Where To Stay In Vancouver

Vancouver is one of Canada’s largest and most popular cities and easily the most picturesque, with the North Shore mountains framing the city in the background and the Pacific Ocean and waterfront enveloping it. Vancouver undeniably captures the interest of anyone travelling to Canada with its picturesque views, sightings of orcas off the coast, mountain hikes and towering old-growth forests.

The city offers stunning natural wonders and continues to evolve as a rapidly growing multicultural hub with impressive museums, such as the Museum Of Vancouver and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, showcasing beautiful Chinese architecture. On the whole, Canada has a strong multicultural presence, but Vancouver particularly showcases its multicultural roots through its population and diverse range of restaurants where you can taste South Indian, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese and even exciting fusion foods.

Choosing where to stay in Vancouver can make a difference to your enjoyment of your stay, so here’s a guide to help you find the best neighbourhood, including several hotel recommendations across different budgets. 

Where To Stay In Vancouver

Downtown

Naturally, the downtown core is the prime location to pick when deciding where to stay in Vancouver.

It’s closest to the entertainment district, prominent museums and art galleries, shopping, and trendy restaurants.

The downtown neighbourhood is easily navigated by walking, transit, cab, or Uber and it has excellent infrastructure for those who want to rent bikes or e-scooters to get around.

Downtown is comprised of a few smaller neighbourhoods that are easily walkable from one to the next.

The most prominent neighbourhoods Downtown are Davie Village, Yaletown, Gastown and Coal Harbour.

Each of these neighbourhoods has a slightly different vibe even though they are all geographically close.

Davie Village

Davie Village is an LGBTQ-friendly neighbourhood, packed with bars, clubs, and delicious restaurants.

It’s definitely more of a party neighbourhood.

If you want to have the time of your life, pick a bar on Davie, and you’ll want to dance the night away.

During the day, Davie is a great hub for locals running errands, shopping at local grocery stores and bakeries, or enjoying the cafes on the street.

There are plenty of art installations along Davie to explore, making this already vibrant neighbourhood more colourful.

Davie Village is great if you want to stay close to downtown attractions but not right in the center of the action.

It still has a wholesome neighbourhood vibe and is an excellent option for those who want adventurous nights but like to enjoy a quiet, casual morning in a cafe.

Where To Stay In Davie Village

Luxury – Sonder The Sunset

Sonder The Sunset is the perfect luxury getaway in Davie Village, with whole apartment suites are available to rent right in the heart of Davie Village.

Their apartments feature modern minimalist decor with all the amenities you would expect in a regular hotel, including upscale shampoo, conditioner, and gourmet coffee in every room.

They offer modern comforts like wifi, television, and a contactless check-in for guests.

The 24-hour support is on standby for any issues you may encounter during your stay.

Mid-Range – Sandman Suites

Sandman Suites is a reliable chain of hotels across Canada and the USA, offering comfortable stays at an affordable price.

This hotel is a great mid-range option, and its rooms provide spectacular views of downtown Vancouver and English Bay.

The rooms are comfortable wit ha modern upgrade and feature a kitchenette, tv, and wifi.

Some rooms have a jacuzzi tub for relaxing after a long day of walking around Vancouver.

This hotel also features a spacious pool, gym, and patio for guest use.

Budget – HI Vancouver Downtown

Staying in Davie Village is still a great option for those on a more limited budget! HI Vancouver Downtown offers affordable shared rooms, hostel style, or a private room with a shared bathroom.

The shared and private rooms are modern and spotlessly cleaned to ensure guest comfort.

The hostel is a social place with a big dining room, lounge, and activity room for the guests to meet and hang out with each other.

The desk is open 24 hours, and the wifi signal is strong throughout the hotel.

Did I mention the rooftop patio offers one of the best views of Yaletown?

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Yaletown

Yaletown is one of the historic districts turned trendy neighbourhood with upscale restaurants and small shops.

A few nice bars and restaurants in this neighbourhood serve some of Vancouver’s best seafood, like The Blue Water Cafe and Rodney’s Oyster House.

An evening spent in Yaletown is a treat on top of a perfect trip.

During the day, trendy boutiques draw people to sell one-of-a-kind clothes and accessories.

After a day of exploring the shops, a walk along the sea wall is just a few blocks away, offering some of the best views in Vancouver.

Where To Stay In Yaletown

Luxury – The DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection

If you’re looking for a luxury upscale stay in Yaletown, look no further than The DOUGLAS.

