Ever travel so hard you feel instead of passing out you have to come home and write about it? (Nope, just me? Cool). How about when the hotel is so amazing you don’t want to leave the grounds or have the desire to explore literally anything else? We call that staycation my friends. I’ve traveled to so many places, stayed in numerous hotels, had countless experiences and definitely keep tabs on hotels I would return to. One of which is definitely the Douglas Autograph Collection, in Vancouver, BC, which I had the chance to stay at this past weekend.
The fun concept about traveling and staying in different areas is experiencing such diverse hotels and having places to either come back to or leave it at one stay. Personally wherever I venture, the place I stay in is really important to me; I think of it as a third of my trip TBH. Where I stay tells me about the layout and quality of the area I’m in. You might be thinking, “Why is she so hyped up about where you sleep and brush your teeth?” Truth is I believe in taking advantage of your stay and the area you’re choosing to surround yourself in. There’s a reason some hotels go for a funked-up theme or have something special that makes them unique from other hotels. Enjoy everything the hotel has to offer.
Photo by The Parq Hotel (The Douglas and Parq are connected)
The Douglas Autograph Collection Hotel is Vancouver, British Columbia’s latest and greatest place to stay when you’re visiting this amazing international city. I’ve never written a review for a hotel but after staying at the Douglas in Vancouver, BC, it’s been a while since I was so impressed with a visit. This place is your 10/10 recommended stay. That’s right, a perfect 10. Huge casino for you gamblers (the only in Vancouver), eight tasteful restaurants, an enticing upscale nightclub, beautiful hotel grounds, very inviting staff and linked to another amazing hotel, the Parq, through the same lobby.
Image by the Douglas Autograph Collection Hotel
Both The Douglas and The Parq are stunning hotels! The Douglas has an upscale nature and woodland vibe, The Parq is all about the upscale Asian influences. Both are equally beautiful and being connected makes it easy for guests to share the facilities between the two.
I could rant on about my stay (still going to). Whether you need a place to stay while you see a concert at Rogers’s Arena, within walking distance, a date, birthday/treat yourself, family stay, Valentine’s stay, girls night, or a Saturday night for the boys, this hotel will host your every occasion. Overall a very upscale hotel, one of the nicest I’ve ever stayed in, but once you take the trip you can confirm yourself how worth it, it is and thank me.
Let me help convince you of your next hotel and show you how much I enjoyed my stay. Here you’ll find the highlights of my weekend and reasons why I will…be staying here again. In all seriousness though, you know your hotel was amazing when you have more to say about it than your actual trip…
Hotel Views
Beautiful tall, city buildings to top any good view from your hotel or hotel window.You feel like you’re in the center in the city and around everything you need to be. You walk around the Douglas and see all angles of all buildings. Spectacular right? Some rooms also have a fantastic water view!
Lounge layer
See me sippin in my cozy corner. One of the first things that caught my eye and something I keep a look out for, is that extra piece of furniture that adds character to the room. Yes at first I may have used this to throw my clothes on but honestly the little things snuck away in corners or off the wall are much appreciated and very useful (for photos).
(Back in the) Bathroom
I was back in this bathroom multiple times. Something about a bright, detailed-designed, spacey bathroom is so luxurious. I actually gasped when I walked in, it was beautiful. Sectioned into two parts by a glass wall and plenty of space with a marble floor, I definitely spent some hours in here and didn’t feel guilty about it. I love it when hotels put in the time to even make their bathrooms presentable, it tells you a lot about the quality of the place.
Soaps and Smells
Soap that is beautiful and smells like a good hotel should, it’s appreciated. Feeling refreshed and amazing is important but to add some character and contrast to the shower is what makes it memorable, yeah? I don’t know what it was about this collection but it stood out to me and I found it very aesthetic, so enjoy.
Artwork
Pieces of art were displayed all throughout the hotel that really portrayed the funky vibe. It was so fun to be in an environment like this where there was a story behind each sculptured item and each item displayed. Almost a combination between modern art but art recognized in past history. Had me hooked!
Food and Beverage
Aw, my favorite topic. Some of the most tasteful dishes I’ve consumed were right in this hotel. I wasn’t in a burger mood but wanted something filling so I ordered the Beef Risotto at BC Kitchen. Definitely had my taste buds going. For once I wasn’t completely stuffed and can safely say I would go back. We actually came back to this restaurant both nights we stayed here, it exceeded our expectations. Thank you BC Kitchen for keeping our stomachs happy and some insane food! P.S. order the appetizer Korean BBQ spiced chicken wings, the rest of your meal won’t matter- best dish on the menu.
(Douglas Lobby)
Lobby
The lobby really defined the setting of the entire hotel. It was stunning- every room and area branched off of the the main area. You walk to the front desk and you feel like you came to the right place. The staff was so friendly and inviting, they help to set the tone for how they want your stay to be. I remember walking into the lobby and being overwhelmed with how glamorous everything was, I instantly caught good vibes. I looked left, I looked right, and told myself I would be back here already. One hundred percent my kind of hotel, I was smitten and couldn’t wait to see the rest.
(Parq Hotel lobby leading up to the casino)
The Scene
What really helped set the feel for the location and truly pronounced the setting of the atmosphere was the Chinese elements in the Parq hotel. One of the most unique scenes was a gorgeous display of hung lanterns, really bringing out the red flooring. I was honestly mind-blown, it was a sight for sure. It was the perfect touch to include a glimpse of Chinese culture but in a way that would fit to the hotel image. There was something elaborate in every room, around every corner, up any stairway. There was always something to catch your attention- that right there presents a quality hotel.
Lively Lounge
First thing when I walked into the lobby, massive amounts of people dressed to impress were crowding into a room with endless chairs and sofas; I could not take my eyes off. Probably the size of a ballroom, I cannot forget witnessing such an intense scene. A long bar ran along the middle wall and different textures and sizes of sofas, chairs, tables, and lamps, were arranged all throughout the room in multiple sections. Pool and games are organized in the back and a large courtyard reflected the lounge outside with similar funky chairs and a fun design. This right here is your night life, this is your place to be of places to be. This is absolutely a scene you could find at a nice club or lounge downtown except ten times better and safer!
Be sure to check out my video of the The Douglas nightclub! (during the day so you can actually see it!)
If I haven’t convinced you enough, definitely make the Douglas a desire of destination when you go through Vancouver. You won’t forget this hotel I promise. Thanks for listening to my rant and tuning in, I swear I’m not obsessed. Please comment below or let me know if you make it to the Douglas and how your experience was!
xoxo, Madi
http://www.thedouglasvancouver.com
This hotel is gorgeous!! If I find myself in Vancouver I know where I’ll be staying.
This place is just gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!
What a gorgeous stay! You are not alone on the traveling so hard you come home and write about it 😉
The food is my favorite part, too! 🙂 It looks like a beautiful hotel with beautiful views. I’ve always thought Vancouver looks like a fun destination.
That hotel is so pretty! Vancouver is on my list of places to go soon, so I’ll definitely look into it if I go.