 2W6
604-684-3131

Fairmont Waterfront
900 Canada Place Way
Vancouver, B.C. V6C 3L5
604-6919-1991                                                                                             Hotel exterior

www.fairmont.com/vancouver/hotels

Photos courtesy of Fairmont Pacific Rim

Connie Adams/February 2015