Wondering where to remain in Vancouver, B.C.? You’re in the ideal place! We inhabit in Portland, and have been to Vancouver numerous times in the previous year. We’re here to utilize our own experiences exploring the city to assist you plan an incredible trip, starting with finding the best place to stay for your particular travel style and budget.
We enjoy Vancouver for many of the same reasons we appreciate other cities in the Pacific Northwest like Seattle (where Matt grew up and spent the early portion of his adult life) and Portland (where we currently reside).
In fact, to us Vancouver seemed like a blend of those two cities. It has the waterfront location backed by mountains that Seattle is known for, and the thriving cuisine and drink scene and compact layout that makes Portland unique.
Before settling in Portland in 2022, we had visited Vancouver for a few different 2-3 day trips (all in the winter, oddly). Since moving to Portland, we’ve already been up to Vancouver multiple times in the first year, with plans for more.
Through multiple visits, we`ve gained a deeper insight into the city and what makes it unique – especially areas outside of Vancouver`s downtown core.
In this guide, we’re going to go through our perspective on the best places to reside in Vancouver, British Columbia.
We will focus on six excellent neighborhoods that in our assessment would make a superb home base for exploring the city based on our fairly regular trips up the west coast to Vancouver over the past few years.
For each neighborhood, we’ll give you an overview of the place, our perspective on the pros and cons of staying there, some highlights that we enjoyed and think you shouldn’t miss, and a few places to stay that stand out to us for one reason or another.
By the end of this guide, the goal is to provide visitors with sufficient information to choose where to stay based on their individual style, budget, and desires for a trip to Vancouver.
Sound good to you? Let’s get into it.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
Where to Stay in Vancouver, B.C.: The 6 Best Places to Stay for First Timers
Our approach when selecting where to lodge is to initially opt for the neighborhood, then seek out an excellent hotel, hostel or rental in that area
Vancouver is a relatively compact city, at minimum when we’re talking about the neighborhoods where it makes sense for tourists to stay, though which area you choose still matters because each has a distinct vibe.
For example, if metropolitan vibrancy with busy individuals appeals to you, stay downtown. If a more relaxed, residential atmosphere is preferable, stay in Kitsilano.
The location where you reside will have a significant impact on how your trip feels.
We compiled this guide to provide you the information needed – based on our own experiences exploring Vancouver – to determine the best area for your particular style and budget.
And, because it’s Vancouver, it’s worth taking a moment to discuss budget for a bit.
There is no avoiding the fact – Vancouver is an EXPENSIVE city both for living in and visiting. Not quite as expensive as San Francisco, more comparable to Seattle or San Diego.
And that is doubly true during the summertime, when you’ll find prices increasing thanks to the incredibly long, warm days of summer.
You might be tempted to cut costs by staying relatively far out and, essentially, commuting in.
We comprehend the impulse, however we would strongly suggest considering using the extra money to stay closer to Downtown ESPECIALLY if you have confined time (2-3 days, for example).
Now, we’re well aware that a few of you are currently eager to toss your left shoe at the screen, saying “I don’t have time to read all of that, JUST TELL ME THE BEST PLACE TO STAY!”
Here is a brief summary of the key points covered in this guide in case you have limited time, though exploring the section relevant to your chosen lodging will offer location-specific recommendations and activities.
- If it’s your inaugural visit to Vancouver and you solely have a couple days, lodge in Downtown Vancouver. Between the unrivaled transport connections (such as to the airport) and walkability to Gastown, Yaletown, and the West End, it’s tough to debate Downtown as the most handy spot to stay in Vancouver. However, the thing to recognize is that to see, eat, and drink the finest that Vancouver offers, you’re going to have to leave Downtown. It’s replete with businesspeople and tall office buildings, and the enterprises here cater to that crowd and are mainly chains. It does, however, have BY FAR the best selection of hotels in Vancouver, like nearly every global hotel brand you may potentially want. We like the northern end of the neighborhood, and we’d look at one of the hotels up towards Vancouver Harbour such as the Metropolitan Hotel or the Auberge Vancouver.
