The Wonderful Wedgewood Hotel & Spa, Vancouver

For our visit to Vancouver, my husband and I wanted something centrally located, maximizing our ability to experience the city on foot.  The Wedgewood is right in the heart of town on Hornby Street, one block away from the city's main shopping area, Robson Street, as well as the Vancouver Art Gallery.  The property overlooks Robson Square, a modernist, concrete and water space designed to be a major public gathering place for the city's residents.

If you’ve read my blog post, My Travel Philosophy: Where You Stay Matters skirt.com/shetravelsnearandfar/blog/my-travel-philosophy-where-you-stay-matters , you’ll understand why the Wedgewood is exactly my kind of place.   

She Stayed:

·         In a Deluxe Executive room with king-size bed, on a mid-level floor overlooking Robson Square.

She Liked:

·         Location- walking distance to many attractions and the trolley stop to get to those farther afield.  You’ll never need your car in town.

·         Sizeable rooms with a convenient in-room “bar” area for snacks, drinks, and all our stuff.  It’s nice to have things out of the way rather than cluttering up the room.

·         Beds so comfortable you never want to get out of them.

·         Effective blackout drapes that conspire with the comfy bed to keep you from ever getting up.

·         Sitting on the big balcony overlooking Robson Square, having cocktails and watching the sun go down.

·         Friendly, professional, well-informed staff who make you feel entirely at home.

·         Breakfast or drinks in the cozy bar, sitting at a table for two in one of the big bay windows, panes flung open so you can watch the world go by.

·         That the photos on the website are an accurate depiction of the property- what the photos promise is what the property delivers.

She’d Change:

·         The public space in the small spa.  Yes, the spa gets rave reviews, and is supposed to have great private services; I didn’t indulge in these during my stay.  I did use the steam room, and felt very uncomfortable.  The lockers were in the narrow hallway in plain view of the entrance, as was the glass door to the steam room, making me feel quite exposed.  There were no separate changing rooms, just a choice of bathroom with locking door, or large shower room with curtain (no lock).  The tiny fitness room was also open to this area, so there was no sense of privacy or relaxation to be found.  Pity!

·         Hot tub stuck in the corner of the bedroom- nice to have, odd to look at.

She Suggests:

·         Ask for a room facing Robson Square; those on the other side look out on an unattractive alleyway and the back of an ugly building.

·         If you can spring for it, go for one of the two Penthouse suites.  We lusted after their huge outdoor patios. 

·         Using a travel agent to get a better room selection.  We’d also absolutely recommend the travel agent who helped us select this rose among roses and arranged so many other details that made our Pacific Northwest adventure perfect.  We found Sheri Doyle on the Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist list, and she didn’t disappoint.  We feel we got extra special treatment at each of the hotels she booked for us, and since you know how much I care about where I stay when I travel, this scored major brownie points with me.  You can find Sheri here: www.pnwjourneys.com

She Pronounces:  Wedgewood’s a winner.  Enjoy your stay! www.wedgewoodhotel.com