Are you planning a trip to Vancouver but still aren’t sure where to stay? The city is fairly easy to get around, and not so big that you’ll be spending too much time in transit, but the location is always important.
While there isn’t necessarily a wrong place to stay in the city, there definitely are pros and cons to staying in certain neighbourhoods. If you’re planning on walking rather than driving, you’ll want to be within easy walking distance to attractions and transport. And if you’re a night owl you’ll probably want to book into a hotel near restaurants and bars that stay open later.
This guide will help you find the best location to stay in Vancouver as well as offer a selection of accommodation options for you to choose from.
Finding the Best Area to Stay in Vancouver
Vancouver is not that big, compared to other cities, but there are very specific areas that offer individual attractions. The city can offer you a space in the midst of all the action and buzzing nightlife, or provide you with a calm and quiet suburb removed from the hustle and bustle.
The ideal location for you to stay in will depend on your reasons for visiting the city and what you intend to enjoy while there. If you’re smart about where you stay, you’ll be within a short distance to all the good areas. Here’s a breakdown to help you select the best neighbourhood to stay in Vancouver.
Downtown Core
Best for: First-time visitors who want to be near the action
Downtown Vancouver is where you’ll find all the excitement, especially after dark. There are many parts of downtown that are sub-areas, but the core is the busiest and most active. You’ll find plenty of bars and clubs to enjoy, as well as an abundance of shopping stores to enjoy during the day.
Coal Harbour
Best for: Enjoying mountain views and watching seaplanes
Also known as the Waterfront, this is where you can take in the views from the seawall and watch the seaplanes taking off. There are eateries and ice cream shops and the aquarium is here as well. This is the most modern part of Vancouver, and you’ll see this in the many skyscrapers towering over the area.
Gastown
Best for: Walking tours and finding souvenirs
If you’re wanting to experience indie art and souvenir stores, this is the place to be. It’s also the area to view magnificent Victorian buildings and fashion studios. This neighbourhood is historic, and the cobblestone streets are perfect for taking a walking tour through. And don’t forget the amazing food found here!
West End
Best for: Budget travelling – and enjoying quiet open spaces
If you’re wanting to save a dollar or two while staying in Vancouver, West End is a great place to do so. You’ll find an abundance of hotels and boutique accommodation that is very easy on the pocket. It’s a fabulous neighbourhood, with lots of green leafy spaces to enjoy, and just a short distance from Downtown.
Yaletown
Best for: Shopping and nightlife or watching sports games
This is where you’ll find the stunning seawall which makes for a brilliant path to walk or cycle along while enjoying the views. It’s also home to trendy cocktail lounges and restaurants and has a list of decor boutiques. The BC Place stadium is near the area, where you can catch live sports games and concerts.
Where to Stay in Vancouver, Canada for First-timers
If it’s your first time visiting, the best place to stay in Vancouver is likely going to be somewhere that makes it easy for you to find your way around. These hotels are all close to public transport or within walking distance of attractions around the city.
Most of them also have very helpful and welcoming staff who can help you plan your Vancouver itinerary.
Days Inn by Wyndham Vancouver Downtown
Located just a few roads away from the Tourism Visitor Centre, the Days Inn by Windham provides a convenient stay in the heart of the city. It’s also just 300m away from the waterfront, and a 5-minute walk from Granville Station.
The hotel has its own restaurant and pub and is warmly furnished for a homely feel. The staff are welcoming and eager to help, and all guests enjoy a free breakfast each morning.
Skwachàys Lodge
This Indigenous-themed Vancouver hotel and gallery is located in Gastown, but you’ll still be within a short distance from downtown’s attractions. Skwachays Lodge features amazing Indigenous art and decor and is a great place to discover this culture while visiting Vancouver.
From here you can walk to Stadium-Chinatown Skytrain Station and explore the rest of the city, or take a walk to Chinatown and give your taste buds a treat. There’s also safe underground parking for those who are renting a car.
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Pinnacle Hotel is in Coal Harbor and boasts stunning views of both the sea and the city. You can walk to the waterfront, and a visit to the aquarium is a must. And if you don’t feel like walking, take advantage of the free bicycle use that the hotel offers.
In the hotel, you’ll find an indoor pool, a restaurant and bistro bar, and a fitness center. The rooms offer flat-screen TVs, en suite bathrooms and Keurig coffee machines. And the staff members here are helpful and accommodating.
Ramada Limited Downtown Vancouver
Right in between Gastown and the waterfront, Ramada by Wyndham offers an ideal location, combined with comfort and cleanliness. There’s also 24-hour reception so you’ll have help whenever you need it.
Vancouver – Where to Stay on a Budget
We get it, accommodation can seem like a costly part of your trip. But you can still find a great place to sleep without spending your entire budget. Pick one of these lower-priced hotels and save some cash to enjoy all the attractions in the city.
Century Plaza Hotel & Spa
For accommodation offering self-catering amenities while not being too far removed from the city centre, the Century Plaza is a perfect choice. The rates are affordable, but the hotel still offers comfort and convenience.
Each room in the hotel has a kitchen space where guests can save money and cook their own meals. The hotel also has its own spa, salon, fitness center, and an onsite restaurant.
Atrium Inn Vancouver
Staying at Atrium Inn means you get free Wi-Fi, free parking, and free to-go breakfast. Guests are also offered a complimentary shuttle service to the city center. The hotel is a short drive away from some of the city’s top attractions, but there are also great parks, restaurants, and shops nearby.