This hotel is famous worldwide, especially in Vancouver.

It’s a glass bottom pool that looks down 200 feet below the ground! There is also a 30,000 square feet rooftop park with jaw-dropping views of Vancouver from every angle.

If you want to enjoy yourself before heading out on the town, check out the in-house casino.

The spacious rooms have a modern industrial feeling with warm wood decor scattered throughout.

Guests can enjoy luxurious amenities in their room like wide screen tv, Aesop hand soap and toiletries, and gourmet coffee and tea.

Mid-Range – Level Vancouver

Each room at Level Vancouver offers a full kitchen, private bathroom, and comfortable bed, almost like having a mini apartment in the city.

Large floor-to-ceiling windows let in a tremendous amount of light making the units feel airy and light.

The rooftop patio and pool are tough to beat and include a BBQ for guest use.

Squeeze in a workout at the gym with its modern equipment and machines before you head out to explore Vancouver.

Budget – Samesun Vancouver

This budget option brings you slightly out of Yaletown but within a five-minute walking distance to all the Yaletown perks and the excitement of Vancouver’s famous Granville Street.

Samesun Vancouver is a hostel with both shared and private rooms.

Each room is comfortable, bright, and elevated, with wood and colorful decor.

The bright industrial-style kitchen is perfect for cooking meals or socializing with other guests.

The hostel also has a lounge and dining room where breakfast is served daily.

They also organize fun trips to some picturesque locations around Vancouver.

It’s the perfect place to socialize and meet some new friends.

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Gastown

Gastown is another historic district with a similar but more touristy vibe.

The historic Gastown steam clock draws everyone in on the quarter hour to hear the whistle.

The cobblestone streets are lined with high-end furniture and clothing stores.

Some souvenir shops selling cutesy Canadian merchandise can be found in Gastown.

The neighbourhood is littered with bars, popular restaurants, and pubs, making it great for a casual dinner or a night on the town!

Walking through Gastown feels like a relic of the olden days dressed up for the modern era!

It’s the perfect neighbourhood to stay in Vancouver or visit for an evening.

Where To Stay In Gastown

Luxury – Delta Hotels by Mariott

Treat yourself to an upscale stay in one of Vancouver’s hottest neighbourhoods.

Delta by Mariott offers some of the most comfortable beds in the city.

The contemporary rooms feature interesting pops of colour and decor inspired by the nature surrounding Vancouver.

Guests can enjoy their suites’ flat-screen tv, mini fridge, and panoramic city views.

English Bay, Coal Harbour, and Gastown are all within a five-minute drive from the hotel.

Mid-Range – Skwachàys Lodge Indigenous Hotel and Gallery

For a mid-range stay, this stunning hotel offers a unique feature that you won’t see in many other hotels across Canada.

Each room features unique pieces of indigenous art and is decorated with beautiful colours and furniture that pays respect to nature.

A stay in this unique boutique hotel is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience.

Downstairs is an art gallery and gift shop for guests to look through before heading out to check out Gastown.

Their staff is friendly and ready to answer any questions you may have during your stay.

Learn more about indigenous culture by immersing yourself in this gorgeous hotel.

Budget – The Cambie Hostel

The Cambie Hostel is an excellent stay if you want to stay in Gastown on a budget.

This friendly and social hostel offers clean private, shared rooms with plenty of social space.

The hostel theme remains true to Gastown’s industrial past and features wood and metal decor throughout.

Guests can hang out and socialize in the common areas over a game of foosball or in the kitchen before enjoying all Gastown offers.

The downstairs bar is always a hit on the weekends!

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Coal Harbour

Coal Harbour is a modern and trendy neighbourhood that branches off the Financial District, where most hotels have stunning views of North Vancouver.

This neighbourhood is one of the closest to Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge, a stunning Vancouver landmark.

Coal Harbour is home to busy conference centres that host a myriad of events throughout the year.

It’s a busy neighbourhood during the 9-5 but quiets down in the evening.

Robson Street is close to some of Vancouver’s most delicious Asian-inspired cuisine and many popular name-brand stores.

A luxury stay in Coal Harbour is definitely a well-deserved treat!

Where To Stay In Coal Harbour

Luxury – Fairmont Pacific Rim

If you’re going for a luxury stay in Coal Harbour, go all the way and stay at The Fairmont Pacific Rim on  Vancouver harbour.

