"Set the scene for us. What do you see as you arrive at the hotel?The moment you step through the double doors and enter the stately, yet intimate, wood-and-wainscoting lobby, it’s clear that the Wedgewood was conceived of as a European-style small hotel. Lit by an elaborate chandelier, the reception area is understated and elegant. From the formally dressed doorman outside, to the always-incredible flower arrangements that provide a focal point in the Bacchus Lounge, the Wedgewood evokes an air of civility and attention to detail that we’ve come to expect from Relais & Chateaux hotels. What's the story behind this hotel?Founded by the late local hotelier Eleni Skalbania, this independently owned and operated 83-room hotel opened in 1984, quickly becoming a landmark. Eleni passed away in 2013, but the hotel operation is now run by the her daughter, Elpie Marinakis Jackson, who hasn't missed. Today, the hotel remains family owned and operated, and it shows—in the warmest possible way. Tell us more. How does that show in the rooms, for example?With L’Occitane bath products and Frette towels, bathrobes, and slippers, the rooms at the Wedgewood are designed to help you unwind. Ask for an upper-floor suite overlooking Hornby Street. From this vantage point, you can see Robson Square, designed by local architectural luminary Arthur Erickson, in all its glory. (Although it’s hard to see from the street level, the square is supposed to resemble a skyscraper lying on its side.) And the dining options? Anything good to eat and/or drink?The Wedgewood has only one restaurant and lounge, but it’s a very, very good one; Bacchus Lounge is perhaps the finest hotel bar in the city. The stately men’s-club ambience never seems stuffy or ponderous; rather, the space is a great place to sit back, converse, people-watch, and sip classic, well-made cocktails. On the restaurant side, expect a modern take on French cuisine, with starters like ginger-soy beef tartare and mains like butter-poached chicken blanquette with whipped garlic potatoes and smoked Tyrolean bacon. While this very competent kitchen doesn’t register with locals to the same extent as its lounge—they basically share a room, separated by a few steps and a piano—it should. How's the service?The Wedgewood has always set its service standards at an extremely high level, and whether you’re simply popping by for a drink or staying for several days, you’ll find the staff welcoming and hospitable, gracious but not overly familiar. There are no quirks you’re expected to put up with just because, well, it’s a small hotel—it's a very professional operation, from top to bottom. Who's this hotel most likely to appeal to?Fans of classic small hotels—places that deliver intimacy with personal service. Good to know! And how does the hotel fit in with the surrounding area?Located close to the Vancouver Art Gallery and within steps of Robson and Alberni streets, Wedgewood offers good proximity to downtown Vancouver. And if the afterwork scene at Bacchus Lounge is any indication, the hotel is really part of the neighborhood. Is there anything you'd change?Parking in the immediate area can be difficult; however, the Wedgewood has valet. Anything else we should know about staying here?Don’t ignore the elegant spa, where you’ll be pampered with Epicuren Skin products; the Winter Warmth Stone Massage is 90 minutes of Swedish-style ecstasy. And we really loved the homemade cookies with turndown service. Great. So why, in the end, would you recommend this hotel?This is a well-run, very elegant, European-style small hotel that knows what it takes to make guests feel at home." - Guy Saddy
