The Rosewood Hotel Georgia may be 90 years old but with three spectacular, very different bar experiences, it sure knows how to entertain
When you check in to the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, there’s no real reason to leave until you check out. With spas, superb food and three of Vancouver’s leading bars inside its 90-year-old walls, this glamorous landmark accommodation is a highlight reel of local luxury, history and flavour.
The hotel’s attention to detail and local emphasis is showcased by the recent remodelling of its 1927 Lobby Lounge, a relaxed space with soft, natural light and seats that encourage reclining. Its walls now host a variety of historical photos featuring famous guests — including Sinatra, Elvis and Sammy Davis, Jr. — as well as some original Frank Herzog shots.
The bar at 1927 offers a wide gin-centric selection of cocktails, curated by head bartender Robyn Gray. Among them are the famous Hotel Georgia, whose origins go back to the 1940s, and a variety of G&Ts done properly — something very important to Brad Simmons, the hotel’s director of sales and marketing.
“It doesn’t need to be overly complicated. It’s about having the right garnishings with that gin and tonic, whether that’s grapefruit, peppercorns, or a little bit of basil or some rosemary. All of these things that will complement the botanicals,” Simmons says. To that end, the hotel has even had its own tonic created by Bittercube, in collaboration with Bombay Sapphire.
For an even more laid-back experience in the open air, take the elevator to the fourth floor and the oasis of the Reflections garden terrace. Edison lights twinkle in Japanese maples, while low-slung sofas beckon amid water features.
It’s a beautiful space designed for family-style dining over brunches, lunches and dinners, whether that’s pizzas, salads or charcuterie — “chill, relaxed, good food; simple food but done beautifully,” Simmons says. There’s also a fully stocked bar and an extensive B.C. wine list.
If you’re more about letting your hair down than putting your feet up, head down to Prohibition for live jazz- and swing-influenced music and a stellar spirits and cocktail selection, including an authentic absinthe experience.
One must-try is Gray’s Inception cocktail, a “Negroni within a Negroni”: a red negroni injected into a sphere of ice, then added to a white negroni.
With such a range of experiences, you might be tempted to make a full day of your stay at the Hotel Georgia — even if you’re not a guest.
“Keep in mind that it’s a relatively small hotel in the scheme of things. But in bar terms, we have three of the leading bars in the city and they’re all very different,” Simmons says.
THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY:
Rosewood Hotel Georgia, 801 West Georgia Street, 604-682-5566
RosewoodHotels.com/HotelGeorgia
