In the States we tend to think of Vancouver as something like BC’s answer to San Francisco, or the Hollywood to Toronto’s New York. The reality, of course, is a little more complicated than any of these shorthand renderings. It’s a unique mix: Northwest beauty, West Coast mellowness, a dash of film-industry glamour, and a certain individualistic spirit that’s common to places settled by adventurers. The best way to get a handle on Vancouver’s character is to visit; and while every visit is unique, we’ve put together a little tasting menu, offering three ways to do it.

THE BURRARD
Arrive in your own car; this is a classic mid-century motor lodge, and it still looks the part. These days you’ll park underground, as the central courtyard is now a raised garden terrace, ringed by colorful rows of guest room doors. What’s behind those doors? Simple, stylish rooms — basic by boutique standards, but far better than you’d expect at the Burrard’s price point. In-room amenities include 42-inch HDTVs and automatic espresso makers, which, along with the hotel’s own ground-floor café, ought to be enough to get you started before you rent a bike and hit the streets. Try the exquisite espresso at Revolver in Gastown and consider pausing street-side for aJapadog — more or less exactly what it sounds like — before beginning your caffeine-fueled ride along the Stanley Parkseawall.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 16, 2013

The Burrard adds Andy Warhol to its art collection

The Burrard hotel in downtown Vancouver has added a very special new treasure to its art collection with a limited edition diptych of Andy Warhol’s iconic “Marilyn Monroe” (the likes of which has been seen exhibited at the Brooklyn Museum) displayed on Alien Workshop skateboards inside the hotel lobby.

With its signature garden courtyard and retro West Coast style, the Burrard first opened in 1956 when the “Burrard Motor Inn” joined the neon-clad glitz that characterized much of downtown Vancouver until the mid 1970s. At its peak, there was one neon sign for every 18 residents in the city, making Vancouver the neon sign capital of Canada. Dating back to the early 1960s, the Burrard’s classic neon sign is among the last ones left standing today. 

This exhibition of limited edition boards is on display in the lobby at The Burrard and has been brought to you as a collaboration between: The Burrard x Color Magazine x Supra Distribution x Alien Workshop x the Andy Warhol Foundation.

Go check it out for yourself and tag it in a photo!

#WarholBurrard

About The Andy Warhol Foundation:
The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts was established in 1987. In accordance with Andy Warhol¹s will, its mission is the advancement of the visual arts. The Foundation¹s objective is to foster innovative artistic expression and the creative process by encouraging and supporting cultural organizations that in turn, directly or indirectly, support artists and their work. For more information about Andy Warhol and The Andy Warhol Foundation please visit www.warholfoundation.org or The Andy Warhol Museum at www.warhol.org
 
About Alien Workshop:
Alien Workshop was founded in 1990 and has been an innovator and leader in the skateboard industry ever since. Alien Workshop is available through Supra Distribution.
 
About Supra Distribution:
Supra Distribution was founded in 1999 by Peter Sullivan, since then it has grown to represent over 20 unique brands including Alien Workshop.
 
About Color Magazine:
Color Magazine is a skateboard culture quarterly published in Vancouver by fourcorner publishing inc. Founded by Sandro Grison in 2003 as a means for sustaining a steady diet of skating and creating, today the company presents multimedia entertainment via its quarterly magazine, special film/video projects, contests, clothing collaborations, curated art exhibitions, live musical performances and more.
 
About The Burrard:
The Burrard is situated in one of downtown Vancouver’s best locations just minutes from Granville Street, Davie Street, Robson Street, Yaletown, Granville Island and the city’s breathtaking 22-kilometre seawall. Having undergone a multi-million dollar renovation in 2011, the Burrard¹s rooms have been completely redesigned with premium furnishings, sparkling new bathrooms and an impressive list of in-room amenities including 42” HD flatscreens, free wireless, free North American calling, in-suite espresso machines, bar fridges and more. Guests of the hotel are also welcome to complimentary hotel amenities including free bike rentals, a fully equipped business station and passes to Steve Nash Fitness Centre.

The Burrard Blog, April 16, 2013

Check out these hot vintage pics from this talented team: 

Photographer: Victoria Kovacs // Twitter: victoriagkovacs // Instagram: VictoriaKovacs

Makeup Artist: Jacqueline Parker  // Twitter: JACQMakeupArt // Instagram: jacquelinemakeup 

Hairstylist: Emma May Garland - Chop Shop Gastown

Stylist: Bayley Thompson Willard - Holt Renfrew

Models: Brianna Neely& Brianna Townsend