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Hilton Vancouver Airport HotelBy Barbara Ballard
The hotel sits on one corner of a city block that is also home to the Marriott hotel and Richmond Inn. They all share a mini-bus that offers free twice-hourly transport to the Vancouver airport. Parking is conveniently provided on the same level as the hotel entrance, and a covered, off-street loading zone makes it more pleasant in inclement weather. The Hilton hotel is only a few years old, and its elevators have the security of working only by inserting your room card.
All rooms have a desk with two dataports and high speed Internet access (for an additional fee). Coffee makers, microwaves, small fridges, hair dryers, irons, and ironing boards make for a convenient stay. I particularly appreciated being able to make an early morning cup of coffee. The suites do not have mini-bars, but bottled water is provided. Bathrooms are equipped with massage showerheads with excellent waterpower, solid and liquid bath soap, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion. I found the mattresses to be first class, ensuring a good night’s sleep. Standard full-service hotel features such as laundry service, a small news stand, a lounge, and room service are part of the conveniences provided. For business presentations, meeting rooms, photo copying, printing, and AV equipment rental are offered. The planning for a meeting or event can be handled by staff. Internet access for those without computers is available next to the lobby for a fee of $3.50 for 15 minutes. There’s a fitness room, tennis court, and an outdoor pool, which is located beside a parking lot.
Staff at all levels in all areas of the hotel bend over backwards to be helpful. All concerns and questions are dealt with immediately and courteously. The dining room staff are outstanding in this area. I checked out of the hotel in the early morning but wanted to explore the area for the day without having to bring my luggage along; the hotel was more than happy to let me leave my baggage in storage. A block away is Richmond Centre shopping plaza offering the usual Bay, Sears, and chain stores. Of great interest is the Golden Village shopping area of Richmond. Here are two fascinating Chinese and Japanese supermarkets that are fun to explore. You can discover foods you never heard of or expected to see. Take-outs are part of both the markets if you are daring enough to experience some new tastes. Chinese herbal stores and tea shops are other interesting facets of nearby shopping. Travel InformationHilton Hotel Photos courtesy Hilton Vancouver Airport Hotel |
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TM
The 3-star
Hilton Vancouver Airport hotel is 3.1 miles (5km) from the Vancouver
International Airport, 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, and half an hour
from the US border. 
The 237
room/suite hotel is non-smoking. The fully air-conditioned 169 suites and
junior suites offer separate bedroom and sitting areas. A small balcony is
accessed from the sitting area. Rooms are furnished in beiges, browns,
blacks, and a soft mahogany red. The sofa in the sitting room is a foldaway
bed. Both the sitting room and bedroom have televisions.
In the hotel lobby are a lounge and a restaurant. The
lounge offers a martini menu. The restaurant, Carmichael’s, is under the
direction of Executive Chef Corey Jessup. The Chef’s specialty is West Coast
Asian fusion cuisine, using as many locally sourced and seasonal ingredients
as possible for the fresh sheet. Chef Jessup is experienced, knowledgeable,
and dedicated to making a dining experience far beyond what usual hotel fare
offerings provide. My five course Asian fusion meal was a delightful dining
experience. On Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays there are themed
luncheons: Greek, Italian, and West Coast Asian fusion.