Hotel Spotlight: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Staycation

Deluxe room

For this stay, I chose the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver for its close proximity to my work event and the comparatively reasonable nightly rate.

Hotel restaurant, Notch 8

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, also known as “Castle in the City,” opened in May 1939 and has remained a landmark in downtown Vancouver. After making my way over from the North Shore, I arrived at this historic property around noon and was pleased to be granted an early check-in. The front desk agent went over all my benefits for the stay and handed me my room key.

After getting settled into my room, I decided to check out the pool and fitness area. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver has a sizable indoor pool and gym. Although the indoor pool area isn’t exactly somewhere I would want to spend much time, it would be great for families with kids. The gym was well-equipped and clean.

Sauna

I made my way to the sauna, which I had all to myself that afternoon, and spent an hour rotating between the sauna and a quick icy cold shower. The sauna was a good size, hot, and well-kept.

After returning to my room, I found a nice welcome amenity consisting of a plate of delicious chocolates accompanied by a welcome note from the general manager. The chocolates were consumed immediately, of course.

I had a $100 property credit and not much opportunity to use it, due to my work event that evening, so I decided to invite my sister, who was working nearby, over for a quick Happy Hour in the hotel restaurant. We ordered oysters, fries, and a few drinks- everything was delicious!

Breakfast was served at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Notch 8. The breakfast benefit at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver consists of one entrée and one drink (coffee/tea/juice) per person. Although I was staying here alone, I invited my uncle, who lives nearby, to join me for breakfast. Breakfast was included for two people even though I was staying alone, so my uncle ate for free!

After breakfast, I made my way to the front desk and inquired about a late check-out. I was happy to receive a 1 p.m. late check out, which gave me time to go for a walk around Coal Harbour and then have a quick lunch at the hotel to use up to the remainder of my $100 property credit.

Happy hour

For lunch, I took advantage of the prix-fixe lunch menu that Notch 8 currently offers daily. For $35, I got an appetizer, an entree, and dessert. I ordered an ice-cold beer to go with it, too. The food was delicious and the portions were generous. When it was all said and done, I had used up my $100 property credit perfectly and felt I got a lot out of it with a nice happy hour for two, a substantial three-course lunch for myself, and several drinks.

Booking one of these properties through me can be a great deal, especially during the off-season when the prices are much lower. The best part is that you get these benefits whether your stay is one night or five nights. Staying just one night is certainly the sweet spot!

Better yet, you have a concert you’re attending with a friend downtown one night and you’re able to split the cost of the accommodation with that friend. The cost gets cut in half and you still get to enjoy the added perks of the stay at one of these preferred partners!

Overall, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is an excellent option for a Vancouver staycation and offers great value for a luxury property!

Dog friendly!

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