Even the grandest dame needs a little work now and again.
Last year the grand old property of Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (the Hotel Van to locals) turned 75, and though the classic hotel has certainly seen more than its fair share of changes over the years, it remains, to today, an iconic landmark of downtown Vancouver.
The eldest sibling of a quad of Fairmonts in Vancouver, the Hotel Van was an instant hit when the hotel opened in May 1939 by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Today, as then, the property is host to numerous social functions, from intimate weddings to elaborate gala dinners. Guest rooms stay true to Fairmont standards, with thoughtful comforts and modern amenities overlaid on top of period design features (think charming character personalization in each of the 557 guest rooms and suites).
The exterior is equally as involved (and evolved, over the decades). Majestically presiding over the entire Hornby-West Georgia-Burrard block, it took 10 craftsmen from 10 different countries a full year to carve all the mythological creatures around the hotel’s exterior. One craftsman placed a copy of the daily newspaper in each gargoyle. Hermes, the Greek god of travelers, is carved above the Georgia Street entrance. The Griffin, the Greek god Zeus’ barkless guard hound that protected a river flowing with gold, was adopted as Hotel Vancouver’s logo, with the intention of protecting said travelers. I must admit, I use the hotel as a landmark often when visiting the city—as in I know how many blocks a certain restaurant is from the Hotel Van.
Earlier this spring Hotel Vancouver completed a 12 million dollar renovation to its lobby, restaurant and bar. The new space echoes the luxurious art deco elegance and grandeur of the early 20th century, while paying homage to the origins of national travel in Canada. The Hotel Vancouver played a great role in housing travelers on the Canadian Pacific Rail, as Vancouver was the farthest west stop.
Notch8, the newly named dining room and lounge, is a railway term that refers to the ultimate running capacity that is only attained by engineers after years of experience. From this lofty goal comes the common saying “take it up a notch.”
It’s obvious that the property has taken it up a notch with the luxurious décor of the room and attention to the details. I popped in for a late evening cocktail after a full day of meetings in town. It was instant envelopment into another era, into the dark grays and silver, sumptuous leather, dramatic chandeliers and stylish print fabrics. My Vancouver 2.0 cocktail (Victoria Gin, vermouth, Benedictine, orange bitters) was sipped slowly and deliberately while I felt the day melt away and watched a bustle of all ages, dressed up a notch or 8, flow through.
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