Where to Stay in Vancouver
Many hotels are clustered in and around Vancouver’s West End among the city’s imposing steel and glass buildings. Vancouver is a city with high standards, it rarely disappoints, however be prepared to pay premium rates, even for more modest hotels. Hotel rates fluctuate considerably during the high-low seasons, making some luxury hotels affordable during the low season. A 15% tax and 1.50% service charge are levied in addition to all hotel rates*. A high number of Vancouver hotels are pet friendly. Most will allow children to stay, free of charge, in existing rooms.
Popular Hotels
Located in the West End, Sunset-Inn-And-Suites (1111 Burnaby St) is within a short distance from Robson Street and Sunset Beach. The suites are large and come with kitchenettes and balconies with views of the mountain or the water. There is free on-site parking and free Wi-Fi. You can walk to Stanley Park, English Bay and the Granville island Ferry. Low season rates start at CAD$209.00, high season rates start at CAD$239.00.
Comfort-Inn-Downtown-Vancouver (654 Nelson St) is located in the city’s entertainment district. It is a 10-minute walk from the Art Gallery and Granville SkyTrain. Gastown is 5 minutes away. With a hotel rate of CAD$79.00- $120.00 this hotel is a real bargain during the winter months. During peak season, however, rates soar with an average of CAD$300.00 – $330.00. Hotel guests are required to walk over to the pub next door for breakfast, and while this might seem like a deterrent, the low off-season rates may well be worth the 1 minute walk.
Right in the heart of the entertainment district is the Ramada-Vancouver-Downtown hotel (1221 Granville St), a few minutes from Yaletown, Granville Bridge, and 1km from Sunset beach. The rather imposing on-site Irish Pub sets the atmosphere for this hotel. The dark interior décor and medium-small rooms may not be a plus, however it does have a number of features that compensate for this. The central location, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, free gym tickets and coffee makers in the rooms are just a few. Low season rates start at CAD$115.00, high season rates are CAD$228.00.
Times Square Suites apartment hotel (1821 Robson St) is a great place for extended stays and for families. A number of amenities give this hotel an apartment feel: suites with separate living and sleeping areas, kitchenettes with dishwasher, gas fireplace and laundry facilities, among other things.
The streets in the area are lined with shops, restaurants, cafés and bars. A grocery store is conveniently located across the street. The hotel staff will graciously offer their fax service on request. They will also print documents and boarding passes. Rates start at CAD$143.00 for the low season and CAD$179.00 for the high season.
Best Rated Hotels
Vancouver’s West End is the pulsating residential neighbourhood with high-rise apartments and tree-lined streets with hundreds of restaurants, shops and cafés, where the majority of the city’s best rated hotels are located.
The West End Marriott-Pinnacle-Downtown Hotel (1128 West Hastings St) is 10-15 minutes from downtown. The hotel staff is helpful and always ready to offer prompt, courteous service and assistance. If you have Fido with you make sure you tell the hotel staff when you book, there may be an extra charge for your pet. The convenient concierge desk in the hotel is a godsend for people who need help with tourist information. Low season rates start at CAD$175.00, high season rates start at CAD$400.00.
Fairmont-Waterfront (900 Canada Place Way) is a 5-star hotel with service to match. The hotel staff exemplifies dedicated, courteous service. The superb location on the water comes with a price tag. Parking is pricey and there is an extra charge for Wi-Fi. Low season rates start at CAD$259.00, high season rates start at CAD$400.00.
Rosewood-Hotel-Georgia (801 West Georgia) close to Robson Street, in the bustling West End, has an indoor saltwater pool and a scenic roof top restaurant for alfresco dining to cap off your day. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and pets are welcomed on request. If you are driving make sure you ask about the parking rates when you book to avoid costly surprises. Low season rates start at CAD$320.00, high season CAD$425.00.
The Coastal Coal Harbour Hotel (1180 West Hastings St) is close to Robson Street and within walking distance of Stanley Park. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the rooms provide superb views of the North Shore mountains. It is always good to know that the hotel has 24-7 room service for your hotel needs. If weather permits you can relax in the hot tub on the rooftop deck and enjoy the city vistas. Low season rates start at CAD$180.00, high season starts at CAD$ 287.00.
