Vancouver is gaining a Park Hyatt, at the expense of the existing Shangri-La. That’s certainly an exciting development for us points enthusiasts (thank to John for flagging this).
Continue reading: 119-Room Park Hyatt Vancouver Opening 2026 (Former Shangri-La)
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
It's odd how badly Shangri-La has struggled in North America, considering how well they do in Asia (and at least sustain themselves in Europe, Middle East).
I wonder what the disconnect is, no advertisement?
Looking to go to Vancouver for the first time next year and will be glad that this exists as an option (the only other Hyatt option is a Regency which looks to be right down the street). But category 8 sounds steep (and maybe overpriced?).
Cat 8 is unfortunately probably correct for that area. Vancouver is an extremely expensive city - unquestionably the most expensive cost of living in Canada. That Hyatt Regency is probably only a Cat 5 bc it's quite outdated and any refresh would bring it to a Cat 6. That property was a steal as a Cat 3 just a couple years ago...
I stayed in the Fairmont Pacific Rim for two nights last year and I think it's one of my favorite hotels - a splurge but worth it. I've also stayed in the Hyatt Regency in 2022 and it was fine (it was a cat 3 or 4 then).
Mandarin Oriental is like this to some extent too. They used to have locations in SF, DC, and Vegas, but have significantly shrunk their North American footprint. They're expanding elsewhere in the world so it's something with this market.
It's been a few years but I've always found the Hyatt Regency to be perfectly fine. Right above a SkyTrain station and has all the amenities you would expect from the brand standard. Unless the interior design/furnishings of the PH are the main draw (I assume most visitors to Vancouver will spend the majority of their time off-property) I don't see a huge need to spend the extra points.
This is purely my 100% uninformed take, but my impression is that they've tried to apply the same designs that appeal to their Asian markets (restrained 90's to early 2000's design) in North America which reads as classy to their intended Asian audience, but outdated and stuffy to a Western design sensibility. That, and I think N. Americans are less likely to recognize and understand the high-service concept and are okay with luxury factories like Ritz Carlton that have more name recognition. (Not poo-pooing N. Americans, just saying it's a different taste palate).
Vancouver actually has three fairmont properties (not including the airport). The Hotel Vancouver is also a fairmont property
Have stayed at this property many times as Shangri La. The rooms are wonderful, good staff, nice breakfast, great location. It will be a major win for PH. The valet, drop off, front desk are knd of strangely located underground in the garage but it does work well as to avoiding trying to pull up anywhere on the busy street. Many rooms have nice balconies as well. It feels more residential to me so will see how PH looks to the design later.
Pan Pacific, MO, Shangri La...all succesful brands in Asia and to an extent Europe. I think it comes down to a few areas.
1. They realize too late that footprint matters. A few scattered properties is just not going to make it in NA. You can't build brand recognition and loyalty with a few properties.
2. Staffing. To keep hotels to the standards their Asian clients expect they need to pay VERY well in North America. If they don't they end up hurting their brand with loyal Asian clients who visit places like Vancouver.
3. Not only pay well but have to recruit like crazy as there is just not a pool of highly trained and reliable service workers out there. And those that are there look towards Four Seasons etc as there are better opportunities in North America.
The leads to one thing. They can't make the same money here they do in Asia and the brand suffers in their stronghold as a result.
4.
They made some interesting choices on the design of this property, notably that the main entrance and pickup/dropoff area is underground. The public-facing amenities like the art installation, stores, and restaurants are completely separate from the hotel lobby, so the hotel has no 'activated' spaces. I suppose that makes it much more attractive to guests looking for privacy, but it contrasts with the Fairmont Pacific Rim and the Hotel Georgia which both have busy, popular lobby bars and restaurants with more of a see-and-be-seen vibe.
Stayed at the Shangri-La once and was not impressed at all. Super excited to have another Hyatt option in Vancouver, I’ve stayed at the HR at least 30+ times. And in the meantime, seems I’ll be able to get that elusive Hyatt badge in Brand Explorer!
That hotel never found its footing . When it opened it had a Jean George restaurant closed within a year . The bar never made it the whole place was a miss . Vancouver really lacks hotel rooms and is reflected in outrageous pricing . Like $400 at travel lodge on weekends . Category 8 is crazy and yeah the regency is a block away .