Positioned along the scenic Vancouver Harbour, northeast of the city’s downtown in British Columbia, Fairmont Waterfront debuted the first phase of its ongoing, multiyear renovation project at the end of April. This first batch of upgrades focused on the hotel’s 96 guest rooms on the top four floors, primarily elevating their interior design to better reflect Vancouver’s natural waterfront and forest surroundings. The broader transformation project is expected to be completed by the end of 2029 and will touch on all 489 guest rooms, public spaces, dining areas, and more.
“The guest rooms have been reimagined as restorative sanctuaries,” says Karine Bannon, designer and senior project director at Camdi (the Montreal-based design company that led the hotel’s guest room redesign efforts), in a prepared statement. “The transformation focuses on spatial clarity, enhanced comfort, and stronger visual connection to the harbor, mountains, and skyline. Layouts feel more intentional and fluid, furnishings are refined and contemporary, and the atmosphere is calmer and more immersive. The result is spaces that support both relaxation and productivity—reflecting the hotel’s role as a destination for both leisure and corporate travelers.”
Anchoring the refreshed interiors are a color palette of light blues, greens, and grays, punctuated by bright golds and deep maroons; and a curated mix of natural woods, stone-inspired finishes, woven textiles, and layered fabrics. Additional enhancements include 65-inch flat-screen TVs and multifunctional tables (in place of traditional desks) for working and dining.
“At Fairmont Waterfront, every guest moment matters,” says General Manager Randall Williams. “This renovation reflects our dedication to elevating those moments through thoughtful design, enhanced comfort, and an enduring sense of pure coastal luxury. We are proud of the work completed so far, and we look forward to welcoming guests into refreshed spaces that feel truly inspired by the remarkable Pacific Northwest.”
All renovated guest rooms from this first phase are currently available to book, and work on the second phase of updates will resume this fall. The next collection of refreshed guest rooms is set to be unveiled and available for reservations in spring next year.
In addition to the renewed guest rooms, Fairmont Waterfront offers 24,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including two ballrooms and several boardrooms. Its largest space, the Waterfront Ballroom, accommodates 788 attendees theater-style. Additional meeting amenities at the hotel include an on-staff event specialist, customizable event menus, sustainability initiatives (such as its Carbon Net Zero Calculator planners can use to determine their event’s carbon emissions), and the Hotel Volunteers Option that allows groups to organize community outreach excursions.
