Best Places to Stay in Vancouver

Do you know the best places to stay in Vancouver?

Vancouver is one of the premier destinations for travel today and it’s no wonder!  From the beautiful snow-capped mountains to the crystal-clear Pacific Ocean, Vancouver truly is a bucket-list destination for many.  When considering where to stay in Vancouver, you need to know what makes each area unique.  What is the best area to stay in Vancouver?  What is the best place to stay in Vancouver?  What are the best hotels in Vancouver, BC?  Lastly, you need to know who each area is best suited for!

Whether you’re in Vancouver for the weekend or a week, you need reliable information about the best places to stay.

As a native Vancouverite, I’ve spent time in each Vancouver neighbourhood and know them well.  Rely on me as your local guide!  I’ll give you all the information you need to make the best decision when thinking about the best places to stay in Vancouver BC!  Don’t forget to get your travel medical insurance before you visit Vancouver!

TL:DR – Click to see the best place to stay in Vancouver now.

Disclosure:  Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

The Best Hotels in Vancouver

When it comes to the best places to stay in Vancouver, BC, the consensus among the top rating websites is pretty clear.  Most of the top hotels in Vancouver are in downtown Vancouver, with quite a few hotels near Canada Place, one of the premier Vancouver attractions.

All of the top hotels in Vancouver are located within walking distance of many major downtown attractions, such as Gastown, Stanley Park, Granville Island, False Creek and Canada Place cruise ship terminal.  Most of Vancouver’s best shopping, dining and beaches are also located in downtown Vancouver.  Staying in downtown Vancouver will put you closest to most of things you’ll want to see and do.  Don’t forget to have a great brunch while you’re staying in Vancouver too!

Without further ado, these are the best rated and best reviewed hotels in Vancouver, Canada.

Rosewood Hotel Georgia

This premium luxury hotel makes guests feel like royalty!  This is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in downtown Vancouver.  The guest room bathrooms in this beautiful hotel are to die for, with rainforest showers and heated floors.  The Spa at the Rosewood is also highly rated – I recommend the pedicure 🙂 and the fitness center is really good too.  The Rosewood has a couple of excellent restaurants including one of the best in Vancouver, Hawksworth.  The Lobby Lounge is great for drinks as well.  If you’re asking where is the best place to stay in Vancouver, the Rosewood might be it!

Check the current price and more reviews here.

Fairmont Pacific Rim

Also listed below as one of the great hotels in Coal Harbour, this luxurious property is directly across the street from the Canada Place cruise ship terminal.  This hotel really earns its place as a best place to stay in Vancouver.  This is the perfect hotel to stay at before or after your Alaska cruise from Vancouver and is a great Canada Place Vancouver hotel.  This hotel has some of the best views in Vancouver!

Relax in one of the poolside cabanas or chat with friends at a cozy outdoor firepit.  Book some treatments at the Willow Stream Spa, eat a delicious meal at the Botanist and have a drink at the hip wine bar in the lobby.  The beautifully appointed rooms at the Fairmont Pacific Rim have very comfortable Stearns & Foster mattresses, touch-screen controls and other high-tech amenities.

Christmas at the Fairmont Pacific Rim is a really special experience, as it’s right in the hub of some great Vancouver Christmas experiences! 

Check the current price and more reviews here.

Wedgewood Hotel & Spa

This best boutique hotel in Vancouver has 83 tastefully appointed rooms and suites in the heart of Vancouver.  A member of the exclusive Relais & Chateaux collection of the finest hotels around the hotel, the Wedgewood is simply one of the best.  The Bacchus restaurant at the Wedgewood is one of the finest in Vancouver, offering delicious French cuisine.  The Spa at the Wedgewood is to die for.  The eucalyptus steam room alone is worth the visit.  The  rooms at the Wedgewood have luxury amenities such as Frette towels, marble accents, soaker tubs and L’Occitane toiletries.

Check the current price and more reviews here.

Shangri-La Vancouver

This small luxury hotel is situated in the first 15 floors of a landmark Vancouver building, the tallest building in Vancouver at a total of 62 floors.   This is definitely one of the cool places to stay in Vancouver.  Decorated in a contemporary Asian style, the Shangri-La has many rooms with private balconies and stunning views of the city and local mountains.  Guest rooms have floor to ceiling windows, deep soaker tubs and free Wifi.  No luxury hotel would be complete without its signature spa, and the Shangri-La does not disappoint with its CHI spa.  The Market by Jean-Georges is the featured restaurant in the Shangri-La, with delicious meals from locally sourced Michelin-starred seafood meals.  The Shangri-La is definitely one of the best hotels to stay in Vancouver.

