Just down the street from the Fairmont Pacific Rim is its slightly older and somewhat overshadowed sister. It, too, has an enviable location, right across the street from the convention center and the cruise ship terminal. In 2014, it has seen some significant (and much-needed) renovations on its Gold Floor, Fairmont’s luxurious “hotel within a hotel,” as well as its lobby restaurant and bar, which was recently renamed ARC. It’s part of an ongoing update throughout the property: Some guest rooms may still retain the old, dark, heavy traditional look, but most have transitioned to a lighter, cleaner, contemporary West Coast design, with features like pale leather headboards, rounded glass lamp bases, cheerful floral throw pillows, and shimmery wallpapered statement walls. Some of the rooms from this triangle-shaped tower have spectacular views of the big cruise ships, and others have views of the garden terrace, where chef raises bees and grows herbs for the kitchen.