Vancouver, CanadaCoal Harbour
Fairmont Waterfront
Harbourfront glass tower
Coal Harbour Vancouver, Canada
Renovated
2016
Price
$$$
Rated for
Luxe Wellness LocalOutside the door
The house
AccorHarbourfront glass tower
The hotel runs to the rhythm of the working port, where cruise ships dock right outside panoramic lobby windows.
What it’s good at
Notable
Dedicated Gold floor concierge staff coordinate private check-in and evening canapé tastings.
Listed
A heated fifty-foot outdoor pool and cedar sauna overlook the harbour and mountains.
What they say
Also in AFAR.
the hotel also boasts a rooftop apiary (order the signature Apiary cocktail crafted with the hotel’s own honey and Waterfront Gin).
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The seawall path begins right outside, and the cobblestone streets of historic Gastown are an easy stroll away.
The rooms
Floor-to-ceiling windows look straight out at Burrard Inlet. Rooms are finished with pale leather headboards and soft coastal tones.
The rooftop pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The open-air pool sits heated on the third-floor terrace, ringed by red umbrellas and an outdoor whirlpool.
The gym
The 24-hour health club looks out through tall windows, and staff lead morning runs along the seawall.
ARC Bar
A circular counter and a long timber slab table sit beneath tall glass beside a backlit wine wall.
ARC Restaurant
Curved leather banquettes follow the glass perimeter, where dinner focuses on regional seafood and weekends bring bottomless brunch.
At the table
The Gold lounge lays out morning breakfast spreads and evening drinks beside a vertical plant wall.
How it began
Canadian Pacific Hotels built the tower in 1991, transforming an overgrown rail scrapyard on Burrard Inlet.
Vancouver
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.