Review: Shangri-La Vancouver | Prince of Travel

I booked an opulent staycation on the Shangri-La Vancouver on New Yr’s Eve 2022. This iconic property was the very first Shangri-La to open in Canada, and one which had caught my eye on quite a few events since transferring to the West Coast.

My preliminary introduction to the Shangri-La model was on the Toronto location, and I used to be wanting ahead to seeing how the Shangri-La Vancouver measured up.

Shangri-La Vancouver – Reserving

Common money charges at this property are typically steep, falling anyplace between $400–600 (CAD) per evening.

In my case, I paid the Shangri-La Luxurious Circle fee of $605 (CAD) plus taxes, which was undoubtedly on the upper finish for this New Yr’s Eve keep, however got here with a bunch of perks.

(Be aware that Shangri-La additionally operates the Shangri-La Circle loyalty program, although it isn’t straightforward to earn factors with out staying at Shangri-La properties quite a bit.)

For reserving through Luxurious Circle, I used to be handled to a $100 (USD) property credit score, a room improve upon reserving, early check-in and late check-out (topic to availability), and breakfast for 2 at Carlino Restaurant or through in-room eating.

To assist convey down the price, I additionally stacked my reserving with the Shangri-La Amex Provide, which gives 20% again as a press release credit score on purchases of as much as $750 (CAD).

In my case, this introduced down the price of the keep by round $120 (CAD), and when paired with the $100 (USD) property credit score, added a nice quantity of additional worth to my reserving.

To unlock these identical advantages at this property, it’s undoubtedly price contemplating reserving your keep by Shangri-La’s most popular companion program, Shangri-La Luxurious Circle.

By reserving by Shangri-La Luxurious Circle with a licensed journey advisor, you’ll be able to get pleasure from the identical elite-level advantages with out having to work your manner as much as elite standing within the Shangri-La Circle loyalty program.

Shangri-La Vancouver – Location

The Shangri-La Vancouver sits at Thurlow & West Georgia, within the coronary heart of Downtown Vancouver. The lodge occupies the primary 15 flooring of a contemporary mixed-use skyscraper, which occurs to be the tallest constructing within the metropolis.

Upscale outlets, eating places, and cafés are simply steps from the lodge’s doorsteps, while most downtown sights are inside straightforward strolling distance.

The again entrance of the Shangri-La sits on Alberni Road, one of many metropolis’s swankiest procuring areas. Moreover, Vancouver’s different two procuring meccas, Robson Road and the CF Pacific Centre, are lower than a 15-minute southeasterly stroll from the lodge.

Heading in the wrong way for quarter-hour is Stanley Park and the Cole Harbour Seawall. Furthermore, historic Gastown might be reached throughout the identical timeframe.

Canada Place and the SeaBus are a breezy 10-minute stroll North of the Shangri-La. From right here, you’ll be able to enterprise over to North Vancouver, dwelling to iconic sights such because the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain.

The Burrard SkyTrain Station and Vancouver Metropolis Centre SkyTrain Station are each round 5 minutes from the lodge by foot.

In the event you’re heading to the Shangri-La from Vancouver Worldwide Airport, it’s a couple of 35-minute Skytrain experience on the Canada Line to Vancouver Metropolis Centre Station. In the event you’re travelling by automobile, it’ll take roughly the identical period of time, relying on site visitors.

Shangri-La Vancouver – Verify-in

The Shangri-La Vancouver has two entrances: a pedestrian entrance at floor degree off George Road and a automobile entrance accessible from the again of the lodge on Alberni Road.

The automobile entrance continues underground, a degree resulting in a lined porte-cochère with an uncovered open-air atrium.

Pure parts, resembling rain, snow, and solar, filter down, brightening up an in any other case darkish entrance. Adjoining is an elevator connecting each ranges for pedestrian entry.

Arriving on the lodge through the automobile entrance, we have been instantly greeted by the lodge employees and escorted to the check-in desk within the  decrease foyer.

The lower-level foyer is intimate, with a single seating space, tasteful Asian-inspired décor, and complimentary scorching apple cider in the course of the winter season.

My preliminary reserving included an improve to a Deluxe Room, however upon check-in, the affiliate knowledgeable me I had been additional upgraded to an Govt Balcony King Room.

Our Luxurious Circle advantages have been then acknowledged and confirmed, and check-in was swiftly accomplished.

As we made our manner towards the elevators, I used to be greeted by the elegant floral wallpaper adorning the right-hand aspect of the elevator foyer.

The bottom-level foyer has an elongated L-shape and is in step with the lower-level foyer, adorned with marble-clad flooring and partitions, delicate glass chandeliers, and Jap décor.

To the left is a cluster of leather-based couches and armchairs, making up small seating areas. Nestled on the rear of the foyer are a complicated hearth and a secondary apple cider station.

Turning the right-hand nook, there’s a home made Fazioli piano and direct entry to a Rolex boutique.

My first impression of the Shangri-La Vancouver? The property definitely felt extra intimate and boutique than the grandiosity that I might’ve anticipated of a Shangri-La, particularly when in comparison with its Toronto counterpart.

