Fairmont Waterfront

We were given a gift from our kids for a New Years Eve stay. We were looking forward to it as we would never spend this kind of money on a place so our expectations were high. Our kids paid over $400 for the night in a room with water / park view on the 16th floor. To begin with we had to wait over 30 minutes to check in. The line up was huge and carried well into the atrium of the hotel. They had four staff checking in people but this was crazy. They did come by and offer hot chocolate and thanked us for being patient but this was way longer than it should have been. Once we got into our room, we loved the view but the room itself was quite dated. There were rolls in the carpet and although the room was very clean, it was dated with wall paper needing to be replaced etc. The bathroom as a great size and the view was amazing. This hotel allows pets in the rooms. I have no issue with this but when a dog keeps barking all day long that is a problem. I didn't come to a nice hotel and spend that kind of money on a place where I have to endure dogs barking all day and night long. While I didn't hear the dog in the middle of the night it was well into the evening that is for sure. Then we have neighbours who thought they could have New Years Party right in their room well after midnight. The music and laughter was so loud the security person couldn't get their attention without pounding on the door. Then this person proceeded to have their TV on so loud that we were awoken after 2 am with the security trying to get their attention once again due to their noise. A terrible sleep and less than enjoyable experience for what we paid. I wouldn't go here again even if it was half what I paid...just isn't worth it!

My airline canceled my flight to Canada at the last minute, effectively canceling my trip. I contacted the hotel about whether anything could be done. The front desk staff was insanely rude and told me with a pretty condescending voice that: - There would be no refunds as I prepaid for the room, even though I will not be able to stay in it due to reasons beyond my control - They will not accommodate a credit or transfer to another hotel in the same chain. - They will only allow rebooking the room at the same hotel if I was to tell them the new dates before the checkin date (which was the day I contacted them) of equal or lesser value They offered no sympathy for a family that just had their Christmas vacation ruined for something completely out of their control. I would really expect better out of such a highly ranked hotel. I'm out 1000$ for a hotel that I'm not even going to be able to stay at.

Our room at the Fairmount Waterfront was very clean and the view was spectacular. Room service was delicious and timely. It was wonderful to walk along the boardwalk to visit the local holiday market and sights. The nearby train was a great way to get to BC Place.

COMFORTABLE ROOM, VERY HELPFUL CONCIERGES. GOOD BREAKFAST. INSUFFICIENT VEGETARIAN CHOICE (IF ANY!) AT DINNER THEREFORE ATE ELSEWHERE IN THE EVENING. STAYED IN HIGH AND LOW FLOORS OVERLOOKING THE WATERFRONT. PEACEFUL AT BOTH FLOOR LEVELS. WOULD SUGGEST LOW FLOOR AND SPEND THE DIFFERENCE ON THE BREAKFAST!!

From the beautiful tree in the lobby, to the lovely ladies at check in, to the outstanding view of the waterfront & all the Christmas lights, what a fabulous stay!