Fairmont Hotel Vancouver  

In the heart of downtown Vancouver on West Georgia Street, this landmark hotel — nicknamed the “castle in the city” — puts you steps from Robson Street shopping, Granville Street nightlife, the Vancouver Art Gallery, Pacific Centre and Canada Place. Address: 900 West Georgia Street, V6C 2W6.

A historic luxury property welcoming guests since 1939, it blends grand railway-hotel glamour with modern comforts. Rooms (about 557) feature flat-screen TVs, minibars, premium bedding and down comforters, coffee/tea facilities, bathrobes and designer toiletries in private bathrooms. The hotel is family-friendly and pet-friendly — the team even includes canine ambassadors.

Enjoy an indoor pool, fitness center, sauna and a full-service spa (fees may apply). There’s a lively bar, an on-site restaurant and a café for coffee fixes. Additional touches include 24-hour reception, concierge and tour desk, paid parking, laundry/dry cleaning, ATM and accessible facilities — wake up to downtown skyline views and step straight into the city.

Conference halls, meeting and presentation rooms and a business center make this a solid pick for events. Wired and wireless internet access is available across the property (surcharge), with high-speed options for meeting needs.

An on-site American-style restaurant and a bar/lounge serve all-day bites and drinks, plus a café for lighter fare. Room service is offered during limited hours, and full breakfast service is available daily (typically mornings for a fee).