Fairmont Waterfront

Every staff member we encountered, from just outside the hotel to our room, smiled and acknowledged us. The atmosphere felt very welcoming, and the service was prompt. Whenever we called for room service, someone answered quickly and brought what we needed to our door within minutes. The stay exceeded our expectations, with service that felt better than at the other Fairmont properties we’ve visited. Well done to the staff and management for maintaining such high standards.

We found the area safe and easy to explore on foot, with popular restaurants nearby and the Christmas Market just around the corner. The harbor view, especially the water and city lights across the way, made evening walks lovely and great for photos. Even though Fairmont Waterfront is right in the city, it sits on a quiet street and we barely heard anything at night. Our room was spotless, with lots of counter space in the bathroom and a lighted magnifying mirror. Staff handled our requests and refills quickly and went out of their way to help. Overnight parking was expensive, though finding a spot wasn't an issue. Paying at the station ahead of time can save money compared with the desk. We'd happily stay here again on another Vancouver trip.

The only part that could use an update is the pool and hot tub area, which felt a little behind the rest of the hotel. Everything else was lovely: spacious, clean rooms, beautiful views, and superb breakfasts. We had a perfect stay.

The room amenities felt sparse for the price. Bottled water cost extra, there were almost no toiletries beyond the basics, and the shampoo and conditioner bottles were nearly empty. What made the stay especially upsetting was the front desk interaction. My husband had checked in between meetings and given me the key card, and the reservation notes said I would arrive with our child. I came in carrying our child and a car seat and asked which floor the room was on. The staff member answered, then abruptly asked for my husband's name and said she had to call him to confirm I was allowed in. I already had a working key card. She started calling the room instead, which meant calling me, and said it was for guest safety. I had to tell her again to call my husband if she thought it was necessary, though he was in meetings. I understand safety procedures, but I felt interrogated and as if I needed my husband's permission to enter a room I had already checked into. It was awkward and frustrating, especially while juggling a child and car seat. The interaction left a very bad first impression, and the stay didn't feel worth what it cost.