The Rosewood and I have a bit of history. The Mrs. and I are regular travelers to Vancouver, with our first stay at the Rosewood being back in January 2015 (the review is here on Tripadvisor). That stay was a spectacular experience, and the Rosewood became our favorite place to bed down when visiting the city (indeed, we agreed it was our favorite hotel – period). Since then, we have stayed at a few other Vancouver properties when the rate differential and our personal finances dictated that we do so, but there were also multiple Rosewood stays in there as well, because, well, it’s our favorite. Then COVID hit. That meant we went from visiting Vancouver at least 2 times a year to going two years without a visit at all. And when we could finally return, the Rosewood seemed to never have the most competitive rate amongst the Amex Plat “Fine Hotels and Resorts” listings for the city. As a result, we found a “new favorite” – the Shangri-La (which is very, very nice, mind you). But…in June of this year, when I was REALLY needing a getaway for some ME time (solo travel), and I went searching for the best Fine Hotels and Resorts deal I can find on the Amex Plat website, the Rosewood came through. Yaaa! First thing I did after making my reservation was to email every supervisor or manager at the Rosewood whose business card and email address I had, announcing my return in a shameless and not at all veiled appeal for special treatment and benefits (because, yes, I am that guy). And indeed, it seemed to have paid off because when I arrived, I was double upgraded to a very nice 1-bedroom suite (with two, count them, two restrooms!), that had a nice welcome amenity included. Ahh yes…the Rosewood. Now, that first stay more than eight years was less than 4 years removed for a top to bottom complete renovation of the property that took four years and $120M to complete. Everything seemed absolutely brand new (even though it wasn’t) and just looked amazing. Now, eight years after that stay and 12 years after that massive renovation, things don’t look exactly brand new anymore. There’s a tiny, tiny bit of wear and tear showing here and there…with me primarily noticing that the furniture in my suite was a wee scuffed, and the fabric surfaces (carpet, sofa, etc.) looking a little bit dull and worn. I only mention this because I had such fond memories of how beautiful everything looked during those initial stays. It was not at all a problem, and I am confident 99% of people wouldn’t even notice, particularly if they didn’t have anything to compare it to. There. I’ve lodged my “balance feedback” compliant. Oh Rosewood, how I missed thee…. What separates 5-star hotels from 4-star hotels isn’t necessarily the property itself, or the infrastructure. It is the people. It is the service. And during my four night stay the service just was magnificent. The way people remembered my name…left kind notes in the room…saw to my every need (including some I didn’t know I had until they were addressed) …it was just FANTASTIC. It was EXACTLY the care and pampering I came for, exactly what I needed. This is why I work hard and pay to stay at 5-star hotels (the beds are better as well…lol). I didn’t dine at Hawksworth during my stay – there is some issue with ownership and being able to charge things to your room or something I was told (I don’t remember the details), but the room service meals were great, as were the meals I had at the lobby bar, where I went for breakfast every day, and had dinner a couple times. I also didn’t go to the spa or workout room, but I am confident they are excellent. Overall, it was just a magnificent stay, everything I could have hoped for. (except for one thing…I was SOOO looking forward to seeing my new fancy car parked out front of the hotel, but alas, in the garage it went…though I can’t complain really since my parking was comped…see, that’s why I collect those business cards…lol). Thank you, Rosewood Georgia, for being exactly what I needed when I needed it. I am sorry I cheated on you with the Shangri-La…. will you forgive me? …
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.