On the eve of the February 2010 Winter Olympics, Fairmont Pacific Rim was on the verge of making its fashionable debut in Vancouver. It opened to its first guests through the Winter Olympics while being recognized on the world stage, and it has not stopped since. The hotel has played host to some monumental moments, extraordinary accomplishments, prestigious events, gatherings, and celebrated guests. We take a look back at the last decade and count down some of the moments that have defined where Fairmont Pacific Rim is today.

9) A GALLERY-GOER’S PARADISE
No paid admission is required to see some of the greatest contemporary art in North America, on display right here at Fairmont Pacific Rim. Under the direction of hotel owners Westbank and Peterson, the collection is not themed but rather driven by passion and interest. With the hotel opening, an exterior art installation was commissioned to UK artist Liam Gillick, who developed a running line of text that wraps the exterior of the building. Additions—both externally and throughout the hotel—have been added since on a yearly basis. Whether it’s the public pieces that glow amidst the exterior, the rotating couture fashion collection that stands tall in the lobby, or the Canadian photographic art from famed late Fred Herzog or internationally acclaimed Ian Wallace, Fairmont Pacific Rim is a starting point where anyone can begin exploring a young, increasingly art-savvy city.

8) MUSICAL MOMENTS
From billboard chart concerts to pop-up performances and a daily lineup of the best musical artists, Fairmont Pacific Rim has become a notable leader in supporting emerging Canadian musicians who have come from across the nation to play at The Lobby Lounge, considered Vancouver’s heart and beat of live music. It’s a place that inspires creativity and innovation, where one becomes entranced with the engaging and lively atmosphere. You just never know who will appear next…

7) FASHION FORWARD
In 2013, Fairmont Pacific Rim staged its first fashion show, placing a catwalk through the centre of the lobby and taking ownership of bold, provocative, and leading-edge fashion shows in Vancouver. To date, seven events have captivated the city, acting as an anchor for art installation unveils, brand launches, holiday celebrations, and promoting Canadian fashions from coast to coast.

6) THE MAIN EVENT
With a collection of coveted spaces and event venues that inspire innovation and connection, Fairmont Pacific Rim has set the stage for high profile meetings, events, and social galas held by companies of global renown. The hotel has also served as a venue for couples seeking an iconic viewpoint for the very special occasion of ‘I do.’

5) FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Gone were the days where a hotel only catered to its visiting guests for the mere convenience of a hot meal after a long day of travel, work, or exploring the city. Hotels have come a long way, now developing restaurant and bar concepts that serve a healthy mix of both guests and locals. This allows for a deeper look at what is being established internationally, while also considering the desire of what would be a welcome addition locally and, in Vancouver’s case, to an already thriving cultural melting pot of dining options. Since opening, Fairmont Pacific Rim has been on the forefront of hotel dining, offering a collection of international award-winning cuisine such as the rave-worthy sushi from Vancouver’s only 100% Ocean Wise sushi destination at The RawBar; internationally praised cocktail programs; Italian fare at giovane café + eatery; and the newest addition of Botanist (more on that later).

4) COCKTAIL MOVERS & SHAKERS
Fairmont Pacific Rim has become a breeding ground for talented bartenders who call both The Lobby Lounge and Botanist Bar home. The Lobby Lounge was the pioneer for Fairmont Pacific Rim’s cocktail culture when the hotel opened, blending the union of art and architecture, music, and cocktails. When Botanist Bar opened in 2017, it had big shoes to stack up to beside its sibling bar on the lobby level. A boutique-style approach to the cocktail program was taken, ultimately providing two unique cocktail bar concepts: a lively lounge atmosphere at The Lobby Lounge, coupled with the refined and sophisticated take at Botanist Bar. Together, they make a stellar team of craftsmanship, with a passion and dedication to raising the bar of Canada’s cocktail culture.

3) LIKE A CAROUSEL
Commissioned in the summer of 2017 and created by Vancouver-based Chapel Arts, an innovative art installation doubles as a bicycle carousel on display at the hotel’s front entrance. It is home to a fleet of 18 BMW electric bikes led by the hotel’s bike butler team. The art installation consists of 18 spokes, each of which contains a bicycle with a unique calling card and lock. Each vehicle can be identified by the customized light on the spoke which “calls” it to the front of the carousel, where it is unloaded and prepared for the guests’ two-wheeled adventure through the city.

2) BOUNTY OF BOTANY
Botanist was welcomed like a breath of fresh air upon opening in spring 2017. This bright, open, and airy space filled with lush plants and greenery was designed and inspired by the principles of botany and offers a bar, garden, lounge, and dining room. Offering à la carte or the option to go in blind with the ‘we’ll take it from here’ chef’s choice tasting, the menu highlights a true reflection of the Pacific Northwest, featuring experimental dishes using traditional and new techniques, with care and attention given to every ingredient on the plate. Accompanied by a boutique wine program and chemist-like bar program, discover why Botanist has become one of the most talked-about restaurants and bars in town.

1) GOLD MEDAL PERFORMANCE
Fairmont Pacific Rim was built on the foundation of delivering the Fairmont brand experience with a twist of Pacific Rim style. While the hotel is a designer’s drool-worthy dream, the overall experience doesn’t come without the efforts of hotel colleagues who, day in and day out, commit to service excellence by delivering extraordinary experiences with a sense of the unexpected. It’s the people that make the place and, in 2019, Fairmont Pacific Rim, for the first time, received both the Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond recognition— the only Fairmont city-hotel in North America to receive both honours, which we share proudly with our team and guests.