Terminal City Club of Vancouver

Reviewed July 2009 

Terminal velocity
Quick border sojourn a savings and sophistication boon

Before assuming an international getaway can't pass the budget stress test, consider the Terminal City Club of Vancouver, B.C. Allot three hours drive time from Seattle to reach this centrally located club. It's a quick hop to the Cruise Ship Terminal and Convention Center and an army of attractions.

Not that you'll want to venture outside the club too soon; there's plenty to appreciate within its walls. Founded in 1892 by the mayor and a group of merchants, the prestigious club recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation, continuing to attract Vancouver's elite. That doesn't mean the club is an unaffordable luxury. On the contrary, Terminal City Club's special summer/fall reciprocal promotion (see sidebar for details) makes it possible for WAC members to lavish on one of 60 overnight rooms and all the swank splendor (with leftover Loonies to spare.)

Invest your extra Canadian coin in a memorable meal at one of the club's three restaurants. WAC member, commercial/residential designer and seasoned reciprocal club traveler Thomas Estep applauds the smart food and design, recommending a meal in the more traditional Grill Room. Three accredited sommeliers stand ready to pair wines with creatively prepared dishes like Cinnamon Seared Duck. You'll appreciate the informal "jeans are welcome" atmosphere; save the snazzy attire for 1892 Restaurant and Cuvee Bar.

A fitness center with squash courts and palatial 25-meter lap pool await. Consider their use complimentary with an overnight stay.

Borrow a book and fall into one of the plush chairs in the Library/Reading Room. Or, admire the mix of memorabilia, browse the art collection or cue it up-all night, if you wish-on the turn-of-the-century Burroughes & Watts Snooker Tables in the Billiards Room.

Don't be surprised if a trip to the Terminal City Club becomes a permanent line item in your budget. It has for WAC member Bob Schramke, who trumpets, "It is the only place I stay in Vancouver."

Terminal City Club, Vancouver, B.C

www.tcclub.com

STAY
60 rooms with flat screens, iPod docking stations and wireless Internet
Special reciprocal rates:
May 1-Oct. 31 starting at $199 CDN
Nov. 1-Dec. 30 starting at $130 CDN
*Call 1.888.253.8777 and ask for the Affiliate Club Summer Special rates

PLAY
Extensive fitness center
25-meter pool
Squash courts
Plenty of outdoor options (cycle, jog, sail)
Billiard Room

DINE
1892 Fine Dining Room
Cuvee Wine Bar
Grill Room
Lion's Pub
Banquet facilities accommodating up to 500 guests

Mind your manners
Dress code is business casual. A jacket must be worn by gentlemen in the 1892 dining room, Reading Room and Library. Neat/pressed jeans allowed in the Grill.