The increasing popularity of Alaskan cruises alone has made May through October busy in Vancouver. Since the 2010 Winter Olympics, too, Vancouver has become a waypoint for travelers interested in some of the best winter sports the world has to offer in Whistler. Therefore, lodging in Vancouver comes at a premium no matter the time of year, and you may need to book ahead for the most popular places.
Lodging options should please most budgets, however, with a selection of newly renovated hostels and a good number of boutique accommodations. The most elite properties enjoy waterfront locations with stunning views. However, most of the economical options are within walking distance to all the eating and drinking you could possibly want. Here are our favorite places to stay in Vancity, no matter your price range.
Author’s Note: You could expand your options for places to stay in Vancouver with Airbnbs but be careful because a lot of the options may not be fully legal due to city bylaws and condominium strata — homeowners associations’ rules. Thousands of listings were pulled from the site in 2018, so it may not be worth the risk of cancellation.
Hotels
Photo: Opus Hotel/Facebook
Opus Hotel Vancouver — Visitors love Opus because of its sleek, ultra-modern aesthetics and its boutique vibe. The location is perfect too, especially if you want to dine out in Yaletown or you’re in town for an event at one of the downtown arenas.
City Centre Motor Hotel — It might not be pretty, but the location can’t be beat, and City Centre Motor Hotel usually has availability even in summer. If you’re on a budget, this is one worth checking out especially if you also like craft beer as this is one of the few hotels that is right in the heart of Brewery Creek, with several taprooms located almost directly across Main Street.
Photo: Hotel BLU Vancouver/Facebook
Hotel BLU — This polished and hip establishment perched on the edge of Yaletown has become an easy favorite among travelers. Hotel BLU may be upmarket but offers a good value on centrally located accommodations within walking distance to everything.
The Sylvia Hotel — The West End has few hotels, but thankfully the Sylvia is one of them. Known for its architecture and retro bar, the Sylvia offers Old World charm in the middle of the city. From here, English Bay is just outside your doorstep.
Luxury Hotels
Photo: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver/Facebook
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver — The most classic and classy of all Vancouver hotels is the Fairmont Hotel. Housed in a renovated heritage building, this member of the Fairmont chain will never disappoint. If a “wow factor” is what you’re after then this is an ideal choice, especially given the central downtown location and access to all of the city’s top shopping and restaurants.
Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre — One of the highest buildings in the city is also one of its top hotel properties, aka the Sheraton Wall Centre. Guests love its amenities and location, which is close to entertainment options on Granville Street as well as to the West End and Granville Island.
Photo: Pan Pacific Vancouver/Facebook
Pan Pacific Vancouver — Whether or not you are coming to Vancouver for an Alaskan cruise, the Pan Pacific remains one of the best luxury options due to its proximity to the port. In fact, it is located in the same building that houses Canada Place and the cruise ship terminal. Another good luxury option for cruisers is the Fairmont Waterfront.
Hostels
HI Vancouver Downtown — Even if you’re not on the tightest budget, you can’t do much better than the HI Vancouver Downtown. Located just off West End’s Davie strip, it is a stone’s throw away from the beach, English Bay, and Stanley Park. With self-catering options and upgraded, sleek public spaces — including a rooftop — this is one of the city’s best hostel options.
Photo: YWCA Hotel Vancouver – A Social Enterprise Hotel/Facebook
YWCA Vancouver — With private and dormitory-style rooms, the YWCA offers budget travelers something rare in this city: a clean but affordable place to sleep for the night that also happens to be right in the heart of downtown.