I was highly disappointed with our stay on New Year's Eve at the Fairmont. The front desk lady was very rude, condescending and argumentative. She even made my girlfriend cry. There were three of us checking in together yet she still booked us in a queen bed room when we had asked for 2 doubles. She didn't even apologize and made it seem like it was our fault.

For the price, I've seen better rooms in Vancouver. The location is good but I would reccommend another hotel.

We stayed at this hotel from Feb 15-18/07 and they were several positive and negatives:
Positives: the locations is great - close to downtown and right on the water. the service was outstanding - room service was great and everyone was helpful with any questions we had, the food was good, the fitness facility was clean and never very crowded, rooms are clean and comfortable.
Negatives: parking is very overpriced - we rented a car and had to pay the parking charge of $27/day - as there was no alternative for parking we had no choice (we thought maybe they would give the hotel guests a break but no), the food is also overpriced ($5 for a glass of juice or a pot of tea) but I guess that is expected for a Fairmont, the rooms that have not been update are also in desperate need of it - I understand that they are in the process of doing this so if possible request a room that has been updated!!! Our was not and was done all in pastel colours and the furniture was chipped and outdated.
If you can get a decent price on this hotel and/or an updated room I would recommend staying here as as always the service was great.

We booked three nights at the Fairmont Waterfront for the end of our honeymoon. After staying at the fabulous Westin in Whistler our expectations were high.

Firstly goodpoints:
Location - great! Apart from the cranes, it has a great view out over the water and to Stanley Park/North Vancouver.
Skytrain - in Basement and is a fabulous way to get around.
Concierege - very helpful and knowledgeable. They booked us tickets to see the Canucks (which I recommend).

Bad points:
Upon arrival we asked for a Bellman to collect our bags. Not because we are lazy, but because we got married we had a lot of cases (about 5 including hand luggage). Once the coach had dropped us off my wife went and asked someone to help, and then went to check in. No one turned up, and because I was just out of sight of the bellman I couldn't leave my bags to go and ask for help again. Eventually my parents-in-law walked passed (by chance) and helped with the bags. As we went through the entrance there was a bellman who asked if we required any help!

Rooms - apparently they are in the middle of refurbishing the rooms. Our first room wasn't what we had requested when we booked. It was on the 11th floor and not overlooking Stanley Park. It was a corner room so was very compact and the decor was very dated! If you're staying, get a room on the 18th floor or above. These have been re-decorated.

Noise - this was my biggest gripe. I didn't get much sleep because of the noise outside the hotel (building work) or people talking very loudly outside our room/kids running and screaming. Try not to get a room near the lift - I think this was the cause of the rattling of trolleys and people talking loudly.

We were only here a few days and the hotel was fully booked due to about 7 conferences taking place. No other rooms were available so we put up with the noise.

The Seaplanes I can cope with as they don't really start to take off until after 8.30, however the construction work starts way before 8am and is quite loud. The cranes (5 of them) also obstruct the view of the park which is a shame.

Maybe my expectations of this hotel were too high, but I wouldn't stay here again.

And if you were hoping to see the hotel dog and take it for a walk, he is only around on Tuesday and Wednesdays now. However the Fairmont Vancouver has a dog all the time if you want to walk it!

Selected this hotel after reading good trip advisor reviews. Generally the hotel is a good standard with great views. My only comment is that the rooms were a little dated. It definitely isn't a 5* room and the bathroom fixtures were disappointing. Apart from that service was excellent as was breakfast. An enjoyable stay but there may be better elsewhere.