The Loden, Vancouver

Inspired by the magnificent North Shore Mountains and local landscapes, hues of spring blossoms, summer skies, fall forests and winter mountains flow through each of the 70 rooms and seven suites. Floor-to-ceiling windows send light flooding into every corner from dawn until dusk, nourishing the soul and warming the senses. The Loden Signature and Corner Rooms offer all you need for a one-night stopover, but should time allow, we love the Park Vista Rooms for their fabulous fifth-floor views towards Coal Harbour or Stanley Park. Bathrooms are hidden behind sliding doors, with deep-soaking tubs, rainfall showers, heated marble floors and Molton Brown amenities. Minibar essentials include sweet and savoury local artisan treats, while the fridge is stocked with full-size bottles of local British Columbia wines, spirits and craft brews. The seven One Bedroom Suites are great for families, with a pull-out sofa in the living area, separate bathrooms, a dressing room and (not that you’ll need one) a PlayStation 4. There are also 14 interconnecting rooms if you're travelling in a larger group. Babysitters are available on request.

The Loden’s adjoining restaurant, Tableau Bar Bistro, is French-inspired with a Pacific Rim twist. An elegant yet casual dining experience awaits, whatever time of day you choose to visit. Among the locals, Tableau is particularly well known for its fabulous French coffee, weekend brunches (make sure you book!) and twice-daily happy hours, where freshly plucked and shucked oysters are served alongside one of the city’s finest wine lists. Although breakfast is not included within the room rate, an impressive buffet spread is served every morning from around C$20 per person.

The location of The Loden is brilliant if you want to explore in every direction. To the north and west you will find the ocean, the mountains, and Stanley Park. To the south and east you will find the trendy neighbourhoods of Gastown, Railtown and Yaletown, as well Granville and Robson Street, to satisfy all shopping desires! Although most of Vancouver is accessible on foot or bus, why not hop in the hotel-branded London taxi, offering a free city-wide drop-off service to all guests.

In true Vancouver style, health and holistic well-being lie at the heart of all activities on offer at The Loden. Enjoy in-room yoga mats and a 24-hour yoga channel, complimentary cruiser bikes, a state of the art gym (BeFIT) and for a small additional cost, Pinarello road bike hire and access to an infrared sauna. We love the hotel’s WanderFIT initiative, their natural addition to the BeFIT gym, providing guests with cycling and hiking guides through Stanley Park and the North Shore trails.