Feeling intrigued, we headed as much as Room 1505 on the fifteenth flooring to find our dwelling quarters for the evening.

Shangri-La Vancouver – Govt Balcony King Room

Coming into the Govt Balcony King Room, a large lobby transitions into an open-concept bed room with a dwelling space, which consists of a gray upholstered sofa, espresso desk, and armchair.

Thoughtfully positioned on the espresso desk was a bottle of Moët & Chandon Champagne, ready for us as our Luxurious Circle welcome amenity.

The inside design is dominated by beige hues, wealthy darkish picket accents, and delicate Jap-inspired elaborations.

Positioned by the home windows is a darkish picket desk accompanied by a supportive ergonomic chair. 

An ultra-comfortable king mattress is tucked into the left-hand nook, and a flat-screen TV sits atop a small armoire on the alternative wall.

Again on the entrance of the room, a pantry is dwelling to a Nespresso and minibar, stocked with Circulate boxed water and packaged snacks.

Adjoining to the lobby, the toilet boasts a shocking design, with partitions and flooring swathed in elegant white marble.

The toilet incorporates a single vainness with an opulent granite countertop, a spacious walk-in bathe enclosed behind glass doorways, and a rest room that’s equally enclosed by glass doorways.

The big bathtub is optimally positioned by the home windows, from which you’ll be able to get pleasure from downtown views whereas soaking within the tub.

Taking the toilet to the subsequent degree was a mirror-embedded TV and heated flooring, and direct entry to the personal terrace.

This Govt Balcony King Room was one in all two layouts of this room class. This explicit room has two smaller terraces accessible from the bed room and toilet, respectively.

I had blended impressions in regards to the metropolis views from the Shangri-La. Whereas it’s good to take a look at the streets and buildings from excessive up, there wasn’t a lot to talk of by way of views of the water.

That’s probably the most engaging sights to hunt out when choosing a Vancouver lodge, and it’s an space by which the Shangri-La’s opponents would possibly provide extra of a bonus.

The room was very a lot in step with the Shangri-La model’s model, with notable Asian-themed décor. Nevertheless, after over a decade after its opening in 2009, some indicators of wear and tear and tear have gotten seen.

Nonetheless, the king mattress provided an elevated degree of consolation – for instance, the heated marble flooring within the toilet is an opulent contact that you just don’t discover each day.

Shangri-La Vancouver – Superior Twin Room

I additionally had an opportunity to tour just a few different room varieties throughout my keep.

The Superior Room is the bottom room kind, however nonetheless affords a beneficiant quantity of area for a base-level room. It’s well-appointed, with a luxurious mattress (both one king or two twins), two armchairs, a desk, and a flat-screen TV.

The toilet incorporates a single vainness, a walk-in bathe, and a tub.

Shangri-La Vancouver – Deluxe Twin Room

The Deluxe Room kind, alternatively, incorporates a a lot bigger structure than the Superior Room.

There’s a full seating space comprised of a sofa, armchair, and low desk going through a flat-screen TV. Moreover, a big desk and ergonomic chair are positioned by the home windows.

The toilet design follows that of the Superior Room, albeit with extra sq. footage. The toilet can also be equivalent by way of facilities, with a walk-in bathe, bathtub, and single vainness.

Shangri-La Vancouver – One-Bed room Suite

Shifting into the suites on the Shangri-La Vancouver, the One-Bed room Suite incorporates a bed room, a separate dwelling space, and a non-public balcony.

The suite’s bed room has an identical set-up because the Deluxe Room, furnished with a devoted seating space and desk.

Sliding wooden doorways separate the dwelling space, which performs host to a sofa, armchair, and low desk going through out in the direction of the floor-to-ceiling home windows.

A flat-screen TV is mounted to the left-hand wall, after which a secondary desk is positioned on the right-hand wall.

A spacious balcony is accessible from the lounge, full with a small desk and set of chairs, looking over the neighbouring high-rises.

The toilet on this One-Bed room Suite incorporates a twin vainness, bathtub, and walk-in bathe. In any other case, the design and options are in step with the opposite room varieties.

Shangri-La Vancouver – Deluxe One-Bed room Suite

The Deluxe One Bed room Suite is the second-largest suite kind and gives a bigger separate dwelling space and a smaller bed room.

The dwelling space is equivalent to the opposite room varieties; nevertheless, there’s a bigger glass espresso desk, and on the rear of the room is a desk and a big eating desk with seating for 4.

The bed room is probably on the smaller aspect, with the king mattress taking over a lot of the area and a smaller flat-screen TV tucked into the right-hand nook.

The toilet is a beneficiant measurement, with a twin vainness, spacious walk-in bathe, after which a tub positioned by the floor-to-ceiling home windows.

Accessible from the dwelling space is a large personal balcony that seats 4 with views of Georgia Road all the best way to Stanley Park.

Shangri-La Vancouver – Orchid Suite

The Orchid Suite is the most important suite kind obtainable on the Shangri-La Vancouver. The suite gives a spacious haven with an infinite dwelling space, a separate bed room, and a balcony.