Check the current price and more reviews here.

Loden Hotel

Located on a quiet, residential street, a best area to stay in Vancouver, the Loden Hotel is one of the best boutique hotels in Vancouver.  Guests of the Loden rave about the attentive, personalized service from the staff.   This West Coast hotel was inspired by the natural beauty of British Columbia in its decor, with natural stone and copper throughout and with beautiful texture and colour.  The Loden has an excellent gym and spa as well as a relaxing infrared sauna for guests.  Don’t miss the reflecting pool and mini waterfall.   The Tableau Bar Bistro serves French-inspired plates.

Check the current price and more reviews here.

L’Hermitage Hotel

This downtown Vancouver luxury hotel was designed with a modern, sophisticated flare with each room and suite carefully planned.  Guests rave about the unparalleled service from attentive staff.  With One bedroom boutique suites, one bedroom signature suites with den, and boutique solarium rooms, you can’t go wrong with your room choice the L’Hermitage.  Some rooms even have fireplaces and furnished balconies.   L’Hermitage provides complimentary bikes so you can cycle around downtown like you’re one of the locals 🙂 .  Don’t miss the heated pool or breakfast at L’Orangerie Dining Room & Lounge.  Cafe Medina offers indulgent meals as well.

Check the current price and more reviews here.

Opus Vancouver

Located in the Yaletown area of downtown Vancouver, the Opus has been granted the Forbes 4-star rating every year since 2013.   If you’re asking where the best area to stay in Vancouver Canada is, this might be it!  The rooms and suites in this premier hotel feature spa bathrooms with cozy heated floors, a beautiful colour palette and contemporary furnishings.  Other luxury accents include Frette bathrobes and Herman Miller chairs – very comfortable!  The rooms below  the 7th floor are a bit roomier, but the rooms above  have beautiful terraces – take your pick!  Famous for the personalized service and amazing experiences, this is a must-stay location.  Don’t miss the onsite restaurant La Pentola, featuring classic Italian fare with local and seasonal ingredients.  The Opus Bar is local favourite, too.  The Opus Vancouver has earned its place among the Vancouver best places to stay.

Check the current price and more reviews here.

The Douglas, an Autograph Collection Hotel

Just adjacent to the new JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, this delightful hotel is new to Vancouver, but has been much welcomed.  With its landscapes and geometric abstractions, this large hotel connects people and place and seamlessly introduces the nature of the Pacific Northwest.  Elegant throughout, the rooms and suites are beautifully appointed with consideration to all the comforts one needs while away from home.  The lobby bar has become a local favourite and with the adjacent Parq Vancouver amenities and Vancouver’s largest hotel ballroom, this is a great choice for your stay in Vancouver.  Some say The Douglas is the best place to stay in Vancouver, BC Canada.

Check the current price and more reviews here.

Sutton Place Hotel

The personal concierge at the Sutton Place ensures your stay is memorable.  In the heart of downtown Vancouver, this beautiful luxury hotel provides first class service and luxury Gilchrist & Soames amenities.  Steps away from a wealth of Vancouver entertainment options such as the Vancouver Art Gallery and many of Vancouver finest restaurants, the Sutton Place Hotel has a indoor pool and luxury spa.  I think this is the best location to stay in Vancouver. The on site restaurant Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar specializes in fine dining specializing in seafood plates.  Suites with kitchenettes and balconies are available.  The Sutton Place Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Vancouver for families.

Check the current price and more reviews here.

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

Formerly known as simply the Hotel Vancouver, this venerable and historic hotel was one of the first grand railway hotels in Canada.  With 557 rooms, this is one of the largest hotels in Vancouver.  The Hotel Vancouver is where political and foreign dignitaries historically stayed in Vancouver, in the elegant Lieutenant Governor’s Suite and the Royal Suite.  The hotel was extensively renovated in 2018 which included a renovation of the 14th floor to its original 1939 decor!  Hotel amenities include a great fitness center, indoor pool, Absolute Spa and Notch8 Restaurant.  This is a one of kind stay place to stay in Vancouver and the best place to stay in Vancouver for one night.

Check the current price and more reviews here.

Victorian Hotel Vancouver

Housed in a beautiful Victorian-style brick building in the heart of downtown Vancouver, this unique and trendy hotel offers many amenities including super fast Wifi, Saltpspring toiletries, Kingsley bathrobes, spa soaker tubs, and Serta pillow top mattresses.   Recent renovations to the bathrooms are modern and elegant.   This is definitely one of the hip places to stay in Vancouver.  This hotel doesn’t have an elevator, but hotel staff are eager to help with bags and other needs.

Check the current price and more reviews here.

Downtown Transportation Options

In terms of transportation, bus service is frequent and the buses are clean.   Vancouver’s rapid transit service (Skytrain) has several stations downtown and is easily accessible.  Check BC Transit’s Translink website for further information or use the Google Maps app on your smart phone for easy directions.

Taxi service is abundant in downtown Vancouver, and cabs can be hailed or scheduled with any of the local taxi companies.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have just begun to operate in British Columbia in January 2020.  The service is still growing and the number of drivers is increasing every day.  Vancouverites were very happy when ride-sharing was finally available!

Bike sharing services are available and operated by Mobi Bikes, with stands of bikes available throughout the downtown area.  Many of the better hotels also offer complimentary bikes.

The West End

What makes the West End unique?

The west end is the heart of downtown Vancouver, and there are many hotels in downtown Vancouver Canada.  Very densely populated, it is primarily a residential neighbourhood, with calmed streets, mini-parks and beautiful heritage buildings.  The West End is bordered by Stanley Park and English Bay and is the home of the famous Robson Street.  Robson Street is a very fashionable shopping and dining area home to many high-end boutiques.  I think the West End is the best location to stay in Vancouver.

Best Suited For?

If you want to stay in Vancouver without a car, the West End the best place to stay in Vancouver without a car.  It is best suited for those who want an easy, walkable neighbourhood to explore that includes Stanley Park.  If shopping is on your agenda, you’ll really enjoy the West End.  If you crave a view of the ocean, English Bay will delight you and you’ll love staying in the West End.  The West End is also a great place to stay in Vancouver with kids and perhaps the best place to stay in Vancouver for families.

If you’re only staying in Vancouver for 4 days or so, the West End is a great choice as it’s close to many of the things you’ll want to see during your stay.  

Highlights of the West End

• Stanley Park
• Robson Street
• Davie Village, Vancouver’s LGBTQ friendly area
• English Bay and Sunset Beach
• Excellent and diverse restaurants

Hotels in the West End

Budget:  Buchan Hotel:  No frills hotel with basic rooms and free wifi. The Buchan Hotel is one of the cheap places to stay in Vancouver BC.  Check the current price. 

Moderate:  Sylvia Hotel:  iconic Vancouver hotel with great views of English Bay. This is one of the best hotels in Vancouver BC near Stanley Park.  Check the current price.  

Stylish:  The Listel Hotel: upscale, contemporary art-filled hotel close to everything.  The Listel Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Vancouver Canada.  See the current price.  

Best Places to Stay in Vancouver – Coal Harbour

What makes Coal Harbour unique

When downtown Vancouver accomodation, Coal Harbour is one of the great neighborhoods in downtown Vancouver.  It features marinas, beautiful mountain views and a mix of casual and upscale surroundings.  It is the very heart of downtown Vancouver.  You’ll  see seaplanes take off against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and the elegant Lions Gate Bridge.

Best Suited For?

When thinking about the best areas to stay in Vancouver, Coal Harbour is an excellent location for folks in town before or after a cruise vacation.  The cruise ship terminal is steps away and an easy distance to Coal Harbour.  If you’re craving mountain and ocean views, Coal Harbour is the neighbourhood for you!  Business travelers often prefer staying in Coal Harbour for its proximity to the the financial district.  Coal Harbour is definitely where to stay in Vancouver downtown.  Coal Harbour is a great destination for travelers interested in doing non-touristy things in Vancouver!

Highlights of Coal Harbour

• Glassy skyscrapers
• Cruise Ship Terminal and Canada Place Trade & Convention Centre
• beautiful Vancouver mountain and ocean views

Hotels in Vancouver BC near cruise terminal – Coal Harbour

Budget:  None in this neighbourhood

Moderate:  Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, one of the great boutique hotels in Vancouver with a bistro and pool. This is where to stay in Vancouver on a budget. Check the current price. 

Stylish: Fairmont Pacific Rim, posh hotel with rooftop pool and great bars, right across from the convention centre.  When it comes to where to stay in Vancouver, BC , the Fairmont Pacific Rim is the best place to stay in Vancouver Canada.  Check the current price.

Yaletown

What makes Yaletown unique?

Formerly an industrial area, Yaletown has transformed into one of the most popular neighbourhoods and a great place to stay in Vancouver!   Yaletown began its change into a residential area following Expo 86.  The many remaining factories, rail buildings and warehouses have been re-purposed for residential living as well as business use.  When considering where to stay in Vancouver downtown, keep in mind that Yaletown has been recognized as one of the most significant urban regeneration projects in North America!

Best Suited for?

When thinking about where to stay in Vancouver Canada, with the great pubs and bars in Yaletown, this area is well-suited for “hipsters” and young people looking to party and mingle!  With a nearby Skytrain station, transportation around the greater Vancouver area is easy.  Yaletown is the home of many parks and green spaces as well as excellent public art installations for those who appreciate the great outdoors.  Sports enthusiasts and concert-goers will enjoy the easy access to BC Place Stadium and Rogers Arena.

I’ve written more about great places to eat in Vancouver for Ticker Eats the World – check it out!

Highlights of Yaletown

• Great restaurants and hip nightspots
• lots of green areas and public parks
• A great seawall for walking, running, roller-blading and cycling
• BC Place Stadium and Rogers Arena

Hotels in Yaletown

Budget:  none in area

Moderate: Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel, one of the best Vancouver hotels, with pool and sauna.  Check the current price.

Stylish:  Opus Hotel, one of the best hotels in Vancouver Canada. Check the current price.

Honourable mention:  JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, the newest high-end Vancouver hotel, complete with on-site casino and spa.  This is definitely one of the best places to stay in Vancouver.   Check the current price.

Gastown

What makes Gastown unique?

Gastown is Vancouver’s original settlement and the very core of Vancouver.  It’s one of the best neighborhoods in Vancouver BC.  It was named after “Gassy” Jack Deighton, an English seaman who opened the first saloon in the area.

Gastown has a distinctive and historic architecture, including Vancouver’s own Flatiron building!  Beautiful cobbled streets are evident throughout the area.  Today, Gastown is a mix of hip fashion and furnishing stores, trendy bars and restaurants, nightclubs and art galleries.  Gastown borders on the edge of the infamous Downtown Eastside, where Vancouver’s homeless and drug-addicted often congregate.

Best Suited For?

When thinking about where to stay in Vancouver, BC visitors who would enjoy staying in Gastown include history aficionados and art lovers.  Socially-conscious visitors would appreciate the economic diversity of this area.   If you’re looking for a budget-friendly place to stay in Vancouver, Gastown is ideal.

Highlights of Gastown

• The statue of Gassy Jack, where every Vancouver visitor take a photo!
• The Steam Clock
• Great bars, restaurants and nightclubs
• Vancouver International Jazz Festival
• Gastown Grand Prix!

Gastown Vancouver Hotels

Budget:  The Cambie Hostel:  simple dorm and private rooms and bar, free Wifi.  The Cambie Hostel is one of the cheap places to stay in Vancouver.  Check the current price.

Moderate:  Skwachays Lodge, an aboriginal-inspired hotel, and one of the best hotels in downtown Vancouver. Click for the current price.

Stylish:  Delta Hotels by Marriott Vancouver Downtown, all suite hotel with dining and event space.   This is one of the best places in Vancouver. Check the current price.

Where to Stay in Vancouver – Granville

What makes Granville unique?

Part financial district, part entertainment, the Granville neighbourhood of Vancouver is a diverse area!  At the north end you’ll find the financial district with many banks, brokerage houses and gleaming towers.  At the sound end lies the chief entertainment district of Vancouver.  The sound end of Granville Street is closed to car traffic (buses only).  On summer weekends, you’ll find thousands of pedestrians looking for fun!

Summer nights are when Granville really shines as one the best people-watching locations you’ll find anywhere.  Street entertainers, buskers, fanatics and all manner of public oration will be on display on Granville Street.

Best Suited For?

When thinking about the best place to stay in Vancouver, BC,  if you’re in Vancouver for business, the north end of Granville Street will be your mecca.  If you’re in Vancouver for fun, you’ll enjoy staying in the Granville area and you’ll find no shortage of diverting entertainment.  The major theatres in Vancouver are in this area.  They include the Orpheum Theatre (home of the prestigious Vancouver Symphony Orchestra) the Centre for Performing Arts, the Commodore Ballroom and the Vogue Theatre.   If you’re in town with friends and looking for fun, Granville is the area for you!

Highlights of Granville

• The pedestrian mall on south Granville Street
• The Orpheum and Vogue Theatre
• Street performers and entertainers
• Many bars and nightclubs

Hotels in Granville

Budget:  HI Vancouver Central:  unassuming hostel with both shared and private rooms.  This is one of the cheap hotels in downtown Vancouver, BC. Free breakfast and Wifi. Check the current price.

Moderate:  Best Western Plus Chateau Granville:  good downtown hotel with bar and restaurant.  This is one of the unique places to stay in Vancouver. Click for the current price.

