Fairmont Pacific Rim
Jun 20, 2015, 9:54 am
#361
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,140
Jun 22, 2015, 10:19 pm
#362
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: YSC (and all its regularly scheduled flights)
Posts: 2,521
Dr. PITUK
Sep 20, 2015, 12:01 pm
#363
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum
Posts: 3,721
Just got back from a stay in the elusive junior suite. Very, very nice. Full review coming soon, but here is a video tour (first video ever, not polished).
Book early esp if you want to use that suite upgrade. I was told they only have one junior suite in the entire property, though some have heard two. Either way, very elusive.
Book early esp if you want to use that suite upgrade. I was told they only have one junior suite in the entire property, though some have heard two. Either way, very elusive.
Sep 20, 2015, 1:02 pm
#364
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2009
Location: FRA / YEG
Programs: AC Super Elite, Radisson Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 11,874
Just got back from a stay in the elusive junior suite. Very, very nice. Full review coming soon, but here is a video tour (first video ever, not polished).
Book early esp if you want to use that suite upgrade. I was told they only have one junior suite in the entire property, though some have heard two. Either way, very elusive.
Book early esp if you want to use that suite upgrade. I was told they only have one junior suite in the entire property, though some have heard two. Either way, very elusive.
Interesting, I've never stayed in the Junior Suite, however the room/suite you stayed in doesn't quite match earlier descriptions in this thread, which were:
- same size as a regular suite (800 sq.ft.)
- proper one-bedroom suite, just without a proper view
- patio
One FTer suggested the only Junior Suite was located on the 6th floor whereas your room seems to be #735.
The cynic in my says the hotel may have tampered with the rooms/suites allocations once again (when the hotel opened, there were no "junior suites" at all).
@ those who have stayed in the Junior Suite(s): Does this suite look familiar? Do you remember the room/suite number?
Sep 20, 2015, 1:55 pm
#365
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: YYC
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Fairmont Plat, IHG Spire, SPG Gold, WS Gold, Hertz PC, National E Elite,
Posts: 2,768
Cool room. I have to ask though - from a real estate development perspective, why oh why would you waste windows for a hallway? Save those for the rooms!
Sep 20, 2015, 5:55 pm
#368
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2009
Location: FRA / YEG
Programs: AC Super Elite, Radisson Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 11,874
Either way, the hotel's extremely restrictive suite upgrade policy is rather ridiculous IMO.
Nov 10, 2015, 7:44 pm
#369
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Canada
Programs: A3*G, Fairmont Pl, Accor Pl, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum, Amex Platinum
Posts: 182
I just had to post some comments about the service at this hotel. It is stellar.
I stayed twice in September with my family and I sent an employee on business earlier in the year. Here are a few stories of the exceptional:
- My wife wanted a rocking chair in the room (along with the crib) to rock our young baby to sleep. The hotel did not have one - so the BOUGHT one for us to use and had it in the room when we arrived. They said that they would use it for future guests.
- While the Bellman was delivering our luggage we ended up telling the story of how our young son was named - turns out there is a story related to the Thomas the Train books (don't laugh). Next day - a Thomas the Train book was delivered to the room for our son with a handwritten note from the Bellman.
- My employee was overhead by the staff complaining about how her feet hurt after a long day at a conference. When she returned to her room after dinner there was a foot massage machine in her room.
Yes the hotel is beautiful. Yes the rooms (especially the hot tub corner suites) are amazing - but what really sets this hotel apart is the service.
I stayed twice in September with my family and I sent an employee on business earlier in the year. Here are a few stories of the exceptional:
- My wife wanted a rocking chair in the room (along with the crib) to rock our young baby to sleep. The hotel did not have one - so the BOUGHT one for us to use and had it in the room when we arrived. They said that they would use it for future guests.
- While the Bellman was delivering our luggage we ended up telling the story of how our young son was named - turns out there is a story related to the Thomas the Train books (don't laugh). Next day - a Thomas the Train book was delivered to the room for our son with a handwritten note from the Bellman.
- My employee was overhead by the staff complaining about how her feet hurt after a long day at a conference. When she returned to her room after dinner there was a foot massage machine in her room.
Yes the hotel is beautiful. Yes the rooms (especially the hot tub corner suites) are amazing - but what really sets this hotel apart is the service.
Nov 11, 2015, 9:29 am
#370
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: YYC
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Fairmont Plat, IHG Spire, SPG Gold, WS Gold, Hertz PC, National E Elite,
Posts: 2,768
I just had to post some comments about the service at this hotel. It is stellar.
I stayed twice in September with my family and I sent an employee on business earlier in the year. Here are a few stories of the exceptional:
- My wife wanted a rocking chair in the room (along with the crib) to rock our young baby to sleep. The hotel did not have one - so the BOUGHT one for us to use and had it in the room when we arrived. They said that they would use it for future guests.
