By Melina Keays
last updated

There’s a buzz on Keefer Street, in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown. And it’s not the usual chemically induced suspect that has plagued the culturally rich yet down at the heels area for so long.

The whiff of neighbourhood renewal is heady at the new Keefer hotel, a 1908 heritage building that has morphed from derelict former gas company service headquarters through to delightfully seedy booze can to sleek new Gair Williamson/Wendy Williams-Watt designed boutique hotel.

The vibe at the four storey Keefer – with each floor a 2400 square foot two bedroom loft – is decidedly film noir chic. A ground floor bar designed by David Battersby, reveals existing old growth fir beams – ebonized for effect – and set off by blood red lightbox/drink trays and vaguely sci-fi industrial style chandeliers.

Art work by Douglas Coupland, a roof deck with a gorgeous city view and a voyeuristic swimming pool that dips into the top floor loft add to the charms of this authentically Chinatown yet luxurious abode- already the pied a terre of choice for Vancouver’s new cine-class.

www.thekeefer.com

The Bombardier Learjet

The Bombardier Learjet

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Interior of the Learjet

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Interior of the Learjet
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The Bombardier Learjet

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The Staircase House by Cindy Rendely, Toronto

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The Staircase House by Cindy Rendely, Toronto

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The Staircase House


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The Staircase House by Cindy Rendely, Toronto

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The Staircase House by Cindy Rendely, Toronto


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Coast restaurant, Vancouver

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Coast restaurant, Vancouver

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Coast restaurant, Vancouver

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Coast restaurant, Vancouver

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Coast restaurant, Vancouver

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A image of Coast restaurant interior

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Coast restaurant, Vancouver interior

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Coast restaurant, Vancouver interior

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Coast restaurant, Vancouver dinning area

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Coast restaurant, Vancouver dinning room

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Supernova by Douglas Coupland


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Supernova by Douglas Coupland
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Talking sticks by Douglas Coupland

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Talking sticks by Douglas Coupland

Penguin Pretty Vacant by Douglas Coupland

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Penguin Pretty Vacant by Douglas Coupland

Coyote by Douglas Coupland

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Coyote by Douglas Coupland

Patricide by Douglas Coupland

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Patricide by Douglas Coupland

Penguin Cumshot by Douglas Coupland

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Penguin Cumshot by Douglas Coupland

Penguin Clash by Douglas Coupland

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Matricide Silver Skate by Douglas Coupland

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Matricide Silver Skate by Douglas Coupland

Matricide Beer by Douglas Coupland


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Matricide Beer by Douglas Coupland

Drip Maple Syrup

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Drip Maple Syrup

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Drip Maple Syrup

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Form & Forest by D'Arcy Jones Design

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Form & Forest by D'Arcy Jones Design

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Form & Forest by D'Arcy Jones Design

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Form & Forest by D'Arcy Jones Design

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Form & Forest by D'Arcy Jones Design

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Form & Forest by D'Arcy Jones Design

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Form & Forest by D'Arcy Jones Design

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The Keefer Hotel, Vancouver

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The Keefer Hotel, Vancouver

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A image of bottles

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The Keefer Hotel, Vancouver

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A image of luggage

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Laneway House, Toronto, by Kohn Shnier architects

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A image of kitchen and living area

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A image of house

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House entrance

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Laneway House, Toronto, by Kohn Shnier architects

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Richmond Olympic Oval by Cannon Design

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Richmond Olympic Oval by Cannon Design

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Gym equipment

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Richmond Olympic Oval by Cannon Design

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Richmond Olympic Oval exterior

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Richmond Olympic Oval

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Richmond Olympic Oval exterior view

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Ice skating

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A image of stairs

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Richmond Olympic Oval by Cannon Design

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Richmond Olympic Oval by Cannon Design

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Richmond Olympic Oval exterior

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Territory table and chairs by Samare Design, Montreal

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Territory table and chairs by Samare Design

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Territory lounger by Samare design

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Territory desk and chair by Samare design

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R-Mountie bench and throw by Samare design

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Still House by Level Design, Vancouver

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Still House by Level Design

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Green house

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Still House by Level Design, Vancouver

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Still House interior

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Sunset Cabin by Taylor_Smyth Architects, Toronto

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A image of bedroom

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Sunset Cabin

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Sunset Cabin

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Sunset Cabin by Taylor_Smyth Architects

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Sunset Cabin by Taylor_Smyth

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Sunset Cabin by Taylor_Smyth

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40R_Laneway House by Süperkul, Toronto

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40R_Laneway House by Süperkul

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SHIFT Cottage

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SHIFT Cottage by Süperkul

The Trans Canada Trail

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The Trans Canada

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The Trans Canada Trail

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Nylon Haneda by WANT luggage

WANT luggage, Montreal

Nylon Haneda

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Newberry White

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Newberry White by WANT luggage

Nylon Haneda by WANT luggage

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Dumont black

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Carl Phare's wooden rollercoaster, designed in 1958, Vancouver

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Carl Phare's wooden rollercoaster, designed in 1958

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Carl Phare's wooden rollercoaster

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Fashion by Ying Gao

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Fashion by Ying Gao

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Fashion by Ying Gao, Montreal

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Fashion by Ying Gao, Montreal

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Canada Wallpaper Reviews
Melina Keays

Melina Keays is the entertaining director of Wallpaper*. She has been part of the brand since the magazine’s launch in 1996, and is responsible for entertaining content across the print and digital platforms, and for Wallpaper’s creative agency Bespoke. A native Londoner, Melina takes inspiration from the whole spectrum of art and design – including film, literature, and fashion. Her work for the brand involves curating content, writing, and creative direction – conceiving luxury interior landscapes with a focus on food, drinks, and entertaining in all its forms

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