VANCOUVER — Fairmont Hotel Vancouver has completed the final phase of a five-year, $75-million renovation project with the unveiling of its newly redesigned Fairmont-Gold offering.
“There is much to celebrate in 2019 at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver,” says Adam Laker, general manager, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. “We marked our 80th anniversary in May, followed by the launch of our redesigned Fairmont-Gold offering and the completion of the hotel’s renovation project. We’reelated to be able to provide our guests with elevated personalized service in a space that honours the grandeur and original architecture of the hotel, while featuring modern touches and amenities. We feel a sense of duty to ensure that the history of the hotel is not just preserved,but highlighted throughout and, with this new Fairmont Gold, I believe we have accomplished that.”
Located on the hotel’s ninth and 14th floors, Fairmont Gold is the brand’s exclusive ‘hotel-within-a-hotel’ experience, which includes private check-in and Fairmont Gold Lounge, a dedicated concierge team and amenities such as a pillow concierge, complimentary shoe-shine services and a complimentary piece of pressing.
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver executive chef Colin Burslem carefully curated rotating culinary offerings that give guests of Fairmont Gold an opportunity to sample locally sourced and produced fare. With a selection of dishes representing Vancouver’s diverse culture — such as dim sum and sushi — others represent the hotel’s own culinary history, showcasing beloved classics including prime rib-stuffed Yorkshire pudding and French-onion soup. Served in the Fairmont Gold Lounge, the all-day culinary experience is complimentary and includes deluxe European breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres and mid-afternoon and late-night snacks, along with refreshments and an honour bar.
CHIL Interior Design designed the Fairmont-Gold experience, showcasing a contemporary design that would seamlessly blend with the hotel’s heritage. Included in the redesign project was the ninth-floor private lounge, and 50 guestrooms, including three-bedroom suites featuring a living room, kitchen and dining room, which can seat up to 10 guests.
The guestrooms utilize a palette of deep navy blues, heather gray, gold metals and marbles and feature luxurious Axminster-wool custom carpets with large-scale patterns. Special attention was paid to existing architectural elements, such as the original plaster crown mouldings, woodwork, decorative built-in fireplaces and shelving. Where inconsistencies appeared, artisans were brought in to replicate and repair the old-world details. The guestroomsalso feature modern amenities and multifunctional pieces that can be used for dining, conversational seating and relaxing.
“We were inspired by the hotel’s Royal Visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939 and wanted the design concept to celebrate the historical significance and prominence while selectively updating elements to their original grandeur,” says Adèle Rankin, principal and Design lead, CHIL Interior Design. “Our goal was to honour the important events that have taken place under the hotel’s magnificent copper roof, reflecting opulence, but in a contemporary fashion to give a unique personality.”
In addition to the Fairmont Gold floors, the hotel’s extensive renovation project encompassed a new lobby and restaurant (Notch 8), 507 new guestrooms, the hotel’s Heritage Suites and the addition of 8,000 sq. ft. of function space.
