For 17 days, Vancouver will be the centre of the universe — but you can own it anytime with our ultra-stylish black book!
Where to stay
GOLD: Opus Vancouver Hotel (opushotel.com)
Area: Yaletown
A near-perfect hotel, the Opus Vancouver combines a rocker-chic aesthetic with absolute comfort — it’s like staying at your most stylish friend’s apartment. Ask for the Susan (one of five different room styles), which is painted deep blue and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook fashionable Yaletown. (Beautymark, the indie Sephora, is only two minutes away!) Every room is stocked with beautiful art books, fashion magazines and cool-kid CDs, and every night your pillow is the beneficiary of creative candies, like colourful Louisiana chews.
Bonus: With its chandeliers and crimson curtains, Elixir Bistro is a high-drama spot for breakfast. (Thespians like it too — the Twilight cast hung out here when they were filming in the city last fall.) Order the Brioche French Toast, which comes with apple-brandy brown butter and raisin mascarpone. If you’re partying like a rock star, pair it with the Elixir Caesar.
Vibe: Alexa Chung, Bianca Jagger, Juergen Teller.
SILVER: The Loden Hotel (theloden.com)
Area: Coal Harbour
Hotels like the Loden are redefining “boutique”: Bland minimalism has been banished in favour of unique individual touches that combine to create a singular effect — in this case, elegance. The vision starts in the lobby of this meticulously appointed hotel, with gleaming marble walls, elegant cut-crystal vases and coffee-table books on fashion photography.
Vibe: Margherita Missoni, Grace Kelly, Irving Penn.
Whet your appetite with these hot eateries on the next page ...
How to pack for a great escape
12 romantic hours in Manhattan
Top albums of 2009
