You’re going to Canada and wondering where to stay in Vancouver. This is going to be such a great vacation, in one of Canada’s most beautiful cities.
Vancouver is a sprawling and densely populated city, so it has several great neighbourhoods and districts. It’s not hard to figure out why visiting Vancouver is a great idea. The city is ranked highly among the world’s most livable cities. With stunning beaches, countless outdoor adventures, distinctive cuisine, and incredible metropolitan sophistication, it’s not hard to see why it’s a popular tourist destination. The challenge comes in deciding where to stay in Vancouver once you get there.
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The City of Vancouver is located between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It has earned a reputation as a worthy and beautiful place to visit in the Pacific Northwest. Vancouver is an amazing infusion of on-your-doorstep wilderness and urban glamour. It boasts a fine natural harbour facing the mountains. This is a thriving British Columbia City and among the nation’s most ethnically diverse cities. So which hotel should you book and which neighbourhood is best for your travels? In this article, we’re going to answer all your questions about accommodation in Vancouver.
Table of Contents
- Read More for Canada
- Where To Stay In Vancouver – Our Recommendations
- Prepare for your trip
- Downtown Vancouver, The Center of All Action
- Stay With The Locals In West End
- The Waterfront, Overlooking Coal Harbour
- Mount Pleasant, In Vancouver’s East End
- Gastown, The Historical Part Of The City
- Chinatown, The Dynamic Part Of Vancouver
- Kitsilano, The Family-Friendly Enclave
- Yaletown, One Of Vancouver’s Hottest Areas
- Granville District, Vancouver’s Entertainment Hub
- North Vancouver, The Quieter Part Of Vancouver
Where To Stay In Vancouver – Our Recommendations
Vancouver is a cosmopolitan and modern city on Canada’s west coast. Nestled between the sea and mountains, this Canadian city is renowned for its stunning scenery and majestic natural beauty. Unlike most of Canada, the city is located in a region that enjoys a temperate climate making it an attractive destination for travellers, both local and international. In summer, the mild and sunny weather makes Vancouver come alive and is the best time to visit. The winters are mild and wet.
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Now that Vancouver is on your radar, the next step is to figure out where to stay in Vancouver. Similar to any big city, you have lots of options. The city is carved into several neighbourhoods, with some being more interesting for visitors, especially if it will be your first time in this part of Canada.
The sheer quantity of places to visit, things to do in Vancouver can be overwhelming. That said, choosing where to stay in Vancouver or the best hotels in Vancouver need not be too complex an issue. That is why we have created this guide to help you choose the best places to visit and stay.
Out top recommendation for where to stay in Vancouver
Hotel Skwachàys Lodge – Canada’s first Indigenous Arts Hotel and has diligently worked to provide guests with first-class services and a platform to showcase local Indigenous art and culture. Book it here.
Downtown Vancouver, The Center of All Action
If you are only in Vancouver for a few days, the best place to stay in Downtown, as it’s the most convenient area. In general, Downtown includes several neighbourhoods such as West End, Coal Harbour, Gastown, Yaletown, the Financial District, Coal, and Granville District. We shall look at some of these places individually later.
Downtown is the centre of Vancouver, the transport hub, and full of shopping outlets and restaurants. Downtown also has some of the best hotels in Vancouver, such as L’Hermitage Hotel, arguably the number one rated hotel in town.
Most visitors to Vancouver choose to stay Downtown, and for a good reason. Downtown is where all the action is. It’s here where you find many of the city’s best attractions, shopping, restaurants, and events. Perhaps more significantly, once you’re Downtown, you can access nearly every part of the city by walking, public transit ride, or by a short taxi ride.
When you choose to stay in Downtown Vancouver, you’ll be staying where many of the local people live, and you get a real feel for what life in Vancouver entails.
Our hand picked hotels located in Downtown Vancouver. You’ll find an array of accommodation options that have really good reviews from travellers just like you. We always check these hotels and update them on a regular basis to ensure you stay in the best accommodation.
Stay here in one of the best hotels in downtown Vancouver. This hotel is not just impressive but has such an array of great reviews from visitors just like you. Admire Vancouver from your hotel room thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows offering lots of natural light. Designer bath amenities, yoga mats and sitting areas are also included in each room.
Do you like to travel for the local life and live like a local? You can now do that in Vancouver downtown in this really lovely suite that’s equipped with everything you may need for your travels. This property offers spacious, fully furnished suites with fully equipped kitchens and gas fireplaces, just 3 minutes from Stanley Park.
