What Living Shangri-La Vancouver Is
Living Shangri-La is a 62-storey, 201-meter (659-foot) mixed-use skyscraper at 1128 West Georgia Street in downtown Vancouver. It is described as Vancouver’s tallest building. Located at West Georgia and Thurlow streets, and at the intersection of West Georgia and Alberni, it combines a 5-star hotel, private residences, office space, public art and restored heritage sites.
Designed by architect James K.M. Cheng and completed in 2008, the tower has public and semi-public areas, including a hotel lobby, restaurants and art installations. Its slender, high-density mixed-use form reflects the “Vancouverism” design philosophy of integrating urban life with the surrounding natural environment.
History and Architecture
Development and Heritage
Developed by Westbank Projects Corp. and Peterson Group, Living Shangri-La broke ground in 2005 and was completed in 2008 (Kiddle). Construction involved the city’s deepest excavation. The Shangri-La Hotel opened in January 2009 (Wikipedia).
The project included a $4.4 million restoration of the adjacent 1919 Coastal Church, preserving a piece of Vancouver’s heritage (Wikipedia). The tower’s setting at West Georgia and Alberni places it among the city’s luxury retail, business and cultural districts (BC Condos and Homes).
Design and Sustainability
- Tower design Cheng’s point-tower design is intended to maximize light, views and urban connectivity (Maisonneuve).
- Engineering Structural innovations allow for flexible interiors, sky gardens and private lap pools in penthouse suites (Dialog Design).
- Façade Luminescent glass panels absorb sunlight and glow at night, while also serving as sustainable veils for exhaust vents (Westbank).
- Mixed use The 5-star hotel occupies floors 1–15. The building also contains office space and 307 residences, including two duplex penthouses on the top floors (Wikipedia).
- Green features The building has LEED Silver certification, geothermal heating and cooling, green roofs and extensive landscaping (Rent It Furnished).
What to See and Do
Public Art and Heritage
The Vancouver Art Gallery Offsite at Living Shangri-La is a rotating outdoor exhibition space featuring installations by local and international artists. It is free to visit and accessible year-round from dawn to dusk.
The restoration of Coastal Church, along with the integration of art, landscape and water features by PFS Studio, brings heritage preservation together with contemporary culture (Westbank, Kornfeld LLP). Guided tours of Offsite exhibitions and public events in the building’s event spaces are occasionally offered. Check the Vancouver Art Gallery Offsite and Shangri-La Vancouver Events listings for current schedules.
Hotel, Residential and Retail Amenities
Hotel amenities include:
- Chi, The Spa Treatments inspired by BC’s Indigenous wellness traditions (Shangri-La Experiences).
- Fitness centre Well-equipped and typically uncrowded.
- Outdoor pool and hot tub Set on a landscaped terrace with city views.
- Event spaces Meeting rooms, a rooftop garden and a 36-seat screening room (Shangri-La Vancouver Events).
Residential amenities include a private lobby and concierge with 24-hour service, secure access, fitness and wellness lounges reserved for residents, and secure underground parking and storage with controlled access.
Street- and podium-level commercial spaces include Urban Fare, boutiques and cafés.
Dining
- Carlino Restaurant Italian-inspired cuisine focused on the Friuli region. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
- Xi Shi Lounge Known for afternoon tea and live piano on weekends (BC Living).
- In-room dining Available 24 hours for hotel guests.
Practical Visiting Information
Hours, Tickets and Reservations
- Hotel lobby and restaurants Open daily, typically 6:00 AM–11:00 PM. No tickets are required to access the lobby or dining venues.
- Urban Fare Open daily, 7:00 AM–10:00 PM.
- Vancouver Art Gallery Offsite Free and accessible year-round from dawn to dusk.
- Hotel stays and amenities Reservations are required for hotel rooms, the spa and exclusive amenities through the Shangri-La Vancouver website. Reservations are also recommended for dining and spa treatments, especially during peak seasons (Prince of Travel).
- Check-in and check-out 3:00 PM and 12:00 PM.
Accessibility and Getting There
All public areas are wheelchair-accessible, with ramps, elevators and accessible restrooms. Accessible rooms and facilities are available for guests with mobility challenges. Public transit and street-level entrances add to the ease of access (One Mile at a Time).
The building is at 1128 West Georgia Street, at Thurlow Street in downtown Vancouver. Burrard SkyTrain Station is a 5-minute walk away, and major bus routes are nearby. Valet parking is available; public garages and metered street parking are also nearby.
Tips
- Carlino and afternoon tea at Xi Shi Lounge have a smart-casual dress code.
- Photography of the cityscape and art installations is best during golden hour.
- Public transport can be used to avoid downtown traffic and limited parking.
- For current events, exhibitions and exclusive offers, visit the Shangri-La Vancouver website, follow Living Shangri-La on social media or download the Audiala app for curated city guides and insider tips.
Nearby Places
- Stanley Park Urban park with trails, beaches and cultural landmarks.
- Vancouver Art Gallery Holds extensive Canadian and Indigenous art collections.
- Gastown Historic district with cobblestone streets and the famous Steam Clock.
- Robson Street Shopping and dining corridor.
- Coal Harbour Waterfront area with views of the North Shore Mountains.
- Hawksworth Restaurant Contemporary Canadian cuisine (Condé Nast Traveler).
- Blue Water Café Acclaimed seafood in Yaletown.
- Botanist Pacific Northwest fare at Fairmont Pacific Rim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I visit Living Shangri-La as a tourist?
A: Yes. Public spaces such as the lobby, restaurants, Urban Fare and Vancouver Art Gallery Offsite are open to visitors.
Q: Are tickets required?
A: No tickets are required for public areas. Reservations are required for hotel rooms and spa treatments, and for some events.
Q: Is the building accessible?
A: Public areas are wheelchair-accessible, with elevators and ramps. Accessible rooms and facilities are also available.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Guided tours of public art installations are occasionally offered; check official event listings.
Q: What are the best nearby attractions?
A: Stanley Park, Gastown, Vancouver Art Gallery, Robson Street and Coal Harbour.
