My friend won an online draw for a two night stay for two, at the newly rebranded Hyatt Regency in downtown Vancouver, formerly Shangri-La Hotel. And she was generous enough to have me tag along as her guest.
Although everything looks and functions as it was, and any renovations won’t occur until mid 2026. Said renovations will be made to its suites, lobby, and spa; to align with the Park Hyatt brand. The goal is to maintain the property’s status as a luxury hotel on Alberni Street.
My immediate thought is what will all the residents think of the rebranding, considering they bought into and wanted to live in the Shangri-La, and not necessarily a Hyatt.
It was nice to be able to stay and enjoy the hotel and its amenities, before its final hurrah and step away from its Asian influenced decor and spa. It would also be my first time for the latter.
My benefactor’s room included a spacious living area with work desk, television and couch, plus bar with mini fridge. I was impressed by how the in-suite, cash snack and drink bar included several local items. A chocolate bar from Chez Christophe in Burnaby, Canadian rye whisky from Copper Distillery on the Sunshine Coast, and Copper Penny’s Lost Horizon rare tea gin that infuses Shangri-La’s signature tea blend into their North Vancouver made spirits.
There were also familiar favourites like Pringles, Mr. Noodles instant cup noodles, a little bottle of Glenmorangie and Grey Goose. As well a small bottle of wine and individually boxed bulk candy and nuts should you feel peckish during your stay. Otherwise there were two bottles of water that were complimentary.
We however brought our own drinks and were able to chill it in the wine fridge. We would enjoy these throughout our stay, either sipping in front of the TV on upholstered chairs or the sectional sofa, or on the sturdy patio chairs.
The large windows gave you a clear look across the way, into the other downtown towers. And if you walked out on to the wrap around patio and looked down you could see the hotel’s outdoor pool and hot tub from our suite, and behind it the streets.
On our second night we would find some time, just before the pool’s cut off curfew to take a dip. The night was a little too cold for the pool and the hot tub could have been hotter, but it was well worth the enjoyment of a roof top dip at night, on a Saturday, downtown. This would have been relaxing, except we were witness to an altercation between a couple who wanted to soak in still water and everyone else who wanted the bubbles and massaging jets. The former’s intense reaction helped everyone else bond when they walked away cursing and in a huff.
Back in the room, within the bedroom was a king sized bed for us to share. It was set with a bag of candy on the pillows, and there was a set of bagged house slippers laid on the floor, on a towel. One for each person, one on each side of the bed. As with the living room, in this room we had the the ability to open and close two sets of blinds with a push of a button. This was a wonderful way to welcome the start of each day of our two night and two day stay.
The bedroom led into the only and master bath room. Here, two robes were left hanging in wait on the door, and there were plenty of towels to dedicate one to each body part, so should you choose.
There is a shower stall and separate tub, and the toilet is given its own room with emergency phone should you need it. The double sink was handy for multiple occupants, one of which even included a television within the mirror. The screen is ideal for those who want to catch up on the day before it starts, or for those who need the extra stimulation to move an otherwise tedious process along.
As is the case with most modern hotel accommodations, gone are the days of individual bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion. It is all large bottles, that are usually bolted down and secured. However, here at the Hyatt, their botanical brand of Sangre De Fruta’s Garden of Earthly Delights line is available for purchase, and signs warned that if you were to take any you would be charged for it at full price. You could also purchase new bottles at their spa. These were on the pricier side, but certainly spelled and smelled luxury.
Other complimentary toiletries that you could take home with you included a loofa scrub and bath salts to use with the soaker tub. Shower cap, tooth brush, toothpaste, mouthwash, razor and cream, cotton swabs, and L’Occitane cream. You basically don’t need to pack any hygiene products, as it was all made available, individually packaged, travel sized, and good enough for 2-3 days.
The hotel does not use manual “do not disturb cards”, but instead you can push a button to alert the staff at the door, if you wish for turn down service or not. On a similar vein, you input your key card into the slot by the door to turn on all the lights in the room, and removing it automatically turns them off for greater electricity savings.
My friend’s prize package also included two breakfasts, which paying guests can also opt in for. I would advising doing so considering it is from Carlino’s, their on property, up scale Italian restaurant. You can either have it within the restaurant or have it delivered to you as room service. We would have it both ways, but more about each experience in a separate post.
And if you are going to be staying at the new Hyatt, another indulgence to consider, that is truly worth it, is a visit to their spa. Located within the hotel and available to all those staying over and/or anyone who wants to experience one of the most opulent spas available to Vancouver. Full review of our 75 minute massage that includes steam and shower, available in its own featured post.
In conclusion, this staycation weekend was nothing short of amazing. I cannot recall when was the last time I felt so pampered. I definitely recommend visiting before and after the renovations, if a calibre remains this high.
Hyatt Vancouver Downtown Alberni
1128 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC,
Canada, V6E 0A8
(604) 317-1234
hyatt.com
