Originally Posted by
AMRivlin
Stayed at Pacific Rim for 4 nights last week. While this is the gem of the Vancouver properties and possibly of the entire brand (with a few exceptions) something about Pacific Rim bugs me. Maybe it is the showy cars (think Audi R8 or Escalade XLT) with L or N magnets in the Valet or the 30 drunk men creeping on the Lobby Lounge patrons at 11pm, but something seems phony about it.
Here is a small highlight review:
Positives:
.........
Negatives:
Unreliable customer service. Front Desk: zero effort to use my name, smile, or attempt in any way to make my day better. None of this is required for me to enjoy my stay, but I have grown accustomed to this level of customized service from the Fairmont Brand.
(Concierge and Porters are generally more friendly and accommodating)
Lobby Lounge. This should be a positive with a vibrant lounge, that actually has patrons and good music, but the Drunk Tank effect and bouncers on Thru/Fri/Sat is quite detracting from this property.
Full Disclosure up front: I'm one of the Pac Rim's biggest fans; and my girfriend's name is even attached to a LL drink.
About 90% of my Fairmont stays are at the Pac Rim nowadays; and it's evident that it's now a "place to be see and be seen" amongst celebrities and locals alike. Sir Richard Branson himself wandered through the crowd last week as Virgin was doing a promo tour for their new YVR-LHR service. Movie stars and hockey players are very common every week.
The rooms are fantastic although often 50-75% more expensive than 2 years ago. My favorites are the Signature Suite xx10 rooms that corner into the cruise ship pier.
The front desk remains the weak link here. It's generally mediocre to downright icy at times. I did see an advertisement for an Assistant Manager recently which might be a turn in the right direction. I get my keys from the valet and they are always friendly, personable and friendly.
The Lobby Lounge is a cash machine for the hotel. They've maximized every square inch of the lobby and outdoor patio and it contributes to the crowds on weekend evenings. There's a great line-up of live music on every night and it's hard not to enjoy that.
There's a large group of building residents who hang out regularly; and their consumption and bar tabs are epic. Combine that with conferences and more than the average share of businessmen away from home and you can see why it can see crazy at time. I really do have to give credit to the bar staff for keeping people in check...and there are ways to do so discreetly.
I don't believe they employ actual bouncers at the Lobby Lounge. It's more like the bell, general security or door staff are asked to step in and help direct the wayward customers on their way. If anyone knows differently, I'd like to know. Last weekend we had the girls who stripped on the staircase down to their bikinis and were doing laps at the rail in front of Oru. A female and male manager came to the rescue eventually. There are definitely eye-roll moments there; but IMO it comes with the incredible success the Pac Rim staff has created.
If one wants quiet, there's always the Grande Dame of the Hotel Vancouver.
