Exploring Vancouver: Shangri-La
Contrary to what I said in my previous post, I won’t be doing my Tourism Challenge blogging mania in 3 days. There’s just too much to write about. Instead, I’ll be blogging about 1 or 2 (sometimes maybe a few more) attractions each time. Today, I’ll start with what I had left off with in the last post.
So what was that gleaming blue building soaring up into the sky from my previous post? Title kinda gives it away, eh? Well, Anny Chih was right; the building was indeed the Shangri-La!
The Living Shangri-La Hotel and Residences in Vancouver is the only Shangri-La in Canada as of now and was the first in North America. It is part hotel, part office space, part condominium. Opened in September 2008, the Shangri-La is currently the tallest building in the city at 659ft (201m) with 62 stories.
Personally, I find nothing spectacular at all about the Shangri-La. It’s overrated. It doesn’t even look like a hotel. Normally, you would find some sort of cul-de-sac looking half-roundabout for the taxis and cars and whatnot, yes? Well, the Shangri-La is on a big street (W Georgia) with cars zooming by (noted by the photo below), so there’s really no room for that. And unless there’s a secret side entrance that I don’t know about, the entrance I saw didn’t scream, “Look at me!”
The entrance was a mere revolving door which opened into what looked nothing like a hotel. I mean, sure, it’s only part hotel, but it’s still part hotel. Shouldn’t it at least look like one?
To add to the non-hotel look, it had some funky Chinese herbal or some kind of Chinese-y smell in there. Not all that pleasant. I mean, sure, I’m Chinese, but I’m whitewashed enough to not enjoy every last bit of Chinese goodness. (I have no idea if that made sense; I just put down whatever popped into mind.)
I dunno. I was disappointed. The Shangri-La just wasn’t as spectacular as I thought it would be. It wasn’t as seemingly glamorous as people made it out to be. The rooms are supposedly awesome and modern, but if that’s the case, then the entrance just doesn’t do it justice. I mean, we all know that first impressions are important, right?
Upcoming…
Can you guess what this animal is? Shouldn’t be too hard.
June 5th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
You are right – you completely missed the main entrance which is actually underground. I guess thats a bonus to celebs, politicians and other media fodder who might not want to bother with paps. You’ll find all the doormen etc there, ready to assist
You entered by the street entrance which is mainly for foot traffic or to get to the piano bar/cafe.
btw they dont have a check in desk either – you just go straight up to your room and they check you in there, so there is no check in desk normally associated with a hotel foyer
June 5th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
The Shangri-La is more residences than hotel. Only the first 12 floors are used for the hotel. The rest are condo. Starting from the 41st floor on up, they are very big condos. I have a friend who lives there. I can take you up to see it if you like. It has a great view.
June 5th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Bianca,
Wow, underground. Yeah, I could see why it would be underground for the celebs and whatnot.
Hm, if there’s no check-in desk, does that mean you get your room number and everything beforehand?
Dad,
Yeah I’m sure they have awesome views up there.
June 5th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
AC- Until you said “dad”… I thought i was being asked out on a date
Dont know to the question about check in – I think they just ask when you are planning to arrive.
June 6th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
LOL! Nice.
June 7th, 2009 at 1:51 am
Wow sounds like a great building! I really like this exotic feeling! Thank you for sharing this. The last picture is a horse isn’t it?
June 14th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
[...] the Art Gallery (the building with the pyramid stairs and Roman-looking columns). The Shangri-La (remember that?) can be seen in the background on the left and I believe the green roof building next to the [...]
August 2nd, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Wonderful article. I been looking for one on a similar note. I guess you always have something up your sleeve.
August 3rd, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Thanks archlord gold