Where To Stay in Vancouver? (For an EPIC First Time Visit) (2024)

Wondering where to stay in Vancouver? Looking for the best areas and districts?

You’re at the right place!

As I know Vancouver very well, I have created this guide of:

• Vancouver’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
• For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget

Let’s find your dream hotel now!

My favorite hotels in Vancouver

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in Vancouver, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

Simply click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:

• Where to Stay in Vancouver for Sightseeing: Hotel Le Soleil by Executive Hotels, for its cozy atmosphere
• The best hotel and area in Vancouver near the beach: West End! Close to Stanley Park and its beaches, at the Sonder at Revival
• The best 5-star hotel in Vancouver: Fairmont Pacific Rim
• Where to stay in Vancouver on a budget: The Burrard, with its free bicycles, perfect to explore the city 🚲
• Best family-friendly hotel in Vancouver: Sonder The Sunset, for its proximity to Sunset Beach and relaxed atmosphere, or Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel if you want to be closer to Stanley Park
• My favorite hotel in Vancouver for a romantic stay: Wedgewood Hotel & Spa, to feel like in a movie!
  

In Downtown Vancouver

Downtown Vancouver is the best place to admire the skyscrapers and find yourself in the midst of the city’s hustle and bustle.

But Downtown area also includes a more historical part, where you can see some of the city’s most beautiful Victorian buildings.

This central neighborhood is particularly dynamic and lively at any time of day or night, with numerous shops, shopping centers, and plenty of restaurants.

Downtown Vancouver is, in my opinion, the perfect place to stay. From there,you can easily visit the city on foot or using public transportation.

You should stay in this neighborhood for accommodation in Vancouver:

• Because it’s an excellent starting point to visit the main tourist attractions
• For shopping
• If you’re looking for a lively place.

In Downtown Vancouver, you can discover:

• Vancouver Lookout observation tower, for panoramic city views from 170 meters up
• The Steam Clock, in Gastown
• Canada Place, a building with unique architecture featuring five white sails resembling a ship
• Robson Street, the main commercial strip of downtown Vancouver
• Fly Over Canada: this attraction offers an 8-minute flight simulation over Canadian landscapes and cities on a giant screen, with moving seats and wind effects.
• Vancouver Art Gallery featuring Canadian art
• Sunset Beach, to enjoy views of the mountains and ocean at sunset
• The Waterfront for a stroll by the water.

You can also take a cruise from the Waterfront to see orcas and whales. You need to book it by clicking here!

Where to Stay in Downtown

Note: All prices examples in this guide are in US Dollars

• Hyatt Regency Vancouver: Located a 10-minute walk from the Waterfront. Bright rooms with large windows from 175$ per night. Strong points: heated pool and jacuzzi, great area and rich breakfast – An excellent choice for a stay in downtown Vancouver!
• Hotel Le Soleil by Executive Hotels: Located 500 meters from the Vancouver Lookout. Warm and cozy rooms from 190$ per night. Strong points: great staff attention, comfortable facilities, very good restaurant.
• EXchange Hotel Vancouver: Elegant hotel located a couple of blocks from Gastown’s Steam Clock. Intimate rooms from 220$ per night. Strong points: very good amenities, nice design, warm and understanding staff, excellent Mediterranean restaurant – Perfect for a high-end stay in Vancouver!
• Pan Pacific Vancouver: 5-star accommodations right next to the Canada Place cruise terminal. Enjoy its incredible panoramic views from 230$ per night, breakfast 30$. Strong points: several restaurants, pool + spa + jacuzzi, close to everything, perfect for walking along the waterfront.
• Wedgewood Hotel & Spa – Relais & Chateaux: Wonderful classic luxury hotel in Robson Square. Pamper yourself in their comfortable rooms from $280 per night. Strong points: spa + sauna, transfer to airport, train station or port, the amazing staff, the very nice bar. My recommendation for a luxury stay in downtown Vancouver!

In West End Neighborhood

As its name suggests, West End neighborhood is located west of Vancouver’s city center.

It’s a very pleasant residential area, with its tree-lined streets and relaxed atmosphere.

Plus, you’ll be right next to the beaches and the famous Stanley Park.

This neighborhood is ideal for your stay in Vancouver:

• For its friendly vibe
• To enjoy nature right in the city
• If you want to go to the beach
• For a family-friendly stay.

