Fairmont Vancouver Airport

Atmosphere

The dining area was part of the hotel restaurant and as a result airy, but a bit impersonal and a bit bland. We sat beside the fire on a cloudy day, so that made things cozier. Also on the not-so-great side was the generic muzak and fake plants, but really it wasn’t too bad overall.

However, it was all made up to us by the appearance of a rainbow during our visit – a nice touch! 

Tea and Food Selection

The tea selection was just right, not too many crazy flavors but enough selection to keep it interesting.  We chose the two specialty flavors – their signature “Jet Setter” blend of black tea and the maple tea – a flavored black tea.  Robyn preferred the maple and I really liked the Jet Setter as it was strong and bold, just how I like it.  

Tea timer - nice touch

The water stayed nice and hot in the tea pot and our server refreshed the water.  The Bodum-style tea pot definitely has the drawback of over-steeping the tea as the leaves sit – this is really the only criticism of the tea service and a minor one.

Tea selection - lovely presentation!

The food was delicious!! They started us out with an strawberry cup with mint and blackberry – a lovely little pallet cleanser. 

Refreshing!

The finger sandwiches came in the classic flavors – smoked salmon with cream cheese, curried chicken on mini baguette, egg salad on croissant – with one exception being the apple, cheddar and basil sandwich, which was surprising and delicious. Everything was fresh, perfectly prepared and of excellent quality.

Cheese, apple and basil

Generally, I prefer plain scones, but didn’t mind the currant ones provided. Of course, Devonshire cream and strawberry jam complimented them perfectly.  Then to the top tier – petit fours (including cheesecake and chocolate eclairs). Delicious, fulfilling and decadent!

Presentation

The general presentation classy and appropriate for afternoon tea. We appreciated the little details like the monogrammed cutlery, pretty china and cloth napkins.

Service

Our server Dennis provided sublime service. He was very attentive, without being annoying and was very sweet and generous.  A lovely touch was his suggestion to bring us two tea cups each so that we could try each other’s tea. He really added to our experience.

Full disclosure – Dennis saw us taking notes for the blog, and gave us some bonus items – chocolate covered strawberries and even two glasses of champagne! This may have been our first taste of payola – we were truly treated like royalty. However, I do think the same quality of service will be provided to all – bloggers or not.

Value

We bought a 2 for 1 Groupon, so the value was great at $36 for two people.  Normally $36 each, plus $10 for cocktails/champagne.

Overall Experience

We would highly recommend the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Afternoon Tea experience! With the convenience of the Canada Line, it is even worth the short trip out specifically for tea. It would also be a lovely way to begin a trip or arrive home.  That said, the ambience was consistent with airport hotels. 

Just the Facts

Fairmont Vancouver Airport
Vancouver International Airport
3111 Grant McConachie Way
Vancouver, British Columbia  V7B 0A6
http://www.fairmont.com/vancouverairport

Hours of Tea Service:

Monday to Sunday 2:00 – 4:30pm

Reservations Recommended – call (604)248-3281

General information about the afternoon tea:

http://www.fairmont.com/vancouverairport/GuestServices/Restaurants/AfternoonTea.htm

Afternoon Tea Menu PDF: http://www.fairmont.com/NR/rdonlyres/07FF542B-1C8C-4EF0-BD33-E5B32E951CB3/0/FVA_Afternoon_Tea.pdf

Visited: Friday March 16, 2012 2:30 pm