It’s named the Fairmont Waterfront for a reason.
Located on a striking and uber convenient stretch of the harbor front in Vancouver, the hotel is ideally situated to tackle the Canadian city’s long lists of must-dos during a visit.
With 465 rooms and 24 suites, the Fairmont Waterfront is a big property. I was happy to find no line at the front desk when I arrived; check-in went relatively quickly, though more than once, the front desk staff tried to convince to upgrade my room for a fee — something I’ve never experienced previously at a Fairmont property.
I stayed in a Fairmont city-view guestroom (the property’s base room category) on the fifth floor. The room had the classic, sophisticated look and feel I’ve come to expect at Fairmont properties throughout the years.
With a neutral color palate of predominantly browns and grays, black furnishings and shimmery, silver accessories like table lamps and cabinetry pulls, provided just enough sleekness to keep the room feeling modern.
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A majority of the exterior wall consisted of windows, allowing for a welcome amount of natural light and views of the hotel’s herb garden. A rarity when staying in larger hotels, two of the windows actually opened, allowing fresh air inside.
An ADA accessible room, the bathroom featured a large, curbless, zero-entry shower and single sink with ample vanity space for two. It was stocked with the Fairmont’s sought-after Le Labo toiletries, but unfortunately they are still provided in single-use, plastic bottles. (I’m hopeful a more eco-friendly option will soon become available across the hotel brand.)
The room features a Keurig coffee machine, electric tea kettle, and minibar, but there is no refrigerator. Mini-fridges can be arranged for an extra cost.
ARC Restaurant, located just off of the lobby, is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Room service is also available.
The rooftop pool, heated year-round, boasts beautiful city views and is worth saving a bit of time for. There’s also a 24-hour fitness center, but those wanting to keep up their fitness regimen should consider checking out a complimentary bicycle and cruise along the waterfront and into nearby Stanley Park.
Like the Fairmont San Francisco, the hotel has a noteworthy bee program, with more than a quarter million honeybees calling the property’s rooftop home. During the summer season, complimentary tours take guests to the rooftop for an up close peek at the apiary. The bees produce approximately 200 pounds of honey each year; the honey is used in in everything from desserts and salad dressings, to cocktails and branded liquors.
The hotel’s location serves as a good starting point for wandering the city. The historic Gastown neighborhood and Robson Street, arguably the city’s best street for shopping, are within walking distance. Vancouver International Airport is just shy of a 10-mile drive.
Canada Place and Vancouver’s Cruise Ship Terminal are located directly across the street from the Fairmont Waterfront, making the property especially popular with guests either preparing to cruise or just disembarking from a ship.
Rates for a Fairmont city-view guestroom start at $299 in winter and $459 in summer. You can compare rates at Expedia or Hotels.com and try to get a better rate.
Wi-fi is complimentary for guests enrolled in the property’s loyalty program. Fairmont Waterfront is a pet-friendly hotel. Dogs stay free; beds and bowls are available upon request. Both valet and self-parking are available for an additional fee.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by Princess Cruise Lines, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