Best things to do in West End neighborhood:

• Stanley Park: a huge 400-hectare park offering stunning views over the city and coast
• The totem poles at Brockton Point
• Vancouver Aquarium, the largest in Canada
• Second Beach, where there’s a large outdoor heated swimming pool
• Third Beach, a beautiful sandy beach
• English Bay Beach, famous for its sunsets and its 14 amusing statues.

Here is my selection of the best hotels in West End neighborhood

• Sonder at Revival: Located a short bike ride from Stanley Park. Double room with private kitchen from $170 per night. Strong points: very clean room, well connected, quiet and peaceful neighborhood. A great option for an affordable stay in Vancouver.
• Carmana Hotel & Suites: Located a 15-minute drive from the Brockton Point Totem Poles. Spacious suites with city views from $190 per night. Strong points: private parking, friendly staff, close to downtown, full kitchen.
• Barclay House Bed and Breakfast: Cozy bed and breakfast next door to the Roedde House Museum. Double room from 200$ per night with breakfast included. Strong points: quiet area, friendly service, breakfast with tasty bagels, bike rental.
• Paradox Hotel Vancouver: Stylish accommodation 10 minutes from the Vancouver Art Gallery. Enjoy its new modern rooms with city views from 315$ per night, breakfast 30$. Strong points: indoor pool + spa, atmospheric bar and restaurant, friendly and attentive staff – ideal for a romantic evening in Vancouver!
• Fairmont Pacific Rim: In this 5-star hotel, you will enjoy exclusive views of the Bay, just a few meters from the ferry terminal. Luxurious rooms from 450$ per night. Highlights: its swimming pool and magnificent spa, various culinary options, e-bike rentals. Without a doubt the best luxury hotel in West End!

In Yaletown Neighborhood

Yaletown neighborhood is situated just south of Downtown Vancouver.

Once a warehouses area, they have been renovated to house trendy boutiques and numerous chic restaurants, amongst the best in Vancouver.

It’s definitely the hip and cool place to be!

The nightlife is vibrant, making it the perfect spot to stay in Vancouver if you’re looking to get out at night.

You’ll love this neighborhood:

• For going out at night
• For a trip with friends or a romantic getaway in Vancouver
• To indulge in excellent dining experiences.

In Yaletown neighborhood, you shouldn’t miss:

• Vancouver casino
• Dining at Blue Water Cafe, Minami restaurant, Elisa Steak or Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill
• Taking a boat tour in False Creek
• Visiting Granville Island, home to a huge indoor market and a food court offering dishes from cuisines from all over the world.
• The Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, featuring interactive exhibits on the city’s history.

The Best Accommodations in Yaletown District

• Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel: Located 10 minutes from the Roundhouse Arts Centre. Room from 150$ per night, breakfast 10$. Strong points: sauna + jacuzzi and garden terrace, nice walking area, great service – The perfect place to stay in Yaletown for a reasonable price!
• Level Vancouver Yaletown – Seymour: Located a few blocks away Minami and Elisa Steak Restaurants, some of the best in the city. Nice studios with balcony from 220$ per night. Strong points: pool and terrace with view, close to stores, nice facilities.
• L’Hermitage Hotel: Located steps from the Vancouver Art Gallery. Nicely decorated rooms from 230$ per night, breakfast 15$. Strong points: excellent service, outdoor pool and a great restaurant.
• Georgian Court Hotel, WorldHotels Elite: Boutique hotel located 2 blocks from the Queens Theatre. Bright room from $260 per night. Strong points: Jacuzzi + sauna, Italian restaurant for dinner, coffee and desserts for guests in the lobby.
• the DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection: Luxury 5-star boutique hotel located in the entertainment complex next to BC Place Stadium. Enjoy beautiful rooms with a touch of industrial style from $380 per night, breakfast $20. Strong points: several dining options and a casino are located within the property, delicious spa and great service – my favorite hotel for a luxury stay in Yaletown!

In Kitsilano District

Kitsilano is located to the South of Downtown and Yaletown.

Separated from downtown by a body of water, it is somewhat more off-center than the other districts I’ve just mentioned. However, you’re only about fifteen minutes by bus from Downtown, so it’s not too much of a hassle!

Just keep in mind that you will have to use public transportation to get around.

Like the West End, it’s a residential and family-friendly district, with a large park and one of Vancouver’s most famous beaches.

It’s the best area to stay near the beach in Vancouver.

Here are the places to see in Kitsilano:

• Kitsilano Beach: a clean, well-maintained sandy beach with a large saltwater swimming pool
• Vanier Park and its view of the city
• Vancouver Maritime Museum, very interesting and well-presented
• Museum of Vancouver, on the history of the city and First Nations
• Jericho Beach, offering a beautiful view over North Vancouver.

