Encompassing 693,000 square feet, the Parq Vancouver is the largest destination resort in British Columbia. With its Gold LEED-certified structure, the Parq Vancouver features 517 hotel rooms, 5 restaurants, 3 bars and lounges, a casino and private gaming salons and 62,000 square feet of dedicated conference and event space. The 2018 Juno Awards were recently held at the urban resort. Located in downtown Vancouver, next to BC Place Stadium, Parq Vancouver features the DOUGLAS, a chic and modern Autograph Collection Hotel as well as the exquisite JW Marriott Parq Vancouver. Guests of both hotels have easy access to Parq’s casino, restaurants with varied cuisine, a world-class spa, a state-of-the-art fitness studio and a stunning, 30,000 square foot park with native trees located 6 floors above street level.
Named after the majestic Douglas fir that was discovered by famed botanist and explorer David Douglas, the DOUGLAS, an Autograph Collection Hotel, beautifully melds city and nature in a chic, urban oasis that offers a retreat from the daily stressors of our increasingly aggravated environment. Historically, the Douglas firs that lined the banks of False Creek were alleged to be among the tallest trees in the world at one time. These trees allowed for a booming economy that helped British Columbia to flourish.
Walking into the DOUGLAS for the first time was a bit overwhelming for this city girl. Immediately upon being greeted by two dapper bellman in the lobby of the Parq, I was whisked away from the frenetic environ of downtown Vancouver to a woodsy and calming cocoon of soothing wood tones, expansive glass windows offering panoramic views, and an actual verdant, living wall that literally breathed fresh air into the common spaces. Check-in takes place on the 6th-floor lobby which is adjacent to the elegant and super modern D/6 Bar & Lounge. The common spaces entice you to linger perhaps a little longer than you should but once you set foot in your room, you will never want to leave.
I was treated to a standard room but we aren’t talking about your average standard room. The DOUGLAS is a five-star property, after all, so the furnishings and finishes were tasteful, inviting and luxurious as were the lovely bathroom products from Aesop. The DOUGLAS boasts 188 modern rooms and suites offering city or park views. The One Bedroom Suite includes a separate bedroom featuring a king bed, workstation and leather bench seat, a social living room, a dining area that accommodates 4 people and a double sink vanity with city views.
The DOUGLAS also offers 10 suites in total, including 3 luxury suites named The Den, The Loft and Apartment 108 for that VIP client who requires a lot of space and exceptional opulence. The Den suite is described as smooth, handsome and soulful. That's quite an apropos description of this truly elegant suite that is bathed in comforting, warm tones and appointed with the most au courant accessories to make for a memorable stay.
When hunger sets in, you don’t need to venture too far to soothe your cravings. The Victor is located on the same level as the DOUGLAS’ lobby and is perfectly positioned on the rooftop, offering pristine views of the water, an outdoor garden, False Creek and the seductive Vancouver skyline. Additionally, Victor has something to appeal to every taste as it offers fresh, local seafood in addition to a variety of steaks and sushi.
The Victor is definitely the type of restaurant that inspires you to dress in your finest attire, not to be outdone by the sleek and modern décor or the elegantly attired staffed. I started off my meal with a “light, delicate and diplomatic” cocktail named the French Smash that consisted of Bombay Sapphire Gin, frozen raspberries, St. Germain elderflower liqueur and sparkling wine. For a starter, I selected the decadent Shrimp Tempura with spicy and creamy ponzu sauce. Other starters included Quebec Foie Gras with iced-grapes and shaved Anjou pear and a Togarashi–Spiced Blue Fin Tuna served seared on a Himalayan salt block accompanied with ponzu-daikon sauce. From the garden, I went for a cleansing Shaved Raw Vegetable salad that included pomegranates and pistachios and I finished with a beautiful Whole Branzino. The menu included a Cauliflower Steak with trumpet mushrooms and manchego, Hokkaido Scallops with a potato püree and roasted Brussel sprouts, and Rack of Lamb with provençal style cheesy cauliflower and pepper jus. The Victor also offers a vast sushi menu in addition to mouth-watering steaks.
