Top 5 Favourite Luxury Hotels In Vancouver Introduction

Vancouver is my favourite city in the world! A true world class destination with unparalleled beauty, great food, and activities to enjoy for all types of travellers – it’s no wonder it’s constantly rated as one of the most liveable places on earth. I also happen to live in Vancouver. Well, kind of. We actually live in the suburbs of Vancouver, and as such, we often spend nights downtown when we don’t want the stress of having to coordinate driving, or worse, try to find a taxi home (Vancouver still doesn’t have Uber and the transit system to the burbs shuts down early). I figured it was about time to compile a list of my favourite luxury hotels in Vancouver in an effort to help anyone who may be unsure where to stay on their next trip.

Before I start, I’ll say this list is a little bit subjective. I’ll try to make it as scientific as possible (I would hate for that second year organic chemistry to go to waste), but understand that personal preferences will dictate a little bit of the process. I’ve compiled the list based on the following factors, in no particular order:

• Value for money (or in some cases, points)
• Elite recognition/status benefits
• Location
• Room design/aesthetic
• Service
• Property amenities

With that in mind, let’s get to the list, starting with number five!

Top 5 Favourite Luxury Hotels In Vancouver

5) The Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver

There might be some disagreement with this choice, as I know there are a lot of hotel aficionados who wouldn’t rank The Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver in their top 100 list, but in my opinion it still offers a lot of value for what it is. Sure, it’s dated (the building is more than 40 years old) and the bathrooms are far from luxurious, but it’s still a luxury hotel by all standards. The hotel’s landlord disagrees, and actually launched a lawsuit a few months ago claiming the hotel had failed to maintain standards consistent with other luxury hotels in Vancouver. The allegations were’t proven though, and The Four Seasons Vancouver will be closing in January, 2020 when their current lease expires, with plans to re-open when they find the right partner and location. While that’s a bit disappointing, I’m certain the new property will be the best in Vancouver!

What I love about this hotel:

• Legendary Four Seasons service
• The most comfortable beds in Vancouver
• Unique indoor/outdoor swimming pool with outdoor green space
• Very attractive rates in the off-season
• Participation in American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
• Central location above Pacific Centre shopping mall
• Very pet-friendly, with no additional fees for dogs

What I don’t love about this hotel:

• The rooms are dated
• The bathrooms are beyond dated, with shallow shower/tub combo
• No house car for jaunts within the city

For more information, check out our reviews:

The Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver Executive Junior Suite

The Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver Deluxe Room

4) The JW Marriott Parq Vancouver Hotel

The only hotel on the list that’s bookable using points for free-night stays, and the city’s newest luxury hotel, there’s no question this is one of my favourite luxury hotels in Vancouver! Part of the Parq development, this property receives top marks for being conveniently located to some of the best entertainment in Vancouver (walking distance to BC Place and Rogers Arena and just above Vancouver’s hottest new casino).

Guest rooms are luxuriously appointed, and still have that ‘new room smell’. Perhaps best of all is the affiliation with Marriott, meaning points can be redeemed for free night stays, with the current redemption rate costing 40,000 Marriott points per night. With paid rates often exceeding $500/night in the high-season, there’s a lot of value to be had. Also, elite recognition is good with Marriott Gold and above receiving Executive Lounge access including breakfast and evening canapés.

What I love about this hotel:

• Bookable using points for free-night stays
• Lounge access for Marriott Gold elite and higher
• Conveniently located beside BC Place and Rogers Arena
• Stylish decor
• Parking fee can be used for gambling credit in downstairs casino
• Luxurious marble bathrooms with Molten Brown amenities
• Very friendly frontline staff

What I don’t love about this hotel:

• No bathtubs in some guest rooms
• Response from management was non-existant when there were service issues
• New hotel means some kinks are still being worked out
• It’s massive – part of the Parq development which shares space with another hotel
• Not pet-friendly
• No pool

For more information, check out our reviews:

JW Marriott Parq Hotel Water View Guest Room Review

JW Marriott Hotel Executive Lounge Review

3) Fairmont Waterfront Hotel

I think this is a property that’s largely overlooked by Fairmont enthusiasts in Vancouver, with the newer and more stylish Fairmont Pacific Rim next door, and the historic and charming Fairmont Hotel Vancouver up the street. However, this is a actually a really solid hotel, which recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation seeing all guest rooms reimagined. Furthermore, I like the understated luxury and friendly staff, who are always willing to accommodate any request.

It’s not uncommon to see paid rates through American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts under $300/night taxes included, which comes with daily breakfast for two and a $100USD property credit, amongst other benefits.

What I love about this hotel:

• Fantastic waterfront location
• Recently renovated guest rooms
• Competitive rates in the shoulder season
• Participation in American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
• BMW car service for rides within the city
• Friendly staff and management
• Lovely outdoor pool with harbour views

What I don’t love about this hotel:

• Most of the guest rooms feature showers only, or shallow tub/shower combos
• Harbour views can be obstructed by Canada Place
• Steam Room and indoor jacuzzi are outdated
• Dog-friendly, with a fee

For more information, check out our review:

Fairmont Waterfront Signature Harbour View Corner Room

2) The Rosewood Hotel Georgia

It’s a Rosewood Hotel, what more needs to be said? Seriously though – easily one of my favourite luxury hotels in Vancouver for a number of reasons, but mainly due to the high standards set by the world class Rosewood brand. Immaculate guest rooms and bespoke service wrapped up in one of Vancouver’s most historic buildings make this a property worth checking out.

