Having visited most of the United States I am also sparked by the provinces of Canada. The Eastern provinces of New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontariohave been taken in as well as British Columbia on the West and Alberta in the middle. This time I decided on the middle again with Winnipeg, the capitol of Manitoba.
When it comes to being pampered at a hotel, I don't think it could have been better than staying on the Gold Floor of the Fairmont Hotel. I know that many of the hotels have a VIP floor with a lounge that sports extras such as a Continental breakfast, perhaps some tidbits in the afternoon and canapes in the early evening. Honor bars, and internet access are the usual amenities as well. However, in many cases the lounge is only open during the week catering to the business clientele.
Instead of checking in on the lobby floor, I was brought directly up to the Gold Lounge. I could immediately sense the warmth and joyousness of the staff but it wasn't until spending a bit of time that I noticed how the other customers were really enjoying themselves.
They have more than just a buffet Continental Breakfast and they seemed to be going for more healthy food and totally fresh. Some of the pluses were: fresh fruit, mozzarella salad, a hot item that involved eggs, and smoked salmon on bilinis. If you happen to stop by in the early afternoon, they had these sort of granola bars made with sesame seeds and topped with chocolate. Although you were always able to prepare your own tea or coffee, someone on the staff was always on hand to take care of that and bring it to your table.
The canapes were brought out at 5 p.m. and again you could tell that nothing was pre-frozen. I should have taken a photo of the spread. There was certainly enough of a variety to have dinner and they didn't bother with the pastry or such dessert items as there was fruit and various cheeses. It was all great except for an experimental canape of a tiny square of watermelon with bleu cheese on the top. Even dipping it in the provided honey sauce didn't help.
Not only were the staff friendly but those staying at the hotel didn't hesitate to strike up a conversation or simple "hello" with "strangers". The lounge had games and CD's available, internet access with a printer even though internet access was free in your room. You'd think that people would simply come into the lounge for breakfast or canapes and leave. There were families or couples playing games and some who would sit in the lounge for hours reading a book and enjoying a cocktail that they made.
The hotel was hosting a Folk Festival and many of the performers as well as those attending were staying at the hotel. Not all were on the Gold Floor. David Koetke the Fairmont Gold Manager, was graciously on hand to assist with everything including concierge service. He even goes out of his way to find out when someone is traveling elsewhere on Air Canada and gets a small gift that they find on board.
Let's not leave out Marie Paz Natividad, Rhosan Estoy and Colleen Bothor, who were never without a smile, good word or assistants on something you might need in your room and yes, they all met Esther and Eunice. As a matter of fact, Eunice was about to take a bite of my plate of desserts waiting in my room.
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