Focus on Living, Discover Vancouver - March 2006

By Jason Gutierrez

Pulsating Excellence

Like the light shining through the wings of a butterfly, the Opus Hotel glistens with equal amounts of sensual energy and sophistication. This modern-chic hotel sits comfortably in the heart of Yaletown, Vancouver amongst a plethora of dining and shopping encounters. The Opus Hotel radiates with an indescribable elegance, while at the same time invokes an innate playful nature.

Sitting in the lobby of Opus, gazing out onto the streets of Yaletown, is like sitting in your favorite coffee shop. Watching the people walk by, daydreaming and feeling at ease with yourself is just one of the lobby's charms. Upstairs, Opus' warm embrace is fully experienced by guests staying in one of the property's 96 guestrooms. Each room is adorned with vibrantly painted walls, oversized windows and the right amount of at-home comfort for guests to feel perfectly nestled during their stay.

Each guestroom falls into one of five different "personalities", some of which are "Modern and Minimalist" and "Artful and Eclectic".

These themes go beyond fashion, design and style - they are the very essence of Opus. For example, some rooms are situated along the street, the bathroom sink placed along the window. While you're getting ready for the day ahead, you can look out over the street. But keep in mind, the street might be looking up at you too. So, if this type of playful voyeurism is not for you, accommodations can be made at the front desk for a more private room.

If the dŽcor doesn't have you sold then the hotel's location will. Opus is just two blocks from the inner harbour, and surrounded by divine restaurants such as Blue Water CafŽ and Glowbal, as well as the property's onsite Elixir Restaurant and Bar. By day, the award-winning Elixir radiates a welcoming brasserie-style atmosphere. This 110-seat restaurant is the perfect place to escape to when hunger and to enjoy a drink or cup of coffee during your stay. Some of the chef's best offering include: Pan Seared Scallops and Confit of Pork Belly with creamed cabbage, Roasted Apples and Sauce Calvados; Oven Roasted Lamb Shoulder Rack, Braised Leeks, Goat Cheese Gnocchi and Aromatic Jus; or Pan Roasted Striped Bass with Roasted Salsify, Sunchokes and Licorice Jus. However, it is at night when the bar is the place to be seen. A posh display of beauty and fashion, the bar's hypnotic lighting and eclectic array of drink choices makes for the perfect evening. This is the perfect way to get the night's events started or wind down a night on the town.

The bar's signature cocktail is the Opus 97, a tasteful mix of Grey Goose Vodka, Alize Gold, Passion Fruit Juice amd Blood Orange Juice. Another favourite is the Dragon Boat, a concoction of Lichi-li, Mandarin Vodka and Mango Juice. After a night of entertainment, there's nothing better than a trip to the day spa to refresh and rejuvenate. Skoah in Yaletown is the perfect place to relax and peel away any unwanted dermatological baggage.