Metropolitan Hotel 645 Howe St., Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 249, Canada Phone: 604-687-1122/800-667-2300 Fax: 604.602.7846; Website: www.metropolitan.com/vanc/ E-mail: reservations@van.metropolitan.com

Feng Shui Refuge

No seaside metropolis sizzles quite like Vancouver. Maybe it's the Canadian addiction to a $2 coin called the toonie, or the lime- and puce-colored high-rises built by Hong Kong "zillionaires" to brighten foggy days, or possibly it's the runaway Hollywood productions shooting all over the landscape and cashing in on exchange rates. Or maybe it's just the fact that you can spend three glorious days at the Metropolitan Hotel.

This intimate refuge enjoys a prime downtown location in the heart of the entertainment and shopping district. Reflecting president Henry Wu's spiritual approach to the hotel business, the guest is greeted by black stone lions at the entrance which were quarried for a temple in Tien Jin province and guarantee to guard against evil spirits and bring good luck. A 12-panel Coromandel screen on the second floor landing also ensures good fortune. The Metropolitan's mission statement: build a Feng Shui refuge and they will come.

All 197 guest rooms are spacious with elegantly appointed oak cabinetry and pure wool carpets, which makes guests feel like they're in private homes. Suite-sized marble bathrooms with soaker tubs and separate walk-in showers, luxurious Italian linens, Frette bathrobes, opulent king-size beds, daily newspaper delivery, and in-room coffee are standard. Additional amenities include the option of Lexus-chauffeured jaunts to downtown areas and complimentary use of the health-club pool and squash court. No cost has been spared to impart a luxurious ambience, and the welcoming staff is the ultimate amenity. Many have worked there since the Metropolitan opened in 1984.

Even Confucious said that man does not live by Feng Shui alone. There's also Diva at the Met, the highly acclaimed restaurant combining light wood, bronze detailing, and splashes of color to achieve a whimsical, almost dream-like effect. It serves contemporary, international food deeply rooted in the products of the Northwest. Executive chef Scott Baechler leads the culinary cast behind the 140-seat restaurant and bar. The open kitchen prepares outstanding plates such as Queen Charlotte scallops with mustard spätzle and tomato confit, lobster risotto with spring peas and carrots in a bonito broth and Okanagan spring lamb and cardamom braised shank with a green du puy lentil cassoulet. A unique offering is Diva Tastings: guests can select any three items in small portions from the complete menu for $60 (US $40).

The Metropolitan is an ideal hub for walking along the Stanley Park seawall, skiing day or night on Grouse or Seymour Mountains, sailing on English Bay, or just admiring the mountains which embrace the ocean in one of the most beautiful port cities in the world.

Travel tip: Be sure to rub the Chinese lion's head when leaving to avoid being hit by a tidal wave while bird-watching on the seawall.