Want luxury on your holiday to Vancouver? Then you will want to stay at the Blue Horizon Hotel! Come back after a whole day of exploring Vancouver and relax in the indoor pool, hot tub or steam bath. This contemporary Vancouver hotel is situated directly on Robson Street near shopping and restaurants. Corner guest rooms include a full balcony with a city view.
Stay With The Locals In West End
Perhaps you are still wondering where to stay in Vancouver Downtown. We recommend the West End if you are keen on experiencing how some of the locals live. This may be the best place to base yourself. From here, it’s easy and convenient to explore the other Vancouver’s biggest landmarks, English Bay and Stanley Park and. But the West End has much more than that.
While English Bay and Stanley Park are West End’s most important highlights, the neighbourhood is also trendy for its varied outdoor activities and exquisite dining scene. Revered as the city’s first upscale district, West End’s vibrant streets are home to the city’s gay community, particularly the Davie Village area.
Are you the adventurous type? The West End is where you could try your skills in kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in English Bay waters. If fascinating cuisines are what gets your juices flowing, you should head to Denman Street. On this West End Street, you get everything from tacos joints to burger diners and international restaurants.
Our hand picked hotels located in West End Vancouver. You’ll find an array of accommodation options that have really good reviews from travellers just like you. We always check these hotels and update them on a regular basis to ensure you stay in the best accommodation.
Best Western Plus Sands is located in the heart of Vancouver, only 4 minutes’ walk from English Bay beach. Free WiFi is available in all rooms. This is a great location to explore Vancouver from. You have so many cool restaurants in the area and you are just a few minutes away from Stanley Park.The Park restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and pasta and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Bayside Lounge offers views of English Bay with occasional live music.
Nestled in Vancouver’s West End and 500 feet from Stanley Park, this all-suite hotel offers fully-equipped kitchens. It is within 1.2 miles of the Vancouver Aquarium and Vancouver Convention Centre. It makes sense to use this accommodation if you like to enjoy the best of Vancouver but still have access to your own kitchen from time to time to save money and cook your own meals.
Click here for prices and book Rosellen Suites at Stanley Park
Sonder at Revival is set in the centre of Vancouver, close to Sunset Beach, English Bay and Robson Street. Stay here if you want to enjoy a mixture of facilities between a hotel and an apartment. You’re going to love the location and proximity to main point attractions like the Prospect Point Lighthouse, Coal Harbour and Christ Church Cathedral
The Waterfront, Overlooking Coal Harbour
Next to the West End, close to Stanley Park, you find yourself in Coal Harbour. As the name implies, this cool neighbourhood is right on the Waterfront overlooking a water body called Coal Harbour. Also known as the Waterfront, it’s near the cruise terminal, and you get lots of seawalls to walk along. It’s very easy and convenient to catch the hop-on, hop-off bus, or stroll into the area’s shopping district from the Waterfront.
Coal Harbour comes strongly recommended if you want an area with stunning views over the water and plenty of history. In the 17th century, the Waterfront was known as Blueblood Alley. Why? Because it was home to many of Vancouver’s largest mansions, some of which take in paying guests. Today, Coal Harbour has many towering condo complexes and lots of marinas equipped with houseboats.
Want to combine travel with business? The Waterfront is just steps from Canada Place, an expansive convention centre, popular with business travellers for its proximity. If you choose to stay in Coal Harbour, you get the chance to see lots of seaplanes as they take off for day trips and sightseeing. Guess what? You could take a seaplane adventure from Coal Harbour!
Our hand picked hotels located at the Waterfront Vancouver. You’ll find an array of accommodation options that have really good reviews from travellers just like you. We always check these hotels and update them regularly to ensure you stay in the best accommodation.
You’re going to love this 4 star hotel so much, especially because of its cool location. Featuring a rooftop deck with a swimming pool and hot tub, this hotel is located in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour District, and offers views of the North Shore Mountains. The hotel features an on-sight restaurant and bar. Guests at the Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA can use the fully-equipped fitness centre or the business centre.
Click here for prices and book Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA
For ultimate luxury head over to the Fairmont Pacific Rim. This is ideal for travellers who want to enjoy a luxury trip to Vancouver. The hotel features a rooftop pool with fire pits and a hot tub, a full-service spa and a 4,000 square foot gym. What’s not to love about this accommodation in Vancouver?
The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver is in perfect balance with its breathtaking urban and natural surroundings. An elegant base to explore Vancouver, this waterfront resort-style property is a hub of well-being. This accommodation has direct access to the Vancouver Seawall and iconic Stanley Park. We also love that the Westin Bayshore boasts suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows to reveal magnificent views of the harbour, mountains, and city skyline.
