Opus hits trendy chord

By Holly Richmond, Orange Coast - December, 2002

If you're ready for a vacation that makes you feel like the hippest of the hip, the coolest of the cool, and completely in the know, then get yourself - pronto - to Opus, Vancouver, British Columbia's newest boutique hotel.

In less than three hours’ flight time, you can land in this European-esque Canadian city with nary a bit of jet lag, though you'll feel millions of miles from home; huge pine trees replace slender palms, and the air has a crisp, nothern acuteness. Vancouver is divided into small neighborhoods, and the latest are to undergo a trendy transformation is Yaletown, which has the same vibe as New York's Soho. Opus - which opened in September and is the only hotel in this historic and fashionable district - is literally steps from the most cosmopolitan restaurants, clubs, salons, spas, art galleries, and boutiques. And while Opus complements the neighboring heritage buildings, its modern structure, designed from granite, glass, steel, and brick, adds new excitement to the burgeoning area.

Planned with the knowledge that today's traveler is as diverse as the world itself, Opus presents, in 97 guestrooms and suites, five distinct décor themes ranging from sleek minimalist to eclectic contemporary. “Each theme reflects a fictional personality that we think will broadly represent our guests,” explains Daniel Craig, Opus's Director of Sales and Marketing.

The five personas of would-be travelers and corresponding décor themes follow this template: “Dede” enjoys pure Hollywood glamour such as faux-fur and dramatic furnishings; “Mike” is a modern man whose idea of design comes straight from Architectural Digest; “Susan” is a stylish, sensible executive traveler who needs a working, comfortable environment; “Billy” is an artist who adores vibrant color and retro flair; and “Bob & Carol” are traditional travelers desiring a cozy oasis paired with earth-toned eclecticism.

All rooms and suites feature spa bathrooms with oversized vanities, stainless-steel, stand-alone basins, and large windows that offer fresh air and natural light. Courtyard rooms overlook a rooftop garden, and penthouse suites boast double-sided fireplaces, plasma-screen TV's, and deep soaker tubs. Opus's lobby showcases iconic furnishings such as Philippe Starek bar stools and Nienkamper's woven leather seating cubes. Other colorful additions include Baleri Italia's whimsical egg stools and ruby red Venetian Louis XV occasional chairs, all set against a backlit resin wall. By simply stepping inside, you know this is the place to see and be seen.

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