Vancouver Travel Guide

Most accommodation in Vancouver was designed with the discerning visitor in mind. There is a variety of lodgings available, from economical to the luxurious, from modern to historical, and from quiet beachside locations to those at the bustling city core. If cost is of no real concern, downtown has many world-class luxury and business hotels. There are also more modest but comfortable hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts situated throughout the city that offer inexpensive and moderately priced rooms.

Downtown

Major shops, services, restaurants and attractions are located in the heart of downtown, so it's no surprise that larger hotel chains and landmark hotels call it home. Among them is the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, where Queen Elizabeth billets when visiting the coast. It is one of the city's oldest and most striking landmarks, and its green copper chateau-style roof towers above the city skyline. Across the street is the Grand Old Lady of Georgia Street, the Crowne Plaza Hotel Georgia. The 12-storey heritage building has occupied the corner of Howe and West Georgia streets since 1927.

Business travelers will find staying at the Hyatt Regency and the Four Seasons convenient. Along with modern amenities and superior rooms, both have business facilities and are located beside shopping centres.

For water and mountain views, there are two world-famous choices, both situated at Canada Place. They are the Fairmont Waterfront, voted the country's top business hotel, and the world-famous Pan Pacific, luxuriously appointed. And if it is more refinement you're looking for, the Sutton Place Hotel is the place to be. With lavish accommodations styled after European homes, it's one of most elegant hotels in the city. Newer additions to the downtown hotel set include the Sheraton Wall Centre, Westin Grand Vancouver, and Lord Stanley Suites on the Park.

Budget conscious travelers who wish to stay downtown have a choice of many establishments with affordable rates. The Kingston is said to be the best low-cost hotel in town. In the heart of the theatre and club scene are the Barclay, Parkhill and Days Inn Vancouver Downtown. For the most inexpensive lodging downtown, there are two international youth hostels. The Jolly Taxpayer Hotel is also a popular choice among budget travelers.

West End

This densely populated area is still downtown, but located west of Burrard Street in the direction of Stanley Park, stretching between English Bay and Coal Harbour. It offers apartment-style accommodations and homey bed and breakfasts steps from the beach, Stanley Park and other attractions. The West End is teeming with diverse restaurants, bars, lounges, nightclubs and shops.

The Pacific Palisades Robson Street location can't be beat, especially when you're in town to shop. But if it's a room with views of Stanley Park and the North Shore mountains that you're after, the Westin Bayshore and new Meridian at 910 Beach are ideal choices. Also within short walking distance of the park is the elegant Buchan Hotel.

One of the most notable hotels on this side of town, however, is the eight story Sylvia Hotel with its ivy-covered brick walls. It's the first high-rise to be built in the West End and the first to operate a cocktail bar in Vancouver.

False Creek and West Side

This uptown area across the water from downtown has many inexpensive hotels that offer value and well-kept rooms. Only a short walk from the city core, you can enjoy the relative serenity of the area while still remaining close to the action. The Granville Island Hotel, for instance, is nestled on the market and restaurant-sprinkled island, with water views and great rooms. Other hotels in the vicinity are the Holiday Inn, Ramada, and Plaza 500 Hotel.

The West Side, especially Kitsilano, has many world-class bed and breakfasts close to beaches that stretch for miles into Point Grey. Kitsilano in particular is laid-back, comfortable and filled with shops, theatres and restaurants. Some special B&Bs in the area are Johnson Heritage House B&B, Maple Beach B&B, and the Walnut House B&B.

North Shore

Once you cross Burrard Inlet via the Lions Gate Bridge or SeaBus from Vancouver, you reach the green splendor of the North Shore. It's near Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain and Mount Seymour ski areas, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Lonsdale Quay and many notable boutiques in North and West Vancouver.

At the foot of the North Shore mountains, you will find motels like the Ramada Vancouver-Northshore and Canyon Court Motel. Some bed and breakfasts set in forested areas include A Lynn Canyon House Bed & Breakfast and the Capilano Canyon Guest House. Other options are the panoramic city views and unique shopping possibilities of the Lonsdale Quay Hotel, located right beside the Lonsdale Quay Market.

Richmond/Airport

If you wish to stay near the airport or simply want to visit the city of Richmond, there are several accommodation choices. The Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel is nearest to the airport, located just steps away from the main terminal. If you want to experience the different things Richmond has to offer, however, stop at the Radisson President Hotel. It is close to a popular Chinese supermarket, adjacent to a Buddhist Temple and minutes from shopping centres. Other places to stay include Sandman Hotel Vancouver Airport, and Holiday Inn Airport.2008-08-02T07:29:22.000 73