Vancouver's Medal-Worthy Hot Spots

Although currently enjoying the limelight as host city for the 2010 Olympic Games, Vancouver is no stranger to fame. Surrounded by the cool blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, green parks and snow-capped mountain peaks, Vancouver is considered one of the world’s most livable and popular cities because of its successful integration of urban and rural lifestyles. In fact, the “inside-outside” design movement in urban planning began here and was coined “Vancouverism,” thanks to the city’s pioneering developments in civic planning and design from transport and affordable housing to recreation planning.

Local architect guru Bing Thom says, “It’s got a spirit about public space. I think Vancouverites are very, very proud that we built a city that really has a tremendous amount of space on the waterfront for people to recreate and to enjoy.” Where else can visitors ski in the morning, sail in the afternoon and still make it back to town in time for cocktails and dinner. Kudos indeed!

Wandermelon presents Gold, Silver and Bronze medals to the following winners :

HOTELS

Gold: Shangri-La Hotel Sleek, contemporary, urban, Asian-style cool in downtown Vancouver.

Book through Tourism Vancouver and package includes Valet Parking for one vehicle, daily full breakfast for 2 in MARKET by Jean-Georges, and free local calls & Broadband Internet Access. Rooms From CAD$225 p/night.

Silver: The Loden Sophisticated, designer, chic with great views across Coal Harbor. Rooms from CAD$199 p/night.

Bronze: Opus Hotel Boutique, edgy and hip in stylish heritage Yaletown. Rooms from CAD$178 p/night.

RESTAURANTS

Gold: Market by Jean-Georges is an upscale, yet casual bistro from the superstar chef with a heated outdoor terrace with city views, an enticing cocktail bar, exceptional raw bar, and a sophisticated fine-dining room featuring two private rooms. The culinary focus is on seasonal regional ingredients with particular emphasis on fresh local seafood.

Silver: Fraiche Perched on a hill on the outskirts of town in West Vancouver, this elegant restaurant doesn’t sacrifice the quality of its food on account of its view, only convenience… but it’s well worth the trip and the expense.

Bronze: Salt Tasting Room Tucked away in Gastown, this wine bar is a popular spot with local foodies, particularly chefs and kitchen crews. The room, with its zinc-topped bar, communal seating, and festive air, is dominated by a chalkboard listing local, international cheeses and cured meats, and focuses on  excellent local producers.

BARS

Gold: The Diamond in the rough is a cool speakeasy bar that hides out in Gastown.

Silver: Sanafir is Arabic for “meeting place” and this sexy casbah oasis sits on Granville Street’s entertainment row.

Bronze: AFTERglow draws in a cool crowd who likes to kick back on the sexy black lounges, or prop up against the onyx bar that runs the length of the space.