Experience The Granville Island Hotel
Immerse yourself in the unique surroundings of the one and only accommodation option nestled in Granville Island – a testament to urban revitalization since the late 70s. This 82-room establishment boasts scenic waterfront views and an intriguing industrial-style decor, a nod to the area’s history as a central hub for the mining, shipping and logging industries. The hotel’s architecture successfully echoes the design recommendations of the region, which encourage new edifices to mirror its industrious heritage. Granville Island Hotel's location lends itself towards easy access to the lively public market making it a well-renowned gastronomy hotspot. The on-site Dockside restaurant, complete with its own central craft brewery, has carved a reputation for offering a sustainable seafood dining experience. On a day blessed with sunshine and a perfectly framed harbour view, one might mistake Vancouver for a serene Mediterranean haven.
For those looking to venture beyond the unique charm of Granville Island, a variety of accommodation options are available across British Columbia. One place that comes highly recommended is Victoria. This vibrant city offers a host of hotels that leave no stone unturned in ensuring guests enjoy a memorable stay. To find the best fit for your journey, make sure to explore the carefully curated list of Victoria Hotels at britishcolumbiahotels.net.
In the colder seasons, it offers a homely retreat, regularly serving as the base for the Vancouver writers fest and located conveniently near numerous art galleries. For reservations: basic rooms starting from £84, contact: +1 604 683 7373, or visit granvilleislandhotel.com
The Skwachàys Lodge
The most recent addition to Vancouver's boutique hotel scene nestles itself in the progressively evolving eastern side of the city's downtown. It is nestled within a refurbished six-storied Victorian edifice with a distinctive totem pole that shines as a unique symbol of the locale. All 18 of their accommodation spaces have been thoughtfully curated by designers and artists from the First Nations. Take for example, their "moon suite", it exhibits an array of tasteful hues of white and beige, reminiscent of the moon; along with an innovatively designed circular bed that is artfully enveloped by a ceiling light adorned with gold leaf raven. It's not merely a boutique hotel; it serves as a bold social and cultural tourism enterprise that honors indigenous artistry, both by displaying contemporary and traditional works of art throughout the lobby and by devoting the initial four floors to artist studios. Savor unique dishes inspired by First Nations, like the succulent pulled bison on bannock complemented by tangy rhubarb barbecue sauce, along with locally brewed craft beer in their cozy Welcome Room lounge. Relaxation can be achieved in their traditional healing room or the sweat lodge.
Prices for two start from £74, contact at +1 604 687 3589, skwachays.com
Sylvia Hotel
This charming establishment boasts a rich and captivating history that goes toe to toe with the majestic water vistas, providing a distinctive charm to the place. The building, originally erected in 1912 as apartments, morphed into a guest lodge in the 1930s before becoming a temporary home for merchant sailors during the Second World War. The city's inaugural cocktail bar sprouted in this building in 1958 and still today, it remains a time-honored hotspot for savoring a sunset martini. Lively jazz and blues have replaced the renowned Edwardian tea dances that were famed in this hotel, playing every Wednesday and Thursday evening. The hotel's former 'Dine in the Sky' restaurant, that was once defined by its expansive Suite 801 offering breathtaking marine vistas, has now been reimagined as a ground-floor bar, lounge, and dining area, showcasing sweeping views of the water that are just as stunning. The patio offers such a serene environment, you might feel reluctant to ever depart from its warm embrace.
Starting price for a double bedroom is £57; self-catering suites start from £294 per week, +1 604 681 9321, sylviahotel.com
St Regis
Prior to its upscale redesign in 2009 by renowned designer Elaine Thorsell, the St Regis hotel, established in 1913, was best described as a captivating yet rundown establishment. The proprietor, an art enthusiast whose curated selection of abstract artworks grace the walls, faced legal proceedings from the Starwood group in '99. Fortuitously, he triumphed in preserving St Regis's name as a standalone hotel. After years of serving the likes of miners, loggers, and an assortment of boisterous personalities, the St Regis has carved a niche among British holidaymakers. The unique blend of tradition, accessibility, and modern amenities make it an irresistible choice. The sweeping renovation in 2009 removed the outdated pieces from the historic premises, paving the way for improved features such as double-glazed windows, glamorous marble windowsills, and sophisticated interior touches. Yet, it preserves its sense of identity. Visitors enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and unlimited global calls. Adjacent to the hotel, Gotham, a classic New York-style steakhouse, resides inside the city's oldest art-deco architectural marvel.
Starting from £84 for a double room with bed & breakfast, contact: +1 604 681 1135, stregishotel.com
Listel
A captivating boutique hotel in Vancouver's picturesque West End makes a distinctive statement by celebrating local artistry and culinary delights with sophistication. Recognized as the city's most environment-friendly hotel, it comes with an impressive 5 "green key" rating from the Hotel Association of Canada. An extra layer of charm is added by its unique partnership with the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia. This collaboration allows the hotel's floors to become a canvas for contemporary First Nations art, complemented by bespoke furniture made from hemlock and cedar, and enriched by subtle, forest-like hues. These unique gallery floors, curated by renowned Vancouver gallerist Barry Mowatt, showcase a vibrant collection of new-age art by local and international artists, contrasting beautifully with the warm tones of cherrywood furniture and inviting chaise longues. Each room carries an authentic touch of local culture, stocked with local literary magazines and a rich assortment of Canadian literature. On the culinary front, the hotel operates its rooftop beehives, using the produced honey to add a sweet note to the elegant and sustainable menu at Forage, their in-house restaurant.