- While the Bellman was delivering our luggage we ended up telling the story of how our young son was named - turns out there is a story related to the Thomas the Train books (don't laugh). Next day - a Thomas the Train book was delivered to the room for our son with a handwritten note from the Bellman.
- My employee was overhead by the staff complaining about how her feet hurt after a long day at a conference. When she returned to her room after dinner there was a foot massage machine in her room.
Yes the hotel is beautiful. Yes the rooms (especially the hot tub corner suites) are amazing - but what really sets this hotel apart is the service.
I stayed twice in September with my family and I sent an employee on business earlier in the year. Here are a few stories of the exceptional:
- My wife wanted a rocking chair in the room (along with the crib) to rock our young baby to sleep. The hotel did not have one - so the BOUGHT one for us to use and had it in the room when we arrived. They said that they would use it for future guests.
- While the Bellman was delivering our luggage we ended up telling the story of how our young son was named - turns out there is a story related to the Thomas the Train books (don't laugh). Next day - a Thomas the Train book was delivered to the room for our son with a handwritten note from the Bellman.
- My employee was overhead by the staff complaining about how her feet hurt after a long day at a conference. When she returned to her room after dinner there was a foot massage machine in her room.
Yes the hotel is beautiful. Yes the rooms (especially the hot tub corner suites) are amazing - but what really sets this hotel apart is the service.
Nov 16, 2015, 9:46 am
#371
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Canada
Programs: A3*G, Fairmont Pl, Accor Pl, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum, Amex Platinum
Posts: 182
Thanks CanuckFLyHigh - I did not know about the "comment on your stay" button. I have now used it to log the three examples that I provided.
Nov 22, 2015, 3:00 pm
#372
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: YVR
Posts: 640
Just got back from a stay in the elusive junior suite. Very, very nice. Full review coming soon, but here is a video tour (first video ever, not polished).
https://youtu.be/S1nvGhmSNHk
Book early esp if you want to use that suite upgrade. I was told they only have one junior suite in the entire property, though some have heard two. Either way, very elusive.
https://youtu.be/S1nvGhmSNHk
Book early esp if you want to use that suite upgrade. I was told they only have one junior suite in the entire property, though some have heard two. Either way, very elusive.
Great video. I've stayed in this suite twice. I enjoy people watching from above on the long patio and you peer into the pool scene as well. IF they still have the other junior suite it is the lowest corner room across the palm trees.
Jan 11, 2016, 12:32 pm
#373
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Canada
Programs: Amex Plat, National EE, Hertz 5*, SPG Gold, Fairmont Plat, HH Gold
Posts: 119
suite upgrade and free night cert
Just emailed the vpr reservation team and got myself a reservation using my free night cert plus a suite night upgrade cert to the signature ofuro room.
I've stayed in this property numerous times in the past both in their standard deluxe room with view, gold room and their gold corner suite. But I've always wanted to try the signature room.
They apologized for not having a Jr suite available but I was more than okay with the signature room instead since it's only a 1 night layover.
I was originally going to stay at the fairmont airport hotel out of convinence and I've heard great reviews. But you really cannot go wrong with the Pacific rim. I have some willow stream cert left too so maybe I'll book myself a spa treatment while I'm there.
I've stayed in this property numerous times in the past both in their standard deluxe room with view, gold room and their gold corner suite. But I've always wanted to try the signature room.
They apologized for not having a Jr suite available but I was more than okay with the signature room instead since it's only a 1 night layover.
I was originally going to stay at the fairmont airport hotel out of convinence and I've heard great reviews. But you really cannot go wrong with the Pacific rim. I have some willow stream cert left too so maybe I'll book myself a spa treatment while I'm there.
Mar 14, 2016, 6:18 pm
#374
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Toronto, ON
Programs: Amex Plat CAN
Posts: 90
Finished up a 4 night business stay. FHR highlights are here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/26332456-post783.html
My comments on the Fairmont Waterfront here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/26313217-post50.html
The Deluxe Partial Harbour View Room had plenty of desk space to work and the view was very good. The view was not as great as the room I had at the Waterfront (signature harbour view corner room), but the working area was better.
The virtual surround sound bar at the Pac Rim was very good. I don't think I've ever stayed at a property with a better sound system than this. It's no 7.1 home theatre system, but definitely very solid.
Service was consistently excellent. Complimentary car service (BMW 7-series) anywhere downtown for drop off and pick up. Concierge managed to secure a table at a fully booked restaurant in a prime time slot by speaking with the manager. When we were at the restaurant, we were pleasantly surprised by an amuse-bouche that we were told was "compliments of [concierge's name] at the Fairmont Pacific Rim."