Click here for prices and book The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver
Mount Pleasant, In Vancouver’s East End
Mount Pleasant forms part of the East Side. This is an excellent area for hipsters and youngsters looking for some fun as they savour the best sights outside of Vancouver’s Downtown. If you chose to stay in Mount Pleasant, expect to be in the company of 20 to 40-year-olds, with or without kids. The area has incredible restaurants, plenty of boutique shops, and many craft breweries.
Main Street is the centre of action in Mount Pleasant. A big advantage of staying here is easy access to the airport, which is much closer than when you are in the city centre. The only downside of staying in Mount Pleasant is that you won’t enjoy green spaces or be close to the beaches.
Mount Pleasant has tons of cute cafes, incredible restaurants, shops, and even art galleries, ensuring you never get bored. You’ll have plenty of public transportation options to take you downtown Vancouver such as buses.
Our hand-picked hotels located in Mount Pleasant Vancouver. You’ll find an array of accommodation options that have really good reviews from travellers just like you. We always check these hotels and update them on a regular basis to ensure you stay in the best accommodation.
An indoor pool and sun deck are featured at the Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre Broadway, 7 minutes from Vancouver city centre and 7.5 miles from the Vancouver International Airport. This hotel in Vancouver is a 3-star accommodation part of the IHG group. It features a small gym as well as an indoor pool for you to enjoy after a whole day of exploring Vancouver.
Click here for prices and book Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre Broadway, an IHG Hotel
Cosy and comfortable accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. A great location close to the centre of Vancouver but while staying with locals and getting to know some of the more residential aspects of the city. A vegetarian breakfast is offered daily at this Vancouver B & B. Free Wi-Fi and parking is included. Granville Island is 10 minutes’ drive away.
Stay here if you are in need of well-priced accommodation that is not too far from the main centre of Vancouver. This Victorian-style Vancouver B&B provides a full vegetarian breakfast. Free Wi-Fi is offered in rooms. Vancouver International Airport is 27 minutes away via Canada Line.Vancouver city centre is just 7 minutes away via Canada Line so you won’t miss on any of the main attractions.
Gastown, The Historical Part Of The City
Gastown is one of the oldest Vancouver neighbourhoods, and that is reflected in its architecture. This is Vancouver’s historic quarter, perhaps a little artsy, a little gritty, and wildly popular with both visitors and locals. In this part of Vancouver, you can admire restored Victorian buildings, walk on cobblestone streets, and visit numerous souvenir shops.
Love shopping and a bite? Visit Water Street, lined with flagship stores and independent boutiques, not to mention the countless bars and restaurants. Look out for the Gastown Steam Clock. It releases noise and steam every 15 minutes.
Our hand picked hotels located in Gastown Vancouver. You’ll find an array of accommodation options that have really good reviews from travellers just like you. We always check these hotels and update them on a regular basis to ensure you stay in the best accommodation.
Stay in this accommodation in Vancouver if you want to appreciate a unique Aboriginal themed Vancouver hotel. Each room has a lot of interesting indigenous art. In fact, this hotel really is special because it’s Canada’s first Indigenous Arts Hotel and has diligently worked to provide guests with first-class services and a platform to showcase local Indigenous art and culture.Skwachàys Vancouver boasts unique furnishings including a 40-foot totem pole. A gift shop and an art gallery featuring Indigenous artwork are located on-site.
This historic hotel is a 5-minute walk from Vancouver’s Gastown district. The charming hotel offers period antiques and free WiFi. Built-in 1898, the Victorian Hotel features high ceilings, hardwood floors and complex mouldings. You’re going to love this accommodation in Vancouver if you are a history buff and appreciate historic buildings.
Want to enjoy Gastown in Vancouver in style? Then you are going to love this 4 star Marriott hotel. This Vancouver all-suite hotel offers high-speed WiFi and floor-to-ceiling windows. Everything is walking distance away and you’re going to have some incredible vistas over the city.
Click here for prices and book Delta Hotels by Marriott Vancouver Downtown Suites
Chinatown, The Dynamic Part Of Vancouver
Vancouver’s Chinatown is the largest of its kind in the entire country. Chinatown is ripe with history and an inseparable part of the City’s cultural diversity. It’s a sub-neighbourhood of the larger Vancouver Downtown area and is one of the biggest Chinatowns in North America.
This is a dynamic neighbourhood, with new Chinese establishments and traditional businesses thriving along with each other. Needless to say, if you are looking for the best Chinese dishes in Canada, this is where to stay.
The International Village Shopping Center is Chinatown’s most recent accomplishment. The 300,000 square feet entertainment and shopping venue is a primary attraction for both visitors and locals alike.
