The Fairmont Waterfront

Hotel description

The key to the Fairmont Waterfront's appeal is the view - every room in this hotel has a stunning view, whether the 300 rooms facing the harbor and the mountains beyond, to the comparatively less fortunate, overlooking Stanley Park and the skyline of Vancouver, one of North America's most picturesque cities. The corner rooms are perhaps the best situated, but all rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows for maximum exposure.

Of course even with the curtains drawn the Fairmont Waterfront is a world-class hotel - the atmosphere may be casual, but the standard of service is quite high. This is every inch a five-star hotel, complete with fine dining restaurant and a health club with a scenic rooftop pool. But it's not the average five-star business hotel; this one has personality, beyond the unforgettable views. Not only is it a pet-friendly hotel, in true Pacific Northwest style, but travelers without pets are welcome to reserve some time with Morgan or Holly - a black lab and a golden retriever, respectively.

This hotel is not exactly a well kept secret - a big business hotel like this is all about mass appeal, and the close proximity to the Canada Place cruise ship terminal and convenient access to the convention center (attached via covered walkway) ensure that you will be rubbing elbows with any number of conventioneers and cruisers on layover. But the unique combination of splendid natural surroundings, breathtaking views, and flashes of inspiration like the dog-lending service do make it something of a cult classic.