The Fairmont Vancouver Airport

December 20 2007: I tend to use this hotel when returning from a stay up at Whistler which is in the mountains a couple hours north of Vancouver. It’s especially convenient to come on down the mountain and back to the city the evening before having to return to the states. That way I get a good nights sleep and am already at the airport, prepared to catch an early morning flight out.

The hotel is at one end of the international terminal, and it’s really handy being able to get off the elevator and walk right over to the ticket counters just a short distance away. I also found the prices to be great – especially for the convenience, and the staff to be quick, efficient and courteous.

Overall the place has a sophisticated, modern look and feel to it, and I particularly liked the bar and lounge area with all its easy chairs, fireplace and other plush surroundings, as a good place to kick back and relax.

The rooms themselves are top-notch with views of the runways and mountains beyond. They have windows that reach from floor to ceiling and are obviously well soundproofed because despite being right there at the terminal building, noise from planes was never a problem. And of course the king beds are soft and inviting.

All in all, a perfect place to layover, or stage for the next leg of a trip.

Date of stay: May 2003
Purpose of stay: Leisure

January 10 2008: This hotel could not be closer to the airport.  You literally enter the lobby through the terminal. When I got off the plane, my hotel room was 50 yards from where I was standing.  If you're ever stuck in Vancouver or have an early morning flight, this is a great place to stay.  Rooms are huge with great bathrooms.  The hotel is new (probably in advance of olympics), and rates are reasonable for quality of hotel.

Date of stay: December 2007
Purpose of stay: Business