Deciding on which hotel to stay at while in Vancouver was a little bit of a challenge. With there being so many options, it honestly took me a couple of weeks to finally book a hotel. After checking out Opus Hotel’s website and their social media accounts, I decided to stay at their establishment. The boutique hotel looked both interesting and beautiful, and I really liked that they offer personalized experiences. From my online research, I could tell they really take care of their guests.
As soon as I walked into Opus, I knew I was going to feel right at home. Friendly employees greeted us, and the vibe was really laidback. I almost expected the environment to feel a little bit more formal because of how absolutely stunning the hotel is, but the atmosphere was really comfortable and fun.
As I walked into our room and got a first look at our new home, I was blown away. The staff surprised us by putting us in their Signature Suite – I had no idea they were upgrading us to their largest and most spectacular room. At that moment, I knew that I had 100 percent chosen the best lodging option in Vancouver. They have made me a fan for life.
Opus Hotel’s Signature Suite includes a spacious living room that’s decorated with colors that really pop against pieces of black furniture. I love it when hotels successfully integrate black into their color scheme.
Additionally, the living room has a two-sided fireplace, a large flat screen TV, an iPad, and so much more.
Right off the living room, there is a bar that houses a Nespresso machine and complimentary Nespresso capsules as well as all types of goodies you can purchase. There is also a minibar with everything from Voss water to liquor. Beyond the bar is a beautiful half bath, which is a wonderful addition to this luxurious suite.
The bedroom is decorated with the same chic and sexy colors the living room boasts. From bed, we were able to enjoy the two-sided fireplace as well as a large flat screen TV. I’m going to go ahead and make a really bold statement right now and say that Opus Hotel’s Signature Suite includes the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in. After jumping into it, I literally exclaimed, “omigod”. After a night of sleep in the Signature Suite, I decided that the saying, there’s no place like home is reserved for those who haven’t spent a night at Opus Hotel.
Through the bedroom, we were able to access the most unbelievable bathroom. The spacious restroom includes a large walk-in shower AND a huge jetted tub that overlooks beautiful Vancouver. Additionally, there’s a flat screen TV, which can be enjoyed while soaking in the tub. Did I mention the heated floor, live orchid, and the Malin + Goetz soap dispenser? These little extras really made this bathroom stand out. Most high-end hotels provide you with soap to use, but I have NEVER seen such trendy bath items in a hotel shower before. Opus had us smelling great thanks to peppermint shampoo, cilantro hair conditioner, and rum body wash. They also earned bonus points with me for providing us with soap that’s NOT tested on animals. To many, this might seem trivial, but I notice and absolutely care about the little things.
That’s not all though, the Signature Suite features a balcony, allowing guests to really soak up the best of city life. The views from inside the room are stunning, but the views from the balcony are unbeatable. The balcony was a huge hit with us. I could wake up to those views any day!
While it would be easy to spend all of your time in one of Opus’ gorgeous rooms – particularly their Signature Suite – this boutique hotel has an impressive and lively bar on the first floor that shouldn’t be ignored.
When we visited the bar, it was busy, but the bartender was exceptionally attentive and friendly. We ordered a drink and declined to look at the food menu. However, after seeing how delicious the food being served to the people next to us looked, we went ahead and asked for a dessert menu.
We ordered the s’mores dessert from La Pentola (Opus Hotel’s restaurant) and enjoyed it while sitting in the bar. The sweet treat was incredible. It was a deconstructed s’more that had the traditional chocolate, graham cracker, and marshmallow combination. In a unique twist, the dessert was also plated with pine nuts and rosemary ice cream. The pine nuts really complemented the taste of the slightly burnt and crispy marshmallows, and the rosemary ice cream was a refreshing treat that only subtly tasted of the sometimes overpowering herb. As I took bite after bite, I became more and more curious as to how all of these flavors could taste so good together.
Not only was this dessert delicious, it was also a fantastic foodie experience. I wasn’t simply eating a yummy s’more, I was exploring flavor combinations I would have never thought would ever work together.
To all you food enthusiasts out there, I recommend stopping in at La Pentola or Opus Bar to enjoy at least one course. My only regret of the entire experience is that we didn’t have time to enjoy a full dinner there.
If and when you venture outside of the hotel, you will find yourself in the heart of trendy and bustling Yaletown where awesome shops, bakeries, restaurants, and bars abound. Because of the hotel’s prime location, there’s no need for a car. However, if you have a car with you, rest assured Opus’ valet team will take excellent care of it for you.
Opus Hotel provided us with an outstanding experience. Their employees are helpful and friendly, the hotel itself is beyond stunning, and the food and drink offered at their bar and restaurant are fantastic. Plus, their location is perfect for those who want to be in walking distance of some of the most popular establishments in the city.
I can’t wait to visit Vancouver again. And when I do, I know exactly where I’ll be staying and hanging out. Opus, you are a true gem.
Emily Keen Photography 