Situated on the scenic landscape of the Burrard Inlet waterfront, Canada Place is home to the sumptuous Pan Pacific Hotel. Pan-Pacific Hotel. The imposing hotel makes a statement of posh grandeur. The ambitious architectural project strategically capitalizes on the breathtaking views from just about anywhere in the hotel. You will not want to miss the natural scenery from the outdoor pool deck. The pet friendly hotel is always happy to provide mats, food and water bowls for your canine friends. Low season rates start at CAD$174.00, high season starts at CAD$574.00.
Located near the Art Gallery and a short distance from the Sky Train station, Hermitage-Hotel (788 Richards St) is an elegant, tastefully-decorated hotel. The marble bathrooms and soft bathrobes are details that add a touch of affordable luxury. The hotel features an on-site library, a 24 hour gym, a tourist information area and an indoor saltwater pool.
The overall atmosphere and ambiance is a charming je-ne-sais-quoi. If you happen to stay here during Vancouver’s rainy season you run no risk of getting caught in the rain because the hotel is happy to provide hotel guests with umbrellas. Low rates start at CAD$175.00, high season rates start at CAD$300.00.
Loaded with character and charm the Wedgewood-Hotel-Spa (845 Hornby St) is a hotel with Old World ambiance. There are rooms with private balconies overlooking the city. The decadent hotel spa is a heavenly retreat with expert hands waiting to rub away the daily stress. Other small luxuries include the free bathrobe, slippers and toiletries. If you can tear yourself away from this jewel you can step outside and go for a stroll down Robson Street, one of the most expensive streets in the world. Low season rates start at CAD$198.00, high season rates start at CAD$368.00.
One-of-a-Kind Hotels
Loden-Hotel (1177 Melville St) is a jazzy boutique hotel with character. The interior décor is an appealing mélange of colours that stand out against more reassuring neutral tones. A fresh change from the ubiquitous browns typical of hotel chains. Elegant touches like lustrous black-veined marble sheathe the bathrooms. The free car and bicycle service (downtown use only) provided by the hotel is a real bonus. The multinational staff speak 8 languages including Bulgarian and Japanese. Low season rates start at CAD$229.00, high season rates start at CAD$359.00.
The façade of the Sylvia Hotel (1154 Gilford St) is almost entirely covered by the leafy foliage of the Virginia creeper. This cozy 120-room boutique hotel is tucked away in a quite Vancouver neighbourhood. The 100-year old hotel is steps away from the water on English Bay and conveniently located across Stanley Park. A designated heritage site the building was owned by Mr. Goldstein in 1912 who named it after his daughter Sylvia. The pet friendly hotel has a warm, familiar atmosphere, affordable on site parking and a lounge with live entertainment. The heart-warming story surrounding a stray cat that decided to make Sylvia hotel its permanent home a while back has resulted in two popular children’s books that guests can purchase in the hotel lobby. Low season rates start at CAD$115.00, high season rates start at CAD$199.00.
The Burrard Hotel is situated on the eponymous street at 1100 Burrard. The former Burrard Motor Inn in the 1950s underwent extensive renovation over the years. The California-motel architectural style with a central court, is a mix of retro nostalgia and contemporary hip style. Located 3 blocks from the shopping district this is a busy area. You are better off booking a room at the back of the hotel to avoid traffic noise. If you can live without A/C this is a bargain hotel in a great location. Rate include free bikes, gym passes and free Wi-Fi. Low season rates start at CAD$94.00, high season rates start at CAD$169.00.
Close to the Gastown district is the site of the 1898 historic Victorian Hotel (514 Homer St). The hotel architecture and interior walks on the traditional side and retains many original Victorian features like the high ceilings, hardwood floors and stately crown mouldings. Each room is outfitted with beautiful period furniture. Some rooms come with shared bathrooms. Room rates during the low season start at a mere CAD$ 80.00, high season rates start at CAD$189.00.
Once you’re all checked in to your hotel, it’s time to explore. Put your adventure cap on and see what the city has to offer! From good eats to thrilling excursions, there are tons of things to do in Vancouver, and you can book them all right here on Expedia.