If you are in Gastown or Chinatown, you may want to check in at the Victorian Hotel. Among the best hotels in Vancouver, Victorian Hotel is the exemplification of a shabby chic style, hardwood floors, and exposed brick walls. You will love the modern furnishings used in the late 19th-century building.
Our hand picked hotels located in Chinatown Vancouver. You’ll find an array of accommodation options that have really good reviews from travellers just like you. We always check these hotels and update them on a regular basis to ensure you stay in the best accommodation.
If you love to travel home away from home, this apartment in China Town in Vancouver is ideal for you. Stay in this accommodation in Vancouver if you want a hot tub, a lovely balcony with a sky view and a private pool as well. This apartment has 3 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, and a kitchen. Towels and bed linen are available. It’s ideal for families or friends who travel in a group.
Click here for prices and book Place for Get Away + Sky view Balcony
Georgian Court Hotel is a charming boutique hotel is located in the heart of Vancouver city centre, across from BC Place. You are never too far from the main attractions as the Queen Elizabeth Theatre is 4 minutes’ walk away. Ideal for cultural lovers. The hotel features a fitness centre, hot tub, and an infrared sauna.
Click here for prices and book Georgian Court Hotel, WorldHotels Elite
Kitsilano, The Family-Friendly Enclave
Known to the locals as Kits, Kitsilano was once an enclave for the City’s hippies who wanted to escape the rat race. If you are looking for a California-style beach vibe, Kitsilano is the place to stay. Known has a long history of poetry readings, coffee culture, and the home to many “flower children.”
South of the core downtown, Kits is a family-friendly and stylish Vancouver neighbourhood. If you are looking for a beach neighbourhood, stay in Kitsilano. It’s got plenty of green space, a beach, and an outdoor pool makes it an excellent destination for families.
Our hand picked hotels located in Kitsilano Vancouver. You’ll find an array of accommodation options that have really good reviews from travellers just like you. We always check these hotels and update them on a regular basis to ensure you stay in the best accommodation.
For a family-oriented adventure in Vancouver, we recommend this beautiful apartment, in a quiet neighbourhood of the city. It’s a lovely 3 bedroom apartment which features a terrace and a washing machine.The apartment comes with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with garden views. A proper home away from home for you and your family.
Click here for prices and book Beautiful, Quiet 3BR in Posh Kitsilano
Have fun in the quiet and quaint family-oriented area of Kitsilano in Vancouver and stay in a lovely and quiet apartment. You’ll save money, not be too far from the centre and have access to your own kitchen. You’ll get to save money on food and accommodation so you can enjoy more attractions and fun things to do in Vancouver.
Want another lovely family friend accommodation in Vancouver? Stay in this modern apartment right in the heart of Kitsilano. In the Kitsilano district of Vancouver, close to Kitsilano Beach, Modern Apartment in Beautiful Kitsilano has a tennis court and a washing machine. The property features garden views and is 1 miles from Jericho Beach and 1 miles from The West Side.
Click here for prices and book Modern Apartment in Beautiful Kitsilano
Yaletown, One Of Vancouver’s Hottest Areas
Yaletown is located on the Waterfront, a revitalized industrial zone, and now one of Vancouver’s hottest areas. It is home to independent boutiques, several chic hotels, trendy bars, and modern restaurants. Are you travelling as a couple looking for where to stay in Vancouver? Yaletown is perhaps one of the best locations for couples travelling or those looking for a luxury getaway.
Well-connected to other parts of Vancouver, Yaletown is a great location if you visit this part of Canada for the first time. It’s located within walking distance of Robson, the hottest shopping street in the City, and a variety of nightlife locations. In this Vancouver downtown neighbourhood, you can enjoy many modern features and charming cobblestone streets.
If you are looking for one of the best hotels in Vancouver, why not try the Opus Hotel? This is a luxurious four-star hotel located in the heart of Yaletown. Surrounded by bars, restaurants, and shops, this hotel is within short walking distance of all Vancouver’s most famous tourist sites. Plus, it’s located right by a Skytrain station and close to the Aquabus that takes you to Granville District and Island.
Our hand picked hotels located in Yaletown Vancouver. You’ll find an array of accommodation options that have really good reviews from travellers just like you. We always check these hotels and update them on a regular basis to ensure you stay in the best accommodation.
For Yaletown you will want to stay in the lovely Robson Suite hotel. This is a great location for travellers who want a combination of trendy, chic with luxury. Featuring an indoor pool and a hot tub, this all-suite Vancouver hotel is located within 5 minutes’ walk from BC Place Stadium. A fully equipped kitchenette is featured in every suite. Free WiFi is available for one device in each suite.