- If you want to experience a trendy neighborhood in the heart of all of Vancouver’s finest culinary and drinking establishments, book lodging inGastown. Gastown features cobblestone avenues and aged brick warehouses that were remodeled into lavish loft suites over the past couple decades. It also happens to offer splendid places to dine, imbibe, and shop, housing most of our favorite coffee shops in Vancouver, a handful of our favorite eateries ( Ask for Luigi and Nuba!), and some quality spots to browse. Lodging options here are limited, but we`d choose either the Skwachàys Lodge, a novel mid-range hotel with a design paying homage to the Indigenous peoples native to this region, the Delta by Marriott for a more contemporary upscale atmosphere, or the Victorian Hotel if you seek an affordable option.
Here is a map of the route, and the stops we would suggest, which concludes at Roma San Pietro, from where you can catch a train to Testaccio, the other neighborhood you will be exploring today.
A visual map is included to help conceptualize what is being discussed, pinpointing the neighborhoods that will be covered alongside some key landmarks (the yellow stars) to aid understanding the city`s geography.
Downtown Vancouver: The Best Area to Stay for First Timers in Vancouver (+ Short Trips)
Having been raised in Seattle, I (Matt) have had more opportunities to spend time in Vancouver than Alysha.
And every single time I had been to Vancouver before our last three trips together, I had stayed Downtown. Right in the middle of all the activity.
Being centrally located means you will have easy access to travel around the area on foot or by public transportation like buses and the SkyTrain to most attractions including the airport.
However, being in the center means sharing sidewalks with suited professionals and occasional visitors, since locals don`t truly live Downtown in Vancouver.
However, its central location and role as the city`s effective Financial District (or Central Business District, take your choice) means it offers the best hotel selection in the city.
Like we said, pros and cons.
It makes the most sense for your initial trip AND a short visit (24-48 hours or so). In that scenario, you’re going to want to be as centrally located as possible to maximize your time, and you don’t really have time to do much exploring outside of the Downtown area (including Stanley Park and Gastown) anyway.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Downtown Vancouver
Below are the positives and drawbacks of staying in Downtown Vancouver as we analyze them.
Benefits of Staying in Downtown Vancouver
- There are many places available to stay in. The small Downtown corridor has an extremely high concentration of lodging options, with hundreds of hotels. Additionally, choices are available for various budget levels – luxury, high-end hotels do not make up all the possibilities.
- It has an extremely central location. It should come as no surprise that Downtown Vancouver is centrally located. You’ll be able to walk to Gastown, Yaletown, West End, and even Granville Island.
- Transit connections are convenient. With the SkyTrain and comprehensive bus network stopping Downtown, it is easily accessible from around Vancouver. Moving throughout the city and to/from the airport is simple from this central base.
Drawbacks of Staying in Downtown Vancouver
- It lacks charm. With a predominantly urban landscape, though there are a couple parks like Robson Square appreciated, it feels very built up.
- Our preferred eating and drinking spots are located elsewhere. The bars and restaurants cater more to business patrons, limiting their diversity and interest level compared to places in Main / Cambie or Kitsilano. It is advised to dine and socialize outside this location if staying here.
The Best Places to Stay in Downtown Vancouver
As we mentioned a couple times, there are a virtually unlimited number of places to lodge in Downtown Vancouver across a range of different budgets.
Here are a few options that stand out to us, though you could also choose the hotel chain you’re most accustomed to – they likely have a location here.
The Burrard: A Hip, Affordable Option
Tickets for the castle cost €8/€6.50 (adult/youth and senior). You’ll get a small discount by purchasing your tickets online in advance. The castle is accessible from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, with the final entry at 5:30pm.
It’s two blocks away from Robson Square, and a short walk out to Sunset Beach and the beginning of Stanley Park.
When viewing the layout of the hotel, the immediate understanding is how it reflects its former identity as a motor inn. The rooms surround the perimeter of a lush courtyard, offering spaces to spend time – ideal for summer in Vancouver.
Quarters are compact, yet furnished with Nespresso machines and contemporary decor. Opt for a king, queen, or dual queen beds. Some spaces face the interior garden, others the exterior street (the former promises more peacefulness, we believe).
They have pet-friendly rooms if you’re traveling to Vancouver with a furry friend, and they have secure on-site parking (for an extra fee, of course).
The Loden: A Stylish Boutique Hotel in a Good Location
The hotel located in the border area of three different neighborhoods in Vancouver – West End, Coal Harbor, and Downtown . Compared to Burrard, it has a slightly more upscale feel but provides greater comfort, style, and amenities like a well-equipped gym and free three-hour bike rentals.
