10 coolest boutique hotels in Vancouver
From luxurious downtown suites to quirky crash pads to charming beachside B&Bs, Vancouver is home to an array of boutique hotels that offer a unique alternative to big-name chains. If you’re in town for visit (or planning a weekend staycation) and looking for something a little different, check out these 10 local hotels for a truly memorable stay. [Image courtesy of OPUS Hotel]
The Burrard
1100 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y7If you’re looking for motel-chic just steps away from Robson Street, this playfully retro hotel will definitely fit the bill. First opened in 1956 as the Burrard Motor Inn, the centrally located hotel has seen a series of upgrades in recent years but still retains its kitschy-cool vibe. Rooms are equipped with modern amenities – Nespresso machines, flat screen TVs, free Wi-Fi – and there are loaner bikes available for guests who want to explore the city on two wheels. In keeping with the motel feel, rooms face out onto an open-air courtyard with tropical palm trees and colourful loungers.
Loden Vancouver Hotel
1177 Melville St, Vancouver, BC V6E 0A3Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal stunning views of the North Shore Mountains at this contemporary Coal Harbour hotel. Each of the bespoke guest rooms is furnished with plush bedding, luxurious robes and contemporary spa-like bathrooms. Travel-weary visitors can book a session at the Loden’s on-site spa and enjoy the healing benefits of an infrared sauna designed to detoxify the body, alleviate sore muscles and boost the immune system. Finish your stay with a meal at Tableau; the hotel dining room is renowned for its French bistro fare and craft cocktail list.
L'Hermitage Hotel
788 Richards St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0C7Luxe living is done right at this high-end boutique hotel located at the corner of Richards and Robson. The 60-suite building features a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a heated salt-water lap pool. Guests can book a complimentary shuttle to take them anywhere within a 3km radius of the downtown core or opt to get around town with a rental bike. Be sure to grab a bite to eat at Medina next door; the popular brunch spot is a cult-favourite among Vancouver foodies and is known for its Mediterranean-inspired dishes and sweet waffles.
Victorian Hotel
Step back in time to Vancouver’s Victorian era at this boutique hotel housed in a converted heritage building on Homer Street. Originally built in 1898, the building features a stunning brick façade, high ceilings, restored original hardwood floors, and antique furnishings and drapes throughout. Despite its turn-of-the-century feel, each of the 47 guest rooms is kitted out with modern amenities for discerning hotel guests. Best of all, you’re just a few steps away from Gastown, a historic cobblestoned neighbourhood filled with some of the city’s best restaurants and coolest cocktail bars.
Opus Hotel
322 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5Z6This award-winning hotel in Vancouver’s trendy Yaletown neighbourhood fits right in with its swank surroundings. Stylish suites are well appointed with Malin & Goetz toiletries, in-room iPads and down-filled duvets, and the pet-friendly policy means you can bring along your pooch at no extra cost. High rollers can reserve the OPUS Signature Suite, a glamorous corner unit with a four-poster bed, heated bathroom floors, in-room fireplace and a wrap-around balcony. Downstairs, the OPUS bar is a hotspot for those hoping to see and be seen while sipping a martini or two.
Granville Island Hotel
1253 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9Enjoy island life in the heart of the city at this unique boutique hotel on Granville Island. The newly renovated waterfront hotel is ideally located for those looking to take in the sights (and delicious edibles) at the famed Granville Island Public Market and explore the island’s many charming independent shops and art galleries. Grab a seat on the patio at the hotel’s Dockside Restaurant to enjoy panoramic views of False Creek while dining on casual seafood plates and house-brewed craft beers.
The Waldorf Hotel
1489 Hastings St E, Vancouver, BC V5L 1S4Looking for something a little off the beaten track? The revamped Waldorf Hotel, a veritable hipster haven, is a casual, more affordable alternative to the pricier accommodations downtown. This quirky boutique hotel in East Van is just a few blocks from Commercial Drive where you’ll find an eclectic mix of indie coffee shops and boutiques. Drinking and dining options at the Waldorf range from Nonna’s (a casual pizzeria turning out some of the city’s best wood-fired pies) to a kitschy Polynesian-style Tiki Bar. Pick up craft beers at the on-site bottle shop to take the party back to your room.
The Cork Screw Inn
2735 2nd Avenue W, Vancouver, BC V6K 1K2Visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown in favour of a peaceful retreat will find sanctuary at The Corkscrew Inn. The charming bed and breakfast is tucked away on a quiet tree-lined street in Kitsilano, just two blocks from the ocean. First built in the early 20th century, the Craftsman-style home retains many of its original architectural details and beautifully restored stained glass windows. As if the picturesque surroundings weren’t enough, each night’s stay includes a gourmet breakfast with homemade jams, fresh-baked bread and local wild salmon smoked on-site in the backyard.
The Listel Hotel
1300 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1C5Part hotel, part gallery, this Robson Street spot offers visitors a chance to sleep in beautiful surroundings appointed with prints, paintings and sculptures from some of the country’s most celebrated artists. The Listel has partnered with Vancouver’s Buschlen Mowatt Fine Art Gallery and the UBC Museum of Anthropology to showcase a curated selection of contemporary artwork and First Nations archaeological objects that are displayed in suites and public spaces throughout the hotel. Not only a feast for the eyes, the artful hotel is also home to Forage, an award-winning eatery serving farm-to-table fare from day to night.
Moda Hotel
900 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3L9Old meets new at the historic Moda Hotel on Seymour Street. Here the 100-year-old mosaic tile floors and refurbished original crown mouldings are juxtaposed with modish red and black Italian-inspired décor touches that give the 67 guest rooms a sleek, urban feel. In keeping with the Italian theme, on-site restaurants Cibo Trattoria and Uva Wine Bar serve up rustic European fare – espresso and pastries by day; regional wines and made-from-scratch pasta dishes by night.
My Twitter
My Instagram
