Determining a great place to stay in any city is a tricky business. Since nobody knows Vancouver better than the people who live in it, Scout contributor Nicole Arnett has put together her own list of hotels for our readers’ ranking consideration. Regardless of the results of this poll (we assume the more luxurious ones will float to the top), keep in mind that all of them are great options. If we’ve left one or two worthies out, let us know via @scoutmagazine.
The Waldorf
An approachable, affordable institution not far removed from the city’s core. It comes complete with a storied tiki bar and a good-looking pizzeria. And if breweries are your thing, the Waldorf is close to several. Bonus: it has its very own liquor store.
The Burrard
A converted 50’s motel with a paired down vintage look, the Burrard is a favourite of guests wanting to stay smack in the middle of downtown. Free wifi and nespresso machines in every room will keep you connected after nights out exploring.
Victorian Hotel
Set in a gorgeous brick building that dates back to 1898, the aptly named Victorian Hotel offers incredible value and the perfect locations for exploring any part of the city. Free wifi and exposed brick walls mix old and new. Staff are always ready to help with any questions or haul your giant bag up the stairs (because they didn’t have many elevators in 1898). Bonus: chef Lucais Syme’s Cinara restaurant is attached.
Granville Island Hotel
It doesn’t get much better (in our opinion) than staying just steps from Granville Island’s seemingly endless vendors, local artisans, craft spirit distilleries and cafes. The GI’s waterfront patio is the perfect spot to start or end your day. Bonus: adorable candy-coloured mini ferry boats are zipping around the island ready to deliver you all over downtown & False Creek.
Lonsdale Quay Hotel
This one is so damn easy to get to from downtown (via the seabus) that it might as well be in Vancouver. Perched on the top floor of the North Shore’s answer to Granville Island, the hotel offers a varied selection of rooms with awesome views. Bonus: the surrounding Lower Lonsdale neighbourhood (aka “LoLo”) offer lots of great cafes and shops.
The Sylvia
An historic gem just steps from gorgeous English Bay, our famous seawall and Stanley Park. Guests also have many great West End eateries and institutions (eg. Espana, Kingyo, Bayside Lounge, Lucha Verde, Motomachi Shokudo, Beach Bay Cafe) at their doorstep. Definitely one of our fave ‘staycation’ hiding spots!
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
A true downtown classic. You’ll find all the signature Fairmont hospitality and amenities including an adorable in-house dog to walk (or bring your own — they’re totally into four legged guests too), family packages and comfortable rooms that will make your stay feel like a better version of home. My favourite perk is the killer high-tea; I just can’t say no to tiny gourmet sandwiches!
Opus Hotel
Yaletown’s boutique hotel is heavy on style and loaded with extras like iPads for guest use on and off the property, free cruiser bikes, car service, babysitting and same day drycleaning. The Opus is a perfect base camp for busy travellers as it’s located in one heck of a pretty corner of town. Bonus: the award-winning La Pentola restaurant is on the main floor.
The Loden
The Loden gives guests convenience with a distinctly serene vibe in the evening. The awards keep coming because this true boutique hotel knows how to make every guest feel right at home. Take a 2 minute stroll down to the Coal Harbour seawall after a busy day of exploring or tuck yourself into a booth at their award-winning Tableau Bar Bistro and toast to your excellent travel instincts.
The Wedgewood
Expect old school glamour and impeccable service at this Relais Chateau property located in the heart of downtown (a block from the Vancouver Art Gallery). Bonus: the impossibly elegant Bacchus Lounge is on the main floor. Settle in with a good scotch next to the fireplace!
Fairmont Pacific Rim
What do we love more: the soaring marble hotel piano and oyster bar, the modern rooms, mimosas beside the truly awesome outdoor pool, or the fact that their newly opened Botanist restaurant is one of Vancouver’s best? It’s impossible to tell for sure but it all adds up to one great stay!
Four Seasons
No matter where you go in the world, laying your bags at the Four Seasons’ door is always a great decision if you can afford it and our Vancouver location is no exception. The food at its Yew restaurant is locally sourced and thoughtful; the staff are impossibly intuitive; and the rooms are, well…Four Seasons rooms.
Shangri-La
Located right in the heart of the Robson/Alberni luxury shopping nexus, this skyscraping icon is a beacon of things done right. From its CHI spa to its MARKET restaurant by international superstar chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten (order the fontina/black truffle pizzette!), the Shangri-La is a top-to-bottom stunner.
Rosewood Hotel Georgia
Every detail of this luxurious Art Deco refuge is a pleasure to look at and experience. From the rooftop pool to the speakeasy bar, the Georgia is a superb place to stay with well trained staff and knowledgable concierges. Bonus: super stylish Hawksworth restaurant on the main floor is one of the most dependably excellent eateries in the country.