upgrade1$

Hi all - Any thoughts on one vs. the other? I have to go to a conference in Vancouver (never been) for 10 days in March and am interested to hear your opinions.

Also, I 'm new to FPC but should be a FPC Plat next year (just got my 5th qualifying night in via the canadian Amex plat promotion) - any suggestions on getting a room upgrade? If I book say a fairmont king can I upgrade to junior suite using a room upgrade certificate? When does FPC recognize plat status for 2012 anyway? Thanks!

J

Ancien Maestro

The Waterfront has the Bay view whereas Hotel Vancouver is in city center and has the traditonal hotel overtones..

You could book through a website like www.perfectescapes.com or a Virtuoso TA that can offer a room upgrade if available.. or call ahead to the hotel/reservations and identify a source that is offering upgrades and see if they'll offer that up for you..

Jasper2009

Vancouver is a fantastic city! The two Fairmont hotels you mentioned are just 10-15min apart on foot, the Waterfront is a newish hotel near Coal harobur while the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is the traditional "grand dame" Fairmont hotel, both are pretty nice, but people obviously have different tastes. There´s also the Fairmont Pacific Rim, my personal favourite overlooking Coal Harbour.

If you´ve already done the 5nights you could call FPC and nicely ask whether they´re willing to bump you up to Plat status immediately, otherwise your status will be valid from March 1, 2012 - Feb. 28, 2013.

Regarding upgrades you pretty much have three options:

1) book through AMEX FHR / Virtuoso / another TA that offers additional perks at some Fairmont hotels like comp. breakfast, comp. one-category upgrade (cofirmed or based on availability at check-in). If you don´t have a corporate rate this is a good option for the benefits, but don´t expect much in terms of upgrade IMO
2) use your room upgrade certs (you´ll need 2 as one is valid for up to five nights): you´ll get a confirmed upgrade to the next room category, e.g. Fairmont -> Fairmont View; Fairmont room -> Deluxe room etc.
3) use your suite upgrade certs (again you´ll need to use both) and you´ll get a confirmed upgrade from a Fairmont room to either a Junior Suite or a One-bedroom suite (eligible suites vary by hotel)

You may get a minor upgrade as a Plat when not doing any of the above, but comp. upgrades are not part of the FPC benefits.

tcook052

Of these two I'd go with Waterfront all the time as I like the proximity to the water and Gastown and the more modern atmosphere. The views over Coal Harbor are also quite memorable.

Tangoer

Is the new Fairmont Pacific Rim commanding a noticible price premium over Waterfront and Hotel Vanvouver?

upgrade1$

Thanks all for the info. Yes, Pacific Rim is quite a bit more expensive; Waterfront and Hotel Vancouver are pretty close. I will have completed the 5 nights for plat promotion by the end if this week so I may try and call on the off chance they give me plat status early. Will let you know if it works! Cheers,

J

anti_ice

Some might think it a silly suggestion, but since you are there for 10 nights (a long time at a hotel IMO), what about considering 5 at one and 5 at the other. Then you get to sample both and can determine your own preference first hand.

Personally I think the 1 night stay hotel hopping that some on FT do for stay credits is borderline insanity...but switching after 5 nights could be explained as totally normal!

anti_ice

PS. I have stayed at both and they both have their merits. And you would get to sample two areas of the city.

Ancien Maestro

Yes.. Pacific Rim is noticeably higher on their rates.. the hotel is newer as well..

AMRivlin

FAF is running about 150 for the downtown properties. PacRim is about 50 higher. Obviously this is seasonal and capacity controlled.

Ancien Maestro

That would be an excellent FAF rate for Pac Rim.. I've seen FAF higher for the property..

You living on the coast, I imagine hands down if given the opportunity you would stay at the Pac Rim..