A couple of weeks ago we had the privilege of celebrating our 9 year wedding anniversary at the stunning new Versante Hotel in Richmond, BC, and it was unbelievable! We love coming to Richmond and didn’t come with any expectations about the hotel because it was so new — and to say we were pleasantly surprised is an understatement. I never had an experience quite like this at any hotel, and I have to say we were blown away by the level of service, care, and quality the hotel brings to the table. Versante is a one-of-a-kind luxury boutique experience like no other, and a game-changer, not only in Richmond but also amongst the Vancouver hotel scene. So come join me and experience Versante and explore more about this amazing new hotel and plan your next staycation, vacation, and special moments right here.
The Versante Story
Located about 10 minutes from the Vancouver International Airport, the Versante Hotel is not only conveniently located to explore Richmond, but also a gateway to the rest of the Lower Mainland. You will be dazzled by vibrant colours, marble floors, and the many artworks from famous Canadian and local artists throughout the lobby and rooms. the hotel boasts just in the lobby alone. The welcoming is quite spectacular, as you can imagine and you can see and the extensive homage the hotel devotes to the lively Asian culture that has shaped Richmond today. During dinner time at BRUNO, I was also lucky enough to meet John Evans of Trilogy Group, the hotel developer, who was the nicest and sweetest person and gave me a little back-story about how the hotel came to be. Mr John Evans is also the developer for the award-winning famous OPUS Hotel in Vancouver.
Made to Stay
On the first day we got to the hotel we were given an exclusive tour of the entire space by Andrew, who was so knowledgeable and passionate about the property. As Andrew explains, the hotel has 100 luxurious guest rooms and suites, and each one comes in five bold designs, evoking a distinct personality. Every guestroom is adorned with the most gorgeous floral and Koi fish wallpaper that delightfully brings the perfect amalgamation of east meets west. In speaking of the Asian influence, each room also has pops of gold in its lamps, a favourite of Chinese culture to bring luck and fortune. Also some pieces like the unique chests felt like they were taken right out of the pages from Old Shanghai.
Now, we can’t continue without talking about the bathrooms because it is rare to find such beautifully designed and spacious bathrooms in hotels anymore. When I was speaking with Mr Evans, he told me that he purposely wanted to put more effort into creating and designing the bathrooms because he wants to provide guests with a spa-like feeling — and we sure felt that! With a large freestanding soaker tub and rainforest shower, with adjustable heated flooring, you will feel the most relaxed after a long day of fun. Another feature of the bathrooms that is worthy to note, is that each is equipped with a Dyson Supersonic® hairdryer and I don’t know of any hotel that has this luxury amenity. I own a Dyson myself and it’s the best thing ever, and I am so glad the hotel has this wonderful feature to give guests during their stay.
Other highlights include floor-to-ceiling windows that have View Smart® tinted windows for optimal daylight and privacy. Wireless charging, free high-speed Wi-Fi, luxury car shuttle service, 24-hour fitness rooms with Peloton bikes and Peloton workout mirrors and a heated rooftop pool and hot tub which I was not able to try out because it was raining. Another exciting feature set to open roughly soon is the Alaïa Lounge, an elevated event space perched on the 12th floor with a large balcony and panoramic view of Richmond. I can already imagine the parties and events that will happen here because when you first step in, you feel like you have been transported back to studio 54 with a black and white bar and staircase, large art deco lamps and even a large disco ball hanging in the ceiling. So I definitely encourage you to visit this lounge when it’s open after you have a delightful meal at BRUNO of course!
BRUNO
From the service to the food and the selection of top wines, it makes you wonder why we didn’t have this sort of culinary experience in the city yet? Unlike the rest of the hotel that is emboldened with vivacious colours and art deco elements, BRUNO is pared-down, but by no means less eye-catching or statement-making. Sans the bright colours, BRUNO is open and modern and has the classic aura of a fine dining restaurant. Think lots of glass, clean lines and neutral tones that focus on connection, sustainable practices, and high-impact dishes. Serving elevated menu items directly influenced by the local farmers and artisans that supply their ingredients, Executive Chef Will Lew takes each guest on a culinary journey, while showcasing the best of British Columbia with each dish. It’s a great place for friends, family, and jet-setters to gather and enjoy a beautiful meal.
The Culinary Experience
Our fine dining experience at BRUNO started with a photo op at their chic floral wall and then off to the Versante Bar for a quick toast before we were whisked away to our seats. We started with delicious rosemary and pecorino scroll loaf paired with foie gras butter brulee, before diving into the Tasting Menu. Now if you think that this is just some regular tasting menu like other restaurants you are completely wrong and will be more than pleasantly surprised and full afterward. Aside from everything tasting first-class, I have to say the presentation of every dish really blew me away. Chef Will did an amazing job creating and curating the most gorgeous and delicious dishes while interacting with customers and explaining his inspiration behind each one. Imagine embarking on a culinary journey with the best local ingredients and each dish presented like an artwork! For example, all the dishes were amazing but the most standout one has to be the Tomahawk Ribeye Steak and duck made with local lavender buds which Chef Will was particularly inspired by.
Explore Richmond
I’ve said this time and time again, but Richmond is a city full of surprises, and the more you come the more there is to discover! From historic sites to the infamous collection of Asian eateries and shopping centres like at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Mall (one of Versante’s packages includes a $50 dollar gift certificate to McArthurGlen), to installations like Moon & Back Gallery for the creatives and content creators, to wonderful hikes, trails, parks, U-Pick farms, wineries and more. From Lavenderland in the summertime to pumpkin patches during the fall for kids and families, Richmond has something for everyone just waiting for you to explore.
The Entrance at the Versante Hotel
Find Yourself Here
So if you are looking to indulge, relax and connect with each other again for a romantic and quick getaway, the Versante Hotel is the staycation you need! If you are traveling from out of town, their rooms are perfect for business travelers and conference attendees with its close proximity to the airport and Vancouver. Now if you are a local looking for a culinary experience you must try out BRUNO, the hottest new restaurant in town — and I promise you will come back time and time again. From the impeccable service, wonderful staff, amenities, design and convenience, discover an experience you never knew you needed at Versante Hotel.
To find out more wonderful deals the hotel has please click HERE
This post was the result of a sponsored experience by the Versante Hotel and Tourism Richmond