They provide a couple different room configurations and tiers to select from.
As for layouts, it consists solely of one king bed or two double beds.
By categories, we refer to rooms with views of Stanley Park and the water, corner rooms, and rooms lacking much of a view. Essentially, you`ll pay a bit extra for the view. They also have rooms on the second floor opening onto a garden balcony, which we think provides a pleasant amenity (especially in summer).
It’s also pet-friendly, with no restriction on size or weight. There is a $50 fee per pet, per stay, with a maximum of two pets per room (and pets are not permitted to stay in the room alone, which is a standard policy for bringing animals when staying in hotels).
Gastown: A Hip, Charming Area with Great Food and Drinks
After trying staying Downtown a few times, we eventually moved on to lodging in Gastown, which is just east of the Downtown core along the waterfront.
With its stone roads and more industrial atmosphere (particularly as you head east towards railtown), it definitely possesses a different vibe than the concrete jungle located in Downtown Vancouver.
However, similar to Downtown, staying in Gastown definitely has its pros and cons and probably isn’t for everyone (particularly, we’d say, families with kids).
On the plus side, it’s very charming and has some great places to eat and drink (including at least three of our favorite coffee shops in Vancouver within two blocks).
It is also within walking distance to Downtown, Yaletown, and the waterfront (like the water taxi up to North Vancouver).
On the downside, certain aspects of Gastown – like the visible homeless population – could potentially make visitors unfamiliar with such sights feel uneasy.
Having lived in Seattle, San Francisco, and Portland, we are quite familiar with the converging housing and mental health crises impacting most major cities on the west coast, and Vancouver faces similar issues (despite being a different nation).
There is a visible homeless population in this area of town, and open drug use can occasionally be seen.
However, if one heads east of Carrall Street, the situation gets significantly more intense rapidly. We know because we walked straight through it from Chinatown to Railtown on the way to lunch one day, crossing E Hastings St at Main St.
Whether you stay here or not, we’d strongly recommend avoiding going east of Carrall Street on E. Hastings if you can prevent it. Once you go a block or two north or south of E Hastings, it gets a little improved.
For example, we walked from Ask for Luigi through Gastown up Alexander St (~3 blocks north of E Hastings) without issue.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Gastown
Here are the positives and negatives of staying in Gaston as we view them.
Pros of Staying in Gastown
- Quality food and beverages, including alcohol and coffee. Between the three coffee shops we loved (as will be mentioned later) and two of our absolute favorite restaurants in Vancouver (which will also be discussed), as well as the best beer and cider bar in the city, Gastown had a lot going for it in terms of food and drinks.
- Central and walkable. Staying here implies you’ll be able to walk to most places. For everything else, there’s public transportation!
- Direct airport link. The Canada Line runs non-stop from Waterfront Station (located on Gastown`s western edge) directly to the airport, avoiding traffic and transfers. It`s hassle-free!
Cons of Staying in Gastown
- Vicinity to Downtown Eastside. While we often downplay the narrative of “cities dying” proposed by those without city living experience, that stretch of E Hastings St east of Carrall gave an unsettling sensation. Even for us, we’d avoid walking east from Gastown especially at night and recommend families with children consider lodging elsewhere.
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The Best Places to Stay in Gastown
Compared to other neighborhoods, there aren`t as many lodging selections available in this particular district. Here are three primary alternatives.
Delta Hotel by Marriott: A Solid Option on the Border of the Neighborhood
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We’re deviating slightly by including this lavish hotelin the Gastown section because it’s within two blocks of the Steam Clock, so we’re featuring it here!
This hotel leans towards luxurious accommodations. “Suite” denotes that each room has both a sleeping area and sitting space. Bedrooms come as one queen bed, one king bed, or two queens. If scenic views are important, some high-level north-facing rooms overlook water, while most others have city perspectives.
Some of their suites come with what they’re calling an urban kitchenette, which means a microwave and mini fridge. There’s also a small fitness center at the hotel.
The hotel welcomes pets, allowing two animals per room up to 50lbs (23kg) and charging a $55 CAD pet fee for each animal staying. Onsite parking is available for $43 CAD daily.
Truthfully, if you have a vehicle, we likely wouldn’t advise staying Downtown.
