Vancouver is this fantastic city that combines nature’s splendor with a relaxed urban atmosphere. You can view the mountains with snow on them from the window of your hotel or stroll about the vibrant streets lined with adorable stores and delicious restaurants. There are a lot of accommodation options here that will suit every type of traveler and pocket.
I have been privileged to experience both upscale and low-budget accommodations in the city, and I’m excited to dish out the information and offer my advice on how to get a great spot to stay in Vancouver.
Luxurious hotels: Where urban trends meet laid-back attitude
1. Fairmont Pacific Rim
If you’re considering splurging, you need to see the Fairmont Pacific Rim. It’s in a great location in Coal Harbour, and the ocean and mountains views are stunning. The rooms are really stylish and equipped with all the latest and greatest you’d expect, and the service? Absolutely top notch.
Key points:
- Fairmont Spa has a Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide and offers all varieties of treatments and extras.
- Pool on the Rooftop: Admire those spectacular vistas while you swim!
- Botanist Restaurant: A Michelin-recognized dining experience.
- Live Entertainment: Lobby Lounge features live music, ideal for a relaxed evening.
- Fitness Centre: Equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.
I was absolutely blown away by how comfortable and upscale everything felt for my stay. The spa was the ideal place to relax before or after a long day of discovery, and that rooftop pool? What a great retreat with amazing views!
2. The Sutton Place Hotel
If you want something elegant with a touch of European sophistication, The Sutton Place Hotel is a wonderful option. It’s located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, so shopping, dining, and entertainment are easily accessible.
Key points:
- Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar: An award-winning restaurant offering a refined dining experience.
- Gerard Lounge is a relaxing spot to have a drink.
- Vida Spa: Offers a range of treatments to rejuvenate.
- Hot tub and indoor pool: Perfect for relaxing.
- Fitness Centre: Well-equipped for your workout needs.
The atmosphere in The Sutton Place Hotel was really relaxed and upscale. Their concierge staff were knowledgeable and the dining options were great.
3. Wedgewood Hotel & Spa
If you’re looking for something posh, you need to try out the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa. It’s located near Robson Square, really comfortable yet still classy.
Key points:
- Bacchus Lounge: A European-style lounge offering afternoon tea and cocktails.
- Spa: Features a eucalyptus steam room and couples’ suites.
- Event Spaces: Ideal for weddings and other events.
- Fitness Center: Available to guests.
- Individual attention: The employees actually listen.
I just adored how personalized the service was and how relaxed the atmosphere felt while I was there. The spa really impressed me—it was such a lovely escape right in the city.
Mid-Range Choices: Cozy and won’t break the bank
4. Loden Hotel
The Loden Hotel combines luxury with excellent value. It is located in Coal Harbour, so you will have an easy time accessing Stanley Park and the Seawall.
Key points:
- Personalized Service: Known for its attentive staff. theloden.ca
- Fitness Centre: Well-equipped for workouts.
- Pet-Friendly: Welcomes furry companions.
- FREE wi-fi: stay connected when you’re here.
- Central location: Close to everything happening.
I believe the Loden Hotel is the perfect combination of comfortable and convenient to get to. And the staff were really friendly, and it is well located for navigating the city.
5. Hotel Vancouver (Fairmont)
A historic gem, Hotel Vancouver combines old-world charm with modern amenities. Located near the Vancouver Art Gallery, it offers easy access to shopping and dining.
Key points:
- Notch8 Restaurant & Bar has this really cool Prohibition-era cocktail menu.
- Indoor Pool: Extremely uncommon for downtown hotels.
- Fitness Center: All you need for your workout.
- Afternoon Tea: It’s a traditional hangout.
- Pet-Friendly: Welcomes pets with amenities.
Staying at Hotel Vancouver felt a bit like traveling in a time machine. The combination of old-fashioned architecture and contemporary comforts really made the trip memorable.
6. The Listel Hotel
If you’re an art lover and are pro-environment, The Listel Hotel is completely where you need to go. It’s located on Robson Street, which is basically the hotspot for shopping and dining in the city—it’s highly central, a bit offbeat, and really eco-conscious.
Key points:
- Art Collection: They rotate through the Indigenous and local artwork that you find in common areas and guest rooms.
- Zero-Waste Policy: It is one of the few hotels in Vancouver to reach that zero-waste-to-landfill goal.
- Forage Restaurant: It’s award-winning, locally sourced, sustainable cuisine that’s actually quite reasonably priced!
- Eco-Friendly Practices: These include energy-saving initiatives, water-saving devices, and recycling activities.
- Central Location: Walkable to Stanley Park, English Bay, and public transportation.
I was completely in this great little creative space when I was on my own adventure. The staff were really enthusiastic about imparting all the art and sustainability knowledge—and Forage served one of the greatest brunch experiences I’ve ever experienced in Vancouver (you have to try the duck sausage hash!).
