Tonight we were getting a sneak peek preview of Vancouver Fairmont’s latest seasonal experience. This one is completely unexpected, but ties well into the hotel’s history, as it celebrate its 85th year.
In time for the spooky season, for one night, only, Vancouver’s only castle in the city is serving up a mystery. You can find elements of theatre combined with an escape room, as you test your detective skills.
It is themed around the hotel’s matron ghost, “The Lady in Red”. For those unfamiliar, there is a portrait of her, in her infamous dress, hanging in the lobby, by the elevators.
Legend goes that she was a popular socialite in the 1930’s, who is tragically killed in a car crash. Although she did not come to her demise in the actual Fairmont property, this was her favourite spot, so her spirit is tied to it. Apparently her poltergeist can be seen roaming the halls, specifically the 14th floor, that has recently been renovated for executive guests. This was also the location of tonight’s preview and the actual event.
The Lady in Red has also been known to use the hotel’s elevators. Employees and clients alike can attest to this with stories of the elevators being locked out, hanging at a certain floor, and even stopping and opening on floors they did not push the buttons to.
However, if you are a scaredy-cat like me, worry not, she is known to be friendly, and has never caused any one harm over the years. And if you sign up for this one day only event, you might get a glimpse of her in material form…
Once again the event is a one day only affair, the Saturday before Halloween, with multiple sessions and staggered start times. Interested parties are encouraged to dress up in their best roaring 20s’s or flapper 30’s attire. It really helps to build the scene as you match the live actors narrating.
There are five different escape rooms, each with its own mysteries to solve, which you do as a group. Each stop also includes a drink.
Our sneak peek look had us sipping on glasses of sparkling wine as a welcome; and a signature cocktail with a ruby red lip print dusted over an egg white foam. Naturally, this was a nod and tribute to our starring ghost.
Each session ends with a cocktail reception with gourmet canapés in both savoury and sweet. The likes of prosciutto and a pepper spread over a crostini, tuna Tataki in ponzu over a crispy fried polenta bite, lemon meringue tartlets, and Red Velvet Macarons.
For grazing, there is also a handsome charcuterie board of meat, cheese, bread, and the condiments to enjoy them with.
Our journey began on the roof top of Fairmont Vancouver. However, ticket holders will not be able to access this portion of the 14th floor, for safety reason.
Here, we would meet The Lady in Red. I am highly subjective and terribly superstitious, so dared not to go to close, but I did get a photo or two. The actress is well known in the scare community, playing several roles in horror films, as well as scaring you at your local haunted house.
Our intimate party would only get to experience one room, with two mysteries to solve. The rich introduction from another actor really sets the tone of the experience. He spoke to the significance of the griffins around the property, symbolizing the hotel. He did this with elements of magic interwoven.
We had a handful of experts loose in the room and were able to solve it quite quick. Our prize: a bottled cocktail to go, a chocolate bar, and the ability to check out one of the other Vancouver mysteries tours. The latter of which would revolve around Vancouver’s other most popular, haunted sightings.
This is such a fun way to learn about history, themed to the season. An activity worth checking out, and one I highly recommend. Once again for one day only, Saturday, October 26, 2024; and is the first of its kind at Fairmont Vancouver, so get your tickets quick. Link below.
https://www.notch8-dining.com/store/event/castle-confidential/
Created in partnership with Vancouver Mysteries.
WHEN: October 26th, 2024. Tickets available as of 5:30pm until 8:00 pm for a 60-90 minute experience
PRICE: $150 per person, taxes and fees extra
INCLUDED: 3 themed cocktails (or mocktails) and a selection of gourmet canapés
Fairmont Vancouver
900 W Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2W6
(604) 662-1900
fairmont-hotel-vancouver.com
