Asian Sensation

Sleek and shiny at the corner of West Georgia and Thurlow, the imposing tower of the Shangri-la hotel Vancouver is – like so many new-builds today – mostly residences. At its base, though, is the Hong Kong-based chain’s entry into the Canadian hotel market. (Toronto’s “Shang” isn't due to open until 2012.)

All 119 guestrooms enjoy the exact same décor and amenities, such as free internet - the only difference in room categories is the size. Meeting space includes a state-of-the-art theatre for up to 47 people. There’s a large, well-equipped fitness centre, and the signature Chi spa offers six self-contained “spa within a spa” treatment rooms, one for couples.

The Lower Level lobby – though a bit dark – is designed to welcome guests as they arrive by car or taxi. There’s a second lobby at ground level with high ceilings, lots of natural light, a helpful Concierge desk, and a Lobby Lounge. Guests also have their choice of “four distinct dining atmospheres” at MARKET.

Asian art and design features grace the rooms and public spaces throughout the hotel, which is located within walking distance of downtown Vancouver’s popular attractions and shopping, and is exactly nine minutes (I timed it) from the brand new Vancouver Convention Centre.

http://www.shangri-la.com/

Crystal New Persuasion

Sparkling Hill Resort, 20 minutes from Kelowna airport and 15 minutes from Vernon, opened its crystal-adorned doors in May of this year. The hotel offers 152 guestrooms (each with its own crystal “fireplace”), a 2700 sq.ft. ballroom replete with crystal chandeliers in the shape of maple leaves, and a truly magnificent 40,000 sq.ft. spa and wellness centre.

In fact, it’s the Kurspa, with its focus on health and healing rather than aesthetics and pampering that makes this property so unique; that and the 3.5 million Swarovski Crystals that are used in every aspect its design.

After an intake interview guests are given a personalized program of treatments and remedies to follow during their stay, or they can enjoy some of the free facilities such as Fitness Studio, indoor, outdoor, and “hot” pools, and no less than seven (7) different sauna/steam rooms with varying temperatures, including the -110 degree Celsius “igloo”.

The food is outstanding, and although not busy at lunch, we were told that reservations for dinner are highly recommended. The Chef shops locally and organically and changes the menu almost daily based on the availability of the freshest ingredients.

Another attractive feature of the spa is the ‘no talking allowed’ Serenity Room, overlooking the north end of Lake Okanagan and Predator Ridge Golf Resort.

Serenity now.

http://www.sparklinghill.com/

http://www.sparklinghill.com/

What's in a name? Part 2

I arrived at Hotel Diva without an appointment, explaining that I was interested in seeing the hotel because I write a blog of the same name, and that I occasionally have need for room blocks at hotels during city-wides head-quartered at the Moscone Convention Center. Graciously welcomed, I was shown the meeting space, a couple of guestrooms, and one of the artist-designed lounges available as common areas for hotel guests to – well – lounge in.

I was told that the owner, a woman, has a background in interior design and hand-picks all the furniture, fixtures, and fabrics personally. I also learned that Hotel Diva is one of four boutique hotels in the Personality Hotel collection, and that one of its sister properties was the very first boutique hotel in San Francisco. All four are located in the Union Square neighbourhood – a veritable shopping Nirvana.

The image above is actually printed on a window blind. Can you make out the word "Diva" on the tops of the stockings?

http://www.personalityhotels.com/

What’s in a name? Part 1

It sounds kind of complicated but it was really quite painless.

From the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport I took the free shuttle to the International Terminal. I stored my suitcase at Travel Agency Services and boarded BART (the train) to Powell Station, downtown San Francisco.

From there I walked down Market Street to what I thought was going to be "Epplett's bakery".

Either it was a typo on the map or I need new glasses!

Eating It Too

In the current issue of Meetings & Conventions magazine a Baltimore baker was featured. The "Vincent Van Gough of dough" was lauded for his creativity in being able to create customized cakes for any occasion - or any event theme or company logo for that matter.

Hey - I know someone like that! Jade Lyn here in Toronto makes *amazing* cakes that taste as great as they look. My current fave is the Louis Vuitton Purse Cake pictured above.

Let me know if you'd like to talk to Jade about a cake for your next meeting or event.

Shhhhhh....Bisha

Quietly ascending on the corner of Blue Jays Way and King (next to the SOHO Metropolitan Hotel and kitty-corner from the Hyatt), is private residences-slash-boutique hotel which will go by the name of "Bisha". Slated to be the first in an international chain of such properties, the Toronto version will consist of about 81 hotel guestrooms and 340 luxury condo units. On the ground floor there will be a 24 hour cafe and lobby bar, both with outdoor patios (of course!), and the 7000 sq.ft. restaurant and lounge area on the 41st floor will be open to the public and available for buy-outs.

Their decadant sales prospectus is aimed at condo buyers and has a sexy "Hide and Seek" theme. Certainly some of the hotel details are yet to be revealed: number of room categories and meeting space capacities - although meeting space *is* indicated on the floor plans.

Scheduled to start welcoming guests April 2014.
http://www.bisha.com/

Talking Pointes

Notes from a recent trip to ARIZONA where I had an opportunity to see the two Pointe Hilton resorts...

Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak
Comprised of three main buildings: the cinnamon-coloured Convention Centre, and two mustard-hued guestroom blocks housing a total of 430 one-room suites, the Point Hilton Squaw Peak completed over $20 million dollars in renovations last year resulting in improvements to the lobby, all guestrooms, all meeting space, the River Ranch (water park) and the truly fabulous Tocasierra Spa and Fitness Centre (where I took advantage of both a Zumba class and the $15 "margaritas and manicures" promotion.)

Also part of the multi-million dollar facelift: the newly-opened Rico's American Grill joins the ranch-themed Hole-in-the-Wall restaurant, poolside cantinas and in-room dining to give guests several food and beverage options on-site

The property's prime meeting space is conveniently concentrated in the Convention Centre, with two ballrooms on the main floor (9,760 and 8,318 sq.ft, respectively), and breakouts stacked on top, with outdoor terraces available for meals and/or breaks. Guest accommodations also include 133 one- and two-bedroom luxury Casitas.

Pointe Hilton Tapatio
Minutes away, built on the so-called cliffs at Tapatio (don't worry, the hotel offers shuttle service to guestrooms), is this sister property - and like all sisters, they share a similar DNA, but assert their own style, and spend their allowances differently.

Tapatio's $25 million "allowance" went towards exterior painting, a new lobby, improvements to all guestrooms and meeting space, remodelling of the on-site 18-hole golf course, and the creation of a brand new 12,200 sq.ft. ballroom (in addition to the existing 16,000 sq.ft. Grande Ballroom). Its two signature food & beverage outlets, Pointe N Tyme and Different Pointe of View, were also completely renovated - the latter still enjoying a spectacular view of the valley while offering fine dining in a relaxed, upscale setting.

http://www.pointehilton.com/