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Vancouver has a rich history, with its land once being home to the tallest trees in the world. The city’s downtown peninsula was once covered in an old-growth forest, lined with magnificent Douglas firs that reached heights of 55m. However, with colonisation and clear-cutting logging practices, much of this forest was lost. The Douglas, a boutique-style hotel from the Autograph Collection, opened in 2017 and aims to tell this captivating story. From the moment you enter the lobby, you are greeted with a replica Douglas fir tree trunk serving as the reception desk. Back-lit and cross-sectioned, it gives a glimpse of what it would look like leaving a lumber mill. The hotel’s lifts resemble a mine shaft with hundreds of lights, creating a unique atmosphere. The dark and moody floors that house the bedrooms are inspired by the forest, taking guests back to the city’s origins. Despite the weighty theme, The Douglas offers a chic and comfortable stay with a distinct point of view.
The perfect location of The Douglas allows guests to explore the highlights around False Creek, a body of water that forms a U-shape around the downtown peninsula. The hotel’s sixth-floor green space offers a tranquil escape, while the spacious, mid-century-modern-inspired bedrooms continue the forestry theme. Tiled wooden headboards with built-in lighting, plaid woollen throws, and earthy-toned furniture create a cozy atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide ample natural light, and blackout curtains ensure a restful sleep. The views from the rooms include BC Place stadium, False Creek, and the cityscape beyond.
Sustainability is a priority at The Douglas, as seen in the sixth-floor park designed to offset the hotel’s carbon footprint and the hundreds of native pines and local flora found on site. The stylish guest bathrooms feature marble, brass, and wood accents and earn eco points for providing full-size, refillable Aesop toiletries. Instead of mini fridges, the hotel offers YETI cool boxes, encouraging guests to reduce electricity consumption and enjoy outdoor activities. Dining options on-site include D/6, an elegant rooftop lounge specializing in artisanal cocktails and the surf-and-turf spot, The Victor. The Douglas is part of the Parq Vancouver complex, which offers 10 eateries and bars, providing guests with plenty of choices.
While The Douglas is located in an entertainment complex with a casino, a few eateries, and another hotel, this does not hinder the guest experience at the hotel itself. The location is unbeatable for exploring the highlights around False Creek, such as neighbouring Yaletown and Granville Island. It is also convenient for those attending a sporting event or concert at one of the nearby arenas.
The hotel offers 163 rooms and 25 suites, with no spa on-site. However, guests have access to the spa and rooftop whirlpool at the JW Marriott, which is part of the same complex. There is a small gym available, and guests can also use the larger gym at the JW Marriott.
Room rates start at C$499 (about $373/£295). The address is 45 Smithe Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3.
Niki Blasina was a guest of The Douglas.
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