Oceans 999 Pan Pacific Vancouver

Having a Buffet Dinner was very difficult for this type of event. We arrived for our 8.00 pm reservation and stood in line for around 20 mins. When the crowd got thru’ into the dining there was a zoo for people to get to the food. All in all not a good way to spend the last night of the year!

The food was good, I wish there was more variety. Otherwise the flavors were good. The entrance staff seated us after 30-40 minutes despite having a reservation. This was because of Christmas Eve and there seemed to be less staff. The people seated prior to us didn't want to leave given it was a buffet and there was no time limit. However, the manager was very kind, apologetic, and thankful for our patience. Overall, a good Christmas Eve experience. I would recommended making an earlier booking in the evening for dinner to avoid the long wait!

Booking is 7:30pm but wait about an hour to receive a table so the buffet duration is reduced by an hour !

Recognizing it was Christmas Eve, an extremely busy environment for hospitality industry, however given the 5 stars hotel status and the above average pricing, patrons would expect more than average normal restaurant service. It's kind of spoiled our 35th wedding anniversary celebration. 1) Drinking glass was dirty with a dried-out lemon seed stuck on inside of glass (almost made me sick as I did not notice until after a couple seep). This was brought to the attention of the hostess, unfortunately, it went on as if nothing has happened and we were through the evening without a (replacement) drinking glass. Perhaps she has forgotten the request for a replacement due to the hectic pace, I did noticed the issue was mentioned to the floor manager though. 2) Roast beef was a lower cut of meat, and even the center-cuts were dried. Prime Rib would be more appropriate for the occasion, and I think, due to uneven size of the Rib cutting and the fat contained in its cap, it would provide more doneness-options to the customers. 3) Some of the cold-platters (i.e. Chees plate) were not refilled and empty with crumbs. 4) While there were numerous Dessert options, there were lack of festive-themed items, i.e. Christmas pudding cake Ice-cream...... Overall, the staff has tried their best, but it was short of expectation for a 5-stars premise.

It was a wonderful new year contract to have brunch in oceans 999. eating was varied and excellent, and the jazztrio was a joy. the price is somewhat high, even for such an excellent buffet. and it must be the post-pandemic personaling problems that meant that table service, even for a fresh cup coffee, was a little slow. Nevertheless, we will remember our next special occasion.