Vancouver’s Fairmont Pacific Rim is not only 10, but it’s also number one.
Just in time to coincide with its 10th anniversary, the “Fairmont Pac Rim” as it’s known locally, has been named the number one hotel in Canada by U.S News & World Report, a respected U.S.-based ranking company, which has been choosing the “best of” everything from hotels to liveable countries to global universities to new cars for more than 30 years.
For fans of travel, the company releases annual rankings for everything from the best hotels and resorts in the U.S. to the best hotels and all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and the best hotels in Mexico, Bermuda, Europe and Canada just to name a few.
Jens Moesker, regional vice president Pacific Northwest and general manager of the Fairmont Pacific Rim, said in a press release that it was an honour to be recognized as the number one hotel in Canada by U.S News & World Report.
“This achievement could have only been made possible through the passion and dedication our team displays each and every day in pursuit of creating extraordinary experiences for our guests.”
The southwest corner of B.C. did well in the rankings and is home to 11 of the 25 tops hotels in Canada. Besides the Fairmont, the Rosewood Hotel Georgia placed number two followed by Tofino’s Wickaninnish Inn at number three and the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa at number five.
Also included 0n the list are Vancouver’s Shangi-la and Loden Hotel, the Magnolia Hotel & Spa and Oak Bay Beach Hotel in Victoria, the Whistler-based Fairmont Chateau Whistler and the Four Seasons Resort and Residences, and the Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa on Vancouver Island.
The 10th annual “Best Hotel” rankings were decided using the evaluation of more than 30,000 luxury properties across the U.S., Europe, Bermuda, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean.
The methodology considers a hotel's star rating and both expert and guest sentiment by collecting annual awards from distinguished travel publications and TripAdvisor user scores, the combination of which helps determine each hotel's rank.
The Fairmont Pacific Rim opening coincided with the start of the 2010 Olympic Games a decade ago and to mark the occasion the hotel is celebrating with a collection of limited-edition experiences.
A highlight is the Golden Hour Dinner Party, hosted in the hotel’s Prime Minister Suite, which has played host to many celebrities, dignitaries and artists over the years.
This rare in-suite experience, perched on the hotel’s 22nd floor overlooking Coal Harbour and the iconic Olympic cauldron, begins with a cocktail reception of award-wining creations and live music and is followed by a decadent four-course dinner. This intimate dinner for eight will also be hosted by a special guest of honour, whose name has yet to be announced.
A personalized menu and wine consultation in advance are included for a truly unique culinary experience. The package begins at $10,000.00 CAD, does not include taxes and gratuity and requires a minimum 20 days advance notice.
Of course the entire hotel is getting in on the celebration:
An Evening with Botanist
Taking place March 11, this special dinner includes a celebratory 10-course evening of culinary artistry, under the direction of Botanist executive chef Hector Laguna.
The 10-course dining experience will explore the bounty of the Pacific Northwest while diners will indulge in a lineup of exclusive dishes that are making a one-night only appearance.
The Savoy’s Beaufort Bar Pop-Up Bar
The famous cocktail menu from the London-based Savoy’s Beaufort Bar is travelling across the pond for a unique pop-up event at Botanist April 15 and 16.
The Beaufort’s senior bartender Jo Last’s cocktails will be paired with an inventive menu designed by chef Laguna. The evening will begin in the Botanist Garden and feature a sensory cocktail and food pairing experience inspired by interpreted magic, with elements of theatrical pageantry.
The Botanist Bar will also feature a special limited cocktail menu from the Beaufort Bar and classics from the Savoy to be enjoyed à la carte, from April 15 to 18.
Past, Present & Future: The Legacy of the Lobby Lounge and Raw Bar
Under the direction of creative beverage director Grant Sceney, the cocktail menus have taken a nod from international travel and stories inspired by globetrotting.
To celebrate, the Lobby Lounge will see the addition of a feature past, present and future list of cocktails, highlighting a premier return, a current lounge favourite, and what the team of award-winning bartenders are predicting as “the future of the cocktail.” The trio of cocktails are available now through Feb. 29.
Gold Giovane
Giovane’s signature sugar bun is adding some gold bling this month in celebration of the hotel’s anniversary and, again, is giving nod to the 2010 winter games.
Topped with a chocolate designed gold medal and filled with vanilla pastry, these limited edition sugar buns are available in the café now through Feb. 29.
Visit fairmont.com/pacific-rim-vancouver for more information.
sthomas@vancourier.com
@sthomas10
