Highlights: Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver

•The Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver is in a prime central downtown location near shopping and major attractions

•Service is polite and professional, often surpassing expectations

•Guest rooms exude a warm and elegant welcome

•The sunlit Garden Terrace, with an abundance of tropical greenery, is reminiscent of a Somerset Maugham South Pacific setting

•The business center offers all the facilities and services the executive business traveler needs while on the road

•The health and fitness facility features top-of-the-line equipment for a full-body workout

Amenities: Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver

• 376 rooms, 28 story. Pets accepted, some restrictions. Check-in 3 pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access. Two restaurants, bar. Fitness room, fitness classes available. Indoor pool, outdoor pool, whirlpool. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver

Located downtown in the commercial and cultural hub of the city, the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver is a suitable home-away-from-home for both business and leisure travelers. It’s a five-minute stroll to the waterfront convention center and the broad walking/biking sidewalk that borders Burrard Inlet. The hotel is connected via the lobby to the underground Pacific Centre Mall, so you don’t even need an umbrella to go shopping during the rainy Pacific Northwest winter. It’s a one-block walk to Robson Street, a favorite shopping and strolling street for Vancouverites and visitors alike. The Vancouver Art Gallery is right across the street, the public library and main post office are four blocks east, and it’s a 10-minute hike to Coal Harbour’s cafés and restaurants, with that peninsular paradise known as Stanley Park a little farther along.

You can catch the Blue Bus right in front of the hotel for a scenic ride across the Lions’ Gate Bridge to the North Shore (and maybe take a walk across the swaying Capilano Suspension Bridge). When making your reservation at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, request a room on an upper floor facing north and you’ll wake up to an awesome alpine panorama, assuming the clouds cooperate.

Families are welcome--youngsters will love the indoor/outdoor pool, the in-room PlayStations, and the selection of board games available from the concierge. Restaurant and room service menus captivate kids with such children’s specials as “toonie (the Canadian $2 coin) pancakes with warm maple syrup and fresh fruit.” Children will be delighted with the in-room welcome cookie inscribed with their name in icing. Baby-sitting is also available but should be booked well in advance.

This hotel is a great getaway place and offers a selection of weekend packages with reasonable prices for luxurious accommodations. Couples looking for a romantic retreat may find the hotel atmosphere a bit business-y for their taste.

(+) Great location, inspired dining, inviting guest rooms, and child-friendly amenities, services and activities

Guest Services: Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver

Although Four Seasons properties are famous for fine service, during my visit, staff seemed somewhat reserved. The reservation agent was courteous and competent, using my name and answering my questions without any problem. But she didn’t ask questions to determine my exact needs or volunteer any information on the hotel, facilities, location, or style.

My arrival was pleasant, thanks to the efficient and polite staff, but no one truly went above and beyond to welcome me. Front desk staff were proactive and suggested where to grab a snack, since I had just arrived from a long trip. But no one offered an escort, not even to the elevators. Luggage arrival took 15 minutes. Telephone operators picked up on two rings and answered all my questions. My wake-up call was personal and prompt and included a weather forecast.

The concierge answered immediately when I called. He was helpful, asking questions to determine my needs, suggesting several restaurants, and offering to make reservations. Although the concierge desk was busy when I stopped by, I didn’t have to wait long. They answered my questions and provided maps and directions.

Housekeeping services were consistent and thorough. The room was fresh when I walked in, and the drapes were left open to enjoy the fantastic mountain view. The bathroom was immaculate (shower liners are replaced daily), towels were replaced, my toiletries placed on a cloth, and amenities replenished. Overall, housekeeping provided super service throughout my stay. Although it took many rings to reach them, housekeeping politely greeted me when I called for a razor -- which was promptly delivered, along with shaving cream (both in a lovely white gift bag). Turndown service was excellent.

Laundry service staff was polite and professional in appearance and demeanor. Items were picked up promptly and returned before expected, neatly folded in a basket with tissue and a gold seal.

(+) Although arrival service was spotty, overall service was exceptional and personable

Guest Rooms: Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver

The Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver hotel has 376 guest rooms, including 70 suites and two split-level penthouse suites. Standard superior and deluxe rooms range from 388 to 468 square feet. The executive suites feature two full-size bathrooms, with French doors leading from the living room to the bedroom.

