When I heard that Fairmont Hotels was opening a new hotel in downtown Vancouver, my first thought was, "Another one?" After all, the legendary luxury chain already owns the historic Hotel Vancouver on West Georgia and the elegant Fairmont Waterfront, which sits just six blocks away.

But this new Fairmont property, the Fairmont Pacific Rim, is the creme de la creme. Located on the edge of Coal Harbour, where float planes buzz in and out, the hotel boasts views across Burrard Inlet to the North Shore Mountains.

With the shooting flames of the Olympic cauldron (a permanent installation) within sight of the hotel's front door, you could say this is the hottest property in Vancouver.

About the Fairmont Pacific Rim

Any of the 377 rooms in this hotel would be luxurious enough, but my mother and I have booked a room on the 21st floor.  One of two Gold Floors, this particular floor has its own private lounge, complimentary buffet breakfast, afternoon tea and scones, and evening canapes. If we're going to town, I figure we might as well go all the way! 

Compared with the Fairmont Vancouver, which opened in 1939 as part of the Canadian Pacific railway chain, and even compared with the much newer Fairmont Waterfront, which opened in 1991, the Fairmont Pacific Rim is a different hotel entirely.

And you'll feel it from the minute you walk into the gleaming white marble foyer. You'll know something is different when you stroll past the lobby lounge with its glass fireplace, quarter-million dollar Fazioli piano (there's live entertainment throughout the week) and raw sushi bar.

And you'll feel the difference, too, when your head hits the pillow and you turn out the lights with a simple touch on the bedside panel. Everything about this place is modern and hip.

Lights, Sound, Relaxation

The same technology that controls your room lights also controls the temperature, drapes and entertainment.

And speaking of entertainment, every room in the hotel comes with a 42-inch flat screen HDTV, iPod alarm clock doc and state of the art surround-sound.

There's a smaller tv screen in the bathroom, but I'm far more interested in the views, which are nothing short of spectacular, aided by floor to ceiling windows.

Relaxing in the black marble soaker tub my first evening, the lights of the North Shore sparkled and beckoned, including those lights high up on Grouse Mountain where people were enjoying some night skiing.

Large cargo ships dotted the harbour, waiting to load or unload their freight. But the most captivating sight? The five large, white sails of Canada Place below, day or night.

A Room With a View

My room had a view to end all views, but most guests at the Fairmont Pacific Rim will have lovely views‚ 70 per cent of the guestrooms feature unobstructed water views.

The only water that's closer than the harbour itself is in the hotel's rooftop swimming pool, which is scheduled to open spring 2010. The rooftop pool is part of the hotel's 4,000-square-foot fitness facility.

And onsite dining is no slouch either, thanks to Oru Restaurant, where chef David Wong and his team create upscale pan-asian cuisine.

Regular room rates start at $229, while rooms on the Gold Floor start at $329.