Skwachàys Lodge: A Cool Boutique Hotel Featuring Indigenous Art
This unique lodging in the heart of Gastown is one of the most special places to rest in Vancouver.
This hotel aims to support local Indigenous communities through art sales and accommodations. An on-site gallery showcases works from residents while also providing housing. Although rates are higher given the central, charming location, the social goals give it added purpose.
Each of the 18 spaces here are unique, and they feature work from Indigenous artists around a theme. Since they’re all unique, the layouts are somewhat different, but you’ll choose between a king bed, a queen bed, or two double beds.
They also have two larger “suite” rooms that offer more space, a mini fridge, and a microwave.
Parking space at the lodge is limited and available first-come first-served for $30 CAD nightly, but it`s advisable not to remain in this area with a car. Remove all belongings if leaving the car.
No pets allowed here!
Victorian Hotel: An Affordable Option in Central Vancouver
The Victorian Hotel is an accommodation that is situated on the border between Gastown and Downtown, within walking distance of some of our favorite spots in Gastown like Nemesis Coffee and Revolver Coffee, in addition to places like the Vancouver Art Gallery, which is around five to six blocks away.
Accommodations here blend the aged skeleton of the historic building it`s housed in with the contemporary layout of a boutique hotel. The result is revealed brick walls and bright white walls and sheets.
One aspect we appreciate about this specific hotel is that, despite leaning towards the “boutique” end of the spectrum, they have “European-style” rooms with singly occupied, shared bathrooms that likely offer the best value in Vancouver.
Fear not – they have eight of these rooms on every floor, and three bathrooms shared between the rooms on each level, so you shouldn’t have to wait long. And again, they’re single-occupancy and lockable, so it’s not like it’s one large bathroom shared by all with multiple stalls.
They also provide standard hotel rooms with private bathrooms if your budget allows for it.
Pets are not permitted here, and they offer constrained on-site secure parking. Parking isn`t reservable, and it costs $20 CAD per night.
Note: They do NOT have an elevator, so if you or someone traveling with you have mobility issues, this may not be the best place to stay.
The West End: Low Key, More Affordable, and Right on Stanley Park
Vancouver’s West End spans the entire western portion of the Peninsula from Burrard out to the park, with its highlight being Stanley Park jutting into the water.
This location is very much situated in the Downtown core, and staying here will put you within easy access (or short public transportation ride) of virtually everything you’ll want to experience according to your Vancouver itinerary.
Of the Downtown surrounding neighborhoods, the West End is the least concrete jungle-like (for lack of a better word). It’s quieter, more residential, and, perhaps most significantly, more affordable (on normal) than Downtown, Gastown, and Yaletown.
You’re transitioning high-end lofts and buildings (Gastown), tall skyscraper apartments with yoga areas on the ground floor (Yaletown), and formally dressed business people strolling (Downtown) for somewhat outdated apartment complexes, laid back eateries and bars, and magnificent scenery of the water.
The major streets extending from Downtown out to the park (which, for directions impaired like myself, runs NW to SE) are Davie and Robson. That`s where the bulk of both hotels and dining and drinking spots will be found.
Exploring the entire perimeter of the Stanley Park seawall by bike or on foot is our favorite way to see this park.
The hotels ” Ace Hotel“, ” Moore“, and ” Best Western Plus Pioneer Square” are highly recommended 
Pros and Cons of Staying in the West End
Here are the benefits and drawbacks of staying in Vancouver’s West End as we see them.
Advantages of Staying in the West End
- It’s more affordable. The hotel selections here, on average, will be a little more low-cost than similar properties in Downtown and Yaletown. Evidently, the sorts of hotels in each place sway the price (and the blend of budget and high-end fluctuates enormously between those three neighborhoods), but we believe the West End offers the best worth of any of the regions in the Downtown core.
- It’s located directly next to Stanley Park. We appreciate staying in or living close to the West End for comparable reasons that we appreciate staying in neighborhoods near a city`s principal park. Matt lived on the perimeter of Golden Gate Park and Green Lake when he resided in San Francisco and Seattle, and there is something unique about an early morning or late afternoon walk in the park to touch some vegetation after an intense day. The West End positions you in the finest location to accomplish that out of any area in Vancouver.