Experience this enchanting stay from £71, +1 604 684 8461, thelistelhotel.com
Shangri-la
Vancouver's celebrated architect, James Cheng, has a knack for wowing his audience with his contemporary hotel designs. The Shangri-la, completed in 2009, stands tall in the city as a multifaceted hub with its 61-level tower that houses a variety of accommodations, including hotel rooms, live-work spaces, and private units. Additionally, it offers a well thought-out master plan featuring a supermarket and a site for public artwork. Its prime location just off Alberni Street - Vancouver's blossoming quarter for luxury shopping and fine dining - is complemented with the soothing serenity of lush bamboo gardens. Take a moment to revel in the Chi spa, which specializes in Ayurvedic therapies. Although its 2010 sibling, the high-end Fairmont Pacific Rim’s Grand Hotel might be a bit on the pricier side, it is well worth the visit to see the public artwork alone. Enjoy a leisurely drink in the regal lobby, appreciating the stunning architectural design or unwind at the Willow Stream spa after a long day.
Prices for a double room start from £134, you can contact the hotel at +1 604 689 1195, visit the website here.
The Corkscrew Inn
Nestled in the midst of historic Kitsilano lies the charming Corkscrew Inn. This quaint piece of history, once a suburban region linked to the railways, was originally named in honor of Chief Khatsahlano. The Chief's tribe was unjustly moved by the Canadian Pacific Railway to settle across the bay in Stanley Park. Despite the upheavals of the late 60s, the area managed to transform from its bohemian roots into a coveted residential area. The inn, an exquisitely renovated Edwardian-style house, was the proud recipient of the City of Vancouver heritage award in 2004. Recognised immensely for its luxurious breakfasts, guests can indulge in delectable frittatas made with house-smoked wild salmon, handcrafted bread, homemade preserves and freshly-baked croissants. Fresh fruit and herbs from the inn's substantial garden are also part of the menu. Each uniquely styled room possesses an attached bathroom, with some rooms offering the added luxury of fireplaces and soaker tubs. Situated a short jaunt from the beach, the inn also houses a private antique wine-making tool museum which can be used for exclusive picnics.
Starting from £57 B&B with a three-night minimum stay, call at +1 604 733 7276, for more information visit corkscrewinn.com.
Moda
The Moda hotel, established in 1908 under the moniker 'Dufferin,' has an intriguing legacy. This structure was initially christened in honour of a nobleman renowned in Queen Victoria's court and served as a social hub for railway and sawmill workers in a bygone era. It has transformed from an Edwardian gentlemen's club to a famous Drag bar later in the 20th century, mirroring the spirit of the times. Today it stands as an ode to Vancouver's history and culture, located at the intersection of the arts district and fashionable Yaletown. The interiors, a testament to its modernity, house 67 vibrant and modern rooms designed by native Alda Pereira. The authentic century-old mosaic tile floors in the lobby and restrooms give the place an aesthetic charm lain with history. You can enjoy a glass of wine at Uva, watch a show at the old Orpheum theater across the road, dine in style at the high-end Cibo Trattoria, or enjoy a casual meal at the Red Card sports bar. The price for a double room starts from £45, a steal for this historical monument turned hospitality establishment. For bookings and more details, you can visit their website at modahotel.ca.
Burrard
Steeped in Vancouver's history, the classic 1956 motor inn, popularly known as the city's unofficial trendy hotel, has an interesting vibe that seems as if it's been uplifted from sunny Palm Springs and placed down in the natural beauty of the Pacific North West. It once revealed a faded grandeur until it changed hands in 2010, leading to an extensive refurbishing. Preservation of the mid-century modernist style was key in the renovation, with the proprietors taking care to include custom furniture and modern staples, such as unlimited Wi-Fi access, complimentary long-distance calling within North America, and in-room Nespresso machines to enjoy a cup of exquisite coffee any time you like. They also spice up your stay with the opportunity of free Brodie Cruiser bike rentals, a perfect way to explore Vancouver's excellently planned downtown cycling paths. A distinct feature is the inner courtyard; the sight of palm trees might mislead you to believe you're in sunny California. Find out more about what this stylish retreat offers, or book a room starting from £94 at theburrard.com or by dialing +1 604 681 2331.
West End Guest House
Steeped in history, Vancouver's West End Guest House stands as a testament to the city's rich past. Erected in 1906, this remarkable dwelling was once the familial home of the Edwards' and bears photographic evidence of an evolving Vancouver on its walls. Today, under the management of David and Paul, the household radiates an enticing blend of modern amenities and vintage appeal. The residence features seven uniquely designed suites, each boasting its own distinct theme, ranging from the exuberant Parisian-styled suite at garden level to the charming attic lodgings quaintly named the Pair and the Spare. Guests here are indulged with various perks like complimentary gourmet breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and an intriguing "sherry hour". Moreover, the domicile finds itself nestled on historic Haro Street, offering access to bicycles for exploration or leisurely rides along the Stanley Park seawall, or shopping escapades on Davie and Robson Street. Committed to year-round appeal, the residence features a cosy parlour with a hearth perfect for winter meditation, while the veranda and garden serve as welcoming retreats during the sunnier seasons.
Starting from £82 B&B with two nights as the minimum stay, dial +1 604 681 2889 or visit westendguesthouse.com