Oru was good for breakfast, though I did like the food at ARC in the Waterfront more. The service at Oru was excellent, but though the flavour of the food was fine, everything seemed a little drier, a little less tender than comparable food at ARC.
The exact same cocktails were more expensive at Lobby Lounge than at ARC. However, the atmosphere at Lobby Lounge was a lot more lively, and you're probably paying a premium for that. One of the waitresses had a pretty arrogant attitude. My friend asked for recommendations for something that was a bit sweeter and not as strong, and the waitress said something like "if you go to a fancy bar like this, they never make drinks sweet. Maybe at a [chain restaurant] you could get a sweet drink, but not here." Unnecessarily condescending, but I'd write it off as a one-off experience. Everyone else was great.
Platinum Amenity was 3 pieces of chocolate truffles along with a small dish of chocolate almonds. Tasty enough, but not unique or outstanding in any way.
Took the complimentary car over to the Shangri-La for my next 4 days. When I arrived at the Shangri-La, I noticed that a couple of items from the laundry. I called the Pac Rim and they were very apologetic. They found the missing items and sent it to the Shangri-La. Excellent service recovery.
The one thing thing that stood out the most for me was actually the robes. The robes at the Pac Rim are unlike the robes at any other Fairmonts. They're soft, smooth, fluffy, and just feel great against the skin.
Overall this was also an excellent stay. Compared with the Waterfront, I would say that the Waterfront has a more relaxed atmosphere. It's also definitely cheaper for comparable views. Bed quality, linen comfort, and other rest-related qualities are pretty consistent with the rest of the Fairmont brand for both properties. Pac Rim has more frills - TV in the bathroom mirror, virtual surround sound bar, iPad room controls, more dining options, better gym.
My comments on the Fairmont Waterfront here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/26313217-post50.html
The Deluxe Partial Harbour View Room had plenty of desk space to work and the view was very good. The view was not as great as the room I had at the Waterfront (signature harbour view corner room), but the working area was better.
The virtual surround sound bar at the Pac Rim was very good. I don't think I've ever stayed at a property with a better sound system than this. It's no 7.1 home theatre system, but definitely very solid.
Service was consistently excellent. Complimentary car service (BMW 7-series) anywhere downtown for drop off and pick up. Concierge managed to secure a table at a fully booked restaurant in a prime time slot by speaking with the manager. When we were at the restaurant, we were pleasantly surprised by an amuse-bouche that we were told was "compliments of [concierge's name] at the Fairmont Pacific Rim."
Oru was good for breakfast, though I did like the food at ARC in the Waterfront more. The service at Oru was excellent, but though the flavour of the food was fine, everything seemed a little drier, a little less tender than comparable food at ARC.
The exact same cocktails were more expensive at Lobby Lounge than at ARC. However, the atmosphere at Lobby Lounge was a lot more lively, and you're probably paying a premium for that. One of the waitresses had a pretty arrogant attitude. My friend asked for recommendations for something that was a bit sweeter and not as strong, and the waitress said something like "if you go to a fancy bar like this, they never make drinks sweet. Maybe at a [chain restaurant] you could get a sweet drink, but not here." Unnecessarily condescending, but I'd write it off as a one-off experience. Everyone else was great.
Platinum Amenity was 3 pieces of chocolate truffles along with a small dish of chocolate almonds. Tasty enough, but not unique or outstanding in any way.
Took the complimentary car over to the Shangri-La for my next 4 days. When I arrived at the Shangri-La, I noticed that a couple of items from the laundry. I called the Pac Rim and they were very apologetic. They found the missing items and sent it to the Shangri-La. Excellent service recovery.
The one thing thing that stood out the most for me was actually the robes. The robes at the Pac Rim are unlike the robes at any other Fairmonts. They're soft, smooth, fluffy, and just feel great against the skin.
Overall this was also an excellent stay. Compared with the Waterfront, I would say that the Waterfront has a more relaxed atmosphere. It's also definitely cheaper for comparable views. Bed quality, linen comfort, and other rest-related qualities are pretty consistent with the rest of the Fairmont brand for both properties. Pac Rim has more frills - TV in the bathroom mirror, virtual surround sound bar, iPad room controls, more dining options, better gym.
Mar 15, 2016, 11:15 am
#375
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: YYC
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Fairmont Plat, IHG Spire, SPG Gold, WS Gold, Hertz PC, National E Elite,
Posts: 2,768
Finished up a 4 night business stay. FHR highlights are here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/26332456-post783.html
My comments on the Fairmont Waterfront here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/26313217-post50.html
The Deluxe Partial Harbour View Room had plenty of desk space to work and the view was very good. The view was not as great as the room I had at the Waterfront (signature harbour view corner room), but the working area was better.