Disadvantages of Staying in the West End
- Access from the airport is more difficult than for other downtown neighborhoods. There is no SkyTrain stop, necessitating at minimum one transfer (or an expensive ride) between landing and your lodging. Which is less important if traveling by car or train obviously, but is worth bearing in mind if flying into Vancouver.
- In regards to food and beverage options, this neighborhood lacks variety and novelty. To be clear, there are certainly quality dining and drinking establishments. However, when compared to other neighborhoods like Yaletown, the food and drink scene here feels dated and less developed. The offerings mirror the housing, with a rather homely and unrefined atmosphere rather than luxury. More so than cocktail bars or renowned wine lists, one finds neighborhood coffeehouses. That stated, excellent Asian cuisine can be discovered near the park.
The Best Places to Stay in Vancouver’s West End
Below are a few accommodation options in Vancouver`s West End area that are worth considering.
Sonder at Revival: Modern Apartments Two Blocks from Stanley Park
We’ve remained at Sonder properties previously, and I (Matt) really had a remain scheduled at this specific property on our last trip that I had to cancel because our travel plans transformed.
If you aren’t familiar with Sonder, we think of them as a fusion between accommodations and Airbnb.
It’s like an Airbnb in that you get your own area (usually apartments, though they’ve started offering hotel-style rooms at some properties), but it’s like a hotel in that Sonder actually owns the property (versus a random person).
As one might anticipate, there are benefits and drawbacks to consider here as well.
The biggest thing to understand is that at many locations, staff are only virtually present – everything like check-in codes and room cleaning requests are managed online.
This has a few ramifications, specifically that if something comes up, you can’t simply walk down to the front desk. And you can’t ask the individuals at the front desk for recommendations on nearby bars, how to take public transit to Kitsilano, or whatever other practical questions you have.
However, if you’re looking for a nice place to stay that has modern amenities and comfortable rooms that, crucially, has a kitchen, this place would be a great home base in Vancouver.
West End Guest House: A Charming Guesthouse in a Historic Victorian
If seeking a guesthouse converting a historic Victorian into one of Vancouver`s top rated bed & breakfasts, this is it!
The West End Guesthouse is housed in a historic structure that was constructed in 1906, just after the gold rush propelled Vancouver (and Seattle) towards becoming a genuine city.
It’s in a quieter area in the West End, roughly equidistant to both Downtown and the edge of the park (12-15 minutes away, on foot).
The main point to know about this place is that it caters to adult interests, so it may not be suitable for families with young children. It`s highly oriented towards couples and solo travelers – all rooms contain either a king bed or queen bed.
The second thing to note is that it’s a bed and breakfast in the truest meaning of the name – a full, hot breakfast is incorporated every day. They also provide complimentary refreshments and treats in the evening, if you’re around. Even the off-street parking is registered in the room rate!
While no two rooms at this over-100-year-old building are exactly alike, as one might expect, guests can choose between a king or queen bed. Rooms are not especially large, though common areas in the guesthouse provide more space for lounging if desired.
Pets are prohibited on the premises, and parking is included free of charge with your room booking.
Carmana Hotel & Suites: Modern Suites Near Downtown Vancouver
This mid-range apartments hotel – which is just a hotel where the rooms are apartments (they refer to them as suites here) – is on the border of Downtown Vancouver and the West End, which has both advantages and disadvantages.
On the positive side, it’s close to Downtown, Gastown, and by extension, the rest of the city. It’s also close to the SkyTrain stop (10 minute walk to the Vancouver City Centre stop), which makes it easy to get to from the airport.
The flip side is that it’s much more urbanized and built-up than the part of the West End that’s closer to the park. While it’s technically in the West End, it possesses a much more downtown atmosphere.
In regards to aesthetics, this place also feels closer to Downtown or Yaletown than the West End, with a metallic high rise exterior and more modern furnishings and art inside (though touches of West End are evident in the outdated stove).
The suite options come in one bedroom and two bedroom floor plans, and all include a full kitchen. They have an on-site fitness center with a couple peloton bikes and some other equipment along with on-site laundry (though use of the laundry facilities is not free of charge).
One feature we do appreciate are the large floor-to-ceiling windows in each unit with pleasant scenic views.
No pets allowed here.
They do have on-site parking, BUT the maximum vehicle height is 6 feet, which means any vehicle taller than a sedan is likely too tall. It costs $38 per day, with applicable taxes included.
Times Square Suites Hotel: The Best Place to Stay near Stanley Park
If your motive for staying here is to be near Stanley Park, this modest suite hotel is probably your best option.
It`s approximately two blocks from the park, and one block from the aforementioned bicycle rental shops. Additionally, it`s on Denman Street, which is one of the more stimulating stretches in the neighborhood.
Here, the tradeoff lies in its lack of modernity or lavishness. In fact, it bears resemblance to locations visited in towns like Banff or Jasper, where capacity is constant and renovation is likely needed.
- Sagra dell’Uva – This harvest festival held in early September takes place at the basilica of Constantine in the Forum, offering visitors the chance to honor the grape. Grapes are sold at bargain prices, along with food and wine. It also includes lots of music and folksy street entertainment.
It could also serve well for extended visits since the extra living space allows for working while traveling, which can be difficult confined to a small hotel room (frankly, continually residing in cramped hotel rooms becomes tiresome after a couple days).
The suites range in size and layout from studios to two bedroom suites, and they’re all unique in floor plan.
They do have pet-friendly suites, BUT ONLY DURING LOW SEASON FROM OCTOBER TO APRIL. Therefore, it’s not suitable for summer trips with a furry companion. There is a $45 pet fee per pet, per stay.
Parking is available (their garage has a height limit of 6’4”) and costs $25 per day.
Yaletown: An Upscale and Modern Neighborhood on False Creek
Yaletown is where the concentration of fitness class providers is highest (there`s even a Barry`s Bootcamp location, showing its upmarket nature) and tall apartment buildings that somewhat resemble one another (though we appreciate the density).
Yaletown is the neighborhood located in the southeast corner of Downtown, directly along False Creek (the small inlet that Granville Island sits on).
The cornerstone of the area is B.C. Place, which is home to both the local soccer club (the Vancouver Whitecaps, who compete in MLS) and the biggest names in music that visit Vancouver (Taylor Swift is performing there).
When we say concrete jungle, Yaletown is probably the best example. It’s DENSE.
However, the authors also believe the developers have done reasonably well incorporating shared outdoor spaces like the walking trail along the waterfront.
In terms of lodging here, we actually really like the location because you’ll have easy access to Downtown, Gastown, and the Main/Cambie corridor (it’s a short walk across the Cambie Street Bridge).
Additionally, the water taxi service provides access to other areas of the city and is our preferred method for navigation around Vancouver. False Creek Ferries is the best choice as it includes a stop at both Granville Island and Kitsilano.
The biggest downside is that it’s going to be expensive, and you’re not going to get as much for your money as you might in, say, the West End, because the hotels here skew towards the luxury end of the spectrum. If you’re on a budget, stay elsewhere.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Yaletown
The following shares some of the main pros and cons of staying in Yaletown as we see them.
Pros of Staying in Yaletown
- It is walkable. Staying in Yaletown means you can walk to Gastown, Downtown, and Granville Island.
- It has good food and drink selections. The streets – particularly on the southeastern end of the neighborhood towards B.C. Place – are lined with excellent spots to eat and drink.
- It’s straightforward to get around. Yaletown is walkable to the SkyTrain, and has pleasant bus connections. It also has the ferry system, which will take you to Granville Island, Kitsilano, and Stanley Park. It’s uncomplicated to reach the airport, it’s simple to access places like Mount Pleasant and Kitsilano, and it’s an excellent hub for exploring Vancouver for that reason.
Cons of Staying in Yaletown
- It lacks characteristics that evoke emotion. While Yaletown is more appealing and charming than Downtown, which is full of businesspeople in suits with a small number of tourists, it is missing the traits that you experience from people participating in their everyday lives like in Kitsilano or the West End. It’s all tall glass structures, which develops an admirable skyline, but not such a pleasant place to live.
- It’s expensive. As a general guideline that applies internationally, if a Barry’s Bootcamp exists in the neighborhood, you can be certain that it will be pricey. Yaletown is no exception. The hotels here tend toward the costly end of the spectrum.
The Best Places to Stay in Yaletown
Here are a few places to stay in Yaletown that caught our eye.
Hotel BLU: A Solid Mid-Range Hotel Right on Robson
I resided at the Arlo Midtown, which I would suggest as a boutique hotel that’s reasonably affordable (I likely wouldn’t splurge for the city vista, although I could see the Empire State Building from the foot of the bed).
