Vancouver has long held a special place in the hearts of those who’ve had the privilege of visiting. With its striking natural backdrop of mountains and ocean, its immaculate streets, and its unmistakable cosmopolitan energy, British Columbia’s largest city is the kind of place that provides everything you could imagine – sightseeing, outdoor adventures, fine dining, upscale shopping, and sporting events.
Having visited a few times on family trips over the years, Vancouver has become one of my favorite cities to visit in North America, and with good reason – there’s so much to see, do, and explore in this beautiful destination.
A recent press trip brought me back a few weeks ago, this time as a guest of Land Rover to cover the Defender Trophy competition. The brand hosted our group at Rosewood Hotel Georgia, and from the moment of arrival, it was clear this was no ordinary hotel stay. The property radiates the beauty and glamour of the Roaring Twenties, wrapped in an elevated, sophisticated style so distinctive it demanded its own story.
A Legend, Restored
First opened in 1927, Hotel Georgia arrived on Vancouver’s skyline as something the young city had never quite seen before. The Georgian Revival structure brought unheard-of luxuries to Canada’s West Coast and quickly became the social epicenter of the city.
Its guest registry reads like a Hollywood golden age roll call: Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Katharine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, Nat “King” Cole, Laurence Olivier, and even the Rolling Stones all passed through its doors. British royalty and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales added further mystique to an already storied address.
In the summer of 2011, following a meticulous full restoration by Pacific Reach Properties, the hotel reopened under the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts banner as Rosewood Hotel Georgia. The transformation honored every detail of the original Old World craftsmanship while installing the most luxurious furnishings and latest technology available. The result is a rare marriage of living history and genuine modern luxury — what the hotel itself describes as a return to the golden age of hotel travel.
Classified as a 5-star property, Rosewood Hotel Georgia currently holds Four Stars from Forbes Travel Guide (and is referred to by Forbes as “Vancouver’s chic icon”), two MICHELIN Keys, and the title of #1 Best Hotel in Canada from U.S. News & World Report, among a formidable list of honors from Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, and Fodor’s.
In 2027, the hotel will proudly be honoring its 100th Anniversary, which will include various celebrations, special programming, menus, and more throughout the year.
The Rooms
The hotel’s 156 rooms and suites are dressed in a serene palette of light blues, ivory, and chocolate, offset by sleek furnishings and spa-inspired bathrooms with heated floors.
Italian linens by Rivolta Carmignani, Nespresso makers, Bose docking stations, and La Bottega premium bath products round out an in-room experience that feels genuinely residential rather than transactional.
For the ultimate indulgence, the Lord Stanley Suite and Rosewood Suite each offer two bedrooms, a private rooftop terrace with city skyline views, a plunge pool, and a private garden.
Dining & Atmosphere
At the heart of the hotel’s dining experience is Hawksworth Restaurant, the signature concept from acclaimed Vancouver chef David Hawksworth. His classically grounded, ingredient-driven approach has earned the restaurant the distinction of North America’s Best Hotel Restaurant at the 2024 World Culinary Awards — a title that speaks for itself.
Beyond Hawksworth, the property offers a range of distinct dining atmospheres.
The 1927 Lobby Lounge pays contemporary tribute to the hotel’s opening year with retro cocktails and cozy elegance. Prohibition Bar, tucked underground with a rich Art Deco interior, serves late-night cocktails alongside music and dancing.
Bel Café handles daytime beautifully with baked goods, gourmet sandwiches, and light fare, while Reflections: The Garden Terrace offers specialty cocktails in an intimate 4th-floor courtyard oasis.
Amenities & Spa
Sense, A Rosewood Spa — recently named among the World’s Most Extraordinary Spas by Newsweek — anchors a wellness offering that includes a 52-foot indoor saltwater lap pool and a full fitness centre.
When you first enter the foyer of the spa, the soft, creamy hues create a tranquil place for guests to be welcomed. Accented by ornate lighting and fresh floral bouquets, the space exudes a similar feeling to walking into an upscale designer boutique.
The combination of the spa, the pool, and the overall calm of the property makes Rosewood Hotel Georgia as compelling a retreat as it is a base for city exploration.
Roxana Da Costa (Area Director of Wellness) for the spa gave me a tour of the facility and treatment rooms while I was staying at the property.
Da Costa explained, “Our philosophy is rooted in authenticity, intention, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Every element of the experience is thoughtfully curated to reflect not only our brand but the spirit of the place we call home. We believe a truly exceptional spa extends far beyond its design.
While our space is elegant and serene, it is the human connection—how we welcome, listen, and care—that defines the experience. Our approach is heart-led, grounded in presence, and shaped by a deep attention to the smallest details, where even the quietest moments leave a lasting impression.”
Exploring Vancouver
The hotel’s location at the corner of Georgia and Howe Streets places guests steps from the Vancouver Art Gallery and Pacific Centre Shopping, and within a short walk of Robson Street’s high fashion boutiques, Canada Place, and the waterfront. Stanley Park — one of the great urban parks of the world, with its seawall promenade, aquarium, beaches, and native totem displays — is just 20 minutes on foot.
Day trips from the city expand the canvas considerably: Grouse Mountain and its panoramic tram, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the Sea to Sky corridor, and floatplane tours over to Victoria Island for whale watching represent just a fraction of what awaits beyond the downtown core. While visiting Vancouver, if you have the time, it’s also worth the effort to drive to Whistler for a day to explore the charming town and beautiful surrounding natural setting.
Beyond the city itself, Vancouver’s moment on the global stage is arriving in full force this Summer. The city is proudly co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with BC Place stadium set to host seven matches between June 11 and July 19 — including a Canada home match on June 18 and the official FIFA Fan Festival at PNE Amphitheatre. For soccer fans and luxury travelers alike, there has never been a more compelling reason to book a trip to Vancouver than now.
To discover more inspiring travel destinations and luxury hotels, explore the Travel section on Inspirations & Celebrations.
[Disclosure: Travel and accommodations were hosted by Land Rover as part of press coverage of The Defender Trophy. All editorial opinions are my own. Image credits: Christina-Lauren Pollack for Inspirations & Celebrations.]