Joe McConnell
Vancouver is my favorite city in Canada. Close to both the mountains and the ocean, it’s easy to see why this city is consistently ranked as one of the most livable destinations in the world. It has it all.
I first visited in 2004 on a family trip, and have returned several times over the years, drawn by the city’s excellent sushi, sprawling green spaces (don’t miss Stanley Park!), friends, quality of life, and easy access to nearby hiking trails.
But while the city is amazing and has a lot to see and do, it is also big and spread out. There are a lot of different neighborhoods and hotels to choose from. Plus, it is one of the most expensive cities in the country, so many of the hotels here are overpriced.
To help you get the best value for your money (and have a fantastic stay), here’s my list of the best hotels in Vancouver, based on my twenty years of visiting the city:
1. Hotel Rosedale on Robson Suite
Located in upscale Yaletown, this three-star hotel is perfect for budget travelers. Rooms include kitchenettes with microwaves, stoves, and refrigerators, allowing you to save some money on cooking (I love eating out in Vancouver, but all that sushi adds up!). The rooms aren’t particularly fancy (think dated carpets and bland walls), but the focus is more on function than form.
On the plus side, they offer a continental breakfast each morning that includes fresh waffles (a nice bonus for saving money). The rooms are also large and have plenty of natural light. The beds are quite comfortable, and each room has a TV and a desk. The hotel also has an indoor pool, a gym, and a relaxing garden terrace. The only downside is that the free Wi-Fi is limited (one device per room). But overall, I think this is the best value hotel in the area and a great choice for budget travelers.
2. Vancouver Coast Coal Harbor Hotel
Located just two blocks from the waterfront, this four-star hotel offers incredible value for the location. There’s a heated outdoor pool for when the weather is nice, a hot tub, a spa, and a fully equipped gym (something I appreciate more and more as I get older). There’s also a bar and restaurant that focuses on fresh local cuisine on site. What I really love here, though, is that you’re just steps away from Stanley Park. It’s the largest park in Vancouver and is even bigger than Central Park in New York!
Rooms include a large 55″ flat-screen TV, coffee maker, desk, and really soft beds. The minimalist rooms feel a little dated (the carpets and colors aren’t very stylish in my opinion), but they’re large and airy, with lots of natural light from the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. The bathrooms are also bright, and I really like that they have bidets and showers with decent pressure. Breakfast, while not included, offers plenty of tasty à la carte options, ranging from healthy breakfast power bowls to hearty steaks and eggs. It’s a nice luxury choice in a great location.
3. The Fairmont Pacific Rim
This is a gorgeous five-star hotel. Featuring a stunning rooftop pool with breathtaking views, live music every night in the lounge, a large fitness center, an opulent spa, and an award-winning cocktail bar, this hotel has a lot to offer. They also have an incredible (but pricey) breakfast if you feel like indulging in decadent dishes like crab and avocado benedict or brioche french toast. You can rent bikes (or e-bikes) from the concierge, who can also help you arrange childcare if needed. But what I really love, and what is super unique, is that the hotel has a private library and a bookcase with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lining the walls. It’s incredible.
As for the rooms, they are elegant and spacious, with a contemporary design featuring light tones and soft wood accents. They also have large windows, a desk in case you need to get some work done, and comfortable beds with exquisite linens. The marble bathrooms are spacious and bright, and the showers have good pressure. This is the height of luxury, making it the perfect choice if you’re in need of some pampering. It’s the kind of hotel that feels like a vacation in and of itself.
4. Blue Horizon Hotel
This modern four-star hotel offers great value. There is an indoor pool, a small gym with the essentials (including weights), a sauna and a steam room. There is also an on-site restaurant where you can get a delicious breakfast. Although it is not included, there are plenty of options for all diets.
The rooms are large, with a desk, Nespresso machine, flat-screen TV with Chromecast, mini fridge, safe, electric kettle, and a super comfortable bed. The bathrooms aren’t huge, but the showers have good pressure (always a big plus for me) and they come with robes and slippers. What I really love is that all the rooms are corner rooms with private balconies, which offer incredible views of the bay, mountains, or city. Stay here if you plan on eating out often or shopping, as there are plenty of options nearby.
5. Granville Island Hotel
This is the only hotel on Granville Island, one of the most popular areas of the city (it’s home to the huge Public Market). A three-star property, it has everything you need for a relaxing and affordable stay. There’s a spa, sauna, and gym, and electric bikes are available for rent if you want to explore the area (I love biking here in the summer).
The rooms here aren’t super fancy (think gray carpets and bare walls), but they’re quite spacious and let in lots of natural light. Rooms also have large beds, desks, flat-screen TVs, coffee/tea makers, free toiletries, and a stocked minibar. The bathrooms aren’t huge, but everything is modern and clean, and the showers have good pressure. Breakfast, while not included, is delicious and has lots of options (eggs, French toast, fresh fruit, etc.).
Although it is super centrally located, the hotel still feels like a cute little hideaway, with a great view of the marina. If you want to stay in the heart of the action, you can’t go wrong with this hotel.
Vancouver is a huge city with tons of hotels to choose from. Whether you want a budget option or want to shell out a lot of money for a luxurious stay, you can’t go wrong with any of the hotels above. Just pick the one that suits your needs and you’re sure to have a fantastic stay in my favorite Canadian city!
Book Your Trip to Canada: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book your flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines all over the world, so you always know that no stone has been left unturned!
Book your accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld, which has the largest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, which consistently offers the cheapest rates for guesthouses and budget hotels.
If you prefer to stay in a hostel, this post lists my favorites.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you from illness, injury, theft and cancellations. It is complete protection in case something goes wrong. I never travel without it, as I have had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Do you need a rental car?
Discover Cars is an international website for cheap car rentals. No matter where you are headed, they will be able to find the best and cheapest rental for your trip!
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when traveling. I list all the ones I use to save money when traveling. They will save you money when traveling too.
Want more information about Canada?
Don’t forget to visit our complete Canada destination guide for more planning tips!
