Tai Pan Penthouse: Metropolitan Hotel's Sky-High Comeback

In the heart of downtown Vancouver, the Metropolitan Hotel is a refined urban retreat that blends international heritage with West Coast charm. Originally opened in 1984 as The Mandarin Vancouver—the first North American property of the Hong Kong-based Mandarin International Hotels—the hotel was conceived as a no-expense-spared venture into five-star luxury.

Today, its legacy endures as part of the distinguished Marriott Bonvoy family, with subtle nods to its origins, including the regal lion statues flanking the entrance.

A Suite Above

If you are seeking the pinnacle of luxury in Vancouver, allow the Tai Pan Penthouse Suite at the Metropolitan Hotel to redefine your idea of a lavish city escape. This striking two-level suite, spanning more than 1,500 square feet, is a true urban sanctuary perched above the heart of downtown. With sweeping wrap-around balconies framing panoramic skyline views, this is where sophistication meets cinematic grandeur.

Step inside and be greeted by a grand living room anchored by a Yamaha baby grand piano—perfect for an impromptu serenade or simply adding an elegant flourish to your stay.

Entertain in style with a formal dining area that seats ten, paired with a fully equipped galley kitchen designed for either casual meals or a private chef experience. Whether you are hosting a soirée or enjoying a quiet night in, this suite rises to every occasion.

Ascend the sculptural solid-wood spiral staircase to discover a king bedroom loft that overlooks the main floor, along with a palatial marble bathroom featuring dual vanities, a soaking tub, and a separate glass shower. Plush robes, luxe amenities, and expansive mirrors create a serene, spa-like retreat.

Outdoor heaters on the balcony ensure year-round comfort, while modern in-room features—flat-screen TV, complimentary bottled water, and air conditioning—offer convenience without compromising style. For those seeking even more space, adjoining rooms may be added to transform the suite into a private residence.

From visiting celebrities to those simply craving a refined escape, the Tai Pan Penthouse is a destination in itself.

Central City Access

As your base in the city, the Metropolitan Hotel offers unrivalled access to the city’s most celebrated landmarks. Guests are mere steps from the Vancouver Art Gallery, Pacific Centre Mall, and the luxury boutiques of Alberni Streets ‘Luxury Zone.’ The historic cobblestone paths of Gastown lie a short walk away, as do the glittering harbourside walkways leading to the cruise-ship terminal. For those arriving or departing by air, the nearest SkyTrain station—with direct access to Vancouver International Airport—is only one minute from the lobby doors.

Elevated Urban Comfort

This 18-storey boutique hotel features 197 well-appointed guestrooms and 18 stylish suites, designed with a quiet sophistication that reflects the city’s cosmopolitan energy. Rooms boast spacious marble washrooms with separate glass showers (many with soaker tubs), European down duvets, fine linens, broadband internet, and windows that open to the city breeze. Many accommodations feature Juliet or step-out balconies, offering a fresh vantage point of Vancouver’s vibrant downtown.

Leisure and Wellness

Guests can stay active with a 24-hour fitness centre and unwind in the indoor heated pool, open year-round. Whether preparing for a business meeting or decompressing after a day of exploration, the Metropolitan offers balance and renewal.

Intimate Elegance

Despite its central location, the Metropolitan Hotel maintains the feel of a private sanctuary. The lobby is understated yet refined, with colourful carpets and curated seating areas that encourage conversation or quiet moments of reflection. The check-in experience is discreet and efficient, situated just beside the elevators for swift access to guest floors.

A Diva of a Dining Experience

Diva at the Met is an elegant dining destination that blends refined culinary artistry with contemporary sophistication. This downtown restaurant has long held a reputation for its commitment to seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, offering a menu that celebrates the vibrant bounty of the Pacific Northwest. Guests can expect a thoughtfully curated dining experience, where West Coast influences meet international flair in every dish.

Your Refined Refuge

From the tree-lined seawall of Stanley Park to the slopes of  Grouse Mountain, the city’s outdoor marvels are within easy reach. Yet amid the pulse of the downtown core, the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver remains a tranquil retreat—a place where comfort, convenience, and cosmopolitan style converge. Come for the views, stay for the elegance—and leave with memories of Vancouver at its most indulgent.

Author Profile

Helen Siwak, Luxury Lifestyle Observer: Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at [email protected].