Vancouver's new Shangri-La Hotel lives up to its idyllic name

— -- What's new:Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver

Claim to fame:The Hong Kong-based Shangri-La luxury chain's first North American property occupies the bottom 15 floors of the city's tallest building, which towers 61 stories above downtown Vancouver, B.C.

Vital stats:The 119-room hotel opened in January. Standard rooms are 450 square feet, bathrooms a roomy 150 square feet. Celeb chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has expanded his empire with another Market by Jean-Georges. The Chi Spa has six treatment rooms, each with fireplace and dressing facilities. There's also a small infinity pool on the outdoor terrace.

The scene:Zenlike calm in the city. Despite the lobby's soaring chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows, it maintains a low-key intimacy. There's no waiting in line at reception; a "hospitality ambassador" whisks you upstairs for in-room check-in. With a staff-to-guest ratio of about 2-to-1, you rarely even have to lift a finger to press an elevator button.

Bedding down:Nothing taxes the senses in guest rooms, either, where the muted palette favors natural hues. The furnishings are Italian, the linens are French, and the vibe is Asian. No fewer than 22 switches (most accessible from a remote or bedside panels) operate everything from drapes to a 42-inch flat-screen TV. Bathrooms have a soaking tub and separate shower.

Who'll like it:Frazzled road warriors who want to shut out the world without even having to get up off the bed to draw the draperies. Unlike many luxe hotels, the Shangri-La offers free Wi-Fi and has in-room Italian coffee/espresso makers.

Who won't:Action-seeking hipsters. The hotel is very quiet.

Wining and dining:Jean-Georges' Market is a four-venue eatery with a fine-dining restaurant, café, raw bar and seasonal terrace emphasizing local seafood. Dinner entrees in the main dining room are $17-$32. In the bar, smaller plates such as rich Dungeness crab cakes are about $13. A lobby-level restaurant serves a three-course lunch or dinner for about $25.