Fairmont Vancouver Airport hotel proves perfect AvGeek getaway

Every now and again, you just need a little ‘treat yourself’ trip. Late last year I needed exactly that as a long 2025 drew to a close. My usual go-to — hopping on a plane to somewhere — was looking too expensive. Then I remembered nearby Vancouver BC, just a two-hour and change drive up from Seattle.

I’d had my sights on the Fairmont Vancouver Airport hotel for quite some time, but it was always a bit too expensive. This trip, though, hit during that sweet slump in demand that follows the American Thanksgiving holiday but is several weeks before Christmas. And deals were to be had! A package rate of US$250 offered their standard king bedroom, along with late check-out and parking. Sold.

Unsurprisingly, the first thing you notice is the hotel’s fantastic location. Opened in 1999, the property has its own dedicated (and charming) entrance on the airport’s departures road.

The hotel itself sits on top of the US departures lobby, and is maybe a five- to ten-minute walk from the domestic terminal and central parking garage.

Check-in was smooth and efficient, and my room on the eighth floor was ready a few hours early.

The room is well appointed and rather large, at 411 square feet. Boasting a defined entryway, large double-entrance bathroom and over-sized living area, the layout made it feel more like a suite, even though it is not.

The floor-to-ceiling windows provide a commanding view of the airport and the scenery beyond — plus they are thick enough that the normally intrusive airport noise is kept to a minimum.

The bed is comfortable, especially the pillows, which in other hotels are often either far too big or much too thin.

I kept the comfortable lounging chiar perpetually faced toward the runway. The room also has a desk and desk chair, though I didn’t really use them.

It has all of the standard room amenities from tea and coffee makers to a well stocked mini bar (not included).

Push bathrobes and a plethora of outlets (standard plug and USB-A) were also on offer. And of course a large TV.

The highlight was a very nice soaker tub, which was molded for a perfect recline. It was a great way to relax after a day exploring the area.

The shower also has exceptionally good pressure and gets nice and hot, which I appreciate.

Of course the hotel offers many of the usual activities and amenities you’d expect at any decent property, let alone a Fairmont. They include a gym and pool, both of which overlook the departures lobby.

They also have a spa, which I should’ve tried but didn’t, and a nice restaurant on the lobby level that was hopping every night with live music.

For folks that plump for rooms that include Fairmont Gold — a premium experience inclusive of a dedicated lounge — the space looks quite nice, though I’ve read it can often be overcrowded.

Of the amenities that I tried, my favorite was the afternoon tea service. It wasn’t the fanciest I’ve ever had, but it was solid with tasty treats and a nice pot of tea.

Plus, how could I turn down the opportunity to merge my two favorite ways to wile away an afternoon: sipping tea and watching airplanes? Set in the same location as the restaurant, the floor-to-ceiling windows make it bright and airy, while two fireplaces at either end add a cozy feel.

The price tag is a bit steep, at $85CAD (US62.10), but is also noticeably less than the cost of many well regarded afternoon teas downtown.

An amenity that I didn’t try, but which looked interesting, is the fish valet service. With YVR being a popular transit location for folks on fishing trips, the hotel maintains a 575 cubic ft freezer for fishers to land their catch while they catch up on some sleep.

The hotel also leans into their location by actively encouraging plane spotting. Each room has a spotting guide, which has illustrations and descriptions of various planes that frequent the airport.

Some of the fancier rooms, namely on the Gold level, come with either binoculars or a small telescope to get a closer view of the action.

Not that you need either, in many cases. Every room on the north side has a stellar view of the US gates, much of the international terminal, and the north runway (which is typically used for arrivals). And all of them are set against backdrop views of downtown Vancouver and the sprawling nearby mountains.

All in all, it’s a gorgeous property, and I very much enjoyed my stay. As you probably gathered from my excitement over a $250/night price point, this hotel is not especially budget friendly. Most travelers looking for an affordable room to stay the night between connections will likely have to look elsewhere.

If you can swing it, though, it’s very much worth it.

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All images credited to Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren