We decided to be tourists in our own town and to stay at the Fairmont Waterfront. We liked its ambience over its newer sister, the Pacific Rim. A little homier and less minimalist. Everything was great: location, service, friendly staff. For example, we needed some extra cutlery and it arrived within 10 minutes. Beds are great. And even on New Year's Eve, there was additional staff and our floor was quiet.

The one suggestion we have is that the room could use an additional comfortable chair or settee especially if you want to watch a movie. Also, we thought that $16.49 for a recent movie, in the room, was excessive.

We would stay there again and it's great to see Gastown coming back.

Our room at the Fairmont Waterfront was fantastic- we stayed over New Years so it was the perfect location for restaurants and sightseeing around Gastown. The hotel was very clean and well maintained, housekeeping was excellent and room service attentive, the concierges were great, particularly Brent . Our breakfasts were fine and thankfully included in our package. I certainly wouldn't pay $20 for their continental breakfast if it wasn't included. We weren't allowed to choose our own bakery assortment and were strictly told by the staff we were to tell them what we wanted and they would get it for us rather than us selecting ourselves, it seemed a little ridiculous.... Like they thought we were going to steal an extra piece of toast!
When we checked out, we were charged for every breakfast and were charged $6 for 2 champagne glasses delivered to us on New Year's Eve. The charges were reversed when we queried them but not without arguing our case with the woman on reception who you would have thought was personally compensating the charges from her own salary. It was unnecessary and left a bad taste in our mouth. Not sure we would stay at the Fairmont again because of the front desk staff.

Room on the 21st floor -- high up, quiet, and out of the way exactly as requested. Well appointed, nice view, spacious. Concierge, desk, and bar service were all great. My only complaint is that the business center (like other Fairmonts) requires you to swipe a credit card in a reader to use a computer. Don't mind being charged a few bucks, but feel like I'm signing up for theft swiping my card at a semi-public terminal.

The room was nice, updated. The floor to ceiling windows provide a gorgeous night time view of the downtown area. Great shopping nearby. A bit strange that wifi is not included at that price when most holiday inn, ramada etc provides wifi for free.