Boutique hotels provide an intimate experience where it's easy to get acquainted with the hotel staff so that you feel right at home. And the St. Regis Hotel Vancouver in downtown Vancouver does just that. Set within a building that dates back to the early 1900s, the property is rich in history, too.

The St. Regis Hotel Vancouver — Photo courtesy of St. Regis Hotel Vancouver

The St. Regis Hotel Vancouver's History

Between 1907 and 1903, P. Roberts of Roberts, Maltby and Company – a local real estate and loan company – set out to build the St. Regis Hotel for his wife, Mary, and to take advantage of the location that was (and still is) close to the city's financial district.

The building of the property began in 1911. To design the hotel, Roberts hired W.T. Whiteway, who also designed Vancouver's Sun Tower, an iconic design in the city. They opened on March 15, 1913

Between the Second World War and Vancouver's booming shipbuilding and lumber industry, the hotel took on different roles during those years.

Today, the St. Regis is a contemporary boutique hotel right in the middle of all the action. in 2009, the hotel received an $11 million renovation that was led by Elaine Thorsell of BOTI Interiors Inc. 

Part of the renovation also included installing 22 pieces of original artwork from five different artists throughout the hotel. These abstract pieces add pops of color provide beautiful and admirable focal points.

Inside a room at the St. Regis Hotel Vancouver — Photo courtesy of St. Regis Hotel Vancouver

Staying at the St. Regis Hotel Vancouver

When you check into the St. Regis, there's not much more you need to worry about after that. With your room, you'll enjoy these complimentary benefits:

• A full breakfast that's cooked to order, to your liking
• High-speed Internet
• Free local and worldwide phone calls 
• FIJI bottled water
• Steve Nash Sports Club passes (It's right beside the hotel.)
• Access to the 24-hour business centre
• In-room L’Occitane Citrus Verbena – a recent addition to the hotel

After a day of shopping at the nearby malls and stores, head back to your room for a little rest and relaxation before heading out for dinner. The suites provide a lovely sitting area, with a flatscreen television with access to a plethora of channels and movies.

Or, take off the chill and run yourself a bubble bath. The heated bathroom floors are a pleasant added touch.

Hungry? You don't have to go far to enjoy an excellent meal. Located right off the lobby is Gotham Steakhouse & Bar, one of Vancouver's best steakhouses. This deco-inspired restaurant is the perfect spot for an indulgent evening of beautifully prepared steaks and incredible wine.

For something more casual, head to the St. Regis Bar and Grill to catch the game and tuck into some pub fare.

The St. Regis Hotel Vancouver has everything you'd want from a large-scale property, but it provides the intimate and cozy atmosphere and service of a boutique hotel.