I’ve become acquainted with Marie-Pier Germain from the Germain Hotels Group over the past couple of years. We met in Montreal during the COVID-19 crisis and have spoken by Zoom or on the phone a couple times since then.
Each time we spoke, I would gently ask her when her group, which runs sensational hotels across the country, would finally make an appearance west of Calgary.
Germain, who’s ever so accommodating and delightful to speak with, would always look or sound pained when the question came up.
“Jim,” she would say, and I’m paraphrasing here. “You KNOW we want to have a hotel in Vancouver. It’s just hard to find the right piece of land.”
Well, I guess they finally did, as Germain Hotels and Reliance Properties this week announced a partnership that will bring Le Germain Hotel to the heart of Vancouver. This landmark project will transform an office building at 1111 West Hastings Street into an elegant 180-room boutique hotel, set to open in 2029.
An artist’s rendering of Le Germain Hotel Vancouver.
The building is only a block from the lovely waterfront parks in Coal Harbour, and in the heart of the city’s financial district. It’s also maybe a five-minute walk from the Burrard Street Skytrain Station.
“True to Le Germain Hotels’ reputation, guests can expect a signature blend of warm, personalized service and thoughtful design,” officials said. “Le Germain Hotel Vancouver will offer breathtaking views of the North Shore Mountains and waterfront. The design, entrusted to long-standing partner LemayMichaud, will integrate Canadian artistry and local influences, capturing the essence of Vancouver’s unique character.”
With this expansion, Germain Hotels proudly becomes a coast-to-coast company, now operating in 12 Canadian cities. This project will be Germain Hotels’ 22nd property and its 9th hotel under the Le Germain Hotel banner, following the recent announcement of Le Germain Hotel Casino de Montréal.
I’m a big fan of the Germain brand, which offers European styling with modern comforts and excellent service. Here’s a story I wrote a while back about their Hotel Le Germain Montreal, and also a post about the Germain hotel at Maple Leaf Square in Toronto. I’ve also had very enjoyable stays at their Alt hotels in Montreal and Ottawa, and at the Germain hotel in downtown Calgary.
EUROPEAN WATERWAYS: SPECIAL RATES FOR A FINE VACATION
For families seeking an unforgettable European summer vacation, and it seems like more and more Canadians are doing just that, European Waterways offers private hotel barge charters designed exclusively for multi-generational adventures.
These intimate “floating villas” explore Europe’s hidden waterways and canals, offering families a blend of luxury, relaxation, and hands-on fun. With a dedicated crew, personalized excursions, and onboard activities from chef-led cookery sessions to spa pool lounging — every generation is cared for.
A European Waterways hotel barge.
Parents can savor fine dining and wine pairings while kids enjoy puzzles, films, and child-friendly menus. Flexible and bespoke itineraries include cycling, artisan visits, cultural immersion and more, creating enriching, memory-making “edu-vacations” that larger cruises simply can’t match.
What is a unique twist to summer travel norms, the height of school vacation season is considered off-peak for many European Waterways luxury hotel barge cruises. This means travellers can take advantage of special rates on select departures.
WAIMEA PLANTATION COTTAGES: GREAT SENIOR’S RATE ON KAUAI
Waimea Plantation Cottages on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
Waimea Plantation Cottages, beautifully positioned along the shoreline of West Kaua’i, is proud to offer seniors 50+ its Sunshine Rate, 20% off best available rates with bookings of two consecutive nights or more. For more than 40 years the iconic oceanfront Hawaiian cottages have rested along Kauai’s only black-sand beach and beautifully landscaped, sprawling green lawns.
“Waimea Plantation Cottages is proud to offer our Sunshine Rate to seniors 50+,” said Gregg Enright, general manager at Waimea Plantation Cottages. “Seniors truly value the sense of history and tradition that Waimea Plantation Cottages provides them. We look forward to welcoming seniors and their multigenerational families as they celebrate milestones, spend time with loved ones, and create new lasting memories.”
I had a fabulous stay there in January.
