Vancouver, British Columbia on Canada’s west coast is a wonderful city to visit, with or without a car. From the airport, you can hop on the Canada Line and get downtown in half an hour. First-time visitors will love how easy it is to access top attractions by public transport or on foot. Many hotels also offer complimentary bike or e-bike rentals.
When it comes to accommodation options, you’re spoiled for choice with hostels, Airbnb rentals and some of the best hotels. Here are a few of our favorite places to stay in Vancouver.
1. Versante Hotel
Spoil yourself with a stay at the new Versante Hotel. Located in Richmond, a quick 10-minute shuttle ride from the airport, this boutique hotel offers a blend of bold decor and luxury. With tinted floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping views of mountains and the city beyond, you might not want to leave your room. But when you’re ready to strike out and explore, it’s only a 5-minute walk to the Richmond Night Market and to nearby restaurants offering authentic Asian cuisine.
Why Versante is an amazing boutique hotel
- Complimentary airport transportation.
- Complimentary snacks and drinks in the mini bar.
- Complimentary bike rentals.
- Colorful and contemporary designs throughout the hotel (don’t miss the bathroom above the lobby).
- Tinted floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the city.
- Rainforest shower and heated bathroom floor.
- Dyson supersonic hairdryer, which is just cool.
- Heated rooftop pool and hot tub.
- Spacious suites up to 2,275 square feet.
- Absolutely delicious breakfast with house-made pastries at Bruno, an on-site restaurant.
- A 15-minute walk to the Canada Line.
2. Fairmont Vancouver Airport
Every trip I take to Vancouver includes a stay at Fairmont Vancouver Airport — whether it’s the day I arrive, the day before I depart, or both. A Vancouver getaway is so much more relaxing when you ease into it at this luxurious airport hotel. You can indulge in a relaxing bath, enjoy buttermilk pancakes in bed and try plane spotting from your soundproof room, all without leaving the airport terminal.
Why Fairmont Vancouver Airport is a must-stay
- Kid-size robes, and sometimes there is a wagon for a free toy at check-in.
- Nothing beats walking straight from Canadian customs to your comfy hotel bed.
- The plane-spotting guide by your hotel room window is fun for all ages.
- The most delicious breakfast buffet gets your day off to the best start (be sure to book a package that includes breakfast — you won’t regret it).
3. Hyatt Regency Vancouver
Hyatt Regency Vancouver is a great home base if you’re traveling with kids and need a little room to spread out. It’s a walkable downtown location near the waterfront, Canada Place and plenty of restaurants. My family loved that it’s next to a Tim Hortons and near endless restaurants, bakeries and the Seawall Water Walk at Harbour Green Park. We had a car, but left it parked in the underground hotel lot.
Why Hyatt Regency Vancouver is a great hotel
- Located in the downtown core, a short walk from the waterfront.
- Nearby bakeries and restaurants, and a 20-minute walk to Chinatown.
- Spacious rooms, which are excellent for families.
- Rooftop heated pool and hot tub.
- Pet friendly for dogs under 50 pounds.
- 2-minute walk to a Tim Hortons, which we chose over the hotel’s Starbucks.
4. OPUS Vancouver
This hip boutique hotel in Yaletown attracts young professionals with its lobby cocktail bar and free electric bike rentals. From the hotel, you can stroll to explore waterfront parks and dine on restaurant patios. OPUS Vancouver also has its own pizzeria dishing up wood-fired pizza.
What makes OPUS Hotel special
- Complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival.
- Complimentary luxury car service within Vancouver.
- Complimentary e-bike rental for up to 3 hours, with helmet and lock.
- Dogs are welcome.
- Twice daily housekeeping service.
- 22 minutes from the airport via Canada Line.
- Easy access to the False Creek waterfront.
- A 20-minute walk to Granville Island or to Sunset Beach.
- Business travelers can reach the business district and convention center in minutes.
5. Shangri-La Vancouver
Shangri-La Vancouver bills itself as an urban sanctuary nestled between the mountains and the sea. Located downtown, this hotel is in a walkable location near the waterfront. Look for seasonal specials, such as the Ice Cave Heli Adventure, where you can explore British Columbia’s ice caves with a private helicopter ride, five-course dining in an ice cave, a mixology lesson with 12,000-year-old Glacier ice and an ice-inspired afternoon tea.
