Best hotels to stay in Vancouver
Table of Contents
Great views and excellent food are guaranteed at all Vancouver hotels, no matter what your budget
1. BEST Western Plus Uptown Hotel
A bijou corner is home to this popular chain of hotels. Don’t get deterred by the ‘uptown’. It’s not far flung out in the suburbs at all. It’s less than two kilometres from the town centre, which has art galleries, museums, the aquarium and a petting zoo and a host of bars and clubs. The hotel itself is very basic; don’t go in there expecting multiple restaurants and a butler service. You will however feast on some excellent waffles at the complimentary breakfast, and leave feeling slightly smug. The hotel has a two key rating, listed on the environmentally conscious group of hotels as a Green Key Hotel. Book into the best Western Plus Uptown Hotel for your stay as it offers comfortable stay with all modern amenities to make a visitor comfortable. Book in advance to be assured of the room of your choice.
2. Pan Pacific Hotel
The grand views from this hotel draws travellers to it like flies to a pie. The looming Coastal Mountains, the open expanse of Coal Harbour and the twinkling cityscape of Vancouver make each room a prize win in terms of breathtaking vistas. Then there’s the great location in the heart of the city. Shopping corners, the marina and Stanley Park are all just a short walk away. But why would you want to leave? The outdoor heated saltwater pool on the eighth floor should be reason enough to make you stay in. If not there are four restaurants, including the award winning Five Sails, where you must order their creamy squash risotto with sautéed wild Pacific prawns. If you want your family to thank you for this great stay, book into Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel and Resort. This place takes into account every need of a travelling family and you will surely have a fun time here.
3. Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites
The thing with Vancouver is that as long you’re in the city and staying on a relatively high floor of an urban hotel, you can be guaranteed a pretty spectacular view. So you need not be in a luxury suite to sit on a patio and look out into Stanley Park. That’s where the Coast lot of hotels kick in. The budget chain of hotels are perfectly serviceable spaces, made all the more alluring when you throw in excellent location and views in the case of the Coast Plaza. English Bay and the charming district of Gastown are just a mile away. And in case you need some TLC once you trek back, there’s an indoor pool, a sauna and a hot tub to help you relax. The Coast Plaza Hotel and Suite Rooms offers everything as per your expectations. The proximity to the English Bay Beach and Stanley Park are other added advantages if you book into this hotel.
4. Sooke Harbour House
There’s something very attractive about legacy, and you’ll understand it best when you walk into Sooke Harbour House. First there’s the un mistakeable appeal of it being an inn sitting at the edge of Vancouver Island. Second, each room is different and themed around specific works of art, most of them from local artists. Third, the food: Sooke House was one of the first to use indigenous ingredients and one of the first propagators of the slow food movement. Expect such gems in the menu – Eucalyptus Crab Consommé, crab and scallop ravioli with carrot and chervil, clams with seaweed, Sooke Harbour House sausage, etc. Hungry yet? Sooke Harbour House is an ideal place to plan your stay during your visit to Sooke. You can enjoy the quiet of the rural surroundings and relax your mind during your stay here.
5. Shangri-La Hotel
While it’s not really like a piece of Asia in Canada, the Shangri-La Hotel comes very close to being so. Elegant dark-wood panelled interiors with equally exquisite bamboo and bonsai accents make it a little haven of eastern luxury and hospitality. The rooms are relatively large and everyone raves about their walk-in showers. Equally inspiring is Market, the restaurant by acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongrichten, which focuses on Asian flavoured food made with regional and seasonal ingredients. Don’t blame us if you find yourself extending your stay. Know about the Shangri-La Hotel facilities, amenities, pricing and availability before you book into this hotel. Advance booking may help you save time and money.
Insider Tip:
If you’re vegetarian, you’re in luck. The city is home to some of the best vegetarian and vegan fare this side of the continent. Try Naam to go au natural, The Acorn for artisanal, gluten free and vegetarian eats, and the Heirloom Restaurant for brunch accompanied by organic wine.
Best time to Visit:
June – August hosts a number of cultural festivals and although the city is crowded, it’s also at its best. But the weather can be unpredictable in terms of showers, so be prepared and carry basic rain gear.
