hotel review: Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver, British Columbia

24 Monday Aug 2015

Posted by Stefanie Van Aken (RSMLVTravel) in Featured, Fun, International, Travel Inspiration

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Family Travel, international travel, Luxury Travel, vancouver

This post, written by Stefanie Van Aken, originally appeared on TravelingMom.com.

The Fairmont Hotel Group is known around the world for its iconic royal treatment, service and design elements second to none. One of its newest properties is the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Just a few steps away from some of the most important landmarks in Vancouver, and a few city blocks from even more, the Fairmont Pacific Rim promises to offer a modern luxury dedicated to the sophisticated family traveler.

Fairmont Hotel by James KM Cheng Architects; Westbank

What Works for Families

Admittedly, I was a bit nervous not having stayed at a Fairmont with our family before.The Fairmont Pacific Rim put me right at ease as soon as the doorman helped us out of the car and greeted us, and the children (ages 10 and 8), in a most charismatic way. It is always a relief when your children are treated in the same manner, or better, than their parents, as guests of the hotel. I knew right away the kids would love it here, as would I, and make our stay that much more pleasurable.

The kids were each handed a Fairmont Kids backpack, which had a coloring book, crayons and a stuffed toy. The Doorman entertained the kids while my husband and I checked in. Anything we asked for or about in reference to our children’s comfort and safety were answered right away and without hesitation.

Fairmont Pacific Rim Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Pacific Rim

During our visit, we stayed in a one bedroom suite with a private outdoor fireplace and patio. Rooms are spacious, room service accommodating for various palates and abundant amenities (roll away beds, pack-n-plays, high chairs, mini bath robes, and umbrellas) all made our stay so comfortable we did not want to leave. Some specific highlights we enjoyed as a family at the Fairmont Pacific Rim:

One- and two-bedroom suites are available
Suites with patios and outdoor fireplaces
Suites contain full kitchen perfect for storing leftovers, grabbing groceries
Suites also contain dining room tables easy for family meals
Order meals for room service via iPad connectivity
Some suites offer private outside areas with tables and fireplace
Some suites also offer easy access to outdoor pool and spa
Complimentary BMW House Car available for Fairmont Gold Level guests
BMW bikes available through concierge
Kid’s Menu available In-Room Dining
At all Fairmont hotels, kids 5 and under eat free off the children’s menu while kids 6-11 eat for half price off the regular menu.
The Family Affair Vancouver Vacation Package provides extra room for half the price! Families who travel together can save together when they book one room or suite, and get the second room at 50% off.

What Doesn’t Work for Families

Honestly, it was difficult to find anything that did not work for families. The Lobby Lounge + Raw Bar is a lobby bar located at the entrance of the hotel. It is the place to be for happy hour and on the weekends in downtown Vancouver. This may be the only thing that might take away from the family friendly experience. My kids are used to that kind of scene, as they are at hotels on the Las Vegas Strip often. No major concerns for us, but there is live music and crowds towards the weekend.

The Details

The Fairmont Pacific Rim, 1038 Canada Place, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, VC6 0B9, sits on the corner of Burrard and Cordova Streets, overlooking the Coal Harbour. It is across the street from the Winter Olympic Torch from the 2012 games, which makes for excellent family photos, as well as a keen spot for whale watching and looking for other marine life. The hotel also enjoys the excitement of being located in happening downtown Vancouver, making it easy to access all major points of interest and venues.

Getting There

The easiest way to get to the Fairmont Pacific Rim is by vehicle. The closest airport is the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). It is approximately 14 miles away, and about a 30-minute ride to the hotel. Just take note of heavy traffic times which may cause for some delay. There was also a bit of construction near the hotel during our visit, which also forced a bit more travel time. Otherwise, a very simple and beautiful drive over the Arthur Laing Bridge, and down some famous Vancouver streets. Valet and Self Parking is available for various rates and fees.

The Hotel

When Vancouver was selected as the host city of the 2012 Winter Olympics, the city began to prep to receive the tremendous amounts of visitors set to attend the games. The Fairmont Pacific Rim was one of the projects set forth to accommodate a discerning crowd. Beautifully designed to appeal to the modern eye, yet with a hint of comfortable sophistication, the silvery colors set in a natural ambiance creates an air of approachable luxury. Location is perfect- situated downtown, across from Canada Place, around the corner from Stanley Park and The Vancouver Aquarium, and within walking distance of trendy Robson and Burrard Streets. True to its eco-conscious Vancouver roots, the Fairmont Pacific Rim was awarded the 5-Green Key rating during its first year of operation. Modern and hip, it is the spot in Vancouver for some of the best restaurants like Oru, and giovanne, and amazing views from the rooftop pool offering cabanas, hot tubs and fire pits.

