Vancouver Fairmont Pacific Rim: Modern Luxury Steps from Everything

First impressions & lobby

Walking into the lobby, there’s this incredible warmth to the space, even though it’s very modern. One of my favorite touches was the fire feature—it’s such a cozy spot to sit in the evening with a drink and just unwind after a day out exploring.

The hotel really leans into art, music, and design, with rotating exhibitions throughout the property. It feels more like an experience than just a place to stay.

Dining at the hotel

The dining here is a huge highlight.

At the center of it all is Botanist, which is such a unique concept. It’s not just one space; it’s made up of multiple experiences, including a cocktail lab, bar, garden, dining room, and even a TASCHEN library. The menus focus on Pacific Northwest flavors, and everything feels creative and beautifully presented.

A few standout dishes you’ll want to try include the pan-seared scallops, the hand-cut tagliatelle with wild mushrooms, and the wagyu beef carpaccio. The cocktail program is also a big part of the experience—very creative, botanical-inspired drinks that feel interactive and unique. Don't skip dessert, either—the miso milk chocolate mousse, warm apple brown butter cake, and seasonal fruit desserts are all standouts.

There’s also the Lobby Lounge & RawBar for a more relaxed setting with seafood, sushi, and cocktails, and the PAC RIM Patio for outdoor dining.

Rooms & views

The rooms are designed to feel calm, modern, and elevated.

You’ll find a range of options, from deluxe rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows to harbor-view rooms where you can watch the seaplanes take off and land. The suites take it up another level with separate living spaces, soaking tubs, and incredible views of the mountains and water.

Spa & wellness

The spa here is known as one of the best—a Forbes Five-Star experience and truly a place to unwind.

Even while enhancements are underway, they’ve created a temporary spa experience so guests can still enjoy treatments and relaxation spaces.

You can choose from a range of treatments including relaxation massages, deep-tissue massages, customized facials, and full wellness experiences designed to help you reset and recharge. It’s the kind of place where you could easily spend hours unwinding.

Rooftop & amenities

The rooftop pool area is another standout. Heated pool, hot tub, mountain and harbor views—it’s the kind of place you could easily spend an entire afternoon.

The fitness center is also top-notch, and everything feels polished and easy to use.

Overall feel

This hotel blends art, design, food, and wellness in a way that feels very intentional. It’s not just about staying somewhere nice—it’s about the full experience.

If you’re looking for a luxury stay in Vancouver, especially if you’re cruising in or out of Canada Place, this is absolutely one I would recommend.

It’s one of those places that feels special the second you walk in and stays with you even after you leave.

This is across the street.

Dining around the hotel

One of the best parts about staying here is how many incredible restaurants are right outside your door. Here's what I'd order.

• Five Sails Restaurant: Butter-poached lobster, filet mignon, and a chocolate soufflé with a glass of champagne

• Miku: Aburi salmon oshi sushi, miso sablefish, and matcha cheesecake with sake

• Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean: Grilled octopus, lamb chops, and baklava with a crisp white wine

• Riley’s Fish & Steak: Lobster chowder, steak or seafood, and cheesecake with a red wine

• Alouette Bistro: Steak frites, seasonal seafood, and crème brûlée with a French wine

Shopping nearby

Everything is very walkable, which makes it so easy to fit in shopping while you’re there:

• CF Pacific Centre

• Alberni Street

• Gastown

• Robson Street

Good-to-know distances

• Vancouver International Airport: About 25 to 30 minutes away

• Canada Place: Right across the street

• Whistler: About an hour and a half to two hours away

• Snug Cove: About 20 minutes by ferry

Ferry & easy add-on

One of the best things to add is taking a ferry over to Victoria.

The ride itself is beautiful, and once you’re there, everything is walkable and charming. It’s an easy way to turn your trip into something even more special.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Vancouver page.