Glass delights in a Canadian getaway at Parq Vancouver

 

IT’S A well-known fact that Vancouver is a treasure trove of natural beauty. From its show-stopping mountainous regions to the famous Stanley Park, the Canadian destination is something of a nature fest. All of this exquisite scenery might make one forget, though, that the west coast seaport also has a buzzing urban downtown. In fact, the entertainment district, which sits in-between the hip neighbourhoods of Yaletown and Gastown, has just been boosted by the recent addition of Parq Vancouver, a bustling luxury resort.

The exterior of Parq Vancouver at nightThe exterior of Parq Vancouver at night.

Admirably built to LEED Gold standards and covering nearly 800,000 square feet, Parq Vancouver is a highly unique property that incorporates two lifestyle hotels: the JW Marriot Parq Vancouver and the DOUGLAS, an Autograph Collection Hotel. Taken together, just over 500 guest rooms are on offer, as well as a selection of fancy suites.

A King Guest room at JW Marriott Parq Vancouver Photo credit - Par VancouverA King Guestroom at JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.

The Loft - a special suite at the DOUGLAS Photo credit - Parq Vancouver The Loft – a special suite at the DOUGLAS.

Whilst each hotel is unmistakably glamorous, the personalities of each are absolutely distinct. The DOUGLAS is the cooler kid, with its warm wooden details, powdery grey and gold palette, and self-assured ambiance. The smart reception area on the sixth floor, where guests check in, features a 25-foot replica Douglas fir tree encased in glass. The adjacent D/6 Bar & Lounge is an impressive day-to-night living space that opens up to a 30,000-square-foot outdoor “park” where guests can relax with their drinks. The standout design of the DOUGLAS is due to industry veteran Vincent Celano, founder and principal of Celano Design Studio, as well as Rob Wells of SixteenFifty Creative Intelligence. It’s a supremely cool affair, while still maintaining an elegant edge.

Great first impressions - The lobby at the DOUGLAS Photo credit - Parq VancouverGreat first impressions – the lobby at the DOUGLAS.

Take the lift back down to the ground floor, walk across the building’s extensive entrance, and you’ll find yourself at the JW Marriot Parq Vancouver, the more demure older sister that occupies two    towers on the east side of Parq Vancouver. This property is more prominent in that its lobby is immediately visible upon entering the building, and is situated next to the mammoth staircase that connects to the Parq’s multiple dining spaces. The guestrooms at the JW Marriot are an exercise in modern airiness, with their fresh white tones and warm lines, and are the brainchild of Studio Munge, a consistently interesting Toronto design firm.

1886, the stunning Chinese restaurant at Parq Vancouver. Photograph: Ema Peter.

Being a resort, it’s a treat to find several places to eat on site, all conceived by award-winning restauranteur Elizabeth Blau and Chef Kim Canteenwalla. Attention must be given to the two standout spots in the collection, which really are worth are visit and will likely become mainstays for locals. 1886 is a glamorous, jewel-hued space that serves sophisticated Chinese dishes from Canton,  Szechuan, Hunan and Shanghai. Led by Chef Jinsheng Zheng, the restaurant is named after the year Vancouver’s own Chinatown came into being. During our visit, the dim sum that was brought out was tear-inducingly good, boasting the most refined dumpling dough, while the steamed Chilean sea bass fillet emerged from the most delicious soy and ginger broth. Superb fish dishes can also be found at Victor, which showcases contemporary North American cuisine and excels at offering a fantastic range of local seafood. The ceviche tasting presents the freshest pacific pink bay scallops and sidestripe shrimp with crunchy plantain chips, and is an absolute must-have. You  would also be silly not to try a plate of sushi, which really shows off Victor’s culinary abilities.

The beautiful entrance of seafood restaurant The Victor at Parq Vancouver Photo credit - Bill MilneThe beautiful entrance of seafood restaurant The Victor at Parq Vancouver. Photograph: Bill Milne.

If you’ve eaten a bit too much, no matter – head to the spacious fitness centre and then take in spectacular views from the outdoor whirlpool. For some real luxury, though, make a visit to the superior spa. It’s a beautiful space, and, impressively, the first wellness experience of its kind in Canada. Other than possessing serene treatment rooms, a steam area and express chair massage, the spa features a private hair salon and nail bar. It’s true – Parq Vancouver really has you covered on all fronts.

By Derby Jones

Parq Vancouver
39 Smithe Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada
Tel: +1 604 683 7277

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