JW Marriott Parq Vancouver

Character and identity

Two copper-toned glass towers rise above downtown Vancouver as part of the Parq complex, an urban resort wrapping a 72,000-square-foot casino, eight food and drink outlets, and a sixth-floor elevated park into one address. The 329 rooms run in a soft palette of white, grey and taupe, with floor-to-ceiling light and views toward False Creek, the mountains or the BC Place dome next door. The marquee restaurant is The Victor, a Pacific Northwest steakhouse with a full sushi menu; Honey Salt handles casual. The 17th-floor Spa by JW, an outdoor whirlpool and a 24/7 gym round out the wellness floor. Service is efficient and bustling rather than intimate.

Who's it for

Bottom line

The defining feature is the all-in-one urban resort setup: casino, stadium, eight restaurants and a serious spa, all under one roof in downtown Vancouver. Book it if you want to be in the thick of the action without leaving the building. Request an "-01" suite on the 20th floor or above for the 270-degree wedge views, and check rates around event weekends.