With its outdoorsy attitude and mountain or water views everywhere you look, Vancouver is a pretty city to explore. On Canada’s Pacific coast, it’s easy to combine a visit to the Canadian wilderness on Vancouver Island – or ski vacation in Whistler-Blackcomb – with a few nights discovering downtown. The chances are that once you arrive, you won’t want to leave. These are the best hotels in Vancouver for your next visit.
Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver
Hotel
Ever slept in the sky? Shangri-La opened up its first North American property in Vancouver in 2009, occupying 15 floors downtown. Here, you’ll find five-star services such as a heated rooftop pool and an extensive on-site spa. In addition to its Asian-inspired decor, most suites offer balconies alongside opulent touches, including marble bathrooms and luxurious linens. Come here for Canadian-Asian fusion hospitality at its finest.
Granville Island Hotel
Hotel
On the waterfront of Granville Island, this hotel reflects the island’s history of mining, logging and shipping, complete with 82 rooms offering beautiful views of the water. Although the hotel often caters to business travelers, you’ll be within proximity to the waterfront and various eclectic shops. It’s also within walking distance of the public market, and the on-site Dockside Restaurant is popular for its fresh, sustainable seafood dishes.
Rosewood Hotel Georgia
Hotel
Those looking for a luxury stay will certainly be satisfied at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia. Restored to its original 1920s glory, the hotel has deluxe rooms with heated floors and flat-screen TVs. In addition to a modern Canadian restaurant, there is also a speakeasy-style bar where you can do your best impression of Jay Gatsby. It’s the perfect romantic place for couples staying in Vancouver.
Sylvia Hotel
Hotel
Within a restored 1912 apartment block, the Sylvia Hotel overlooks English Bay and is close to Stanley Park and Robson Street’s shops and restaurants. The building – designed by WP White, a Seattle architect – became a hotel in 1936 and is now covered by Virginia creeper, adding a carpet of green to the façade. Inside, rooms maintain the classic aesthetic – pretty, comfortable and filled with light.
L’Hermitage Hotel
Hotel
Famous for its friendly staff, L’Hermitage Hotel sits inside a residential tower, on three floors. Highlights include the outdoor heated saltwater pool and accompanying sauna and fitness studio. Also, don’t miss the Belgian waffles at the L’Orangerie Dining Room & Lounge. Business travelers are often found here, as it’s near the Vancouver Convention Centre. If you get time, though, the hotel offers complimentary bikes to explore the city and Stanley Park.
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The St Regis Hotel
Independent Hotel
Opening in 1913, the St Regis Hotel was originally popular with miners and loggers, but now it services a more varied clientele. It offers New York-style boutique accommodations located in the Financial District. Expect walk-in showers, soaker tubs and a complimentary à la carte breakfast. The SkyTrain and waterfront are just a short walk away.
Wedgewood Hotel and Spa
Hotel
After a day of shopping at Robson Street’s high-end shops, the Wedgewood Hotel and Spa provides a great place to relax. Deep bathtubs and city vistas from the balconies are among the highlights here. For an elegant fine-dining experience, try the on-site restaurant, Bacchus, known for its excellent European wine offerings. Alternatively, head to the second floor for an indulgent Swedish massage at the spa. If you’re in town on business, the Vancouver Convention Centre and Canada Place are both about 10 minutes away.
The Listel Hotel
Hotel
Sitting on Robson Street – Vancouver’s best shopping district – the Listel Hotel will appeal to art lovers, as contemporary works fill the rooms here. Its on-site restaurant, Forage, is a local favorite, serving up farm-to-plate dishes with the best British Columbian produce. Make sure you visit for brunch – it’s regularly rated one of the best in the city.
Loden Hotel
Hotel
Just a short walk away from the harbor, the Loden Hotel offers boutique luxury in the heart of the city. Each modern room comes with a yoga mat and complimentary Loden Cab drop-off service. If you really want to splurge, book the Halo Penthouse on the top floor with its rooftop terrace. Hotel services provide clients with a bike to cycle around the city, specifically by nearby Stanley Park. Pets are welcome, too, in some rooms.
Executive Hotel Le Soleil
Hotel
The Executive Hotel Le Soleil is a boutique hotel that mixes French-inspired decor with a classic Canadian welcome. Since it opened in 1999, it has been recognized as one of Canada’s most luxurious hotels. Every room includes a marble bathroom, and some have floor-to-ceiling windows. Downstairs, Copper Chimney offers authentic Indian cuisine, such as traditional thali platters with roasted lamb curry, covered in a creamy yogurt sauce. Next door, you’ll have access to an upscale fitness center with a pool, drop-in classes and personal training sessions available.
Opus Vancouver
Hotel
This four-star boutique hotel sits among cocktail bars and designer boutiques in Yaletown, arguably Vancouver’s trendiest neighborhood. Its 96 contemporary guest rooms feature bold art on even bolder walls of tangerine and chartreuse green. Just across the street from Yaletown-Roundhouse station, you can easily get around the city by SkyTrain or taking advantage of the hotel’s free loaner bikes.
The Burrard
Boutique Hotel
Originally a motor inn in 1956, the Burrard in downtown Vancouver was converted into a boutique hotel in 2010. Though each of its 72 rooms features modern amenities such as Nespresso coffee machines and iPhone docking stations, it retains its old-school 1950s vibe. The bright neon sign that greets you out front and the hotel’s canary-yellow, teal and whitewashed doors give this place its retro touch. Stop by the Elysian cafe downstairs for a good flat white or a local Four Winds beer on tap.
Vivian Chung contributed additional reporting to this article.
What do Frank Sinatra and I have in common? We are both from New Jersey. While the Garden State is beautiful, I love exploring and traveling to new places. During my undergraduate career, I studied in both Siena and Bologna. After completing my BA in History and International Relations at The College of New Jersey, I moved back to Bologna, where I worked as the Student Life Assistant for an American study abroad program. In 2014, I moved to London to pursue my MSc in History of International Relations at the London School of Economics. When I am not in lecture, I enjoy baking, exploring London's museums and watching old films.