Renowned as Vancouver’s most fashionable retreat, Rosewood Hotel Georgia has reopened following an extensive five-month renovation to unveil reimagined culinary concepts and luxury rooms and suites…
Meticulously curated to serve as the ultimate gathering place for culturally minded travellers and local aesthetes, Rosewood Hotel Georgia celebrates the history and heritage of Vancouver within a modern setting, complemented by an array of singular experiences. First opened in 1927 as Hotel Georgia, the property was last renovated in 2011 when it was introduced as Rosewood Hotel Georgia. The reopening also marks the debut of an entirely new dining destination, The Georgia Bar, further strengthening the property’s robust culinary program and paying homage to the iconic and beloved personalities that once traversed through its corridors.
Rosewood Hotel Georgia tapped New York-based design firm Lillian Wu Studio for the redesign of its 156 rooms and suites. Reflecting the epitome of refined comfort and sophistication, the accommodations were thoughtfully crafted as a sensorial experience with details such as leather wrapped accessories, plush, tufted headboards, horn handles with bronze patina holders, and hand-blown glass fixtures.
With a colour palette reflecting tranquil hues juxtaposed with patterned furnishings and jewel-toned accents, the rooms and suites offer guests an atmosphere of serenity and timeless luxury. Reflecting Rosewood’s A Sense of Place philosophy, elegant nods to the property’s singular location are woven throughout, such as silver leaf-painted glass resembling the Pacific Dogwood, the provincial flower of British Columbia, as well as works of art curated by a local gallery.
Serving as the crown jewels of the property, the Lord Stanley Suite and Rosewood Suite were renovated in 2021 and embody the bold spirit of the iconic guests who have visited over the hotel’s almost hundred-year history. The 118 square-metre 12th floor Lord Stanley Suite, adorned in gold and royal hues with distinctive fixtures, features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large living room, a dining area for up to six people, and a terrace with a private plunge pool, outdoor fireplace, and unobstructed views of Vancouver.
Similarly luxurious, the 138 square-metre Rosewood Suite, inspired by the verdant Pacific Northwest, offers two bedrooms, two baths, a spacious living area, and a rooftop garden terrace for up to 20 guests. Modern with sleek silhouettes and graphic patterns, it can connect to an additional room for a three-bedroom setup and includes a private plunge pool and fireplace with bird’s-eye views of Vancouver.
Vancouver-based design firm Ste. Marie Studio is at the helm of the redesigned public spaces including the lobby and adjacent culinary concepts. Channelling the opulence of the Roaring ’20s, the Lobby balances the jubilance and elegance typical of that era while layering in a sense of locality and warmth synonymous with the Rosewood brand. Moody marbles and plush green velvets are contrasted with contemporary flair and punches of colourful textile that effortlessly link both the Front Desk area and 1927 Lounge dining space.
Designed to celebrate the rich history of the city, the newly refined bi-level 1927 Lounge shines a light on the prestigious narratives of downtown Vancouver while continuing to offer fine dining and artisanal cocktails. Creating a hub of activity and entertainment for visiting guests and locals alike, the 1927 Lounge features live performances from R&B, Jazz, and Soul artists on selective nights and special occasions. The musical soul of the space is further emphasised by the sounds of a custom Fazioli Pianoforti Model F183 Art Case Edition in California Walnut, which serves as the perfect accompaniment for world-class acts that can be enjoyed from both 1927 as well as the new adjacent The Georgia Bar.
Embodying the spirit of the gilded art deco era, The Georgia Bar is the hotel’s new mixology-focused concept, centered around a dramatic, u-shaped Arabescatto Orobico marble-top bar with a backdrop of stately mahogany-panelled walls and marble checkerboard floors. Cocooning guests are bespoke, custom furnishings produced by artisan makers in Europe outfitted in soft upholsteries of crushed velvets and rich leather, ornate crystal fixtures, unique archival objects, and an eclectic art collection, all infusing the ambiance with both elegance and character.
The Georgia Bar’s cocktail program transports guests to a storied world honouring the luminaries and tales that are central to the hotel’s history. Complex in artistry and technique, the mixology program places the guest experience first, with varying flavour profiles all centered around high quality and often painstakingly sourced ingredients. Taking guests on a journey through the heart and history of Rosewood Hotel Georgia, the signature cocktail menu features odes to the property’s heritage, with selections including the Patricia, a spirit forward cocktail that takes its name from the ‘Patricia Room’, a dedicated space for HRH Edward, Prince of Wales, dating from the original hotel’s grand opening; and The Herrick, a wine-based cocktail with elements of Earl Grey tea and Verjus Blanc that pays tribute to Fred Herrick who served as the property’s shoe shiner for 54 years.
Following the property’s initial reopening, Reflections Terrace will be reintroduced in the second half of 2024 as a year-round dining destination, marking the rebirth of a local favourite. Upon its debut, Reflections will feature a new, fully retractable roof and design elements inspired by Vancouver’s surrounding landscapes, centered around a biophilic design that further brings the outdoors in.
Located in a storied space beneath the hotel, the recently opened Prophecy is a brand-new concept designed to seamlessly blend classic sophistication with modern allure, paying homage to the legacy of Rosewood Hotel Georgia and its role in the past and future elegant nightlife in Vancouver. At the helm of its cocktail program is an award-winning team who have collaboratively created a cocktail menu inspired by writers, poets, musicians, and artists. Prophecy’s food menu features a range of elevated, shareable options tailored to various tastes, ranging from familiar favourites to indulgent seafood selections. Noteworthy dishes include the decadent A5 Wagyu Katsu Sando. Adding to the food and beverage experience are state-of-the-art digital works by Apollo, a pioneer in progressive technology.
Building upon the established collection at Rosewood Hotel Georgia, the property’s artwork has been seamlessly incorporated throughout the hotel to provide guests with a unique cultural immersion. The collection showcases a diverse array of modern artists – from blue-chip and mid-career to emerging contemporary talents – across various mediums, including paintings, prints, photography, and sculptures. Collaborating exclusively with local and national artists, the hotel leaned into the already present works from Canadian modern masters and sought after artists like Guido Molinari, Marcel Barbeau, and Jack Shadbolt, for inspiration. Directly influenced by those artists, the new pieces converse together to create a cohesive collection that places Canadian art within a broader global dialogue.
Main image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts