Lounge Review: JW Marriott Parq Vancouver Hotel Executive Lounge

JW Marriott Vancouver Executive Lounge for Marriott Rewards Members

While staying at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver Hotel, we decided to check out the executive lounge. You can read my review of our standard room water view here!

Marriott Rewards – Huge Changes Ahead

Marriott recently announced some huge changes coming to the program as of August 1st which will see some new benefits through the end of the year for anyone with Marriott Gold Elite status. As a reminder, Gold Elite status comes complimentary with the American Express Platinum Card or American Express Business Platinum Card, so if you’ve been considering either of those products, act fast! Currently Gold Elites get guaranteed lounge access with breakfast, though between August 1 and December 31, 2018 you’ll also be eligible to receive suite upgrades and more!

• New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn Welcome Bonus points
• American Express is currently offering Membership Reward welcome bonus points on the Business Platinum Card .

JW Marriott Parq Executive Lounge Seating

There was a variety of seating in the lounge with couches, tables and bench seating with 2 large flatscreen TVs. The spacious layout made for a comfortable atmosphere to pick a spot and work, or to enjoy drinks and hors-d’oeuvres with some level of privacy.

JW Marriott Vancouver Lounge Hours

All Day Snacks
Monday – Friday 6:30am – 10:00pm
Saturday- Sunday 7:00am – 10:00pm

Breakfast Buffet
Monday – Friday 6:30am – 10:00am
Saturday – Sunday 7:00am – 10:30am

Cocktails and Beverages
Monday – Friday 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Saturday – Sunday 5:00pm – 10:00pm

Desserts
Monday – Friday 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday – Sunday 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Evening Appetizers/Hors D’Oeuvres
Monday – Friday 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Saturday – Sunday 5:30pm – 7:30pm

JW Marriott Executive Lounge Evening Appetizers/Hors D’Oeuvres

We decided to go down for evening appetizers, held from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm daily. The presentation of the food was very well done. I’m easily impressed by anything served in canning jars, large Pyrex jars, or cast iron pans. It’s just timeless and presents well.

There was a charcuterie board of meats and cheeses, and mini salads in canning jars, which was delicious.

However, I was a little disappointed to see there where only 2 hot dishes available for dinner time – spicy chicken, and spicy vegetables. Hope you like spicy food because if not, you’re out of luck! I personally enjoy spicy food, but I know plenty of people who don’t/can’t eat it and would be quite disappointed with the selection. This was a major oversight with the menu planning. I was also surprised to see that there were no fresh veggies or larger salads to choose from, which would both be easy to prep and serve.

I’m not a picky eater, so I made do, but I was certainly underwhelmed by the food selection, even though what I did have was fresh and delicious. There was an overwhelming amount of desserts, and sweet snacks like cookies, and candy available. Even though I admire the presentation, I just couldn’t help but be disappointed by the lack of main courses. Popcorn and gummy worms haven’t exactly been my idea of dinner since I was about 7. I guess after experiencing the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Gold Lounge food offerings multiple times, my expectation of evening appetizers will never live up to their amazing selection.

Non-alcoholic beverages were available for free in the fridges below the counter.

There was also a bartender on staff, with an array of wines, champagne, cocktails, hard liquor, and beer available for purchase.

JW Marriott Executive Lounge Breakfast Buffet

After the disappointing selection of the hot food items for the evening appetizers the night before, we weren’t sure what to expect for breakfast. However, it turned out to be a very complete breakfast buffet with eggs, potatoes, breakfast meats, pastries, toast, yogurt, fresh juice, fruit, coffee and tea.

The grapefruit, apple, orange, and kale juices could have easily been missed and deserves their own display instead of being tucked below the shelf with the water and pop. These little juices are organic, freshly pressed with no additives, and made in-house, complete with JW Marriott branding, and were delicious! I think it would look cute to have them in a bowl of crushed ice alongside the main course items.

The presentation was again, excellent, as well as the quality of the food. However, I was a little surprised that the potatoes were spicy, and not labelled as such. It would have been nice to know that beforehand instead of figuring that out a couple bites in. My grandma won’t eat spicy food, and although I enjoy it, I was trying to avoid it that morning as I couldn’t shake the lingering cold I had.

Sure enough, shortly after I was finished eating breakfast in the lounge, I felt a tickle in my throat that I knew was going to turn into a coughing fit. Rather than disturb other guests, I decided to quickly go back up to the room where I wouldn’t bother anyone with my annoying cough. The elevators are situated right next to the lounge, and while I was waiting for them, and trying not to cough profusely, one of the lounge staff proactively offered to make me a ginger tea upon my return. I didn’t get a chance to catch her name, but I was very appreciative and impressed by her thoughtfulness. This an example of the high-quality service and attention to detail you can expect at the JW Marriott Parq.

JW Marriott Vancouver Executive Lounge Review Bottom Line

I wouldn’t be in a big hurry to return for evening appetizers because the selection of just wasn’t there, and certainly doesn’t compare to the Gold Floor Lounges at the Fairmont Hotels in Vancouver. However, I would recommend the lounge for the breakfast buffet, as the selection and quality of food was excellent (with the exception of the unlabeled very spicy potatoes which was not acceptable).

The breakfast selection was similar to my experience at the Four Seasons Whistler SIDECUT breakfast buffet which is a compliment to the JW Marriott Vancouver Executive Lounge.

• New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn Welcome Bonus points
• American Express is currently offering Membership Reward welcome bonus points on the Business Platinum Card .

What’s Your Review Of The JW Marriott Parq Vancouver Executive Lounge?

Have you been to the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver Executive Lounge? Let us know your experience in the comment section below!