Vancouver's Century Plaza Hotel: Luxury Redefined!
Century Plaza Hotel, Vancouver: My Chaotic, Luxurious, and Slightly Overwhelming Adventure
Okay, alright, buckle up buttercups. I'm fresh off a stay at Vancouver's Century Plaza Hotel, that beacon of alleged luxury, and let me tell you… it was a ride. Forget pristine reviews. This is the real deal, raw, imperfect, and probably slightly caffeinated. And yes, I'm still trying to figure out where my room key actually went.
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- Title: Century Plaza Hotel Vancouver Review: Luxury, Accessibility & Real-Life Chaos!
- Keywords: Century Plaza Hotel, Vancouver, Review, Luxury Hotel, Accessibility, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Wi-Fi, Downtown Vancouver, BC, Canada, Family Friendly, Services, Best Hotels Vancouver, Accessible Hotel, Kid Friendly Hotels, Hotels With Spa, Hotels With Pool.
- Meta Description: Honest and unfiltered review of Vancouver's Century Plaza Hotel! Accessibility, amazing spa, chaotic (but luxurious) rooms, and food adventures. Is it worth it? Read on!
First Impressions: Grand, Gigantic, and a Little… Sterile?
Arriving at the Century Plaza is like walking onto a movie set… but the set feels a little too perfect, almost… staged. The lobby? Gigantic. Gleaming. Filled with people who definitely look like they know where they're going (I did not). Accessibility seemed well thought out – ramps everywhere, elevators galore, which was a huge plus. I'm not in a wheelchair but I appreciate the effort! Felt welcoming to anyone, actually.
Rooms: Plush, Possibilities, and a Missing Key…
My room? Oh, the room. Picture this: a huge, high-floor sanctuary, complete with a breathtaking view (yes, even slightly blurry through the city haze). The air conditioning blasted like a blizzard, which was actually perfect after braving the Vancouver rain. The bed was a fluffy cloud – seriously, I could have sunk into it forever. Blackout curtains? Genius. I’m a light sleeper, and this was a lifesaver. The bathrobes felt like a fluffy hug, and the slippers were… well, slippers. You know.
However… where the heck did I put that key card? Seriously. It vanished. I spent a solid 15 minutes – in what I suspect was a rather unprofessional manner – tearing apart my luggage. (Thankfully, the daily housekeeping service seemed to take it all in stride. God bless them, they've seen it all). They really were great though, and did thorough cleaning! The bathroom was ridiculously spacious, with a separate shower/bathtub (I took advantage of both, obviously). And those complimentary toiletries? Sleek, smelling of something expensive. This all made me feel like luxury was actually achievable. I think I saw a hair dryer in there too. Oh yes there was a refrigerator as well.
The Internet Saga: Wi-Fi Woes (and Wins)
Let's talk internet, shall we? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – a huge win. BUT… it wasn't the most stable connection. Think occasional buffering, the internet version of a hiccup… Internet Access – LAN was also available, but who even uses LAN anymore? (Shows how old I am). The Wi-Fi in public areas was much more reliable, thank goodness, I mean, where does an internet addicted person go when they need to actually work?
The Food Frenzy: From Asian Delights to Buffet Battles
Okay, the food situation. Here comes the good stuff. The Asian breakfast was… incredible. Seriously, the best congee I've ever had. I'm a picky eater and the vegetarian restaurant had a lovely option for me. The breakfast buffet itself was a glorious battleground of breakfast items. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Always a win. The restaurants had an extensive a la carte menu, and I definitely indulged in the desserts in restaurant. Room service [24-hour] was a godsend when I had a late-night craving. And the bottle of water that appears magically at your bedside every night? Simple luxury, but it makes you feel pampered, ya know? I was amazed at the wide availability of good food, and there was coffee shop for my morning fix too.
Spa Shenanigans: Sauna, Steam and Almost Burning Myself
Now for the spa. This is where things got intense. The massage was dreamy, I could have stayed under those skilled hands for hours. The sauna? Hotter than Hades. I may have overstayed my welcome and almost roasted myself. The steamroom was… steamy. And lovely. The pool with view… yeah, stunning. I didn't want to get out. I mean, it's just that gorgeous. A Body scrub or Body wrap could have been interesting too.
Things to Do (Beyond Not Burning Yourself in the Sauna)
Ok, so the hotel knows Vancouver. It's proximity to everything downtown Vancouver is top-notch. I went to a shrine. Meetings were available, as were Seminars. There's an indoor venue for special events. Sadly, I didn't see any outdoor venue for special events, but who knows? The hotel had facilities for disabled guests. The Car park [on-site] was fantastic, but a bit pricey, I won't lie.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitization Symphony
In these times, safety's key, and Century Plaza actually does a decent job. There are hand sanitizers everywhere, and the staff – bless their hearts – were constantly (and subtly) cleaning every surface. They even had anti-viral cleaning products. The rooms sanitized between stays, apparently. They had daily disinfection in common areas, too. There were smoke alarms of course.
