Four Seasons Vancouver: L'Occitane, Plush Robes and Sablefish

For this business traveler, there are few hotels that impress me as much as the Four Seasons Vancouver City Centre. From the luxe decor to the all hour service, the Four Seasons, not only lived up to my expectations, it exceeded them. Generally, I can find one or two things to complain about though so stay tuned to find out the good, the better and the not so fabulous.

The Decor: Think raw wood sculptures, shiny new car polished wood consoles, marble table and countertops. Think understated brocade, solid wooden hangers and light open spaces. You know those large cosmopolitan lobbies where you’re pretty much required to make an entrance? That’s the Four Seasons Vancouver lobby. After crossing a wide expanse of marble flooring, expect to be greeted quickly by one of their many gracious hosts. Gorgeous gilt edged mirrors and smokey mirror paneled (anyone over 30 loves the smokey mirror) elevators whisk you up to the guest floors, where a large portion of the rooms have breathtaking city views.

From my room, I could see the mountains, the sea and the bustling city below me. A nearly three quarter window wrapped my room in light, but care was taken to ensure that light darkening shades were installed in every window (for those rough mornings after the crazy Vancouver nights).

The Service: Wow. From the server who brought in my eggs benedict (and said hi to my boys via Skype) to the helpful attendant who helped Kim get over her bout with airsickness, service is must. The Four Seasons corporate values dictate that the highest level of service be adhered to and I believe it. In the restaurant YEW (acclaimed in its own right) everyone from our bartender and busboys, to the servers and manager, were completely helpful in assisting us during our (rather lengthy) food and drink selections. Despite my rather messy travel habits (I arrive, I explode, I go shopping), each time I came back to the room, it was clean and good as new, with my worn clothes, folded gingerly on a laundry bag, should I decide to take advantage of it. And when I lost my bikini, not only did the coporate twitter account write me to assist, an employee also asked how she could help via her personal account. Now that’s dedication!

The Food: My HEAVENS the food. Vancouver itself is a vertiable seafood playground (I apologize if that conjures up “Under the Sea” references for anyone) and the restaurant on the Four Seasons Vancouver property, YEW, takes care to ensure that they pay close attention to local fare and create and expand their menu based on what’s happening in the fair city. For example, we had a lovely “flight” of cocktails hand selected by the restaurant manager. Each mini martini was centered around a local exhibit, event or theme. And while those in our party each ordered from the lengthy menu, the chef prepared for us the most delicious fish I have ever laid lips on. It’s called the Sablefish and I was in aquatic, gastronomic heaven. A butter, rich, slightly sweet and textured fish, this is a local delicacy. Called Black Cod in the States, I’m not sure if it could ever taste as delicious as it did there! No detail went overlooked at YEW, even the tiny cups of butter were flavored with seaweed and sea salt.

The Amenities: Usually this is the section where I can really pick apart a hotel, but the Four Seasons (sigh, AGAIN) has made it nearly impossible. From wifi and iPod docking stations in every room, to L’ Occitane products in the bathroom and lush terrycloth robes to 24-hour room service (essential for writers, thank you very much), there was nothing overlooked. PLUS, there was a pool, and since Vancouver is known to be a little chilly (yes even in July) the pool has both and indoor and an outdoor section and was generously heated. The gym was fully equipped with recreational equipment for both kids and adults and the hottub was not overrun. AND, with its proximity to Pacific Centre, a shopping mall with over 100 stores, the Four Seasons Vancouver gives you plenty of reasons to (attempt) to emulate the local “hippie chic”.

The Downside: The first downside was my own. I’m not exactly sure what I was thinking but I arrived in shorts and a tank top. Not exactly the entrance you want to make into a Four Seasons property (think Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, when she enters the Beverly Wilshire, also a Four Seasons property). Next time, I will make sure I am dressed more like the rest of the clientele, business casual. Denim only if tailored or with heels.

Also, there were so many eager to serve doormen, that often, we had two gentlemen puling open our doors. This confused me and I didn’t know who or what or IF to tip. With the chivalry, less is more gents. It was too much for a Nebraska rube like myself.

Finally, for a hotel so dedicated to making me gain five pounds in the three days I was there, the mimosas by the pool were bloody awful. They had no fizz or sparkle, the orange juice tasted canned and I had to drink two before I gave up and just switched to straight up vodka and soda.

In all, I had a completely wonderful time at the Four Seasons Vancouver. I felt pampered, taken care of and completely luxurious, which I think is the idea, at least according to their corporate website which states: Four Seasons is the world’s leading operator of luxury hotels and resorts. While staying at the Four Seasons is not inexpensive (Kim and I were hosted by Tourism Vancouver, Tourism BC and Canada Tourism as we scouted Vancouver for locations for the upcoming TBEX ‘11), their website offers plenty of promotions that make it a moderately priced luxury.