When I arrived at the airport, it was jammed with noisy travellers. No need to wind my way through this mob with my luggage. I checked in at the hotel's satellite lobby located right in the arrivals area, and my luggage was transported to the hotel for me.

Located on the International Departures Level at the far end of the terminal past the U.S. gates, the hotel is in the airport, yet a world apart. A walkway suspended across the airport's concourse leads to the hotel. Lit with undulating crystal lights, it gives a taste of what's to come. Entering the spacious high-ceilinged lobby, I was greeted by a striking waterfall wall and a view through to the Jetside Bar and Globe Restaurant with windows to the mountains beyond.

Fairmont Guest Room courtesy Fairmont Vancouver Airport

This is no utilitarian, stripped-down "we're here only because you need us" hotel - it's a full service luxury hotel designed for the travel weary. And the distinctive decor reflects the high standards. Shades of wheat and gold, soft caramel leather chairs and subdued lighting are highlighted by granite floor tiles and glowing aspen walls. Black granite imbedded with mica chips from British Columbia decorates the lobby hallways.

The relaxing color scheme of cream and beige with black accents continues into the guestrooms. My room, on the Entree Gold floor, provided the latest in comfort and technology. A console located beside the king size bed responded at the touch of a finger to my commands. I could instantly choose to turn on or off any or all of the lights in the room. The push of a button allowed me to automatically open and close the drapes. My private doorbell featured a "Do Not Disturb" function and a "Make-up Room" indicator. I had fun playing with all these gadgets. But, breathe easy, techno-challenged persons, everything also operates manually, including the heat and air-conditioning.

Entree Gold Bathroom courtesy Barbara Ballard

The room was a sanctuary amidst the airport madness. It was stuffed with all possible amenities, including a lighted magnifying mirror. The bathroom with its marble floor and counter top, hand-milled soap and top-notch bath toiletries was a guaranteed relaxer. I sunk into an air jet tub for a welcome relief from travel stress. I liked the idea of a large separate marble shower as a quick refresher. I could have fixed my own coffee and helped myself to the fully loaded mini bar, but opted to visit the Entree Gold lounge where afternoon coffee, tea and goodies were on offer.

The desk in my room with its own complementary high speed internet access gave me no excuse to put off doing a bit of business. The small business center on the lobby floor provided a copier and a printer should I require them.

But enough of work, I wanted to stretch my legs. The health club was the perfect spot. The newest fitness equipment beckoned, but I plunged into the lap pool. Just turn on the jet in your lane and swim in place against the current. Quite an interesting experience and a great workout. The sauna and whirlpool offered more rejuvenation along with the juice bar, highlighted by a cascading waterfall, but it was almost time for dinner.

First to the complimentary and beautifully displayed hors-d'oeuvres in the Entree Gold lounge and then to the Jetside Bar where live piano and a massive granite fireplace added class to the experience. Martinis are the specialty here, but the bar is fully stocked with a selection of wines, craft beer and ports. Sit at the bar counter or choose a comfy chair overlooking the runway. For those who don't want to eat in the restaurant, a bar menu provides choices such as soup, salad, burgers and pizza. Coffee and tea and pastries are also on the menu.

I decided to dine in the Globe Restaurant with its burled maple tables and huge blue tear-dropped chandeliers. It is separated from the bar by another gas fireplace, adding cheery warmth to the room. Plane spotters should ask for a seat by the floor to ceiling windows. The menu choice is limited and pricey, but it's certainly several notches above airport food. And the quiet ambience beats anything the airport could serve up. The restaurant is very accommodating to those operating on a different time zone and will serve breakfast any time. Just ask. I wanted a plate of stir-fried veggies, not on the menu, and received an ample portion well prepared and beautifully presented.

Entree Gold lounge courtesy Barbara Ballard

Next morning I debated whether to go for the cold buffet in Entree Gold or the Globe Restaurant breakfast buffet, which includes omelettes, waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage, pastries and breads, fruit and more. What a choice, and enough to set you up for the day and allow you to bypass the airline food later. I'd already secured my boarding pass and had my luggage checked for the plane direct from my hotel room, a special service for Entree Gold guests.

Wherever I went in the hotel I found the service to be impeccable. The highest standards in decor and guest accommodation were clearly a priority. This left me at a loss to explain why the sheets on the bed were so coarse it was almost impossible to sleep on them - the one flaw in an otherwise perfect stay.

The Bottom Line:
390 rooms, valet parking
Room Rack rates range from $179 to $329 Canadian.
Restaurant Rates: Breakfast Buffet $16.95, a la carte from $4.00; Lunch from $6.00, pasta pizza buffet $13.95; dinner starters from $6.00, entrees from $22.50 to $29.00. all prices Canadian dollars.

Keeping in Touch:
14 soundproof business meeting rooms with the newest in communication and AV technology.
Two phones, TV, complimentary high-speed Internet access, computer data port with dedicated phone lines, desk supplies in each room.

Room Goodies:
Coffee and tea, hair dryer, two bathrobes, iron and ironing board, morning newspaper, minibar and snacks, in-room safe.

Handicapped Access:
Handicapped rooms available. Handicapped facilities such as bath seats, wheelchairs, tub mats, tub bars and phone amplifiers are available on request for all rooms.

Location: Fairmont Vancouver Airport
Vancouver International Airport
P.O. Box 23798
Richmond, BC
Canada, V7B 1X9
Telephone: 604-207-5200
Fax: 604-258-3219

Reservations:
From Canada: 1-800-441-1414
From the U.S.: 1-800-527-4727
From the UK: 1-800-804-456
From Australia: 1-800-804-456
From other countries call the hotel reservations line direct: 604-684-3131

On the web: www.fairmont.com
Email: fvares@fairmont.com

©2002 by Barbara Ballard. Reproduction of this work in whole or in part and reproduction in electronic media, including images, without documented permission from the author is prohibited.

Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North America Insiders page.