The Annoying Bits (Because It Can't All Be Sunshine and Spa Days)
Okay, the slight annoyances. The elevator situation got a little backed up during peak times. The car power charging station would be awesome for electric vehicles. The gift shop seemed a little… sparse, even. I am not a shopaholic by any means, but the options seemed limited. The Staff trained in safety protocol was a good thing.
The Verdict: Worth It (Probably… But Pack Your Patience)
Overall? The Century Plaza is a solid choice. It's luxurious, well-located, the spa's incredible, and they try hard with accessibility. The food is generally amazing. But, it's not perfect. It's a big hotel, and sometimes it feels too big. The internet could be better. And, you know, there’s the whole vanishing key card incident.
Would I go back? Yeah. Probably. Because, despite the minor hiccups, the overall experience was pretty darn good. Just make sure you budget for a taxi service or the airport transfer! Plus, that congee…it was worth all the chaos.
Vegas Oasis: Henderson & Green Valley Courtyard's Unbeatable Deals!
Okay, buckle up buttercup. This isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're heading into the Century Plaza Hotel in Vancouver, and trust me, things are about to get gloriously messy.
Century Plaza Hotel: My Vancouver Blitzkrieg (Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Pre-Dinner Nap)
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic
- 1:00 PM - Arrive at YVR, and the first existential crisis: Okay, so I’m at the airport, clutching my oversized tote bag like it’s my lifeline. Seriously, why did I pack three different types of eye cream? Vancouver is BEAUTIFUL – the mountains, the sea… and me, a sweaty wreck in a slightly-too-tight dress.
- Transportation: Skytrain to downtown. Surprisingly easy! I almost missed the stop because I was too busy ogling that ridiculously handsome guy with the beanie. Should have asked him for directions. Now I’m stuck on a train.
- Emotional Reaction: Anxiety-ridden, excited, and slightly embarrassed about the aforementioned sweaty dress.
- 2:30 PM - Check-in at Century Plaza: The lobby is… well, it's a hotel lobby. Clean enough, but I swear, the carpet is a shade of beige that actively tries to make me fall asleep.
- Room: Okay, it's fine. The view? Not the ocean, sadly. I got street view. At least there are no creepy clowns lurking in the parking lot… I hope.
- Important Observation: The minibar is extortionate. Seriously, $8 for a can of Coke? I’m going to need to raid the 7-Eleven later.
- 3:00 PM - The Pre-Dinner Nap (My True Love): This is the most important item on the agenda. Gotta recharge for the evening. I will get the BEST SLEEP HERE.
- Pacing: Slow. Very. Slow.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure blissful anticipation.
- 6:00 PM - A Quick Reconnaissance Mission: I’m up! (Finally). I’m venturing out to explore. The city is bustling, I have a map, and I am ready to find something delicious.
- Location: Granville Island Market.
- Quirky observation: I ate way too many fresh oysters, and now I feel like I'm swimming in the ocean.
- 7:30 PM - Dinner at a random place: I don’t have a reservation, of course. I’m a spontaneous adventurer of the culinary arts! I wander until a place calls to me… that is to say, I'm starving. I ended up in the place with the best (and fastest) service. I just want a drink and some food, for crying out loud.
- Food: Salmon, because when in Vancouver, you eat salmon.
- Emotional Response: Content. Full. Slightly tipsy. Mission accomplished.
- 9:00 PM: The Nightcap Saga: Okay, so I'm back at the hotel and, thanks to the salmon (and the wine), I am ready for bed.
Day 2: Exploring the City & Regret
- 8:00 AM - Early Mistake: Should have set an alarm.
- Breakfast: I’m too grumpy to leave, so it's pastries from the lobby cafe! Overpriced, stale, and totally worth it.
- 9:30 AM - Stanley Park: Nature's Botox (or So I Thought): I’m going to tackle Stanley Park. Feeling virtuous. Feeling… tired already.
- Transportation: Bus, because I'm too cheap for a cab.
- Quirky Observation: Those totem poles are seriously impressive. They also make me feel woefully under-cultured. Note to self: learn more Native history.
- Emotional Response: Awe-struck, and then utterly exhausted.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch at a random café: I'm STARVING. I see something good.
- Food: I got a burger. It's the best burger I have ever had.
- Emotional Response: Pure bliss.
- 2:00 PM - Gastown: Where Time Stood Still (and I Got Lost): Okay, so I went to Gastown because everyone said it was amazing, and it feels like I fell on a movie set from 100 years ago.
- Quirky observation: The steam clock. It’s a bit… underwhelming. Like, I expected it to be made of gold and sing to me.
- Imperfection: I got lost. Seriously, I wandered around like a confused tourist, then ended up running into a group of people and the panic started again.
- Emotional Response: Appreciative, then bewildered, then a little bit grumpy.
- 4:00 PM - Back to the hotel to cry: I was so tired. No, I was exhausted.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at a place recommended by the hotel staff: Fine. I’m just hungry, and I'm not sure I can make a decision. So I just went to whatever place was recommended.
- 7:00 - Back to the hotel: This time I was more tired. I just wanted to sleep.
Day 3: The Day of Departure and Sadness
9:00 AM - Breakfast in the Hotel: Ugh. It's time to go.
