The Best Places to Stay in Vancouver

Vancouver is the third largest city in Canada. As a traveler, you won’t be staying in a lot of places because you’ll want to be in a fairly central location, but Vancouver is still big enough that you could spend a lot of time commuting if you’re not careful.

Here’s everything you need to know about accommodation in Vancouver:

Where to Stay on Your First Visit to Vancouver: Yaletown

This upscale neighborhood just south of downtown is perfect for families, couples, and first-time visitors. When the weather is nice, there are six parks to explore, and you’re right on the water’s edge, which means views of nearby Granville Island. It’s also one of the trendiest neighborhoods, with lots of chic shops, cocktail bars, healthy restaurants, and maybe weird celebrities if you look closely. There aren’t many hotels here, so it’s more residential than the rest of the city. Major football, hockey, and rugby fields are also located here.

Best places to stay in Yaletown

Mid-range: Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel – Rooms at this 3-star hotel feature kitchenettes with microwaves, stovetops and refrigerators. A continental breakfast with fresh waffles is also available. The room, although dated, was big, well lit and the bed was comfortable. Each room is equipped with a TV and desk, and there is also an indoor pool.

Luxury: OPUS Vancouver – This upscale five-star hotel features spacious, modern rooms decorated in bright, vivid colors, complete with a Nespresso coffee machine, super comfy bed, desk, and flat-screen TV. The bathroom was large with heated floors, decent shower water pressure and luxurious bathrobes. Downstairs there is a stylish cocktail bar as well as a fitness center.

Where to Stay for Foodies in Vancouver: Gastown and Chinatown

Gastown is one of Vancouver’s most iconic areas. With its Victorian architecture and cobblestone streets, it’s one of the most photographed areas in town. It is also one of the oldest. There are also plenty of bars, so if you want to experience the city’s nightlife, this is a great option.

Since Gastown isn’t big, it’s often conflated with Chinatown to the south. This lively area is the largest Chinatown in the country as immigrants from Asia have historically arrived in Vancouver. When you come here, don’t miss the classical Chinese gardens of Sun Yat-sen. It’s so beautiful!

Best Places to Stay in Towntown and Chinatown:

Budget: Cambie Hostel – Gastown – Housed in a building dating back to the late 1800s, this party hostel has a super lively bar that attracts a lot of locals. It can get really loud (bring earbuds!). But it makes it very easy to meet people. The dorm bed was comfortable and although there were no curtains or sockets, there were lockers. Breakfast, although not included in the price, was excellent (you can choose eggs, bacon, hash browns and vegetables).

Mid-range: Skwachàys Lodge – This 3-star boutique hotel features gorgeous Aboriginal art throughout (there’s even a gallery in the lobby). The rooms are spacious, colorful, and have unique art and décor. Each room has a kitchenette (if you want to cook) as well as a table and a very comfortable bed. The included breakfast was delicious and varied.

Vancouver Luxury Accommodation: Coal Harbour

Located between Gastown and Westside, this waterfront area is one of the more upscale areas of town (there are no budget accommodations here). There are plenty of luxury apartments here and it’s very laid back during the day. It’s also close to the huge Stanley Park, where you’ll find beaches, seawall trails, forest trails, aquariums, and much more. There is also a nice trail (seawall waterway) along the waterfront where you can take a stroll and enjoy the view. If you’re taking a cruise from Vancouver, this is the best place to stay because of its proximity to the harbour.

Best places to stay in Coal Harbour:

Mid-range: Vancouver Shoreline Coal Harbour Hotel – Located just two blocks from the waterfront, this 4-star hotel is in a great location and great value for money. Rooms are equipped with a large flat-screen TV, a desk and a soft and comfortable bed. The room felt a bit dated but spacious and airy with a minimalist design. The bathroom is bright and equipped with a bidet and a shower with moderate water pressure. Breakfast was not included but had plenty of delicious choices. If you want to work out too, there is also a rooftop pool and a fully equipped gym.

Luxury: Fairmont Pacific Rim – This gorgeous five-star hotel features a beautiful rooftop pool and hot tub with stunning views overlooking the city and waterfront. The rooms are stylish and spacious, with large windows, a work desk (for you to use while you work) and a comfortable bed. The marble bathroom is spacious and bright, and the shower has good water pressure. There is a well-equipped spa, a café serving breakfast and a bar with live music every night. If you’re looking for luxury accommodation in a great location, this is the place for you.

Where to Stay in Vancouver for Families: West End

Also adjacent to Stanley Park, the West End is a quiet area away from the hustle and bustle, confined to its main commercial street. Here you can find some of the best beaches (especially English Bay and Sunset Beach) as well as some of the best outdoor activities in town. If you want to explore by bike, kayak or stand-up paddleboarding, this is the place for you. If you’re visiting in the summer, this is probably the best area to stay.

Best Places to Stay in the West End:

Budget: Hello Downtown Vancouver – Located in a quiet part of the West End, this hostel has recently reopened after a renovation. The beds in the dorm have no curtains, but the mattresses are thick and very comfortable. The hotel also features a relaxing rooftop terrace with city views, a games room with pool, a library, co-working spaces, a fully equipped kitchen and a TV room. It’s not a super lively hostel, but it’s still easy to get to know people.

Mid-range: Blue Horizon Hotel – This modern 4-star hotel offers great value for money. The hotel features an indoor pool, gym, sauna and steam room, as well as an on-site restaurant serving breakfast. The room was big with a desk, coffee/tea maker and flat screen TV, and the bed was super comfy too. The bathroom is not very big, but the water pressure in the shower is good (a big plus for me).

Luxury: Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver – This luxury five-star hotel features spacious, bright rooms with queen-size beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, a Nespresso machine, a desk and a spacious bathroom with a premium shower and luxurious bathrobes. The lobby is spacious and elegant; There is also an outdoor pool, spa, and gym where you can take private yoga and Pilates classes. This is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. If you want to be rich, stay here!

Where to stay in Vancouver: Granville Island

Granville Island is one of Canada’s most popular destinations. Technically, it’s a peninsula located across from Yaletown Fallbrook and is home to the popular Public Market, a huge indoor market with restaurants, fresh produce, crafts, and more. There are also many galleries and a large amphitheater. It’s the perfect place to stroll, shop, eat and enjoy the summer weather. Be sure to grab a drink at Granville Island Brewing Co, one of the first cottage breweries in the province!

Best Places to Stay in Granville:

Mid-range: Granville Island Hotel – This is the only hotel on Granville Island. This is a 3-star hotel that has everything you need for a relaxing and affordable stay. There is a spa, sauna and gym, and if you want to explore the area, you can also rent bikes. Stylish room with queen bed, desk, coffee/tea maker and plenty of light. The bathroom is not big, but everything is modern and clean and the water pressure in the shower is good. The breakfast was delicious and there was plenty of choice.

Vancouver has it all: great food, numerous museums and galleries, and plenty of green spaces. With the ocean and mountains on your doorstep, it’s an interesting city to visit all year round. Just make sure to adhere to the community above. By doing so, you’ll see the best views of Vancouver, no matter how you travel or what your budget is.