The Rooms

Though we had the opportunity to stay in a one-bedroom suite, the Fairmont Pacific Rim has many options to choose from to welcome families of all sizes, including a single King bed or Queen/Queen bed layout. There are also several view options like city, pool, Coal Harbour, Stanley Park and North Shore Mountains or Canada Place. Additionally, there is the newly introduced Fairmont Gold Level, for even more exclusivity and conveniences. This is similar to what we call in America, a Concierge Level where continental meals are served throughout the day, and other amenities are offered. What we loved about the rooms:

Stearns and Fosters luxury beds with Mascioni 100% cotton linens, down comforters, pillows
Plush Mascioni towels embroidered with iconic Fairmont logo
iPad connectivity for room temperature, lighting, window treatments, In-Room Dining
Well appointed, very comfortable couches. Everything full sized to accommodate family of 4 or more.
Comforts like outdoor fireplace to enjoy outdoor space even in cool temperatures.
Robes and slippers available in-room. For children on request.
Over-sized shower and luxurious shower heads
Shower and Tub separate
Over-sized bath tub
42″ Flat Screen TV with latest movie selections, children channels and game consoles on request
Media connectivity to TV and alarm clocks

Amenities

With so many amenities at the Fairmont Pacific Rim from the moment you step onto the welcome mat, to the moment you say good-bye, it is hard to pinpoint the best ones. Some of our favorite amenities that top our list:

Complimentary use of umbrellas
Complimentary use of BMW house cars for Fairmont Presidential guests
Complimentary use of BMW bicycles
Rose 31 bath gel, shampoos, conditioner and lotions by Le Labo

Dining

Some of the best meals to be had in Vancouver are had at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. For starters, Oru offers a farm-to-table menu with savory flavors found up and down the Pacific Northwest. Hands down, giovanne cafe + wine bar, was my family’s favorite. By day, a coffee shop with signature roasted coffee and hand-crafted espresso drinks, decadent pastries and healthy options like fresh juices. By night, a savvy little Italian eatery with a wine list to die for and exceptional culinary delights like house made pastas and antipasto dishes. A fun candy wall connects the coffee shop to the wine bar. It’s very lively and inviting. The Lobby Lounge offers a Raw Bar and Afternoon Tea. Just be sure to check with the concierge as children are not allowed in the Lobby Bar after 9 pm. Biggest plus to dining at any Fairmont hotel? Children under 5 eat free off the children’s menu, and children 6-12 can select items off the regular menu and receive a 50% discount.

As a member of the press, I was not offered any special discounts or room upgrades or tickets for anything mentioned in this post. All opinions are my own.

Trump Kids at the Spa at Trump International Hotel Las Vegas

17 Monday Aug 2015

Posted by Stefanie Van Aken (RSMLVTravel) in Featured, Fun

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Family Travel, Las Vegas, spa

Sure, you can take your daughter just about anywhere in town for a Mommy and Me Mani/Pedi, but why not treat her and yourself to a sweet treat at the Spa at Trump International Hotel Las Vegas? His political views may be controversial to some, but no one can deny Donald Trump has a serious knack for luxury. One of my favorite hotels in the United States is the Trump International New York. With its towering golden presence, and not to mention one of the best locations in the city, the Trump International Hotel New York is magnificent. The Trump International Hotel Las Vegas is no underdog. A smaller property, but the experience is just the same. Gorgeous flower arrangements welcome you to the grand lobby with both formal and casual dining options, an intimate pool setting, and one of the most beautiful spas Las Vegas has to offer.

Recently added to the Spa at Trump International Hotel Las Vegas menu are specially curated treatments for children and tweens.

Trump Kids’ offerings, especially for kids 12 years old and under, include:

Little Miss Manicure (30 minutes): A delicious manicure beginning with a yummy chocolate soak followed by shaping, buffing, and polishing. The session wraps up with a scrumptious massage using vanilla lotion.
Little Miss Ice Cream Pedicure (45 minutes): Like Neapolitan ice cream for your feet, the classic spa treatment with a scrumptious twist, includes chocolate soak, strawberry exfoliating sugar scrub and vanilla massage lotion.
Little Miss Blowout & Style (30 minutes): Hollywood-ready hair styling for any occasion.
Little Miss Make-Up (15 minutes): Tasteful and age appropriate makeup application.