10:00 AM - Last-Minute Souvenir Hunt: I can’t leave without getting something for the people back home. I head to the gift shop.
- Souvenir: I should get that book.
12:00 PM - Goodbye, Vancouver: Goodbye, Canada. It was great, I think.
- Transportation: Skytrain (again). Getting surprisingly good at this.
- Emotional Response: Mixed feelings: sad to leave, but also strangely relieved to be going home to my own bed.
Post-Trip Reflection:
Vancouver, you're beautiful, and kind, and the food is amazing. The pre-dinner naps saved me. I'll be back. Someday.
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Century Plaza Hotel: Luxury? More Like… an Experience (and a Few Headaches)
Is the Century Plaza REALLY luxurious? Like, REALLY?
Okay, here's the deal. "Luxury" is a loaded word, right? They *say* luxury, and yeah, the lobby's shiny, the doormen are impeccably dressed (most of the time), and the beds… well, the beds *are* pretty darn comfy. But let's be real. Luxury isn't just about shiny surfaces.
I remember one time, check-in took *forever*. Seriously, longer than it took to fly cross-country. And then, after finally getting my room key, I discovered the view from my “deluxe suite” was mostly the back of another building (which, by the way, looked like it was undergoing a full-blown renovation). My mood went from "oooh, luxurious!" to "well, this sucks."
So, luxury? Depends on your definition. It's got its moments, but be prepared for a bit of a rollercoaster.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they worth the price?
Rooms… ah, the rooms. They’re generally clean, and that's huge, right? That’s a solid win. The suites? They're spacious, no doubt. You could practically hold a small party in them. But! Here comes a “but”… the decor sometimes feels like it’s stuck in the late 90s. Think…gold accents. Lots of gold. And the air conditioning? It’s a fickle beast. One minute, you’re freezing, the next, you're convinced you're experiencing a Vancouver heatwave, even in October.
Price? That's the rub. If you're used to paying budget-friendly, well, pack some smelling salts. It's not cheap. Are they worth it? If you get a good deal and end up loving the location, then maybe. But, brace yourself for a little sticker shock.
And the location? Is it actually as fantastic as they claim?
Okay, FINALLY, a win! The location? Absolutely brilliant. You're practically in the heart of everything! Shopping, restaurants, the gorgeous Robson Street…it's all right there. Walkable! That's key in Vancouver, where parking is a blood sport.
I remember strolling around one evening with a friend; we started to chat about how easy it was to wander and found a beautiful little cafe. It's the kind of experience only a good location can unlock.
Seriously, the location is probably the biggest reason to book here.
What about the spa? Is it a relaxing oasis?
The spa… Ugh. This is where things get… a little chaotic. I've had massages there that were heavenly, a truly blissful experience. But, and this is a big but, I've also had massages that were, shall we say, less than stellar. One time, my massage therapist was practically gossiping with a colleague the entire time. I was there to relax! Not to hear about someone's dating woes. The pool area is nice, but sometimes a bit crowded, and I can not figure out their sauna.
It's hit or miss. Honestly. Read reviews. Then brace yourself for a coin flip of an experience.
Food! How's the dining situation?
The on-site restaurant… okay, here's a memory. I had breakfast there once. And it was…fine. Perfectly edible. But utterly forgettable. Like, I’m struggling to remember ANYTHING specific about it.
Fortunately, because of that stellar location, you're surrounded by amazing food options. Seriously, explore! Don’t over-rely on the hotel restaurant.
My Experience: The Elevator Debacle. (Just… Ugh.)
Okay, so remember how I said there were a few headaches? Buckle up. I'm going to rant. And it's all about the elevators. Specifically, *one* particular stay.
We arrived, exhausted after a long flight. Checked in (which, like I mentioned, took an eternity). Finally got our keys. Tried to get to our room. And… the elevator. It was a disaster.
For starters, The moment we stepped in we noticed the sound, which was like a rusty, dying vacuum cleaner. Then, the constant stopping at every single floor, even though no one wanted to get out or in. Eventually, the elevator gets stuck. Completely. For a good ten minutes, we were trapped. People were starting to panic. I was just… annoyed. Resigned to my fate, maybe.
Eventually, it started up again. The doors opened. And the same thing happened at least twice more during our stay.
Honestly, it was the most frustrating part of the whole experience and made me think about the entire hotel, and whether I would come back, and why this happened to me.
Would you recommend the Century Plaza Hotel? (The honest truth!)
Okay, the bottom line. Would I recommend it? That depends. If you're prioritizing location above all else, and you get a good deal… yeah, maybe. Just be prepared to roll with the punches. It's not perfect, by any means.
But, hey, every stay is an adventure, right? Just make sure to bring your patient hat and a good sense of humor. And maybe avoid the elevators.
Any tips to have a better experience?
1. Prioritize the Location: That's the biggest plus.
2. Read Reviews (Especially Recent Ones): See what other people are saying *right now*.
3. Ask for a renovated room. It can make a huge difference.
4. Don't over-rely on the hotel restaurant. Go explore the food scene!
5. Bring snacks. You never know when you'll be stuck in an elevator.
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