On my recent trip to Vancouver, British Columbia I had the opportunity to step inside the best airport hotel in North America according to the 2015 SkyTrax World Airport Awards. Fairmont Vancouver Airport also came in 6th place for world airport hotels in the 2015 awards.
Fairmont Vancouver Airport is conveniently located in the international terminal of Vancouver YVR Airport. After checking in for my flight 90 minutes before flight time, I headed up the escalators, around the two children their mom was letting play on the escalators, to reach the second level entrance to the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel.
At the top of the escalator were exhibits sharing the fishing industry history of the region. Vancouver YVR Airport is located on an island called Sea Island in Richmond where arms of British Columbia’s Fraser River reach the sea. Salmon fishing was a major industry here prior to air travel and the need for an airport.
Check-in and security for US flights is in this part of the YVR terminal. US immigration and customs processes US arrivals at Vancouver Airport prior to departure from Canada. There are no more passport lines and checks when you arrive in the USA airport.
The Fairmont Vancouver Airport is a quiet oasis of calm you can immerse yourself in prior to flying out of the country, or upon arrival in Canada.
Elevated walkway to Fairmont Vancouver Airport lobby entrance. With my backpack and carry-on in tow, the front desk staff at reception greeted me warmly and then enthusiastically encouraged me to walk around and check out the space after I told them I was simply interested in checking out the space.
Fairmont Vancouver Airport offers day room rates in addition to regular nightly rates. The hotel is ranked AAA 4-Diamond. The 392-room hotel is soundproofed with views of the runways. Rooms feature INNCOMM all electronic control panel for room functions. There is even a luxury hotel Fairmont Gold floor within the airport hotel with private concierge, 24-hour dining and other amenities.
This is a fine place to relax with a drink or some food while at the airport, even if you have no plans to stay the night.
Fairmont Vancouver Airport hotel also features a health club and spa, accepting walk-in appointments.
Fairmont Hotels are the upper upscale hotel brand of Canada with hotels in all the major Canada cities, generally in the heart of the financial and tourist areas downtown.
There are plenty of hotels in Richmond, but none with the convenience of the Fairmont Vancouver Airport in the international terminal if you want a quick bed after your flight or a short walk to check-in and security before your flight.
