Murray On Travel

This review is of a suite at the Wedgewood Hotel and Spa located in beautiful downtown Vancouver, British Columbia.  It was great to return to the Wedgewood after an almost 10 year absence.  My memories were of an elegant hotel on a lovely, tree-lined street.  The hotel was then surrounded by great restaurants and shopping.  Well...  Very happy to report that things haven't changed all that much.

If anything, the hotel and surrounding area are even nicer than before.  Located across the street from Robson Square Park and the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Wedgewood mirrors the elegance and sophistication of the nearby art museum.  The intimate lobby is warmed by a fireplace and brightened with lovely flowers.  My check-in was quick and accurate.  If needed, the staff will help you with your luggage due to a few stairs found between the main lobby and guestroom elevators.

Throughout the property, it feels like you have entered a private home decorated with furniture and items collected over many years.  The original developer used her personal collection of antiques and artwork to decorate the Wedgewood Hotel. 

Room #505 is a one bedroom suite with a balcony overlooking the street and park.  My three night visit was in June of 2016 while attending a cruise ship industry event.  This hotel is located several blocks from the Vancouver cruise ship terminal, but it is still an excellent choice if you are in town for the start or end of an Alaska cruise. 

The main living room is spacious and well appointed.  Lighting is good.  The very comfortable sofa folds out for additional sleeping space.  The suite's heating and air conditioning was very quiet and easily controlled. Nice big HDTV with a good selection of cable sources. 

A bar area includes a well stocked Mini-Bar and coffee/tea service.  Just behind the bar is a handy coat closet with umbrellas, safe, and iron & ironing board.  

There was a nice desk with comfortable chair, lamp, and phone for getting a little work done.  It includes a handy PowerQube power strip on the desktop providing three USB outlets and two standard 120v outlets.  Plenty of power to easily charge your gear.

A passageway connects the living area to the bedroom and bath.   

The bedroom was large and offered plenty of storage.  The very comfortable bed included bedside lamps that provided great reading light.  A large HDTV was mounted high in the corner. 

One of my favorite features in the bedroom was the luggage shelf.  The low platform over the drawers offered a great space if you prefer to live directly out of your unpacked luggage.  The light directly above the suitcase area is perfectly placed. 

There was plenty of room in the bedroom closet for two guests.  The Wedgewood provides slippers and a bathrobe.   Note that another robe was located in the bathroom.

The elegant bathroom provided plenty of counter space and splendid L'Occitane amenities, hairdryer and a good supply of fine towels. 

I always love choices...  Especially when it is between a large shower and an equally large and luxurious bathtub.  After a day on my feet, the tub wins every time. 

The balcony off of the living room looked out over a park and provided a beautiful view of Vancouver's skyline.  Also very little street noise made it into this 5th floor room.

Public spaces are decorated in an classic elegance.  This is the elevator lobby on the Wedgewood Hotels main floor. NOTE: I was an invited guest of the hotel. My review and photos are accurate representations of the property during my visit. 

The Bacchus Lounge found just off the main lobby is a delightful spot for a meal or drinks with friends.  Large windows open up on the the sidewalk offering an airy atmosphere.

Also on the main floor of the Wedgewood Hotel is the Bacchus Restaurant, decorated with warm woods, flowers and comfortable seating.  This is a fine dining restaurant and offers modern French cuisine featuring fresh, West Coast ingredients. Private dining spaces are offered.   The hotel also offers several small meeting / special events rooms. You can find the latest menus and hotel info on the Hotel Website.

Guests of the hotel have access to a small but well equipped gym. Unlike some city hotels the Wedgewood gym offers windows with a view. 

I would recommend the Wedgewood to anyone visiting Vancouver and looking for a centrally located, upscale, classically styled boutique hotel.  If you are in Vancouver before or after a cruise, this hotel is perfect.  This elegant, award winning luxury hotel is uniquely decorated, well maintained, and offers excellent service.

Over the years, Vancouver has become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in North America. It presents the perfect balance between a comfortable urban lifestyle and the relaxation that only nature can provide. It has also risen in popularity as the host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, the 2010 Winter Paralympics, and a whole array of international conferences. 

If you wish to experience Vancouver for yourself, then ensure the best possible experience by staying at the Wedgewood Hotel and Spa. First of all, the luxury hotel’s location puts you in the best possible position, whether you are visiting for business or leisure. You are afforded easy access to the Downtown Vancouver’s major commercial and business establishments without the stressful atmosphere found in many major cities around the world.

Wedgewood Hotel is the way to go if you really want to enjoy your vacation. You will never run out of entertainment options, as all rooms come equipped with flat screen LCD TVs and DVD players. A Business Center is also available, no matter what time you may need to get connected.

For more relaxation options, the piano lounge is the perfect area for a calming drink, and the spa personnel are famous for providing excellent service that will take all of your stress away. You can even leave the kids at the babysitting area while you take a much-deserved break.

For an even more unforgettable experience, why not book a Penthouse unit? These suites come with their own fireplace and their own terraces which allow you to enjoy the lovely view.

Weddings are made more special in the lovely Liaisons Room, which has been styled in true Renaissance fashion. On the other hand, the Eton/Cambridge Rooms offer guests the option of relaxing in the garden patio.

Welcome the spring season by enjoying the beauty of Vancouver’s cherry blossoms. As of this writing the Wedgewood Hotel just makes the experience even sweeter by offering complimentary buffet breakfast at the renowned Bacchus. Check the website for various offers that may include free valet parking or a complimentary gourmet dinner.

Want to offer a friend or loved one a treat? Gift certificates are also available, so that you can share your unforgettable Wedgewood experience with the most special people in your life.

Finding Paradise: How to get to the Wedgewood Hotel and Spa

If you are flying in to Vancouver and intend to go straight to the hotel, you’re in for a pretty quick drive. Simple head north, passing through Grant McConachie Way and the Arthur Laing Bridge before taking Granville Street North. You will have to pass through Granville Street Bridge, as well. Take the Seymour exit and turn left at Smithe, and then take a right at Hornby. Finding the hotel should be a breeze.

If you intend to drive from U.S. territory, though, you’ll be passing Seattle Washington. You will have to take Interstate 5 and take the Granville Bridge from 99. From then on, it should be easy to spot the Seymour exit and proceed as would if you were coming from the airport. Photos provided by Hotel.

On the other hand, if you are already in British Columbia, you will simply have to drive on Highway 1 and follow the road signs leadig to Vancouver City Center. These will point you to a west exit on 1st Avenue. Take a right on Quebec Street and then turn right again on Smithe. You can then proceed as described above.

So, if you plan to travel to Vancouver anytime soon, make your trip a stress-free and enjoyable one by making a reservation at the Wedgewood Hotel. It has everything you could need or want – you simply have to ask.

 

The Sonora Resort, located on the named island in British Columbia, Canada is a unique property because the luxury traveler will experience the great outdoors; coupled with the comforts of a lavish hotel. The property offers a deluxe experience including first class accommodations, wilderness activities like fishing and a spa / wellness center. A 50 minutes seaplane or helicopter ride from Vancouver International Airport or a boat ride from Campbell River lands you in the paradox of luxury and wilderness. Resort Website.

The all inclusive resort includes fist class helicopter or aqua transportation to and from activities such as golf courses, ski adventures, glacier tours and hiking within a 100 mile radius. Expert fishing guides host salmon and fly fishing adventures and eco-tours include whale watching and grizzly bear tours. On the Sonora's property, guests may enjoy the peaceful surroundings, play tennis or use the golf simulator to pay virtual golf games at 33 top rated courses. This is the perfect Canada venue for outdoor activities surrounded by lush accommodations.

Island Currents, the spa which exudes serenity and out door beauty, has a menu of world class services. Indoor and outdoor mineral pools, yoga classes and the fitness center are state of the art with views of the forest or ocean. The massage rooms are light and airy, with doors opening to the woods. And the swimming pool and outdoor mineral bath over looks the sapphire ocean.

The remote British Columbia draws those guest seeking privacy and a retreat from city life. VIPs can book the four bedroom retreat with its own office space, executive kitchen and theater. Many luxury travelers make use of this space for a temporary residence while loving the views, grand piano and stone fireplace. Larger groups will find satisfaction with the meeting space and selection of team building activities. Photos provided by the resort, copyright Darren Bernaerdt.

A Vancouver resident commented that the visit to the Sonora Resort was the trip of a lifetime. "In all my travels I've never encountered a better service anywhere. Your staff made me feel like an old friend. They catered to my every whim even before I realized that I had any whims at all! Sonora's glorious setting, perfect room, exceptional food and outstanding mix of activities made this a vacation of a lifetime. I never imagined an awe inspiring Grizzly tour and a luxuriously relaxing massage all in one day, let alone at one resort. Now that's amazing; but that's Sonora!"