It offers picturesque views of the harbour, North Vancouver, and the North Mountains and stunning city views from the other side.

The rooms are simple and modern, with luxurious toiletries, bath robes, and towels for guest use.

Some of their beautiful suites offer a tub with a view of the harbour, the perfect place to relax after a long day in Vancouver.

Their rooftop pool and hot tub are great places to relax, socialize with other guests, or grab a bite to eat at their food truck stalls.

The hotel also features an upscale cocktail bar, an onsite spa, and a unique TASCHEN library filled with beautiful books.

Mid-Range – Pan Pacific Vancouver

A mid-range stay in one of Vancouver’s most expensive neighbourhoods will still cost a pretty penny, but it is entirely worth it.

Vancouvers Pan Pacific Hotel offers stunning views of the harbour and luxurious rooms that feel like sleeping in a cloud.

The rooms have a classic, clean, modern style that compliments the view from the large windows.

This hotel has a rooftop pool and hot tub for relaxing, a gym, a conference room, and an extraordinary onsite restaurant with elevated cocktails and dinner menu items.

Budget – Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

Although Coal Harbour isn’t known for it’s budget options, you can get a deal at the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront.

Their modern and clean rooms offer the same great view as the luxury and mid-range option but for a fraction of the price.

The comfortable beds with a view of the North Mountains are a treat at the end of the day.

The hotel has many amenities, like a gym, an indoor pool, and an onsite restaurant.

They offer guests free use of their bicycles, which is perfect for a bike around Stanley Park, one of the most popular activities in Vancouver.

For more attractions in Vancouver and on Vancouver Island read:

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West End

The West End is a neighbourhood that makes up the west end of Downtown and is bordered by Davie Village to the south and Coal Harbour to the north.

It mainly comprises small single-family homes and some low-mid-rise apartment buildings.

The tree-lined streets and heritage homes make for a beautiful walking tour in the evening.

Although the bars and restaurants are a little bit of a walk away, the neighbourhood has plenty to offer, being relatively close to English Bay and Vancouver’s main attraction, Stanley Park.

The West End is perfect for a quiet romantic getaway or a more peaceful stay in Vancouver.

Where To Stay In West End

Luxury – Blue Horizon Hotel

The Blue Horizon Hotel is a lovely property in the West End with modern and comfortable rooms, each with a unique view of Vancouver.

Enjoy a nice coffee or tea on your own balcony overlooking Vancouver.

The hotel is close to all the nightlife and tasty restaurants along Robson Street, making it a prime location for foodies!

The hotel’s friendly staff are available 24 hours to help with anything you need or offer recommendations for the city.

After an evening out, enjoy the indoor pool, hot tub, or gym for a peaceful evening.

The Blue Horizon Hotel is highly rated, making it one of the top hotels in the area!

Mid-Range – Barclay House

Looking for a relaxing vacation in Vancouver? A smaller bed and breakfast might be up your alley.

Barclay House is a stunning restored heritage home turned B&B.

Originally built in 1904, it has been outfitted for modern times with comfortable, classy furniture and modern style.

Wifi is abundant throughout the property, and plenty of street parking is available nearby.

If you enjoy all the comforts of home abroad, Barclay House is the perfect home base for exploring Vancouver.

Located in the heart of the West End, close to English Bay, Stanley Park, Robson Street, and Coal Harbour, it’s one of the quietest centrally located hotels.

Budget – English Bay Hotel

Budget accommodations can be harder to find in the West End, but the English Bay Hotel is a great value stay in the area.

The hotel is very close to English Bay and has many shops and restaurants surrounding it.

Although it’s not as quiet as other West End stays, it’s a lovely little hotel.

The rooms are clean and modest, with all the comforts you would expect from a nice hotel.

The rooms have a dining area, tv, and free wifi throughout the property.

The hotel doesn’t have any amenities like a pool or gym, but it makes up for it by being steps away from one of Vancouver’s most popular beaches!

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Cambie and South Main

Cambie and South Mainis a vibrant and trendy neighbourhood just outside of Downtown.

This neighbourhood attracts young artistic folk and is home to some of the city’s best vintage and second-hand stores.

It’s easy to lose an afternoon perusing the shops along Main Street or sampling the worldly cuisine.

Cambie offers big box stores, luxurious coffee shops, and a more modern vibe.

The neighbourhood stays friendly and lively at night, with many bars, clubs, and theatres opening their doors.