Budget Stays: Great Bargains in Hip Destinations
7. Cambie Seymour Hostel
Traveling on a tight budget? I completely get it. The Cambie Seymour Hostel is central to everything and has a great atmosphere. It may not be terribly fancy, but it’s great for backpackers looking to mingle.
Key points:
- Budget dorms and private rooms: There are options for every type of budget traveler.
- Malone’s Bar & Grill: On-site bar with great happy hour deals and plenty of locals hanging out.
- Great place to relax and meet other travelers.
- Prime Downtown Location: Close to Waterfront Station, Canada Place, and Gastown.
- Free Wi-Fi & Kitchen: Helps you save on food and stay connected.
I went by here when I first arrived in Vancouver right out of college, and I absolutely loved the energetic atmosphere. It’s not an extremely relaxing area, but if you want to have a good time, this is certainly the place to be.
8. HI Vancouver Central Hostel!
This is by far nicer than an average backpacker hostel. It is extremely clean, comfortable, and centrally located on Granville Street—in the middle of everything and all the action.
Key points:
- Dorms and private rooms: something for everyone, if you’re traveling alone or with a group.
- Free Breakfast: Basic, but appreciated.
- The Common Room and Library are excellent places to relax or plan your day.
- Communal Kitchen: Great for budget-conscious travelers.
- Transit-Friendly: Close to buses, SkyTrain, and walkable areas.
I remember meeting visitors from all over here—Brazil, Germany, Australia—and all of us exchanged advice in the communal kitchen as we ate some homemade pasta. Such a laid-back atmosphere, and it was surprisingly peaceful for being located in the middle of everything.
9. The YWCA Hotel Vancouver
You know what’s a fantastic secret gem in the city? The YWCA Hotel! It’s really clean and comfortable, and it’s operated as a nonprofit, so you can definitely feel good about where your money is going.
Key points:
- Immaculate Rooms: Spotless and well-maintained.
- Fitness Facilities: Shared with the adjoining YWCA Fitness + Racquet Club.
- Downtown right in the center: very near BC Place, Rogers Arena, and the Central Library.
- Relaxed and laid-back atmosphere: Great for solo female travelers!
- Affordable Pricing: Private rooms at hostel-like prices.
I ended up here for an unplanned work trip and was really surprised in a positive way. The receptionists were really friendly, and although it was quite simple, it felt much cozier than some three-star hotels I have stayed in.
Where to Stay in Vancouver: Neighborhood Highlights
If you’re still looking for where to stay, here’s a short list of Vancouver’s most popular spots that everybody absolutely adores.
Coal Harbour
- Best for: Sophisticated travelers, business travel, and stunning vistas.
- What it offers: It’s got high-rise hotels, waterfront boardwalks, and it’s really near the Convention Centre and Stanley Park.
- Why I loved it: Waking up and seeing those harbor views with floatplanes taking off was like being in a postcard.
Downtown
- Best for: Beginners and anyone who wants to be in the midst of things.
- What it offers: Robson for shopping, Granville for dining, and a SkyTrain a hop away from your doorstep.
- Why I loved it: All the coffee houses and art galleries were right nearby, within a short walk.
West End
- Best for: Nature lovers, families, and foodies.
- What it offers: It has that laid-back neighborhood vibe, and it’s really close to English Bay and Stanley Park.
- Why I loved it: It’s like this relaxed little town just chillin’ in this really busy city.
Gastown
- Best for: History buffs and Instagram enthusiasts.
- What it offers: cobblestone streets, adorable little shops, the iconic Steam Clock, and a hip indie food scene.
- Why I loved it: It’s all really Instagrammable, and I was able to relax with some craft coffee while browsing local artwork.
Kitsilano (Kits)
- Best for: Those who enjoy a relaxing beach atmosphere.
- What it offers: It has great ocean vistas, yoga spots, healthy cuisine spots, and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Why I loved it: It’s great for biking, having brunch at the beach, and watching the sunset with the locals.
Conclusion: A Place for Every Type of Traveler
Whatever you travel by and whatever cash you have, Vancouver’s got areas where you can relax and just be you. Whether you’re in posh rooms with a view at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, uber-relaxed green hotels like The Listel, or cheap and cheerful hostels like Cambie Seymour or the YWCA, this town’s got you covered.
Every time I visited Vancouver—either I splurged on a posh weekender with a special someone or I kept it tight and backpacked alone—I never felt compelled to settle for less than a great experience. Everywhere I slept added some sort of cool factor to my adventure, be it the great people I met and spectacular vistas I awoke to, or the neighborhoods I spent hours meandering.
If you want to spoil yourself or you just want a nice bed and a great coffee joint close by, Vancouver’s the way to go. Pick a destination, grab your things, and the laid-back atmosphere and good vibe of the city will take care of the rest.