Wedgewood Hotel & Spa Hotel

845 Hornby Street Vancouver, BC

Vancouver is the place to be right now. The red carpet has been rolled out and the city has been buffed, polished and is ready to go for the Winter Olympics which take place in February. If you haven’t visited before then now is definitely the time to go. The city will take your breath away in winter – surrounded by craggy, snow-capped mountains, dense forests and sidewalk-hugging beaches. Book yourself in at the Wedgewood, a perfect cosy hidey-hole with a very special spa, ideal for beating your jet lag. The location, just in sight of Robson Square, means when you fancy a jaunt into the city, you don’t have to travel too far. a family-run affair, it oozes old-school charm with its original wood panelling, ticking grandfather clocks, sparkling chandeliers, crackling fires and huge chairs that dare you to cosy up on them. upstairs, the 83 rooms and suites have all been originally designed by owner Eleni Skalabani in keeping with the elegant, classic style where dark furniture contrasts with light furnishings, fabulous handmade cushions, antique fireplaces and original art pieces.

The pièce de résistance? Each room has a balcony, great for peering down at the dazzling city below. The award-winning restaurant Bacchus, deserves attention, too. British chef Lee Collins is spoilt for choice with the fantastic Canadian produce on offer. We devoured panseared Qualicum Beach scallops the size of your palm; meaty and tender they were lightly drizzled in coriander cream. The poached nova Scotia lobster and crisp spring rolls had a fresh bite, whilst the roasted breast of Brome Lake duck, slowly braised until the meat fell away, could only be beaten by the prosciutto wrapped saddle of Fraser valley rabbit. One visit is definitely not enough.

Why go? To eat like an Olympian.

Details Double from £115. 845 Hornby Street, Vancouver, British Columbia