The virtual surround sound bar at the Pac Rim was very good. I don't think I've ever stayed at a property with a better sound system than this. It's no 7.1 home theatre system, but definitely very solid.
Service was consistently excellent. Complimentary car service (BMW 7-series) anywhere downtown for drop off and pick up. Concierge managed to secure a table at a fully booked restaurant in a prime time slot by speaking with the manager. When we were at the restaurant, we were pleasantly surprised by an amuse-bouche that we were told was "compliments of [concierge's name] at the Fairmont Pacific Rim."
Oru was good for breakfast, though I did like the food at ARC in the Waterfront more. The service at Oru was excellent, but though the flavour of the food was fine, everything seemed a little drier, a little less tender than comparable food at ARC.
The exact same cocktails were more expensive at Lobby Lounge than at ARC. However, the atmosphere at Lobby Lounge was a lot more lively, and you're probably paying a premium for that. One of the waitresses had a pretty arrogant attitude. My friend asked for recommendations for something that was a bit sweeter and not as strong, and the waitress said something like "if you go to a fancy bar like this, they never make drinks sweet. Maybe at a [chain restaurant] you could get a sweet drink, but not here." Unnecessarily condescending, but I'd write it off as a one-off experience. Everyone else was great.
Platinum Amenity was 3 pieces of chocolate truffles along with a small dish of chocolate almonds. Tasty enough, but not unique or outstanding in any way.
Took the complimentary car over to the Shangri-La for my next 4 days. When I arrived at the Shangri-La, I noticed that a couple of items from the laundry. I called the Pac Rim and they were very apologetic. They found the missing items and sent it to the Shangri-La. Excellent service recovery.
The one thing thing that stood out the most for me was actually the robes. The robes at the Pac Rim are unlike the robes at any other Fairmonts. They're soft, smooth, fluffy, and just feel great against the skin.
Overall this was also an excellent stay. Compared with the Waterfront, I would say that the Waterfront has a more relaxed atmosphere. It's also definitely cheaper for comparable views. Bed quality, linen comfort, and other rest-related qualities are pretty consistent with the rest of the Fairmont brand for both properties. Pac Rim has more frills - TV in the bathroom mirror, virtual surround sound bar, iPad room controls, more dining options, better gym.
My comments on the Fairmont Waterfront here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/26313217-post50.html
The Deluxe Partial Harbour View Room had plenty of desk space to work and the view was very good. The view was not as great as the room I had at the Waterfront (signature harbour view corner room), but the working area was better.
The virtual surround sound bar at the Pac Rim was very good. I don't think I've ever stayed at a property with a better sound system than this. It's no 7.1 home theatre system, but definitely very solid.
Service was consistently excellent. Complimentary car service (BMW 7-series) anywhere downtown for drop off and pick up. Concierge managed to secure a table at a fully booked restaurant in a prime time slot by speaking with the manager. When we were at the restaurant, we were pleasantly surprised by an amuse-bouche that we were told was "compliments of [concierge's name] at the Fairmont Pacific Rim."
Oru was good for breakfast, though I did like the food at ARC in the Waterfront more. The service at Oru was excellent, but though the flavour of the food was fine, everything seemed a little drier, a little less tender than comparable food at ARC.
The exact same cocktails were more expensive at Lobby Lounge than at ARC. However, the atmosphere at Lobby Lounge was a lot more lively, and you're probably paying a premium for that. One of the waitresses had a pretty arrogant attitude. My friend asked for recommendations for something that was a bit sweeter and not as strong, and the waitress said something like "if you go to a fancy bar like this, they never make drinks sweet. Maybe at a [chain restaurant] you could get a sweet drink, but not here." Unnecessarily condescending, but I'd write it off as a one-off experience. Everyone else was great.
Platinum Amenity was 3 pieces of chocolate truffles along with a small dish of chocolate almonds. Tasty enough, but not unique or outstanding in any way.
Took the complimentary car over to the Shangri-La for my next 4 days. When I arrived at the Shangri-La, I noticed that a couple of items from the laundry. I called the Pac Rim and they were very apologetic. They found the missing items and sent it to the Shangri-La. Excellent service recovery.
The one thing thing that stood out the most for me was actually the robes. The robes at the Pac Rim are unlike the robes at any other Fairmonts. They're soft, smooth, fluffy, and just feel great against the skin.
Overall this was also an excellent stay. Compared with the Waterfront, I would say that the Waterfront has a more relaxed atmosphere. It's also definitely cheaper for comparable views. Bed quality, linen comfort, and other rest-related qualities are pretty consistent with the rest of the Fairmont brand for both properties. Pac Rim has more frills - TV in the bathroom mirror, virtual surround sound bar, iPad room controls, more dining options, better gym.