Victorian Hotel
The Victorian Hotel is a vintage accommodation, built in 1898, and is furnished with period antiques. The building still has the Victorian-era hardwood floors and high ceilings, and the exposed brick walls are quite charming.
The rooms all offer personal telephones and coffee makers. Depending on the room you choose you may have a shared bathroom, and some have small seated areas at large windows as well. The price is incredibly attractive, especially for what the hotel offers.
Best Places To Stay in Vancouver, BC For Families
What better way to experience the city than to bring the kids along and make it a family affair? And luckily there are many perfect hotels that have family rooms and kid-friendly amenities. Here are some of the best places to stay in Vancouver for the entire family.
The Westin Grand Vancouver
Each child who checks in to the Westin Grand gets a welcome gift, which shows how family-friendly the hotel is. The rooms are also all very large and spacious, and the private kitchenettes mean you can whip up a snack or light meal for hungry kiddies.
There’s a heated outdoor pool for all guests to enjoy, and a hot tub for mom and dad. The rooms boast cable TV to keep the little ones busy when you’re not exploring the area, and many of the suites offer floor-to-ceiling windows as well, giving your family a fantastic view of the city.
Fairmont Hotel
The Fairmont Hotel offers large family rooms, an onsite restaurant with a child-approved menu, and optional cribs or rollaway beds. You can also arrange babysitting services at the hotel, for a date night out.
Each room has a TV, a private bathroom, a coffee machine and air conditioning. There’s an onsite 24-hour health club as well as an indoor swimming pool for guests to use. The hotel is also pet-friendly, so you can take the furry members of the family as well, and it has accessible rooms and amenities.
The Sylvia Hotel
If you’re a larger family, travelling with older kids, The Sylvia Hotel’s 3-bedroom unit provides the perfect space. All of the suites here have sofa beds and full kitchens, as well as more than enough space for a family.
You can also request a crib or rollaway bed, and the location offers plenty of bakeries and restaurants nearby. From here you can also walk to Stanley Park and take a short trip to The Vancouver Art Gallery.
Romantic Places To Stay
Breathtaking views, hot tubs, and cuddling in a comfy room are idyllic for couples needing a vacation. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary, or just a special couple’s escape, these are the most romantic places to stay in Vancouver.
Wedgewood Hotel & Spa
The Wedgewood Hotel is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious, romantic places to stay in Vancouver, BC. Settle into your richly decorated room, slip into the bathrobe and slippers and cozy up next to the fireplace.
Then soak in a bubble bath with a glass of champagne before sinking into the plush extra-large bed. In the morning, coffee can be had on the balcony overlooking the city below. Can it be any more dreamy?
Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver
Not only can you enjoy luxury and pampering while staying at Shangri-La Hotel, but it also has top Vancouver attractions within walking distance. You can both get massages at the onsite spa, laze at the outdoor pool, or enjoy your spacious room together.
And when you’re ready to explore, there are plenty of art galleries, restaurants, and other exciting places to discover just a short walk away from the hotel. The concierge is also available to help you plan adventurous outdoor activities if that’s more your style.
Executive Hotel Vintage Park
The Executive Hotel Vintage Park is wine-themed and furnished with warm, romantic colours. If you’re both wine lovers, this is a fantastic place to stay. It’s also a 2-minute walk from the seawall, for loving evening strolls.
There’s an outdoor seating area at the onsite La Vallee restaurant that makes for a dreamy breakfast spot. An added bonus is that you and your significant other can enjoy free wine tasting evenings any day of the week.
Places to Stay in Vancouver, Canada for Solo Travellers
Are you looking for the best place to stay in Vancouver, BC while exploring the city on your own? These hotels all offer the chance to meet other travellers and give you value for money as well as safety and comfort.
Opus Hotel
Base yourself in Yaletown, and stay at Opus Hotel. Here you can have dinner at the onsite restaurant and then enjoy a cocktail or two with the other guests at Opus Bar.
The rooms are large and spacious and offer luxurious finishes. And if you’re in the mood to stay in, you can arrange for an in-room massage. There’s also a gym for guests’ use, and bicycles can be used to explore the area around you.
Moda Hotel
Moda Hotel is centrally located and close to many Vancouver highlights. The 24-hour reception is convenient and helpful for solo travellers. And if you’re travelling for work, you’ll enjoy the desk in your room and the onsite business center.
In your room, you’ll find a mini-bar, coffee machine, free Wi-Fi and a flatscreen TV. You can have dinner at Cibo Trattoria, the onsite restaurant, and enjoy a drink at either the sports bar or wine bar.
Barclay Hotel
Everything you need for a fuss-free and enjoyable stay in Vancouver can be found at the Barclay Hotel. With its onsite bar and lounge, as well as a restaurant and same-day laundry service, the hotel offers convenience and ease of access to the city.
It’s just 2 kilometres from English Bay beach and there’s a bike rental shop right across the street. The 24-hour reception desk means helpful advice when you need it, and the business center is great to complete any work that needs to be done.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Vancouver, BC
As you can see, there is no shortage of fabulous places to stay in Vancouver. Whether you’re wanting a simple place to sleep or a cozy room where you can indulge in quality couple time, there’s something for everyone.
Once you’ve chosen your hotel, you can properly prepare yourself for an exciting and enlightening experience. The next step is to list all the things to do in Vancouver that interest you the most and pack your bags!
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Rachelle Mazerolle says
Great article! Can’t wait to visit.