The lounge boasts a trendy white leather-based L-shaped sofa and a a lot lighter white textured carpet than the opposite room varieties.

There’s a big eating space for seven and a totally outfitted kitchen with a sink, oven, stovetop, and fridge with a non-public butler’s entrance.

The bed room incorporates a cover king mattress, armchair, desk, and flat-screen TV.

The marble-clad toilet incorporates a walk-in bathe, twin vainness, a partitioned-off rest room, and a deep bathtub. Furthermore, a walk-in closet is accessible on the far finish.

So far as presidential suites in Vancouver go, the Shangri-La’s Orchid Suite is definitely a premier alternative, particularly for many who want a heat, residential really feel to their mega-sized dwelling quarters. 

On the entire, the visitor rooms on the Shangri-La Vancouver provide a good bit of consistency by way of their design, and are fairly well-maintained provided that the lodge is approaching 15 years previous. 

Whereas the base-level rooms don’t have a terrace or balcony, they nonetheless provide expansive floor-to-ceiling home windows with metropolis views. Furthermore, they’re fairly generously sized, and would certainly function a cushty and purposeful place to name dwelling for the evening or for an extended keep.

In the event you’re not one to spend an excessive amount of time in your room and don’t thoughts sacrificing a few of the frills of a extra luxurious room, these base-level rooms can be greater than ample.

Then again, the suites are perfect for these with households who can profit from the additional room, or for bigger teams searching for larger consolation with a extra spacious setting.

Shangri-La Vancouver – Breakfast

Within the morning, we headed right down to Carlino, the place our Luxurious Circle fee included breakfast for 2.

Carlino is a comparatively new restaurant, launched to the Shangri-La Vancouver in 2021. The restaurant has an Italian aptitude with checkered flooring, leather-based benches, an olive tree, and flora rooted in Italian tradition taking centre stage.

The restaurant serves a Northern Italian-inspired menu, utilizing native produce from British Columbia’s small farmers and companies. If breakfast is included in your fee, you’ll have the ability to select any entrée, which comes with a espresso or tea and a juice of your alternative. 

Our breakfast right here was wonderful. I went for the baked eggs, and to my delight, they have been particularly tasty. Moreover, there was a dwell musician taking part in on New Yr’s Day, which was a formidable contact.

Shangri-La Vancouver – Eating

It’s price noting that Carlino is the one eating and bar venue on the Shangri-La Vancouver. This additional displays the lodge’s extra boutique id; nevertheless, in the event you’re in search of a lodge with a variety of eating venues, you might want to look elsewhere. 

By way of service, the employees at Carlino are incredible, with a heat, enthusiastic, and personable manner. Certainly, I’ve popped by for lunch right here just a few instances, and the meals and repair have at all times been nice.

To utilize our $100 property credit score (USD), we ordered a steak and a rooster sandwich for dinner through room service. The steak was well-executed, whereas the rooster sandwich in the end fell a bit quick.

Shangri-La Vancouver – Different Amenities

The Well being Membership is positioned on the fifth flooring and operates 24/7. The health centre is well-equipped with state-of-the-art tools and spectacular views of Vancouver by the floor-to-ceiling home windows.

There’s a variety of cardio machines, free weights, specialised Kinesis Technogym machines, and a devoted yoga and pilates studio.

On the identical flooring is the Ginger Café, the place you’ll be able to select from a collection of contemporary smoothies and juices post-workout.

Chi, The Spa is a signature providing on the Shangri-La Vancouver, with therapies rooted in conventional and pure therapeutic strategies utilized in Asian cultures.

Upon coming into, there’s a small reception space with water, mild refreshments, and snacks.

The spa gives personal remedy rooms with a non-public spa bathtub, hearth, bathe, and toilet, after which there are separate devoted therapeutic massage and remedy rooms.

Within the night of our keep, we headed right down to the out of doors pool and whirlpool for a dip. The pool is a modest measurement, with cabanas and loungers dotted alongside the far finish.

The spotlight right here is the view of the bustling metropolis under, which serves as a stimulating backdrop whereas swimming just a few laps or enjoyable within the whirlpool.

Conclusion

My second rendezvous with the Shangri-La model made for a memorable New Yr’s Eve staycation. The Vancouver property boasts a extra intimate, boutique method in comparison with the dramatic grandeur of the Shangri-La Toronto.

The lodge’s public areas are understated, but embodied the delicate luxurious and Asian influences inherent to Shangri-La lodges. Different highlights embody the central Downtown location and the high-quality eating at Carlino, which holds its personal because the lodge’s sole eating venue. 

The Govt Balcony King Room was well-appointed, with a really comfy king-sized mattress and splendid facilities resembling heated flooring.

Nevertheless, the dearth of water views could also be a detracting issue, and I additionally discovered that the bedrooms and dwelling areas may gain advantage from a refresh to higher align with the opulence of the marble-clad bogs.

On stability, I’d say that the Shangri-La serves as a really engaging place to remain within the coronary heart of Downtown Vancouver, albeit with a shocking boutique really feel that maybe limits the lodge in some methods simply as a lot because it units it aside in others.