Fairmont is one of those hotel brands everyone recognizes but fewer have actually experienced. It sits in that sweet spot between classic luxury and quiet exclusivity, the kind of place where service still feels personal, and lobby chandeliers aren’t afraid to make a statement.
Yet Fairmont isn’t always top of mind for travellers chasing points or elite benefits. Despite being Canada’s own homegrown luxury brand with iconic properties like the Château Frontenac in Quebec City and Fairmont Banff Springs in the Rockies, it tends to fly under the radar compared to Marriott, Hilton, or Hyatt.
Whatever the reason, this oversight means many miss out on experiencing one of the most genuinely exceptional hospitality experiences: The Fairmont Gold Experience.
What Is Fairmont Gold?
Fairmont Gold is the brand’s premium room category, offering a private and personalized experience that’s a cut above the rest.
By booking a Fairmont Gold room, you’ll enjoy:
- Private check-in and check-out at the exclusive Gold floor
- A dedicated concierge team
- Complimentary hot breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening hors d’oeuvres in the Gold Lounge
- Priority access to dining and spa reservations
- Larger, upgraded rooms with premium amenities
But the real highlight is the Fairmont Gold Lounge, an exclusive retreat where guests can unwind over complimentary hot breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening hors d’oeuvres, often paired with fine wine or cocktails. It’s an intimate, club-style setting that feels more like a private members’ space than a hotel lounge.
Naturally, this kind of pampering comes at a price. Fairmont Gold rooms typically run a few hundred dollars more per night than standard ones, making it hard for many travellers to justify the splurge.
But for a limited time, that’s about to change.
The Richmond Advantage: Experiencing Fairmont Gold for Less
Right now, there’s a rare opportunity to enjoy the Fairmont Gold experience for significantly less — thanks to two overlapping promotions that combine seamlessly.
Visit Richmond Promotion
The Visit Richmond promotion, supported by Tourism Richmond, offers up to $225 in digital Visa cards for stays at participating Richmond hotels through January 5, 2026. You’ll earn $125 for your first night, plus an additional $50 per night for up to three nights.
This incentive aims to spotlight Richmond. A city that many visitors overlook as they rush to downtown Vancouver.
Home to Vancouver International Airport (YVR), it’s also a hub for world-class Asian cuisine including a favourite of the Prince of Travel team: HK BBQ Master, as well as scenic riverfront trails and easy access to both downtown Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest via SkyTrain.
American Express Offer on Accor Live Limitless Hotels
The second piece of the savings puzzle comes from American Express. Eligible cardholders currently have access to an Accor Live Limitless offer providing $100 statement credits when spending $500 or more at Fairmont, Raffles, and Sofitel properties.
The Fairmont Vancouver Airport uniquely qualifies for both promotions simultaneously. This creates a rare scenario where two substantial discounts can be combined, making the typically expensive Gold experience surprisingly accessible.
Fairmont Vancouver Airport: Where Luxury Meets Logistics
Located directly inside Vancouver International Airport (YVR), the Fairmont Vancouver Airport blends five-star comfort with unmatched convenience. You can walk straight from the terminal to the lobby, making it ideal for early flights, layovers, or a quick city escape.
Rooms are soundproofed and feature floor-to-ceiling windows that frame stunning views of the runways and North Shore Mountains. Inside, you’ll find plush bedding, spacious bathrooms with soaker tubs and separate showers, and elegant décor that feels far removed from the typical airport hotel experience.
Dining options include Globe@YVR, the hotel’s full-service restaurant offering locally inspired cuisine, and Jetside Lounge, a cozy space for cocktails or light bites.
There’s also a spa, health club, pool, and sauna for those wanting to unwind before or after a flight.
Guests staying in Fairmont Gold room enjoy access to a private lounge, personalized concierge service, and elevated amenities that make travel feel effortless. With its prime location, refined atmosphere, and those unbeatable runway views, Fairmont Vancouver Airport proves that convenience and luxury can coexist beautifully.
How Much Can You Save on a Fairmont Gold Room?
Let’s look at how the numbers stack up. A typical Fairmont Gold room at this property runs around $536 per night, firmly in luxury territory.
By booking through the Visit Richmond promotion, you’ll receive a $125 digital Visa card for the first night. Add in the $100 Amex statement credit triggered by your qualifying spend, and your out-of-pocket cost drops dramatically.
In this scenario, the effective nightly rate comes to about $227, turning what’s normally a luxury splurge into an attainable premium experience — comparable to what you might pay for a mid-tier downtown hotel, but with far more comfort, convenience, and perks.
This combination of savings not only opens the door to Fairmont Gold for first-timers but also makes it a great pick for frequent flyers who want to relax in comfort before or after a trip.
Conclusion
Fairmont Gold has always been one of those “someday” experiences, something many people dream about but rarely book. But for once, that dream is within reach.
If you’re flying out of Vancouver, planning a local staycation, or just curious what life’s like on the other side of the Gold Lounge doors, this is your moment. Between the Visit Richmond promotion and the American Express Accor offer, you can experience Fairmont’s best at its best value yet.
It’s a rare chance to enjoy Fairmont Gold without the usual splurge, an easy way to turn a routine hotel stay into one of Canada’s most memorable airport experiences. If you’ve ever been curious about the Fairmont Gold treatment, Richmond just made it easier to find out.
