For those who have had the pleasure of experiencing the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver, it’s clear this isn’t just another luxury hotel. With its striking architecture, unparalleled views and Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond ratings, it exemplifies modern elegance and unrivalled service.
But what truly sets it apart is the vision behind it – a vision that has trickled into every corner of the hotel many of us know and love.
Enter Jens Moesker, regional vice president and general manager at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. His leadership has taken the hotel to new heights, blending innovation with a deep commitment to hospitality and people. Under his guidance, the Fairmont Pacific Rim has become a true reflection of its surroundings.
“The magic is created when there’s a symbiotic alignment between ownership and the operator – this allows for creativity to flourish,” says Jens.
From creating personalized experiences to prioritizing sustainability and wellness, Jens has transformed the hotel into a living, breathing expression of what today’s luxury travellers truly desire: connection, comfort and a sense of place.
Jens joined the Fairmont Pacific Rim team in 2018, bringing with him over three decades of hospitality experience – something that’s always been in his DNA. His childhood was a passport to the world. It shaped his character in ways that would later define his career. Growing up in a whirlwind of travel – first in Bangladesh, then across Africa, the Middle East and Europe – Jens experienced a truly global upbringing.
“It’s shaped how I see the world,” he reflects, crediting those early years with sparking his love for exploring new cultures and immersing himself fully wherever life took him.
Jens admits his path to the top wasn’t conventional.
“I started as an expat, working in Asia and the Middle East, before transitioning to a Western environment,” he says.
Initially, he started to train as a chef in Germany, but Jens realized his heart wasn’t in the kitchen. Instead, he thrived as a maître d’, where his knack for operations and his people skills took centre stage. From there, he climbed the ranks, though his hands-on approach remains unchanged.
“I still see myself as that maître d’,” he laughs, noting that he often jumps in to help with everything from housekeeping to restaurant operations.
“Whether it’s a banquet or a restaurant dinner, it’s like a symphony – everyone plays their part.”
After working five years as the general manager at Shangri-La Tokyo, he moved to Toronto to immerse himself in Western hospitality. Eventually bringing this philosophy to Vancouver was a challenge Jens embraced.
Over the years, Jens has come to see hospitality as a kind of theatre – an art form that requires constant observation and an understanding of people’s needs.
“You’re reading people and personalities, figuring out how much engagement they want,” he says. “Privately, I’m quite introverted, but my role allows me to engage as much or as little as the guests let me.”
He admits there’s something magical about executing a perfect service experience.
“Whether it’s a banquet or a restaurant dinner, it’s like a symphony,” he explains. “Everyone plays their part – from the kitchen to the stewards to the servers. When it all comes together, it’s a beautiful harmony.”
Over the years, Jens has witnessed the hospitality industry evolve from a focus on cookie-cutter hotels to unique, experience-driven destinations.
“There was a time when all hotels looked the same,” he says. “Disruptors like Ian Schrager changed that, making hotels about emotions and individuality. Now, guests choose places that reflect who they are, not just where they need to be.”
For Jens, this shift means staying curious.
“I travel to observe everything – from linens to vibe. It’s not about gimmicks – it’s about real human connections,” he says. “Simple moments, like remembering a cappuccino order, are what make an experience meaningful.”
A lot of Jens’ insights stem from his ability to observe the world around him. The idea for the Fairmont Pacific Rim’s The Nordic Spa experience, for example, stemmed from a quiet moment while staying at the hotel with his wife, Kristine, during renovations at their home. Seeing guests braving the rain to enjoy the outdoor pool, he was struck by how people crave the outdoors, no matter the weather. That moment sparked the transformation of the hotel’s sixth-floor pool deck into a seasonal retreat with a hot tub, cold plunge baths, cedar plank sauna and sheltered spaces.
The Fairmont Pacific Rim is more than a hotel to Jens and his staff – it’s part of Vancouver’s soul. “Our DNA is art, music and fashion. It just so happens that we have 367 rooms above us. The Lobby Lounge is Vancouver’s living room. This place has heart,” he says.
That heart beats strongest through his team, whose dedication shines even on the busiest days, he adds.
“I recently saw a doorperson juggle valet requests, make small talk and maintain a warm atmosphere – all at once. Moments like that make me proud.”
It’s this unwavering commitment, combined with Vancouver’s magic – its natural beauty, diversity and lifestyle – that has kept Jens in the Pacific Northwest longer than anywhere else during his career.
But it’s not all work, work, work. Jens finds joy in simple pleasures, like leisurely walks along the Vancouver Seawall with Kristine and their two golden retrievers (who you may see at the hotel adding to the warm, family atmosphere). He also enjoys finding dog-friendly patios to unwind with a pint of lager.
“It’s a great way to observe society. I’m always curious about the restaurant scene – learning something new while enjoying the experience.”
Ultimately, it all ties into his vision for the Fairmont Pacific Rim – a place where high-end luxury is accessible and comfortable for everyone. Jens says this means creating a welcoming space where all guests feel at home, regardless of their background.
“It’s more than just a hotel; it’s a dynamic cultural hub in the downtown core,” he explains.
For Jens, it’s this perfect fusion of work, creativity and the joy of simple pleasures that truly defines the essence of hospitality – and what makes the Fairmont Pacific Rim a place that resonates with its guests.
The feature appears in the winter edition of Boulevard Vancouver.
