Fairmont Vancouver Airport

Let's be honest: Airport hotels can frequently be a dismal affair, as corners are cut seemingly because guests never stay more than a night. Things are quite different at this Fairmont outpost, and it's a reliably upscale alternative to the standard airport hotels in the area. The main advantage to a stay here is its location inside of the airport's grounds -- in fact, it's attached to the airport itself. Fairmont Vancouver Airport has an outdoor entrance flanked by potted trees with a valet and concierge stand nearby, and the hotel also has an entrance inside the Vancouver Airport. The restaurant on-site offers views of planes maneuvering on the airport tarmac, and the open kitchen allows guests to watch meals being prepared. There’s a large, see-through stone fireplace near the bar, and fireside seating is available in velvety gray chairs. Guests are a mix of business and leisure travelers commuting through the airport, and day rates are available for guests who aren’t staying overnight. 

The hotel is located above the U.S. departures terminal in the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). There is a handful of restaurants in the international terminal before security as well as some shops. Downtown Vancouver is a half-hour ride on the SkyTrain, which stops across the street from the airport; otherwise, it's a 20-minute drive away. The popular ski destination, Whistler, is around a two-hour drive form the hotel. Valet parking is available, or guests can park in the YVR Terminal Parkade for a fee. 

The rooms at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport range in size, though all are spacious. The largest, on the top floor, has a kitchenette. Rooms have a simple, but pleasant look, with an abundance of inoffensive neutrals and earth tones throughout. Beige walls are offset by darker carpets and curtains, and white bedding pops against curvy light wood headboards. Furniture like end tables are high-end, and a step above the typical cheap wood-veneer pieces found in most airport hotels, especially in higher-category rooms like Signature Studios. All rooms have at least one plush chair for seating next to the window, and some rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with airport views and binoculars for guests to get a close-up look at airplanes. 

There are plenty of amenities, including fully stocked mini-bars and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Technology includes digital music players and touch-screen consoles to control temperature, the flat-screen TVs, and the lighting. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi is only included in some room rates. Bathrooms have separate showers and tubs, and are furnished with bathrobes, slippers, and generous Le Labo toiletry kits. Nintendo and PS3 consoles are available on request. Guests staying on the top floor -- the Fairmont Gold level -- have access to a private lounge with a free breakfast buffet and evening snacks. 

The hotel has a restaurant that serves breakfast available all day -- though it's not included in room rates -- and the on-site bar hosts live music five nights a week. The hotel’s health club is free to guests and includes a three-lane lap pool, a whirlpool, a children’s pool, and separate male and female saunas. There’s a fitness center with free weights as well as cardio machines such as stationary bikes and treadmills. The hotel has a spa offering a variety of health and beauty treatments including massages, manicures, and facials. There are 16 function rooms available for meetings and private events, and there’s a business center on-site. The hotel will store fish for free in its “fish freezer” for guests returning from fishing trips, and small pets are allowed for a fee. A hot breakfast buffet is offered and there's an afternoon tea with sandwiches, pastries, and scones, but both cost extra.