Trump Teens’ offerings, especially for teens 13 – 17 years of age, include:

Teen Manicure (30 minutes): A delicious manicure beginning with a yummy chocolate soak followed by shaping, buffing, and polishing. The session wraps up with a scrumptious massage using vanilla lotion.
Teen Ice Cream Pedicure (45 minutes): Like Neapolitan ice cream for your feet, the classic spa treatment with a scrumptious twist, includes chocolate soak, strawberry exfoliating sugar scrub and vanilla massage lotion.
Teen Facial (60 minutes): A facial designed to cater to the needs of teens’ individual skin care needs and customized to provide optimal cleansing and nourishment.
Teen Massage (60 minutes): Luxurious, light pressure massage with unscented oil to soothe active muscles in growing bodies.
Teen Blowout & Style (30 minutes): Expert consultation followed by trendy hair styling.
Teen Make-Up (30 minutes): Tasteful and age appropriate makeup application.

My 9 year old daughter and I were invited to experience a Mommy and Me Back to School Mani/Pedi, using the Me!Bath products for the most indulgently delicious Little Miss Manicure and Ice Cream Pedicure.

The products are divine. We started with a chocolate soak, moved into a strawberry scrub and marshmallow foot mask, and wrapped it up with a relaxing vanilla lotion massage. My daughter fell asleep at the pedicure bowl she was so relaxed. Since I do not normally do manicures because the nail polish tends to not last on me, I opted to have us both upgraded to the gelish polish. Other products used during the mani/pedi were from the Deborah Lippmann line, also fabulous products. Click for pricing for Kid’s Spa Treatments and Teen’s Spa Treatments.

Our appointments were scheduled for 12:00pm, and we finished just at 2:00pm (remember we had gelish, so more time was added). The manicurists were efficient and thorough. We were served tea, fresh fruit and water. It was lovely. All worth it to see this sweet little face smile all day!

Following, we opted for lunch at the H2Eau poolside cafe, which was reasonably priced, and the food was good. Have the Kalua Pork Waffle Fries, they are the bomb!

One of the things I love most about living in Las Vegas is the opportunity to escape to a gorgeous place like Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, and feel like we actually took a little vacation. We got to feel glamourous and relaxed for those few hours, refreshing our minds and bodies and focusing on time with one another. It truly is a special treat!

Locals: You can sign up for the Trump VIP Membership program at the Spa at Trump to receive special promotions and discounts. For the 2014 VIP Program (through December 2015) the following is available (VIP Membership Program subject to change in 2016):

30% off treatments (blackout dates may apply)
1 free wellness class per month
Free gift on your birthday
Preferred access to latest retail items
30% off cabana rentals and access to the Trump Pool

Disclaimer: I was an invited guest of the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas to experience the new Spa at Trump menu items for children. All thoughts and words are my own.

The Truth about Invisalign Teen

03 Wednesday Sep 2014

Posted by Stefanie Van Aken (RSMLVTravel) in Fun

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health, Trends

Thank you, Invisalign for sponsoring today’s post.

Don’t hate me because my teeth are straight. I was born this way.

They may look perfect now, but as a youth, I had the biggest gap between my two front teeth for the longest time. My brother and I would have spitting contests in the pool to see who could shoot water between their teeth the farthest…I always won. I remember asking my mom if I was going to need braces because of this gap, that at the time felt like the width of train tunnel, but her and my dentist reassuringly said, “No,” every time. The dentist was confident the gap would close as my adult teeth came in, and he was right. By the time I got to the awkward stage of having to wear glasses and deal with zits, at least I no longer had to also be concerned with the gap between my teeth. “Mind the gap,” keeps playing through my head. My brother, on the other hand, was not quite as fortunate, and went through a series of retainers, permanent retainers, then finally braces. My husband, the same thing. So now with our four kiddos, I’m banking on the fact that at least 50% of them are going to need braces. My money is on my twins who still, at the age of 4, suck their thumb on a regular basis.

