Did you know that there is a private arcade and rumpus room within Westin Bayshore? But sadly it is members only to visit, you have to be an overnight guest at the hotel to get in.
We got a chance to check things out with their invite only Christmas party, which includes drinks, small bites, a live DJ, and some fun activations.
Their was an open bar which included all the colours of wine and the hotel property’s own signature beer in collaboration with Main Street Brewing. The can was labelled with a cartoon recreation of the hotel including their famous domes, outdoor pool, wooden sauna, snack shop trailer, and beach chairs surrounding an open fire.
For those looking for non-alcoholic options there were mocktails that customized with your choice of printed foam toppers. Designs like branded logos, winter magic, and game inspired images.
Similarly there was an artist spray painting stencil tattoos. You can pick your design between classic Nintendo characters like Mario, Peach, and Donkey Kong. There were Legend of Zelda hearts and a triforce logo. Vintage 8-bit pac man and “game over”. Plus some Westin-themed designs.
We got one and went back for more with glitter. Although we had our own real tattoos, these no-commitment colourful ones were more fun.
For food there were made on the spot mini donuts that included a build your own sundae bar with marshmallows, sprinkles, and crushed candy canes.
Small bites like ahi tuna, arancini balls, chicken strips and fries, bbq pulled pork sliders, and grill cheese sandwiches were passed around for grazing.
All of the above was only available today, to celebrate the holiday. There is no food and drink allowed in the Level Up arcade, located in the Bayshore Grand Ballroom, minus the popcorn at the movie theatre section.
The following is the Level Up experience that is now open daily from December 20th to January 5th, 2025 from 3pm to 9pm. Once again this is only available for overnight hotel guests.
This is 15,000sqft, an additional 9,000sqft added from last year with 12 brick arcade games; 12 screen games including PS5, XBOX, and Nintendo; and 6 carnival games. New is the Christmas Movie Theatre with two movies shown daily, a full sized Pickle Ball Court, a Synthetic Curling Rick, and a Kids Zone for 2-6 year olds.
Guests looking for a VIP experience can add-on one of two packages during check-in, which includes perks from all of the hotel’s restaurants and amenities.
Both includes two hours additional early access to Level Up from 1-3pm, a guaranteed hotel check-in at 12pm, a spa gift card, and a 2 for 1 beer or wine offer at either H2 or H Tasting Lounge.
Where they differ is the denomination of the spa gift card, the Level up treats and swag bag contents, and Package #2 includes complementary buffet breakfast for two adults and two kids.
I thought this a clever idea considering the property is normally a staycation destination for locals thanks to the hotel’s iconic court yard featuring outdoor pool and its recreational activities, the snack trailer, and wooden sauna. Now with the colder weather there is something fun for guests to do indoors. Level Up provides some indoor, all ages fun, and fully utilizes one of their more spacious conference rooms with its vaulted ceilings.
There is a good mix of arcade games and physical activities, with a section for younger guests. There are giant projectors to play Mario Kart and Wii Sports. Gaming stations set up with proper gaming chairs for racing and hockey.
For something more physical there is air hockey, foosball, and table hockey. A lane for curling and a court for pickle ball. And in the quiet and dark corner there is a theatre experience with dining chairs and freshly popped buttery popcorn. For the younger kids there is an art station, plastic climbing structures, and even an igloo to crawl into.
You can spend hours here, only coming up for food at one of Westin’s two restaurants.
Westin Bayshore
1601 Bayshore Dr., Vancouver, BC V6G 2V4
(604) 691-6966
www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yvrwi-the-westin-bayshore-vancouver
