Last night I attended a rather unique event. Several media were invited to Coast Restaurant’s O Lounge, to meet the team and chefs behind the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, learn about its history, and details surrounding the grand reopening after five years of renovations.
[Spanish Ballroom]
During the renovation years, many people opened up to share their personal Hotel Georgia stories with Managing Director Steve Halliday, which led to a great idea leading up to the hotel’s summer opening.
Starting today, a new contest is being launched by the hotel. Readers will have until June 18 to share their stories online either through the hotel’s Facebook page, by email, or by mailing their story to the Rosewood Hotel. Details are on a dedicated web page and there’s definitely an advantage to entering.
One lucky winner will be chosen to spend a night in the Lord Stanley Suite (one of the hotel’s two penthouse suites with a private roof top terrace, fireplace, and hot tub!), dinner at Hawksworth Restaurant (the hotel’s signature restaurant that’s sure to become a destination for foodies near and far), and a gorgeous room service breakfast the next morning. If you don’t win the big prize, not to worry, as several prizes will be awarded for visiting and “liking” the Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s Facebook page.
[Prohibition Jazz Lounge]
The Hotel Georgia was known for its elegance and style in the heart of Vancouver. Opened in 1927, it soon became the social, cultural, and business heart of Vancouver. Some of the hotel’s more famous guests have included Elvis, Nat King Cole, The Beatles, Katharine Hepburn, Laurence Olivier and Edward Prince of Wales.
The Rosewood Hotel Georgia will soon open with 155 guest rooms, Sense A Rosewood Spa, a salt-water lap pool, and over 10,000 feet of dining, nightlife, spa and event space.
[Indoor salt water lap pool]
Award-winning Canadian design firm Munge Leung was hired to complete the hotel renovation and restoration. They’ve maintained both the hotel’s former opulence and many of its original features, including the 1920’s lobby clock and original brass letter box. Cornice work in the Spanish Ballroom was recreated from photos and drawings with the help of a Tibetan Monk wood carver. Some of the decorative stained glass windows were rescued by the renovation team from behind the walls. The chandeliers have been replicated to return the hotel to its former elegance.
[Hawksworth Restaurant]
Another big draw to the hotel will be Hawksworth Restaurant, with Head Chef David Hawksworth creating internationally-inspired menus using the finest quality local ingredients available. Head Chef Ned Bell will work with the hotel to prepare menus for gala and events in addition to lobby bar 1927 and vaulted cocktail lounge Prohibition.
I’m excited to see the hotel’s art collection, valued at over a million dollars. Works from Jack Shadbolt, Douglas Coupland, Mark Roth, Takao Tanabe, Sonny Assu and Brent Comber will join legendary British artist Patrick Hughes on the hotel lobby and restaurant walls.
Visit the contest web page for complete details on where to send your entry.
