SantoriniDave.com

Map of Vancouver Hotels

By Santorini Dave

My Favorite Hotels in Vancouver

• 5-Star: Rosewood Georgia
• 4-Star: Hilton • Listel
• 3-Star: Burrard
• For couples: Opus
• For families: Hilton
• Hotel pool: Pan Pacific
• Near BC Place: Douglas
• Rogers Arena: Hotel BLU
• Stanley Park: English Bay Inn
• Cruise Port: Fairmont Pacific Rim


Best Hotels: 1. English Bay Inn • 2. Listel • 3. Paradox • 4. Shangri-La • 5. Fairmont Pacific Rim • 6. Pan Pacific • 7. Wedgewood • 8. Fairmont Vancouver • 9. Rosewood Georgia • 10. St Regis • 11. L’Hermitage • 12. Hilton Downtown • 13. Hotel BLU • 14. Douglas • 15. Opus • 16. Granville Island Hotel

Affordable Hotels: 17. Sylvia • 18. Divya Sutra Suites • 19. Burrard • 20. Sandman City Centre

Best Hotels in Vancouver

My Tips for Staying in Vancouver

Me and my son at a hotel in downtown Vancouver, BC.

My son and I at the Shangri-La in downtown Vancouver.

1. Downtown Vancouver (Robson & Granville)
Why Stay: The city’s commercial and entertainment heart. Robson Street is lined with shops, Granville Street pulses with nightlife, and you’re close to major attractions like the Vancouver Art Gallery and the bustling Pacific Centre Mall. Perfect for those craving a lively urban core.
Hotel Vibe: Modern high-rises and large brands. The Rosewood Georgia blends luxury with a central location, while the Shangri-La has a trendier vibe (and a nice outdoor pool and jacuzzi).

2. West End (Near Stanley Park)
Why Stay: Tree-lined streets, diverse dining, and easy strolls to Stanley Park’s iconic seawall. The West End is also home to English Bay Beach and Davie Village, making it great for outdoorsy visitors who still want quick downtown access.
Hotel Vibe: Mid-range to upscale tower hotels and heritage apartments. The Sylvia Hotel offers old-world charm next to English Bay.

3. Yaletown
Why Stay: A former industrial zone turned chic waterfront district, Yaletown is known for marina views, trendy restaurants, and nightlife. It’s also close to BC Place and Rogers Arena for sports and concert events.
Hotel Vibe: Upscale boutique or modern condo-style. The Opus Hotel oozes vibrant design and personal concierge service, while short-term rental suites cater to the see-and-be-seen crowd.

4. Gastown
Why Stay: Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, brimming with cobblestone streets, the famous Steam Clock, indie boutiques, and hip eateries. A mecca for photography buffs and history lovers.
Hotel Vibe: Heritage conversions with exposed brick and contemporary flair. The Fairmont Waterfront is a short walk from Gastown’s main strip (and steps from a Skytrain station), while smaller loft-style rentals in 19th-century buildings are also popular.

5. Coal Harbour
Why Stay: Sparkling waterfront by the Stanley Park gateway. Mountain and harbor views define this polished district, which is also near Canada Place (cruise terminal) and the Seawall.
Hotel Vibe: Sleek high-rises with panoramic windows. The Fairmont Pacific Rim merges modern luxury with a renowned lobby lounge, while the Pan Pacific sits above the cruise port for grand harbor vistas.

6. English Bay
Why Stay: Beachy vibe at the downtown edge. Sunsets over the Pacific, easy kayaking, and a short jaunt to Stanley Park make this area ideal for summertime travelers.
Hotel Vibe: Laid-back hotels and apartments with ocean views. The Best Western Plus Sands is budget-friendly near the sand, while boutique rentals offer breezy balconies overlooking the bay.

7. Granville Island
Why Stay: Home to the city’s famous Public Market, artisan workshops, and theaters. Though technically a peninsula, it feels like a creative oasis just across False Creek from downtown.
Hotel Vibe: Slim pickings but distinctly local. The Granville Island Hotel
is the mainstay – boutique style with a waterfront patio and views of the harbor and downtown skyline.

8. Kitsilano
Why Stay: A laid-back beach neighborhood with a bohemian past – ideal for families, joggers, and those who love craft coffee and yoga studios. Kits Beach hums in summer, and West 4th Avenue is a hub for boutique shopping.
Hotel Vibe: Mostly short-term rentals or smaller inns. Stay near West 4th Avenue or Cornwall for easy beach access and vegetarian-friendly restaurants.

9. Mount Pleasant / Main Street
Why Stay: Hipster central full of indie boutiques, craft breweries, and inventive eateries. A quick SkyTrain or bus ride to downtown, but with a more local, creative vibe.
Hotel Vibe: Few large hotels; expect airy loft rentals or small B&Bs. Perfect for travelers wanting to immerse in Vancouver’s emerging art and design scene.

10. Commercial Drive
Why Stay: “The Drive” is a multicultural strip famed for Italian heritage, global restaurants, and bohemian energy. Known for indie music venues and lively street festivals.
Hotel Vibe: Mostly B&Bs or guest suites in historic homes. A top choice if you prefer local authenticity and easy transit connections to the city core.

11. Chinatown
Why Stay: One of North America’s largest historic Chinatowns, featuring vibrant markets, authentic dim sum, and the serene Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
Hotel Vibe: Minimal big-name hotels; you’ll find smaller inns or unique Airbnb units in heritage buildings. Best for intrepid travelers who love walking to local haunts.

12. Olympic Village / False Creek
Why Stay: Modern, master-planned neighborhood from the 2010 Winter Olympics. Stunning waterfront promenade, microbreweries, and easy SkyTrain access to downtown or YVR airport.
Hotel Vibe: Few hotels but new condo rentals with floor-to-ceiling windows. Expect sleek, eco-friendly architecture and scenic harbor strolls by Science World.

13. North Vancouver (Lonsdale Quay)
Why Stay: Hop the SeaBus from Waterfront Station for jaw-dropping skyline views. Quieter than downtown with direct access to outdoor adventures in the North Shore Mountains, including hiking and skiing.
Hotel Vibe: Scenic waterfront or hillside B&Bs. The Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier offers city skyline vistas and a short stroll to the Quay’s market and eateries.

14. Richmond (Near YVR)
Why Stay: If you crave easy airport access or the best Asian food in town, look no further. Famous for night markets, dumpling spots, and diverse shopping malls.
Hotel Vibe: Airport-friendly chains and upscale high-rises. The Fairmont Vancouver Airport is an on-site splurge for short layovers.

15. UBC / Point Grey
Why Stay: Spread over a stunning peninsula, the University of British Columbia campus edges old-growth forests and dramatic beaches (Wreck Beach, Jericho Beach). Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.
Hotel Vibe: Summer student residences or short-term visitor suites on campus. Tranquil setting, though you’ll want a car or bike for commuting downtown.

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave I’m Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a quick guide on visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my small team and I provide guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece - as well as favorite places to stay in London, Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Venice, and Florence. Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.