Amazingly, the pediatric dentist I take my children to doesn’t think braces are in the future of my two older children. They both sucked a pacifier relentlessly until my son was 5 and my daughter, 3. Somehow, their teeth managed to maintain their space, their mouth maintained its shape, and he says they look good. The twins, he said, is a whole other story. Fortunately, they are 4, so this gives us about 8 years until all their adult teeth grow in and we start having the braces conversation. I am hoping that the sucking and pulling from their thumb did not change the shape of their mouths so horribly that they need something prior to that; one of them already has a pretty bad underbite, but his mouth was also like that at birth. Time will tell, I suppose, but in the meantime, I can’t help but think of the costs and daily routine that will go into bringing their teeth back to straight.

When I think back to all my friends in high school who had the traditional metal braces, I feel grateful to have avoided that “rite of passage”. The food getting stuck in their teeth, the days they had to have their bands tightened and couldn’t eat from the pain, and the humiliation some of them felt from have a “metal mouth” and not ever wanting to smile or be in pictures. It makes me sad, and I don’t want that for my kids. Of course, I would do whatever it takes to make sure their “awkward years” are not too awkward, as I’m sure one of them will end up with braces AND glasses- the horror! After learning more about Invisalign and Invisalign Teen, am fairly certain this will be the first option we explore for the boys.

Here are some important facts I learned about Invisalign:

Invisalign Teen clear aligners are removable and can straighten teeth without a mouth full of metal and all the disruption and sacrifice that comes with it.
With Invisalign, Teens can play sports without fear of injury and continue cheerleading, musical instruments, acting and singing without interference. Because it’s removable, brushing and flossing is easy and no food restrictions to worry about either.
Invisalign Teen eliminates emergency ortho visits for broken wires and brackets and requires fewer appointments since several aligner sets are provided in advance.
Invisalign Teen costs about the same as braces.
Invisalign Teen is covered by most dental insurance policies just like traditional braces — up to 50% of the cost may be covered by insurance.

I like the idea of not having to disrupt out regular routine too much in order to fix, replace or adjust the trays, since there are 4 kids I will be catering to, and one small change in family routine can leave a huge impact on the rest of the family. Not to mention costs and emotional therapy we will need to provide them through the pre-teen and teen-age years. But, what I like the most about the Invisalign Teen aligners? Check this out:

Myth: I won’t be able to tell if my child is wearing Invisalign often enough for it to be effective.

Setting it Straight: Invisalign Teen aligners are made with small blue dots, officially called compliance indicators, that gradually fade as aligners are worn. It’s a quick visual check for parents and teens to confirm they wearing aligners long enough to get results. In fact, clinical data from orthodontists confirms that teens wear their aligners an average of 21 hours per day, just as recommended.

Nice, right? Almost like the whole if you pee in the pool the water turns red around you theory, except with Invisalign, the Blue Dot theory is true, and already put into place to help keep an eye on the proper usage of your teen. Moms really do have eyes everywhere!! And, get this, the other day, I was picking up my 19 year-old cousin from school. He was sitting in the front seat and as we were chatting I did a double take on his teeth. I asked him if he was wearing Invisalign, and he said, “yes!”. When I asked him for how long, he said, a few months now. Wow. Didn’t even notice. Check out his graduation photo taken during his Invisalign treatments (though he wasn’t wearing them in this photo):

On board to check out Invisalign or Invisalign Teen? Just keep this in mind as you search for orthodontists* in your area:

Not all orthodontists specialize in Invisalign Teen. Visit www.invisalign.com and select “find a doctor” to locate experienced Invisalign and Invisalign Teen doctors in your area.

*Please note that not all Invisalign providers have iTero scanners in their offices and some utilize traditional impressions. There is a symbol used on the Doctor Locator to indicate whether a provider uses the iTero scanner.

Intrigued? Here’s your chance to enter the Straight Talk Sweepstakes for a chance to win free Invisalign treatment. Enter through September 30th!

How to Enter the Straight Talk Sweepstakes for your chance to win an Invisalign treatment:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

As a lifestyle blogger, I was asked to host a Straight Talk party for Invisalign and invited other social media influencers to listen to myths and facts about Invisalign and Invisalign Teen from a local, Las Vegas based orthodontist who is an Invisalign provider. All words and opinions are my own.

Stefanie Van Aken

~ RSMLVTravel- Luxury Travel Design

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hotel review: Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver, British Columbia

Trump Kids at the Spa at Trump International Hotel Las Vegas

The Truth about Invisalign Teen