Why stay in the Zen-like Shangri-La
- Located in the tallest building in downtown Vancouver.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows of the downtown area.
- Home of Chi, The Spa, where some packages include tea service.
- Walking distance to Stanley Pak and Granville Street.
- 17-minute walk to Vancouver’s West End to enjoy the clubs along Davie Street.
6. The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
An upscale experience at The Sutton Place Hotel includes access to an indoor heated swimming pool and the on-site Vida Spa. Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the 5-star hotel is within walking distance from Stanley Park, the Vancouver Seawall and the Yaletown neighborhood. Look for seasonal packages like the Grouse Mountain Adventure Package, to enjoy a day trip to the mountains.
Sutton Place Hotel perks
- Pet-friendly hotel.
- The hotel will plant 10 trees for you each day you opt out of housekeeping services. Some of the trees will be planted in Canadian areas affected by wildfire.
- Indoor pool, two steam rooms and an outdoor patio that is open in the summer.
- Vida Spa treatments include body wraps and Ayurveda treatments.
7. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Stay in a historic Canadian grand railway “castle” hotel, built in 1939. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is a luxury hotel located near the Vancouver Art Gallery, just a 3-minute walk from the City Centre SkyTrain station, for direct trips to the airport. Plenty of green space in Stanley Park is a little over a mile away.
Why stay in a luxurious landmark hotel
- Indoor heated pool.
- Pet-friendly with pet bowls, beds and treats.
- Afternoon tea at Notch8, the lobby restaurant.
- Close to Robson Street shops.
- A 13-minute walk to BC Place Stadium and Rogers Arena.
8. Fairmont Waterfront
Fairmont Waterfront is located by the Vancouver Harbour, steps from the cruise ship terminal and Waterfront SkyTrain Station. It’s one of the best areas to stay downtown, where you can watch the seaplanes take off and land in the water. Take a 10-minute walk to Gastown, where you can see the famous steam clock at Cambie and Water Street that whistles every 15 minutes. For live music, continue walking to Guilt & Co.
What to love about Fairmont Waterfront
- A five-minute walk to Vancouver Lookout.
- Health spa with a rooftop pool overlooking the North Shore Mountains.
- Tours with Indigenous Cultural Ambassadors available for an extra fee.
9. Fairmont Pacific Rim
So many Fairmont hotels, so little time. Stay at Fairmont Pacific Rim and you can walk to Coal Harbour and Harbour Green Park in five minutes.
- Welcomes cats and dogs to stay, but they are not allowed in bars and restaurants.
- Rent a bike for $15/hour or an e-bike for $25/hour to explore Stanley Park.
- Visit the Willow Stream Spa for BC-themed treatments and access to a jacuzzi, steam room, mineral bath, dry sauna, fitness center and indoor lounges.
- Babysitting services are available for an extra charge.
10. Westin Bayshore
Stay at this waterfront hotel to enjoy snow-capped North Shore mountains. The Westin Bayshore offers wellness activities from aromatic cedar saunas to the spa, and views of the water and mountains beyond.
Why stay by the bay
- Two dogs allowed per room at no extra charge.
- Complimentary Peloton bikes in the fitness studio.
- Complimentary two-hour bike rentals.
- Try yoga in the pool on floating aquamats.
- Indoor and outdoor pool.
- Three poolside cedar barrel saunas.
- Close to dining options on Denman Street.
- A 20-minute walk to the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park.
- An 18-minute walk to English Bay Beach.
Bonus: Vancouver Samesun Hostel
For a low-budget stay, try the Vancouver SameSun Hostel. Here you’ll be within walking distance of nightlife in the Granville Entertainment District. Choose from a dorm room, pod or private room.
Benefits of a hostel stay
- Reserve a spot in a shared room with a shared bathroom for less than $50/night.
- Get a craft beer at The Beaver Taphouse downstairs.
- A 20-minute walk to Granville Island, where you can try salmon on a stick.
Other Popular Hotels
- The Burrard: A mid-range 1956 motor inn with a laid-back vibe.
- L’Hermitage Hotel (Hermitage Hotel): Boutique 4-star hotel with recommended high tea.
- Rosewood Hotel Georgia: High-end hotel with a luxury spa featuring a heated saltwater pool.
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