Stylish:  North Granville has some of Vancouver’s finest hotels including Rosewood Hotel Georgia and maybe the best hotel in Vancouver, the Four Seasons, both luxurious and up-scale.  Check the current prices here and here. 

South Vancouver/Richmond

What makes South Vancouver/Richmond unique?

South Vancouver is outside of the downtown Vancouver core and is mostly a residential area.  Bordering on the Fraser River, south Vancouver is home to Vancouver’s Punjabi Market.  There are also many distinctive ethnic neighbourhoods including many Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean residents.  Immediately south of Vancouver across the Fraser River is Richmond.  It is home of Vancouver International Airport and a thriving Asian business area.

Best Suited For?

If you’re in Vancouver to visit family, shop or need to be near the airport, south Vancouver/Richmond is the ideal location for you and one of the great places to stay near Vancouver.  Hotels are much less expensive than downtown and you’ll find excellent shopping in this area.  Oakridge Centre offers an upscale boutique shopping experience as does McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Mall near the airport.

Visitors who enjoy Asian cuisine will appreciate the thriving restaurant scene in Richmond.  It features some the best Asian food in North America (according to the New York Times!).

Highlights of South Vancouver/Richmond

• Oakridge Shopping Centre and McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Mall
• Many excellent Asian restaurants
• Punjabi Market
• Proximity to airport

Hotels in South Vancouver/Richmond

Budget:  Coast Vancouver Airport Hotel:  unassuming hotel hear the airport with gym and restaurant.  This is one of the cheap places to stay in Vancouver, BC also known as a budget motel.  Check the current price.

Moderate: Holiday Inn Express Vancouver Airport: contemporary hotel with airport shuttle.  This is one of the places to stay near Vancouver Airport (YVR).   Click for the current price.

Stylish:  River Rock Casino Resort:  large hotel with casino, spa and all the amenities. This is one of the top hotels in Vancouver.  Check the current price.

Burnaby

What makes Burnaby unique?

Burnaby is a suburb directly east of Vancouver and is one of the great places to stay near Vancouver.   You may ask how far is Burnaby from downtown Vancouver; it’s only 13 kilometres from downtown Vancouver.  It is the third-largest city in British Columbia, and is often over-looked by visitors when considering where to stay.  Burnaby has excellent transport links all around the Vancouver area thanks to the Skytrain system that runs through Burnaby.  It is easy to get to downtown Vancouver from Burnaby on the Skytrain.  Burnaby is a reasonable choice for visitors looking to find somewhere to stay outside the hustle and bustle of the city.

Burnaby is home to many parks and recreational areas including Central Park, Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake.  Michael J. Fox and Michael Buble both hail from Burnaby!

If you’re interested in going on the great sea to sky highway roadtrip, staying in Burnaby is an excellent choice.  You can access Highway 1 westbound easily from many areas in Burnaby.

Best suited for?

Burnaby is an ideal location for families visiting Vancouver given the lower price you can expect to pay for accommodations.  Business travelers doing business outside of the downtown core will find Burnaby a good choice.  If you’ve come with your backpack on wheels to Vancouver in winter to ski, access to the local mountains is easy from Burnaby.

Highlights of Burnaby

• Metropolis at Metrotown, Brentwood Mall and Lougheed Mall
• Central Park
• Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake
• Simon Fraser University

Hotels in Burnaby

Budget:  The New 401 Inn:  casual hotel with gym and free Wifi.  Check the current price.

Moderate:  Delta Hotels by Marriott Burnaby Conference Centre: sleek conference hotel. Click to check the current price.

Stylish:  Element Vancouver Metrotown:  elegant rooms with free Wifi. Check the current price.

Other Options

If you don’t like staying in hotels, are traveling with a large group or staying for longer than average AirBnB may be the right choice for you.  There are hundreds of AirBnB choices in Vancouver and the surrounding areas.   Use my link to get up to $62 off your first AirBnB stay!

Another option that I’ve enjoyed is home exchanging.  It’s an excellent choice for longer stays, to reduce your costs, and to enjoy a larger space than you would typically have in a hotel room.  You can learn more about home exchanging here.

Wherever you stay in Vancouver, you’ll get to experience the beauty, diversity and wealth of experiences Vancouver has to offer.  Enjoy your stay!  If you’re visiting Vancouver, you must consider the beautiful road trip from Vancouver to Banff.  It’s one of the most spectacular drives in the world!  If a guided tour from Vancouver to Banff works better for you, I’ve got all the information you need here.

Have you visited Vancouver?  What area did you stay in?

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