To be fully straightforward, we don`t have much to comment about the hotel itself. What stands out to us more than any unique feature or offering is the value for the superb location.
Rooms are rather standard hotel lodgings, accessible in setups with either one king or two queens. Some rooms contain balconies, and they also provide suites (some of which are split-level) having a more spacious seating location (but no kitchen amenities outside microwaves and mini refrigerators, sadly).
The coolest feature is the full size indoor pool (plus hot tub), and there’s also a small fitness center.
The hotel is pet-friendly, but you need to book a room with a balcony and pay $30 a day in extra fees (a cleaning fee, they call it). Probably not the best choice if you’re traveling with your dog.
Onsite parking is available, and costs $30 per day.
Georgian Court Hotel: A Good Value Near B.C. Place
The Georgian Court Hotel is situated in the complex of hotels right across the street from B.C. Place, which serves as both the home of the Vancouver Whitecaps (Vancouver’s MLS team) and the premier concert venue in the city (it’s where Taylor Swift performs when she visits town).
It promotes itself as a luxury hotel, but in my view, it falls within an ambiguous range between mid-range and luxury where some upscale amenities – such as a hot tub and infrared sauna – are obtainable at a more reasonable cost than true high-end hotels like the Four Seasons.
Which, considering their slogan is “luxury within reach,” makes a fair degree of sense.
Rooms here are pretty roomy as far as hotel rooms go, and they come in a wide variety of different configurations. The most common room setups are one king and two queens, with a few other floor plans available (e.g. penthouse and suites).
The hotel is also pet-accommodating, with a pet fee of $20 a day (maxing out at $100 per week).
Parking is also available onsite for $30 a day.
Kitsilano: Our Personal Favorite Place to Stay in Vancouver
There are a couple of things we want to point out regarding this area, and they could arguably provide somewhat contrasting perspectives.
First, it’s our favorite part of the city, with a blend of a smaller beach community and a more residential suburb than the Downtown region.
Secondly, lodging here may not be practical since hotels are absent and strict Airbnb regulations significantly curb accommodation options.
Still, we’ve found ourselves drawn to this part of the city on our past few visits after spending most of our previous trips in the Downtown core.
Some of our favorite bars and eateries (and the best tea shop we’ve EVER visited) are located here, especially along the stretch of West 4th Ave between Burrard and Steven (approximately).
We also were previously unaware until our most recent few trips that there is a string of beaches extending west from Kits beach, most of which offer magnificent vistas of the city’s skyline and surrounding (dramatic) landscapes. Staying here allows easy access to spending a sunset at one of those beaches.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Kitsilano
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of staying in Kitsilano as we see them after two consecutive trips residing here.
Pros of Staying in Kitsilano
- Charming. Lots of trees, a mix of locals and tourists out and about, and, of course, the beach and skyline views make this one of our favorite places to stay in Vancouver. Even in the winter months.
- Great strips for shopping/eating/drinking. The strips along W 4th Avenue and W Broadway are two of our favorite strips in the entire city, rivaling Cambie and Main in Mount Pleasant for selection of dining and drinking places (highlighted in the section below).
- Calmer and more residential. Compared to the busy, work-focused atmosphere of Downtown Vancouver, Kitsilano has a more relaxed vibe. Rather than professionals hurrying for coffee between meetings, one sees dog walkers strolling leisurely between engagements. There are no enormous skyscrapers in Kitsilano, mainly single-family homes and smaller apartment buildings.
- Proximity to beaches. Who knew Vancouver housed beaches? Not us until visiting twice! Most people remain Downtown throughout trips, but lovely strands extend from Kitsilano westward towards UBC.
Cons of Staying in Kitsilano
- No hotels in the immediate vicinity. Regretfully, there are no hotels located directly here. None at all. Because of this, Airbnb is your best option for lodging. It is advisable to stay at a listing where the host resides onsite – based on our experience, this approach will provide the most beneficial Airbnb experience in the area.
- Not as direct to get Downtown. If your trip is brief, then this may not be the best choice for you. There are buses (most run along W 4th) that will take you Downtown in 15-20 minutes, and a water taxi that will ferry you across the water to Sunset Beach and Stanley Park. No SkyTrain access, though.
The Best Places to Stay in Kitsilano
Regrettably, there are exactly zero hotels located in Kitsilano, which poses a major constraint.