The Best Hotels to Stay in Kitsilano District

• The Parker Hotel Vancouver: Located 20 minutes from the Museum of Vancouver. Double room from 170$ per night, breakfast 17$. Strong points: free shuttle service, good rooftop bar, good location.
• Granville Island Hotel: Located right next to the Granville Island Water Park. Room from 190$ per night. Strong points: bike rental, views of False Creek, great restaurant – A great choice for a family trip to Vancouver!
• Residence Inn by Marriott Vancouver Downtown: Located just 10 minutes from Sunset Beach. Well-appointed studio suites from 230$ per night, breakfast included! Strong points: indoor pool, spacious and comfortable rooms.

Districts to Avoid in Vancouver

I strongly advise against booking accommodation in Downtown Eastside and Chinatown.

They are the poorest districts in the city and are quite dangerous due to the drug trafficking that occurs there (both night and day).

These districts are located to the east of the downtown area, and the streets are filled with homeless people and drug addicts.

Of course, none of the hotels I recommend in this guide are located in these districts!

Where to Stay in Vancouver on a Budget

If you’re on a tighter budget, here’s a selection of some affordable hotels in Vancouver:

• HI Vancouver Downtown – Hostel: Hostel in West End 8 minutes from Sunset Beach. Bed in dormitory from 40$ per night. Strong points: full kitchen at your disposal, library, lounge and game room.
• The Burrard: Located a few blocks from Robson Square. Double room from 130$ per night. Strong points: free loan of bikes and umbrellas, access to a sports club, centrally located.
• Blue Horizon Hotel: Located 20 minutes from the Vancouver Aquarium. Rooms with large windows and beautiful views start at $150 per night. Strong points: with business center, on a busy shopping street, good facilities. An excellent budget option in Vancouver!

Where to stay in Vancouver with Family

• Blue Horizon Hotel: 20 minutes from the Aquarium, and just mentioned, also has family rooms from 150$ per night. Strong points: pool and restaurant, balcony with a view. I highly recommend this hotel for a family stay in Vancouver without spending too much.
• Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA: Located just 1 block from Harbour Green Park. Room with 2 double beds from 190$ per night. Strong points: rooftop pool with views, great location near the waterfront, good breakfast.
• Sonder The Sunset: Located in West End, near Sunset Beach. Apartments with balcony and kitchenette start at $240 per night. Strong points: comfortable beds, lively area, luggage lockers.
• Auberge Vancouver Hotel: Located 3 blocks from the Vancouver Lookout. Double suite with city views from 260$ per night. Strong points: large indoor pool, area full of restaurants, in-room kitchenette.

What is the best hotel in Vancouver?

If you are looking for the best hotel in Vancouver, I recommend you the Fairmont Pacific Rim.

And if you’re looking for something a little more affordable but still luxurious, you shoud book a night or more at the Paradox Hotel Vancouver, or at The DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection.

Where to stay in Vancouver: The best hotels

To give you a better overview of the best hotels in Vancouver, whether in the city center or elsewhere, I’ve prepared a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article.

You can sort them by price or by district!

Book your trip now and save money!

You’re traveling in Canada? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Canada: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Canada are listed there.

• 20 Best Things to do in Canada
• 20 Best Things to do in Quebec – All best places to visit in the French-speaking province!

• Itinerary: One week in Canada: The perfect itinerary to visit Canada in 6, 7 or 8 days!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Canada: All my best tips for organizing your 10-day trip to Canada
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Canada: How to visit Western Canada in 15 days.
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Canada: My epic itinerary to visit Western and Eastern Canada in 21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Canada: How to visit Eastern Canada in a month!

• Itinerary: One week in Quebec: How to visit Quebec in 6, 7 or 8 days, with all my best tips!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Quebec: An amazing 10-day itinerary in Quebec
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Quebec: All my best tips to visit Quebec in 14, 15 or 16 days
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Quebec: the perfect 3-week road trip in Quebec!

• Road trip in Canada: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month
• Road trip in Quebec: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15 and 21 days

• Calgary: Top 11 things to do during your visit
• Montreal: 33 best things to see and do
• Ottawa: 15 epic places to visit
• Quebec City: Top 17 things to do and see
• Toronto: The 17 things to do during your stay
• Vancouver: Top 25 places to visit and activities

• Toronto in 3 days – The perfect itinerary to visit the city in 72 hours!

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