This weekend we were launching spring break off with a overnight stay at St. Regis Hotel, in the heart of downtown Vancouver. This is one of Vancouver’s oldest hotels, first opened on March 15th of 1913.
A little bit of background: “Originally envisioned as a one stop destination for lodging, dining and entertainment. At the time the swanky property was well-positioned near the new Hudson’s Bay flagship as a top retreat for travellers to the young coastal metropolis.” (As per the hotel’s restaurant table card). It soon came to be known as the “Sportsman’s Hotel”, a destination for top NHL athletes, as they’re home away from home.
In 2008 the St. Regis underwent an extensive multi million-dollar renovation to marry its proud heritage with a contemporary, big city aesthetic. They are “a true boutique property with 65 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites, state of the art AV and business amenities.”
During this stay I learned that St. Regis was owned and operated by the same team that have cultivated the brand, name, and prestige of Gothams and Hy’s steakhouses. And discovering that automatically propels this 3 star ranked hotel at a solid 4.5 in my eyes, and they certainly delivered.
Getting there: Check-in can be tricky with there not being a place to park your car and no clear indication of where hotel parking would be. Calling the front desk we leaned that you can pause at the 5 minute loading zone right up front. There, an enthusiastic bell hop greeted us and directed us to the underground parking garage, leading us at a steady jog. He then gifted us with a pass and instructions. You need a key card to enter the locked underground garage, which also gives you scanned access to enter the locked doors and elevators of the adjacent building, bringing you back up to the surface and within walking distance of the hotel front, sidewalk entrance.
The same bellhop was also at the ready, should we get lost, and he needed to find us. And as we checked in at the concierge desk, he took our luggage to our room, setting it on the speciality rack, by the bed; with additional bags on the chair.
We were in the executive suite, which included 3 full rooms between bedroom, living room, and bathroom. During our weekend stay this was listed at around $369, whereas similar listed rooms at hotels with more stars are $100-150 more, with less space. This large and ample sprawling room would serve as the ideal home base for our staycation. Giving us classic design and spacing that meets modern conveniences.
The bed was a firm queen. Plenty of tossing and turning allowance, accompanied by a metal clunk each time you hopped on or pushed off. Aside from the noise, it didn’t bother us much and our sleep nestled amongst down filled duvets and pillows was a peaceful one. I liked the added hospitable touch of chocolates on the bed and the burgundy branded bolster that crowned the setting.
On the side table was a wireless charging clock in wood. On the desk in front, a nespresso coffee machine with pods, packets of sugar, plus all other accoutrement you would need to brew yourself a cup of coffee.
There isn’t a mini bar, but you do have the more useful mini fridge, located in the entry way closet. This is stationed alongside branded St. Regis robes and slippers, both with clean linen scent. There is also a throw blanket for use, a secured safe, and ice bucket. The latter of which we would later utilize for a in room night cap of sparkling wine, that we brought from home.
There were two flat screen televisions, one bolted to the wall at the foot of the bed, the other in the living room, over looking the fold-out couch. It was at this point we realized that this room could house a group of four or two couples comfortably. Done with two separate rooms and beds, plus plenty of drawer space between the two to unpack into, should you decide to extend your stay. Not to mention, the large bathroom was equipped with two counter sinks.
The washroom had heated stone tile floors that matched the shower/large soaker tub. I found that the former with its warmth, helped to jump start the morning after, and aided in comforting my planters feet.
There were plenty of clean fluffy white towels, and I found myself using a fresh one after each rinse, in pure excessive luxury. Even the hair dryer was of great quality. It had plenty of watts and ionic drying that made quick work of my short hair.
I just wish that the toilet bowl wasn’t so close to the washroom door, and that there was an exhaust fan or some noise cancelling to drown out all the sounds you made sitting on the can. And this was clearly heard from the living room (we did test this).
Here, the toiletries were by L’Occitane including bar soak, hand cream, and a care kit of swabs and make-up removing pads.
In the shower was L’Occitane branded shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. I was not a fan of the scent of the former two, but did enjoy the fragrance of the verbena shower gel; and may have taken more showers as a result of it. Especially given the standard shower head with good water pressure.
Our view was of downtown retail stores, the busy roads before it, and the people walking by. Not the most picturesque or photogenic, but the location of the hotel well makes up for it. It is so centralized downtown that everything is within walking distance. Having a craving for sugar and candy, we found ourselves going to 7 Eleven across the street for a plastic wrapped dessert. And when I realized I forgot to pack my contact solution and case, Shoppers Drug Mart was a block down and easy to dip into for a quick purchase.
As for food, seeing as there are 3 separate restaurant/bar options within the hotel, we decided to keep it all in one building and visit them all, for all our meals during this staycation.
Before check-in we stopped at Gothams for lunch. A hallmark Vancouver steakhouse with a classic cool. For the full review, visit the link below.
For Happy Hour that transitioned to dinner, we amped up the night at St. Regis Grill. There, we learned they belonged to the same group as Gotham’s and Hy’s and this shows through in their food. Full review of that with the link below.
The next morning our breakfast was complimentary with our stay. Available between 7-10am in the lower lobby lounge, located within St. Regis Grill. Here, it is first come first serve for seats, and guests are able to enjoy a classic breakfast with options.
We passed on the continental breakfast of yogurt and cereal for something heartier.
The Traditional Breakfast is 2 free-range eggs done any style, served with bacon, sausage or ham, and your choice of toast; along with a sweet potato hash and fresh fruit garnish. I appreciated the quality ingredients like the egg with the orange yolk and the thick cut bacon. The hash appeared to be cubes of potato, a little dense and in need of seasoning, outside the bites that had peppers and onions included. And I would transform my white toast into peanut butter and jelly for a sweet side.
My partner got the 3 Egg Omelet with free-range eggs and found it a clean start to the day. You get your choice of 3 ingredients from cheese, spinach, mushroom, tomato, green onions, ham, and bacon. Here, he went went bacon, mushroom, and swiss cheese. And the sides were the same for this: toast, sweet potato hash, and fresh fruit.
And after we checked out, but before we drove away, we made sure to stop by Beaucoup. This is the second location of Vancouver’s trendy boutique bakery, that moved into the building a year ago.
They are beloved for their unique savoury collaborations, and offerings of fun, trendy, and delicious pastries and cakes. For the full review of what we had and their spring seasonal offerings, visit the link below.
In closing, we had an amazing time and I can confidently say that this is a staycation I fully enjoyed and would recommend to anyone looking for a getaway. From the comfortable accommodations to the accommodating staff, our visit was immensely pleasurable. The good natured demeanour of all the staff we encountered is a telling looking at how St. Regis is managed. And as a customer you certainly felt it with their customer centricity.
St. Regis Hotel
602 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1Y6
(604) 681-1135
stregishotel.com