My standard room was large, and decor was a fusion of colonial and French country style. It was a comfortable and well-appointed guest room. The bed was plush and inviting, and both the guest room and bath were immaculate. Grooming spaces were generous, and luxurious L’Occitane bath amenities were provided. The wall-to-wall windows (which open slightly) framed a pretty picture of the Vancouver harbor and mountains.

(+) Rooms are welcoming and immaculately clean; upper floor rooms feature splendid city, harbor, and mountain views

Facilities & Activities: Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver

The Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver’s Club Four (on the fourth floor) is a big beautiful open space with an inviting four-season indoor/outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool looking out to a surprisingly grand terrace, considering this is city center. There are dry saunas in the locker/change rooms.

The fitness area features lots of cardiovascular equipment (upright and recumbent bicycles, treadmills, elliptical cross-trainers, and Stairmaster climbers); equipment is well spaced and features individual flatscreen TVs. There is also a variety of weight-training equipment. Chilled towels were available. During my visit to the fitness center, the cordial staff circulated the room to offer assistance, but no classes, or personal trainers were available. Club Four offers complimentary morning coffee, tea and newspapers, and complimentary fruit and healthy juices all day.

Another nice touch is a complimentary map of nearby walking/jogging trails, running through Yaletown, along Beach Avenue, around Lost Lagoon and the lovely perimeter path of Stanley Park, and the new waterfront walkway fringing Coal Harbour.

If your preferred pastime is shopping, you’ll love the Pacific Centre Mall downstairs, where 200 retail outlets include such favorites as Harry Rosen, Max Mara, Bose, Nine West, Sport Chek, and Ermenegildo Zegna. Entrance to the mall is through the classy Holt Renfrew (Canada’s premiere store for fashion clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and home décor), fronting onto the hotel lobby. The hotel’s “Shopping For All Seasons” promotion includes a $100 Holt Renfrew gift card in the package price.

(+) Club Four may be the most beautiful and well-equipped health club in Vancouver
(+) Nearby Pacific Centre is one of the city’s best shopping malls

Dining & Lounge: Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver

In addition to 24-hour room service, the hotel has three dining areas: Chartwell restaurant, headed by executive chef Rafael Gonzalez (formerly of The Pierre in New York), The Garden Terrace, and the Terrace Bar. Chartwell, named after the summer home of Sir Winston Churchill (a colorful painting of the retreat hangs above the gas fireplace), is famous for fine furnishings and elegant table settings, but most of all for its exemplary service and West Coast cuisine.

The Garden Terrace, an inner city oasis of trees, ferns, and other greenery complemented by colorful bursts of flowers, is popular with locals escaping the hustle and bustle of urban action. Breakfast staff helpfully discussed menu details and were attentive but reserved; I was not offered a choice of tables, no one inquired whether my food was satisfactory, and I had to ask for an orange juice refill. Presentation was simple, but the breakfast was very good.

By contrast, in the off-lobby Terrace Bar, the congenial bartender (who knows his drinks very well, I discovered) was prompt at paying attention to newcomers and quickly offered drinks, along with complimentary appetizers. The mood is mellow, thanks to a charming decor in soft tones of red and camel, rosewood furniture, and a tranquil little garden visible through the northern glass wall. The beautiful circular bar has a brushed copper counter bounded all around by black padded leather.

It should be noted that Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver is the only hotel in the city that offers a dedicated kosher kitchen.

(+) The food is delicious
(-) Breakfast service was not as attentive as expected

Business Services: Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver

The business center (on the third floor) is small but comprehensive, with state-of-the-art computers, phones with a hands-free option, a color photocopier, and administrative staff available for assistance. Business services are available 24 hours a day, whether through the business center or the (multilingual) concierge.

The hotel offers 21,270 square feet of adaptable meeting space, in the form of 12 function rooms and a ballroom. All are equipped for the most advanced presentations with such things as lecterns with light and sound control, and built-in screens and drape kits. An on-site technician is available.

High-speed e-mail and Internet access are located in meeting rooms, public areas, and guest rooms.

(+) Small but comprehensive business center