This is particularly true considering that technically any Airbnb that is not the principal home of the owner is illegal. Which definitely constraints your choices here.
Your best option would be to find a vacation rental in the eastern section, near the coast, which will make it easier to travel to and from other areas of the city.
Mount Pleasant: A Close Runner Up for Our Favorite Area
As maybe gathered from the earlier section on Kitsilano, while we enjoy urban areas, our preferred neighborhood in any city likely would not be the downtown commercial district.
Instead, it’s usually a zone that is more residential in nature with portions of commerce like Capitol Hill (Seattle), the Mission or Richmond (San Francisco), and Trastevere (Rome).
Vancouver is no diverse – while we like Gastown and West End, what we’re genuinely into is the outer perimeter of neighborhoods south of the city center. They’re more relaxed, quieter, and residential, which implies you get to experience more of what living in Vancouver is really like.
In Mount Pleasant, which is located south of Yaletown across False Creek, you’ll observe a transition from an industrial area filled with breweries to single family homes and great strips of bars, restaurants, and shopping along Main and Cambie respectively.
We really enjoy this area as many of our preferred restaurants in Vancouver happen to be situated nearby – however, it faces a similar issue to Kitsilano in that lodging options are rather limited.
However, if you’re open to lodging at one of the guesthouses in the city, we believe it could serve as a suitable base for exploring the area. You`ll have access to the downtown core either by foot or via bus or the elevated train, and you’ll also be within walking distance of both Main and Cambie, two of our favorite parts of the city.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Mount Pleasant
Here are the advantages and inconveniences of staying in charming and residential Mount Pleasant as we view them.
Advantages of Staying in Mount Pleasant
- Charm charm charm. Avenues lined with shade-providing trees and historic homes – this is the part of the city we would probably most like to reside in ourselves (though we would likely never be able to afford such accommodations).
- Main and Cambie. Two parallel roadways running north to south through Mount Pleasant, these streets stand out as favorites within the city limits. Quality cuisine, drinking spots for beer, coffee or tea, and curio shops to peek inside making for souvenir stops.
Disadvantages of Staying in Mount Pleasant
- Limited accommodations. Similar to Kitsilano, there just aren’t very many places to stay in Mount Pleasant. A few guesthouses and a handful of Airbnb listings provide about the only options.
The Best Places to Stay in Mount Pleasant
As we`ve noted previously (multiple times, really), the major downside to Mount Pleasant is that there`s basically nowhere to stay.
Which, in some ways, is favorable, because the housing here should likely be allocated to long-term inhabitants of Vancouver. However, on the other hand, it’s disappointing for tourists who want something beyond a concrete jungle.
The few places to reside here that aren’t accessible on Airbnb are actually run by the same group. They’re charming little guest houses in historic structures (meaning: Victorian era homes and rectangular floor plan homes) where you’ll have a comfortable room, breakfast included in the rate, and parking.
They are:
- Windsor Guest House: Situated a block off of Cambie (and approximately five blocks from Main), the rooms here range from doubles to a two bedroom suite (ideal for families).
- Cambie Lodge: Also just one block off Cambie Street but further south than the Windsor, this lodging offers double rooms and a two bedroom suite for traveling families.
This hotel at a moderate price point is conveniently located on Robson Street, one of the primary arteries connecting Yaletown to Downtown and beyond. It’s approximately a block and a half away from B.C. Place, a venue for concerts and soccer games on the water.
Where NOT to Stay in Vancouver
There are a couple spots in Vancouver we wished to point out as places NOT to lodge.
Chinatown / East of Gastown
The section of E Hastings St east of Carrall in the Downtown Eastside area of Vancouver was not very pleasant based on our experience as two people who live in Portland, Oregon.
We walked from Chinatown heading north and proceeded straight through it, and it was not an enjoyable experience. Do not remain in this location (though there truly are not many alternatives available).
Chinatown merits a visit. However, lodging options are unavailable, so it lacks suitability as a home base.
North Vancouver
North Vancouver is another area that’s super fun to explore, with its waterfront region, hiking trails, and growing selection of breweries emerging in the formerly industrial area.
However, staying there, especially for just a short visit, would not be ideal since you would be quite far by public transportation from most of the attractions in Vancouver’s downtown core, Granville Island, and Kitsilano neighborhoods.
