PHOTO: www.facebook.com/ShangriLaVan

Fodor's Expert Review Shangri-La Hotel

Name: Shangri-La Hotel
Address: 1128 W. Georgia St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 0A8, Canada
Telephone: 604-689–1120
Price range: $$$$

1128 W. Georgia St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 0A8, Canada See on Map Fodor's Choice

Deanna deBara

Housed in the tallest building in Vancouver, the Shangri-La Hotel was the upscale hotel chain's first property in North America. The modern design aesthetic, unparalleled amenities, incredible views, and dedication to customer service make this property one of the best luxury hotel experiences in the city.

room

The crown jewel of the guestrooms at the Shangri-La is the floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer incredible views of the city. Rooms are decorated in aesthetically pleasing neutral color palettes with dark wood furniture, and tech-inspired amenities (like remote control lighting and curtain controls) make the rooms exceptionally convenient and comfortable.

If you want to make the most out of the hotel's gorgeous views, be sure to request a room with a balcony.

bathroom

The bathrooms at the Shangri-La scream luxury, with wall-to-ceiling marble, granite counters, and separate showers and soaking tubs. All bathrooms come stocked with L’Occitane en Provence toiletries.

lobby

The airy, spacious lobby at the Shangri-La Hotel, complete with stunning chandeliers, a grand piano, and Asian-inspired art, immediately lets you know you're in for a luxury experience.

Need a pick me up? Head to the lobby, where you can enjoy complimentary coffee all day long.

pool

The outdoor pool area has a decent sized pool, but the real star of the show is the view. Enjoy views of the downtown while you swim a few leisurely laps or relax in the hot tub.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The lounge area of the pool is small and doesn't have a ton of seating, so it's not the best fit for large groups.

spa

For one of the most relaxing spa experiences in the city, make sure to pay a visit to Chi, the Shangri-La's on-site spa, and enjoy one of their signature beauty or massage treatments (the four-hour West Coast Detox session is a stand-out indulgence).

gym

The fitness center at Shangri-La is open 24/7 and has everything you need to get in a solid workout, including cardio machines, free weights, and a separate yoga and pilates studio.

dining

Enjoy dinner on the outdoor terrace at Market by Jean-Georges, which features dishes that showcase local, seasonal ingredients.

drinking

While you can grab a cocktail at Market by Jean-Georges, the real beverage you'll want to check out is juice. Grab a fresh post-workout juice from the Ginger Juice Bar in the fitness center and take it outside to enjoy poolside.

LOCATION

Getting Around

You'll pay a pretty penny to park at this property (self-parking is $43 per night), but luckily, you don't need a car. The hotel is just a 3-minute walk to The Burrard SkyTrain station and both the downtown and West End neighborhoods are easy to navigate on foot.

Restaurants

For an elegant dining experience, head to Cafe Il Nido (2-minute walk), where you can enjoy upscale Italian dishes on their gorgeous outdoor patio (the roasted quail is a definite standout). If you're in the mood for something a bit lighter, try Guu Original Thurlow (3-minute walk), a Japanese restaurant where you can sample from a wide variety of small plates and sake that locals rave about.

Bars

If you're in the mood for a strong cocktail, head over to Blackbird Public House (6-minute walk) where you'll find an impressive selection of over 80 varieties of scotch. If you bubbly is more your style, try one of the signature prosecco cocktails at CinCin Ristorante + Bar (4-minute walk).

WHY WE LIKE IT

If you're looking for a luxury getaway in Vancouver, you'll be hard-pressed to find a property better than Shangri-La. The design, incredible views, and top-notch amenities all come together to create a truly luxurious experience in the heart of downtown.