HotelChatter

The queen (and grandma) would still be right at home here, as the frilly fabrics and traditional furniture seem straight out of a London manor house.

The richness continues in the bath, where Miller Harris toiletries and fluffy robes provide plenty of pampering. The Olde Europe style gets put aside when it comes to tech, thankfully. Large flat-screen TVs sit atop a dresser and the wireless Internet worked well in our spacious room. The working WiFi comes at a price of course. (Ed. Note: Fairmont is one of those old-guard luxury hotels that probably will never let internet be free.)

The 900 West Lounge here is a sumptuous traditional bar that has won martini challenges and "best wine bar" awards. Being here as parents, however, we were happier to find a large indoor pool covered by glass and a special appetizers and dessert buffet going on the main restaurant.

Service is polished and professional, though the wee hours staff levels could use a boost: when we had to check out at 5:30 a.m., there was nobody in the lobby except a security guard. Okay... express checkout it'll be!

Rates start at $229 a night in the low season, but expect to pay over $300 during the summer and when the 2010 Winter Olympics come to town starting in February.

[Photo: Jeslu]