Rosewood doesn’t have a loyalty program, and it’s not cheap, so expect to pay anywhere between $350 and $1,000 per night depending on the season. The good news is that The Rosewood Hotel Georgia participates in American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts, and regularly offers 3rd or 4th night free, which can help with the cost (a little).

What I love about this hotel:

• Luxurious guest rooms and common areas
• Probably the best overall service in Vancouver
• Participation in American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts with great recognition (suite upgrades on both stays)
• Limited number of guest rooms in a historic but fully modernized building
• Bentley house car for trips within the city
• The best bathroom in Vancouver
• The indoor pool is really pretty
• Outdoor dining/common spaces

What I don’t love about this hotel:

• It’s expensive, and there’s no loyalty program
• Valet only parking is expensive
• Dog friendly, but the fee is high and there are weight restrictions
• No jacuzzi

For more information, check out our review:

Rosewood Hotel Georgia Vancouver Junior Suite

1) The Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel

This is one of the first luxury hotels in Vancouver I ever stayed at, and the one I’ve visited most over the years. Admittedly I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with this property, but something keeps bringing me back. Located in what I consider the best area of Vancouver, the Fairmont Pacific Rim is a work of art, inside and out, and walking distance to Stanley Park, shopping, dining, and anything else you might want to do in the city.

Guest rooms are contemporary west coast, and still looking fantastic after almost 10 years. Service is great, but not Rosewood great, and definitely a step up from most other luxury hotels in Vancouver. Over the years I’ve seen the service level erode a little bit, but I think that’s largely due to it being too good on my first stay – it was simply flawless then. Overall the service is personalized, guest preferences are honoured, and staff are friendly, though some are much too good making the others look bad (even though they aren’t). Many of the people working there today remember us from years ago, and always greet us on arrival, by name, saying ‘welcome home’, which is a nice touch indeed.

What I love about this hotel:

• The location is tough to beat
• Some of the best hospitality staff in Vancouver (particularly management)
• Beyond pet-friendly – no fee and welcome treats for dogs (they also remember the names and personalize dishes)
• The rooms are stylish, with luxurious marble bathrooms
• Stunning harbour views
• BMW car service for trips within Vancouver
• American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts participation
• High-quality dining options on property – Botanist is one of the best restaurants I’ve ever experienced
• Nice outdoor pool and fitness centre

What I don’t love about this hotel:

• It can be very, very expensive
• Lobby lounge transforms into a Vancouver hotspot at night, and getting a place to sit is almost impossible
• Service has started to deteriorate, in my opinion
• The Gold Floor is overpriced (at this Fairmont hotel only)

For more information, check out our reviews:

Fairmont Pacific Rim Stanley Park Suite

Fairmont Pacific Rim Gold Floor Room

Fairmont Pacific Rim Deluxe Partial Harbour View Room

Fairmont Pacific Rim Signature Harbour Mountain View Room

Favourite Luxury Hotels In Vancouver Honourable Mention

The Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel

I kept this hotel off the list mainly because it’s located in Richmond, and most people visiting Vancouver for more than a day will probably want to choose a property in the downtown area. That being said, The Fairmont Vancouver Airport is probably my favourite luxury hotel in the world, which is a pretty bold statement.

An airport hotel? Favourite in the world?

I’ve stayed at this hotel a countless number of times, and unlike some other properties, I find this place actually gets better with age. This hotel understands loyalty, and anyone who has been here more than once will understand what I’m talking about. The service is simply phenomenal, especially considering how transient it is.

I’m always greeted by name, by everyone, and so are my dogs. We always get upgraded to the best available room, and we always get a nice welcome amenity. This is actually our go-to hotel in Vancouver when we just want a quick night away, because I can always rely on a seamless stay. For anyone transiting Vancouver, I highly recommend this property. Alternatively, consider staying the night before an early flight and start your vacation a day early!

What I love about this hotel:

• The personalized service
• Convenient location above the international check-in counters
• Comfortable guest rooms with luxurious marble bathrooms
• Pet-friendly
• Easy access to the Canada Line for quick trips into town
• Nice dining options on property
• Gold floor is one of the best in the brand (renovated rooms set to open June 1, 2018)
• Pool/fitness centre overlooking the terminal
• Airside views from most guest rooms
• Soundproofed

What I don’t love about this hotel:

• Often sold out given irregular operations generally send passengers to the hotel
• Can get expensive based on airport demand

Favourite Luxury Hotels In Vancouver Bottom Line

Vancouver is my favourite place in the world, and I love spending nights away from home to experience some of the best luxury hotels in the city. Prices can be high, so it’s always important to shop around and consider programs such as American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts to maximize value. All of the hotels listed above regularly run promotions for 3rd or 4th night free, or can be outright booked with points for free-night stays.

It will be really interesting to see how this list evolves over time with the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver closing in 2020 (and reopening what I assume will be the new number 1 on this list in the future), along with other changes, such as the merger between SPG and Marriott and Le Club AccorHotels taking over the Fairmont Presidents Club later this year.

I’ve got some exciting stays planned for next month, including our first time staying at The Douglas, an Autograph Collection Hotel (part of the Parq development) along the new Gold Floor at The Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel, so check back for those reviews coming soon!

What are your favourite luxury hotels in Vancouver? Any that didn’t make the list? Let me know in the comment section below!