Stayed here Nov 26 when in town for Sprinsteen concert. When I pulled up in my large wheelchair accessible van, the 2 valets out front initially ignored me. Perhaps they were uncomfortable seeing someone in a wheelchair be unloaded?
When I was dropping the van lift, I commented to my son that we were being ignored, a third valet overheard and came right over. He was pleasant, asked if we were checking in; ? why else would I be unloading there???
From this point on the stay was great, reception/check in very pleasant, confirmed my request for 2 oversized beds in a view room.
The room was nice, fabulous view of the inner harbour. However the oversized beds were doubles. Although disappointed that we didn't have queen beds, we were happy with the room and service.
The heat was very difficult to regulate, thermostat said 25 but the room was cold until late evening, slight dark staining on the ceiling from the heating fan.
The location of this hotel is great, right next to Gastown and the Skytrain station.
Pleasant staff and good experience once we got past the initial discomfort with staffs inexperience with my son in his wheelchair.
I would stay here again for the Fairmont service and location in the heart of the city.

So I travel 50-80 days a year for work, and have stayed at a Fairmont often when possible. My brother worked for Fairmont Lake Louise as a chef for a period of time, so I do have a strong affinity for the brand.

This week I came to the Waterfront on a five day business trip to attend a conference held across the street. Initially, I arrived to my room at the equivalent of 10pm my local time after flying for the majority of my day. I was exhausted, flopped down and went right to sleep. I awoke, showered and shaved, and dashed off to the conference. I did not return until that evening.

I am not going to detail what happened that night made me voice some concerns, although I had planned to prior to this evening. Suffice it to say that my room was not up to par.

However, specifically James Southam (Assistant Front Office Manager) has made my review go from 1/5 to 5/5 with his actions. When I voiced my concerns he had me in new accommodations within a half hour. This alone was not going to make me change my view, as it would have been something done by any hotel. However, the follow up call I received less than an hour ago, along with a written apology note (along with some small accouterments) has made me change my opinion.

I feel the thing that is lacking in hospitality is the follow-through when there is a concern. Any hotel can give lip-service and jostle some rooms around. The follow up call and apology note made me feel that raising my concerns was actually taken seriously, as opposed to brushed under the rug.

Actual Review:
GO TO THE FITNESS FACILITIES!!! - The eucalyptus infused steam room is outstanding. That alone made my trip. Could use some slightly higher weighted dumbbells, but I'm a freak who actually enjoys strenuously 'working out' on the road.

On-site dining: Herons was exceptional, with prices in line with a luxury hotel. For budget minded, there is ready access to a miniature mall through the Concourse level complete with a food court with about 8-9 food venues.

Service: Outlined above, exceptional. Answering the phone calls to the front desk with your actual name is a nice touch.

Hint: Join the Fairmont President's Club prior to booking. Club members get benefits that include workout clothing and running shoes. Great when packing a bag on the light may be an issue.

Stayed there for my birthday and when we returned from dinner there was a nice dessert plate in our room with a birthday card. The hotel drove us in their comfortable BMW to the restaurant which was not just around the corner. Very nice room, I enjoy staying at Fairmont hotels because of the service.

Stayed for 6 nights at the end of Nov. 2012.
I did not use the reception staff as I had pre checked in and when my taxi pulls up, the Bellman has my key ready for me and greets me by name. That was a first for me. Amazing. The bellman staff and concierge were friendly and courteous.
The room was 4.5 star, spacious, tidy and modern with all the comforts of a 5 star hotel. Floor to ceiling window. I had paid slightly extra for a Deluxe room with harbor view but got an obstructed view of the harbor and mountains due to the skyscraper of the pan pacific hotel in front of my room. Apparently I needed to ask for a Stanley park views at no extra cost. I was not told that at reservation.
Bathroom was 4 star as it lacked a separate shower which I prefer however it was clean and functional with 5 star LE LABO bathroom amenities.
The hotel has a lovely outdoor heated 3rd floor roof pool(there are 23 floors). Very airy GYM and indoor hot tub.
I did not use the restaurant but it looked modern and bright. The breakfast was $27 and brunch $44. Too much food for me, however my meals were included at the conference that I attended.
Below the hotel and connected through an escalator is a food court with 12 eateries open till 9pm. Including Tim Horton/McDonalds/Subway/Starbucks etc.
The Location is excellent in downtown at the waterfront. In front of Canada place (where the Alaska cruise ships dock) and convention centre. It is connected to the waterfront airport sky train station and Seabus station. Only 3 blocks from the charming Gastown neighborhood. It is an easy 4 blocks walking to a large mall. 8 blocks to a large cinema. 8 blocks to Chinatown. About 12 blocks from BC place and GM place for sporting events.
The hotel is surrounded by excellent restaurants within walking distance.
The taxi ride from the airport YVR cost $40 including tip despite numerous green traffic lights and sparse traffic. If you have manageable luggage then take the Canada line train/subway to waterfront station 2 blocks away and connected to the hotel with a walkway.
The bus&trolley hop on hop off tours leave from in front of the hotel. All the other tour companies will pick up from the lobby.