Pan Pacific Vancouver

I wouldn’t return, especially for $1700 for 2 nights in May, which didn’t feel worth it even though it wasn’t high season. The service was just okay, and parking was expensive. During cruise ship season, the crowds are everywhere: the hotel connects to the cruise terminal, and passengers and piles of luggage filled the area. Getting to the gym was awkward, with two elevator rides and a walk outside by the parkade. I got caught among thousands of people coming off a ship as I was leaving the gym. Our harbor view room had a spectacular outlook, but the seaplanes started early and were very loud, so bring ear plugs. Staff also took down a large outdoor tent beside the pool until midnight on our second night, which was noisy. The lounge view is lovely, though a glass of wine costs $20-$25. For a luxury hotel, I expected more.

The room was phenomenal: spacious, spotless, beautifully furnished, and with a spectacular panoramic view. I chose it over the accessible option, and the bed and soft, luxurious bedding were wonderfully comfortable. At check-in, the lovely staff member asked whether I wanted an accessible room or another one, letting me choose what suited me instead of making assumptions. The service across the hotel was first-class, a level of care I rarely experience. I was dealing with personal struggles and grief, though the woman at check-in didn’t know that. I’d booked this 30-day retreat only a few days before arriving, and being welcomed into such a beautiful upgraded room was a wonderful way to begin. Thank you, Pan Pacific, for making me feel welcomed and looked after. I’ll never forget it.

A comfortable bed and a quiet room are my two main things at a hotel, and this place got both right. The room was spotless, with nice toiletries, and the staff were genuinely friendly. Makoto checked me in, and everyone seemed happy to help. I had dinner in the bar, where the food was good and fairly priced for a hotel. I wanted to try the flagship Five Sails restaurant too, since the menu looked stunning, but I was only there for one night. The pool and hot tub were pleasant and nicely heated. The location makes exploring easy, and the SkyTrain from the airport goes straight to nearby Waterfront station. A solid choice, and I’d gladly stay again.

I’d heard Pan Pacific described as a little “dated,” but after a mid-week stay I didn’t see it that way. The Executive King room was well maintained, larger than I expected, and had a beautiful curved window spanning the room, looking over the harbour. I loved waking up to that view. Housekeeping refreshed the room promptly whenever I went out, without me having to call or put up a sign. The airport SkyTrain goes directly to Waterfront Station, then it’s just a short walk, which made getting there far easier than the 10-15 minute walk from stations near hotels such as Wall Centre. Ken at the front desk handled a snag with my Stay Vancouver Hotels promotion smoothly. He gave me my key first and said he’d sort out the details, which I appreciated. I was also upgraded from a Premier King (City View) to an Executive King with a harbour view. Seaplanes regularly take off from the harbour. Their engine noise lasts a minute or two and is noticeable, particularly if you’re working or on calls, though it didn’t bother me and I enjoyed working in the room. This was a comfortable, well-run stay, and I’d happily come back. I’d usually pick a central downtown Vancouver hotel, and Wall Centre had been my regular choice for years, but a great promotion led me to try places I’d heard about, including Pan Pacific, which had been on my list for a while.