Feng
Shui Refuge
Spiritual Luxury
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The entrance at the Metropolitan Hotel |
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.
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An Executive Suite
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Heated indoor swimming pool |
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.
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