Park Hyatt (1128 W Georgia) | 197m | 62 fl | Completed

[dreambrother808]

The lobbies are quite impressive. They have an old world grandeur that lasts, as opposed to whatever the current modern trend may be.

[AlexYVR]

Originally Posted by dreambrother808

The lobbies are quite impressive. They have an old world grandeur that lasts, as opposed to whatever the current modern trend may be.

I think the 'problem', if there is one, lies in the discrepancy between the extremely 'current modern trend' exterior and the 'old world grandeur' interior. You're walking up to a modern glass box covered in tiny square techno-polkadots, only to be transported into a slightly cheesy oldschool classic atmosphere.

[jlousa]

I'd wait till you see the final product before making judgement.

[Yume-sama]

There is nothing grander than a 5* Asian hotel. It's way better than the trendy crap you see in Los Angeles and places.

The Asians know how to do luxury, and I fully expect the Shangri-La to be just that. Classic Asian luxury.

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by EdinVan

Bummer. Do you know why? They've permitted it on other buildings (Shaw, etc.). How come not here?

It's part of the rezoning bylaw under the higher buildings policy - not sure what the final outcome was:

http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20050915/documents/ph2ym.pdf

In a related matter, staff note that it is proposed to amend the Sign By-law (to address
previous oversight) to not allow a facia sign above the 137 m (450 ft.), as set out in the City's
General Policy for Higher Buildings. The applicant has been refining a proposal for a hotel
logo at the rooftop, which is described to be ‘more art than commerce’. As Planning staff
have proposed to review the higher building policy next year, including incorporating City
Council expectations regarding sustainability, it is proposed that signage for higher buildings
be reviewed in that context.

[Metro-One]

These are the policies that i hate about this city. We will never reach our full potential with all these outdated nimby by-laws. If an office story is built over 137 m you better believe they are going to want a logo at the top.

[jlousa]

I'm sure the sign bylaws are holding us back and not the lack of companies calling Vancouver home.

[Coldrsx]

Originally Posted by Yume-sama

There is nothing grander than a 5* Asian hotel. It's way better than the trendy crap you see in Los Angeles and places.

The Asians know how to do luxury, and I fully expect the Shangri-La to be just that. Classic Asian luxury.

yes and no... European Luxury equally impressive.

but overall i expect very high standards.

[yaletownman]

Originally Posted by Hourglass

Any self-respecting 5-star hotel in Asia would not be complete without a grand marble-clad lobby with some subtle or not-so-subtle feng shui features (and I've been in some 3-star hotels in China that still had 5-star lobbies).

Given that Shangri-la's name recognition is strongest in Asia, I suspect that's where most of their clientele will be from. Hence, a marble lobby with massive chandeliers is a minimum requirement.

With the exception of the Kowloon Hotel, I've stayed at the hotels pictured, and the lobbies are actually quite impressive in person.

There are certain standards that "Old Money" have grown accustomed to. chandeliers and marble in the hotels they frequent are just a few of them. Even Starck injects the power of baroque into his modernist interiors. My partner and I were invited to the opening party of the St. Martins in London.
The place was amazing. He mixed marble, Louis XV furniture, crystal and venetian mirror with LCD lighting that washed the walls in color that changed periodically. The best things in life are never all or nothing. There is always room for a grande chandelier in the most modern of spaces. Vancouver has worn out the B&B Italia and wenge look to death anyway.

[Yume-sama]

Just got notice that residents will begin moving in next week. How exciting!

Does anybody know what the grocery store will be? I know it's been mentioned, but I couldn't find it.

[sacrifice333]

Originally Posted by Yume-sama

Just got notice that residents will begin moving in next week. How exciting!

Does anybody know what the grocery store will be? I know it's been mentioned, but I couldn't find it.

It's another Urban Fare I believe.

[jlousa]

Yes it'll be an urban fare.

[SpongeG]

opens in november

I wonder if it will affect the coal harbour store

[hollywoodnorth]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

opens in november

I wonder if it will affect the coal harbour store

if anything it will effect the Capers on Robson a few blocks down. This Urban Fare will do great I think and the Coal harbour one is the only grocery store in that area so it has strong base

[cjohnny4]

The Shangri-La has placed some very fugly chandeliers in the lobby on the Georgia St. side. It looks just like one of those tacky Chinese restaurants that have one massive dining room and a huge, ugly, and cheap-looking chandelier hanging over the whole room, lighting the place up so brightly that there is no intimate warmth anywhere. My initial feeling is that this type of design, quite alarming to western eyes, is going to clash with the modern exterior design of the building. I'll have to re-evaluate once I see the completely finished lobby.

[vanhattan]

I had to walk by SLato see what all of the fuss (chandeliers) was all about. Actually, I think the chandeliers are quite elegant and simplistic in nature with a nod to modernism. I think they look quite stunning and delicate next to the massive travertine(?) columns. A class act so far...hope the lobby furniture and check in counter do justice to the bones already there. As far as brightness, yes they are, but I am sure they can afford to install a dimmer switch before opening night.

[EdinVan]

Originally Posted by Yume-sama

Classic Asian luxury.

It's definitely classic something.

[EdinVan]

Originally Posted by dreambrother808

The lobbies are quite impressive. They have an old world grandeur that lasts, as opposed to whatever the current modern trend may be.

At least the chandeliers will last, that's for sure. Considering they're probably made of cheap plastic, they'll remain totally intact when the big earthquake hits.

[EdinVan]

Originally Posted by jlousa

I'm sure the sign bylaws are holding us back and not the lack of companies calling Vancouver home.

But it's partly about image and "atmosphere", too. When people think of Vancouver, they think of water and mountains and trees. They don't think "metropolis" or "financial centre" because it doesn't -look- like either one of those, at least without the glittery lights. True, there are more fundamental reasons why businesses don't want to locate here, but it doesn't help that City Hall goes out of its way to make this place look (and feel) so drab and unexciting.

[Metro-One]

Why do you think i am always pushing for more LED screens and tower lights. I have said on this forum before that at one time Vancouver was compared to Vegas because of all the neon lights and atmospheric signs we use to have. There are still a few relics of the glory days remaining along Granville and Hastings, but i fear that even these few remaining interesting signs will be torn or tuned down. I don't want Vancouver to be a Vegas, that is for sure, but i would like to have just a few districts where there was a more exciting, bright and festive atmosphere. These go well in promoting night time street level shopping that everyone here holds so dear. My parents, who grew up in Vancouver, tell me that back in the 60's and 70's Vancouver was much more exciting and festive than it is now. Vancouver has given to much strength to the nimbys and does need to think a little bit more for the group. People who decide to live downtown should expect downtown life, especially if you decide to move into a condo near one of the main entertainment streets. The upside down church is another perfect example of nimbys having to much control. For goodness sake they even want the float planes to stop!