Opus Hotel

Once inside the modern glass and brick building that houses the Opus, guests will immediately recognize that it’s a trendy hotel that takes risks with its decor. The lobby lounge looks like the inside of a modern dollhouse, with silver beaded curtains and pink and purple chairs. There’s a mixologist on staff ready to pour guests cocktails such as Picon Punches and Amarena Sours. The front desk is decorated with gold fabric and has two pink stools for guests to sit on while they check in. Even the elevators are special here, with red lighting and pumped-in electronic music. Guests are mostly couples visiting Vancouver, or business travelers who want to stay somewhere cool.

Formerly an industrial neighborhood, Yaletown is now a trendy shopping destination. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance to the hotel, and there’s a Starbucks across the street. The area is known for its upscale shopping, and there are a number of independent boutiques in the area. The Seawall, a jogging and cycling path that lines Vancouver’s waterfront, is within walking distance and Vancouver International Airport is less than 25 minutes away by car or public transportation. Yaletown-Roundhouse Canada Line Station is just across the street.

Decor varies from room to room (and suite to suite) and paint colors range from mango to periwinkle. Furnishings include patterned pillows, colorful furniture, and flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms are chic and have glass shower stalls with dispensers of peppermint shampoo, cilantro-scented hair conditioner, and rum body wash. Frette bathrobes are a luxe touch. Every room has an iPad that guests can use to read e-newspapers or take out exploring. Premium rooms have Samsung S3 mobile phones with free data roaming and incoming calls. Rooms with kitchenettes or fireplaces are available and signature suites have 3D movies with 3D glasses provided. Past guests have occasionally complained about noise from rooms overlooking Davie Street.

The hotel's award-winning Italian restaurant, La Pentola della Quercia, has an impressive wine selection and is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Room service is available 24-hours a day. Opus Bar looks like a set from Sex and the City. It's a great spot for cocktails and gourmet snacks. There’s a modern fitness center with exercise machines, weights, and free apples. The business center has two Mac computers and two printers, and a meeting room is also available. The hotel not only allows pets to stay for free: but also pampers them, providing dog beds, bowls, treats, and a copy of Modern Dog Magazine. Free dog-walking is also available. Bikes are available for loan and guests can arrange in-room massages on request.