This neighbourhood has less of a party vibe than Downtown but makes a great place for a night out if you want to get off the beaten path.

The young and hip crowds of South Main create a distinct atmosphere in the neighbourhood, making it one of Vancouver’s most sought-after neighbourhoods for young people.

Where To Stay In Cambie/South Main

Luxury: Holiday Inn Vancouver Center

If you’re looking for a more upscale stay with fabulous hotel amenities, look no further than the Holiday Inn Vancouver Center.

It’s everything you would expect from a hotel, featuring contemporary rooms, comfortable beds, and great amenities like an indoor pool and gym.

The hotel is located a little far from the main street of this neighbourhood, but it’s still only a 5-minute drive from the happening restaurants and bars.

Public transit is also very easily accessible from the hotel.

You’ll feel more than comfortable staying in the Cambie/South Main neighbourhood.

Mid-Range: Douglas Guesthouse

Douglas Guesthouse is a quieter stay that’s still close to all the action.

Tucked away in a nearby residential neighbourhood you’ll find this bright and colourful home featuring 12 rooms available for rent.

The bright and airy decor will make you feel right at home, and it’s a great home base for exploring Cambie and South Main.

You can enjoy a delicious complimentary breakfast before heading out to explore this very walkable neighbourhood.

This bed and breakfast is a wonderful mid-range option that feels like a home away from home.

Budget: Windsor Guest House

Budget stays are a bit far, a few in between in this happening neighbourhood, but the Windsor guest house is an excellent option for those looking to save.

This cozy Victorian home is warm and inviting.

It features 9 rooms for rent, each decorated with an elegant and classic design.

The stained glass windows in the hallway are a work of art!
A tasty breakfast is included in your stay, and there’s ample street parking nearby.

The Windsor Guest House is on a quiet street for a peaceful night’s sleep, yet close to all the action on Cambie and South Main.

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Kitsilano

Kitsilano is a beautiful neighbourhood in the west of Vancouver close to the University of British Columbia.

The neighbourhood is popular with middle and upper-class families and is home to many picturesque parks.

It’s also very close to Kitsilano Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Vancouver.

Spanish Banks and Jericho beaches are also nearby if you want to avoid the crowds.

This neighbourhood has a few delicious restaurants and bars on Main Street.

Still, it is far quieter than Downtown or Central Vancouver.

The casual and laid-back beach vibe definitely bleeds into the culture of Kitsilano.

It’s the perfect neighbourhood to get away if you’re familiar with Vancouver or want to escape the busy downtown atmosphere.

Where To Stay In Kitsilano

Luxury – Bayview House

Kitsilano being a very sought-after neighborhood, can make finding accommodations a bit of a challenge.

If you’re looking for a luxury stay in the Kitsilano neighbourhood, Bayview House Bed and Breakfast is a lovely option.

You’ll find this modern home waiting for you just slightly outside of the Kitsilano neighborhood.

The comfortable beds and shared living spaces are great places to relax in the morning after breakfast.

This B&B is a 10-minute drive to Kitsilano Beach and a 5-minute drive to Jericho Beach.

There are plenty of shops and stores on Main Street nearby, but you can quickly drive 8 minutes to 4th Avenue in Kitsilano to enjoy the culinary delights and stores it has to offer.

Mid-Range – Vancouver Traveller Bed & Breakfast

The Vancouver Traveller Bed & Breakfast is slightly outside the Kitsilano area but still a quick 8-minute drive to Kitsilano Beach and the intriguing shops on West 4th Avenue.

This lovely B&B has everything you need for a comfortable stay in Kitsilano.

The rooms are clean and spacious, with modern amenities in the washrooms and kitchen.

A complimentary breakfast awaits you in the morning before you head out to stroll down 4th or hit the beach!

Budget – HI Vancouver Jericho Beach

HI Vancouver is a reliable and safe hostel in the Jericho Beach neighbourhood right beside Kitsilano.

It’s the perfect place for travelers on a budget who want to stay close to this trendy neighbourhood.

The hostel is just an 8-minute drive to Kitsilano and West 4th Avenue in a primarily quiet residential neighbourhood.

This is the perfect stay if you’re looking for a hostel atmosphere but with some peace and quiet.

They offer private and shared rooms with a shared bathroom and a bright and airy common kitchen for cooking.

The dining hall is decorated with stunning indigenous art.

It makes a great conversation starter if you want to meet fellow travelers!