Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

Timeless grace

Age is subjective. As humans, no matter how old we are, we don't feel our age (until those physical signs remind us). The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, built in 1939, is not feeling its age and is looking better than ever.

On its third life, the hotel had two predecessors of the same name located a block from the current site. The first was more of a farmhouse, the second a beautiful place where Vancouver's elite met. The current hotel, the "castle in the city," with its iconic green-clad copper roof has something for everyone. The hotel started off on the right foot in May 1939 when it was completed in time for the visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. They stayed in the hotel and officially opened it. At the time, it was the tallest building in the city. It is now a registered heritage property.

For 38 years (until 1975), the Canadian Broadcasting Corp was located in the property. Now it is home to high-end stores: Gucci, Omega, Louis Vuitton, St. John, and a two-story Dior boutique. Yet for all its glamour, it has the feel of being 'Vancouver's hotel.' You see happy shoppers coming out of the designer stores; local folks taking advantage of good happy hour deals in the hotel's restaurant and bar, Notch8; businesses using meeting rooms; families celebrating with private parties; hotel guests coming and going, dressed up or in jeans; and parents and children cutting through the communal area in their rubber boots, avoiding the rain. All the while, one of the hotel dogs can be found lounging in their bed next to the concierge desk.

No matter how we feel, age does take its physical toll, even more so in busy hotels. There are 557 guest rooms, including suites, with 12 that are wheel chair accessible. Some rooms, like the gorgeous suites on the 14^th floor, were refreshed in 2010. The $300,000 renovation separated each space into specialty suites. Original brass and art deco detail was left alone and still shines. The second and 12^th floor rooms have been renovated and 60% of the remaining rooms will be transformed between 2015 and April 2016. In 2015, a $12 million renovation of the lobby and restaurant was completed, resulting in retail store additions and Notch8. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Inc., formerly known as Canadian Pacific Limited, changed its name in 2001. Because of its role in connecting Canada from east to west via train, the restaurant pays homage to that time and the name refers to the gears that trains used: notch 8 was top speed that only experienced engineers used. Now when you say 'take it up a notch' or 'top notch,' you'll know where the sayings are derived.

The 24-hour fitness center features machines, a kinesis wall, and separate shower/locker rooms and dry saunas for men and women. A shallow wading pool for children, 4-foot-deep adult pool, and a Jacuzzi hover beneath a glass roof, surrounded by the hotel and office buildings. Comfortable, thickly-padded lounging chairs and couches circle the pool. Absorbent towels are always available pool-side, and the shower/locker rooms are fully stocked. The Jacuzzi and pool are showing their age with some tiles and caulking rust-colored from years of indoor water, heat, and steam. It doesn't impact enjoyment of the area, but it's a contrast from the rest of the hotel.

Age has its benefits as well. A stay at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver feels secure. You're in a solid building, situated on a large rock (possibly one of the safest places in the city during an earthquake). You can feel history around you; it's restful and comfortable (except for that Lady in Red ghost-just stay out of empty elevator shafts and you'll be fine). Hallways are spacious. Space like this is something you don't see anymore; the sheer cost of square footage prevents it. A number of hypo-allergenic rooms are available with purifying units that recirculate and clean air, mattress encasements to reduce allergens, and foam duvets and pillows. Bathrooms feature gleaming white tiles and marble. It's a good idea to request this when booking if it's something you want.

Not only named for the train era, Notch8 looks back design-wise. Located on the lobby floor, the back bar wall is covered with photos of a bygone era, yet also has modern 'mirrors' that when turned on are TVs. Booths along one wall look like carriage cars, with curtains (non-closing) on each side. Step down to a private dining area for an even more intense train feel. The dining room is more modern and open. Menu-wise, look for updated comfort classics from sandwiches to seafood, poultry to beef. Choose an a la carte item at breakfast, or the buffet. Innovative cocktails along with the classics are available, and Fairmont's new corporate cocktail program made its appearance in late November 2015, with some very tasty concoctions from Fairmont's top bartenders that will be available at all Fairmont hotels.

Looking for serious tradition? Head to the 15^th floor any day of the week at 12:30 or 2:30 p.m. to enjoy Afternoon Tea. Sandwiches, pastries, scones, Devonshire cream and more. For those 12 and under, The Princess and the Tea offers bubble gum tea, among other flavors. As lovely as tea is, the star of the show is the view. Stunning. The room has recently had a surface face-lift, making it much more inviting, and there is talk of a more in-depth remodel although nothing is yet cast in stone.

For the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, age means timeless beauty and grace. After a few nights' stay, you may feel the same way.

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
900 West Georgia St
Vancouver, BC Canada V6C 2W6
604-684-3131

www.fairmont.com/hotel-vancouver

Connie Adams/December 2015