Click here for prices and book Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel
Forluxury travellers who want to stay in Yaletown in Vancouver, consider the Opus Hotel located just 150 feet from Yaletown-Roundhouse Canada Line Station. All rooms feature vibrant decor and contemporary furniture. You’ll have shopping opportunities just at your doorstep and when you come back to your hotel room you’ll enjoy amazing views of Vancouver thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Granville District, Vancouver’s Entertainment Hub
Are you wondering where the best hotels in Vancouver are located? A place with lots of entertainment? Then choose to stay on Granville Street, which runs from the Waterfront to Vancouver airport. The Granville Entertainment District is massive, a stretch of Granville Street that runs through downtown; Drake in the south to Dunsmuir in the north. Most bars are located between Davie Street and Robson Street.
Vancouver’s entertainment district, Granville Street, is beautifully lit up with a rainbow of beautiful neon lights. Lying just under the Granville Bridge, discover Granville Island, technically not an island, but a popular area for visitors packed with rich cultural attractions. If you are looking for nightlife, this is where to stay in Vancouver.
Granville Entertainment District might have a slightly rough feel around the edges but is generally very safe and full of life. Here you get street food vendors, live music venues, shops, bars, and nightclubs – the majority of which cannot be described as particularly high end.
Are you looking for a great hotel in Granville? The Granville Island Hotel is one of the best hotels in Vancouver. It’s a contemporary, chic hotel with great views of downtown Vancouver and the Waterfront.
Our hand picked hotels located in Granville District Vancouver. You’ll find an array of accommodation options that have really good reviews from travellers just like you. We always check these hotels and update them on a regular basis to ensure you stay in the best accommodation.
Stay at the Suite Smart Shaughnessy and be just 1.5 miles from Sunset Beach. Relax in the shared lounge and garden or cook your meal in the shared kitchen for your convenience.Buffet and American breakfast options are available each morning so you can start your day ready for exploring Vancouver all day.
Located in Granville, 37 Boutique Suite is set in Vancouver is a great option for your holiday. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom equipped with a shower. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer. 37 Boutique Suite features free WiFi throughout the property. Enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including cycling and hiking. Bloedel Conservatory is 1.3 miles from 37 Boutique Suite, while The West Side is 1.6 miles from the property.
North Vancouver, The Quieter Part Of Vancouver
Are you looking for some quiet and peace? Compared to Downtown, North Vancouver is much more peaceful, a low-key neighborhood with a relaxed feel. Here you also get access to a great public market. North Vancouver is one of the best areas if you want to avoid the downtown core and experience the city like a local.
The local government has carefully planned North Vancouver into a relatively buzzing zone, yet retaining its peace and quiet. It has plenty of good hotels, pubs, restaurants, and a pretty waterfront waiting to be enjoyed. This rather laid-back area combines condo living with numerous business outlets.
Because you’re not staying in Vancouver proper, you get to enjoy great views of the city skyline, all the way to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. The Lower Lonsdale neighborhood of North Vancouver is excellent for families. Some lovely pubs and restaurants are not too noisy if you are looking for some action. North Vancouver is well-connected to the city’s downtown by the reliable Seabus public transit boat.
Our hand picked hotels located in North Vancouver. You’ll find an array of accommodation options that have really good reviews from travellers just like you. We always check these hotels and update them on a regular basis to ensure you stay in the best accommodation.
Who doesn’t want to enjoy the quiet and modern side of Northern Vancouver? Featuring a 100 feet swimming pool and a gourmet on-site restaurant, this harbour-front North Vancouver hotel is only a 12-minute Seabus ride from central Vancouver, British Columbia. This is ideal accommodation in Vancouver for nature lovers, as the Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park are both within 15 minutes drive from this hotel. Lonsdale Quay is 1,300 feet away.
Calling nature lovers who want to be close to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain. This North Vancouver B&B is 15 minutes’ walk from the Lonsdale Quay SeaBus and 12 minutes from central Vancouver via seabus. It features a common breakfast room with a fireplace and free Wi-Fi in every room. Ocean Breeze Executive Bed and Breakfast rooms are uniquely decorated and have an en suite bathroom. They include a refrigerator, microwave, and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Yay, you now know exactly which area to stay in Vancouver and why this is best for your type of travel. Vancouver is a wonderful city, one which you’ve probably seen featured in so many movies. You are going to have such a great time exploring the city, regardless of where you’ve decided to book your accommodation. Remember, though, Vancouver is an extremely popular travel destination, so you should always book your hotel well in advance. Have fun!
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