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Planning a trip to Vancouver? Welcome, I’m your trip-planning gal! This stunning city located between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains has tons of places to stay, and I’ve got you covered with all the best areas AND hotels!
Yaletown is the best area to stay in Vancouver! This is where all the fun attractions are located, so you’ll always be in the center of the action here! Plus, you’ll find all the popular hotel chain names and stores around.
However, I’ve got you covered with 6 more areas that I nicely sorted by interest so you can find the best place to stay according to your travel preferences!
Also, I compared and cherry-picked the best hotels for every area, so all you have to do is book your favorite and start packing!
Beware that Vancouver is a pretty expensive city, so budget options here will have a higher price on average than other places in Canada or the U.S.
By the way, make sure you book as soon as you can. Vancouver is quite a touristy place, and good rooms can sell out fast!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
These are the best hotels in Vancouver that are up for grabs:
- Best luxury hotel: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
- Best mid-range hotel: The Burrard
- Best budget hotel: YWCA Hotel Vancouver
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Downtown Core – where to stay in Vancouver for the first time
- 2. West End – best neighborhood to stay in Vancouver on a budget
- 3. Gastown & Chinatown – nicest neighborhood in Vancouver for foodies
- 4. Yaletown – nicest part of Vancouver with an urban vibe
- 5. Coal Harbour / Waterfront – where to stay in Vancouver pre-cruise
- 6. Kitsilano – where to stay in Vancouver like a local
- 7. Mount Pleasant & Main Street – top area for a cool vibe
- Other areas where to stay in Vancouver
- BONUS 1: Best apartments in Vancouver
- BONUS 2: Best hotels near Vancouver International Airport
- BONUS 3: Where to stay in Vancouver with a car
- FAQs about where to stay in Vancouver
- Conclusion
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Which area should you choose?
Even though the city has many attractive areas, not all are relevant for travelers.
Vancouver’s Downtown peninsula is the best recommendation for tourists, along with Main Street and Mount Pleasant.
The good news is that Vancouver has an excellent public transport system (notably the fast Skytrain that passes through all major neighborhoods in the Downtown area), and it’s also pretty walkable and bike-friendly. This is why you shouldn’t have problems getting around wherever you’re based!
Now, here is a Vancouver neighborhood map so you can easily visualize the best places to stay for your upcoming Vancouver trip:
- DOWNTOWN: for first timers
- WEST END: on a budget
- GASTOWN & CHINATOWN: for foodies
- YALETOWN: an urban area
- COAL HARBOUR / WATERFRONT: before a cruise
- KITSILANO: stay like a local
- MT. PLEASANT & MAIN ST: a cool vibe
How is Downtown Vancouver organized?
Before we dive into neighborhood recommendations, it is important you understand how things are organized in Vancouver.
For instance, the Downtown area is located on a peninsula, but it’s not huge, and it’s limited by Stanley Park on the West, False Creek on the South, Burrard Inlet on the North, and Downtown Eastside on the East.
Even though it’s not that big, Downtown is divided into smaller sub-neighborhoods that offer different vibes and advantages.
These are the Downtown neighborhoods:
1. Downtown Core – where to stay in Vancouver for the first time
Staying in Downtown Vancouver is super convenient! I recommend it to everyone, notably first-time visitors! Regardless of where you stay, you’ll be able to walk everywhere and have many transport options available.
The thing about Downtown Vancouver is that it’s mostly a very finance and business-oriented district, and very few people actually live there. So, staying here will give you a glimpse into Vancouver’s daily business life and atmosphere. Especially on Robson, Burrard, and Granville Street!
Plenty of live music venues are available on Granville Street, like Vogue Theater and Commodore Ballroom (they’re next to each other).
You’ll find numerous attractions, shops, and art galleries here. I recommend the Vancouver Art Gallery (tickets available here), the Orpheum Theater, and Robson Square for breathing in some fresh air and enjoying landscape architecture.
The vicinity of everything and easy access to public transportation also make this one of the best areas to stay in Vancouver for families.
And when you want to catch a break or grab a coffee, Cafe Medina is a local-favorite brunch place. By the way, everyone raves about their paella!
Luxury (US$240 and up)
- Fairmont Hotel Vancouver – Enjoy a 5-star treatment just 5 minutes from the Skytrain station and near all major Downtown Core attractions. You can use their outdoor pool and gym or chill in the on-site bar and restaurant. The rooms are very elegant and modern.
- Wedgewood Hotel & Spa – Feel like royalty in this 5-star hotel with the most charming lobby and rooms. They have a full-service spa, sauna, and gym and can even provide a personal fitness trainer! Select rooms have private balconies, while all have the most comfortable bedding!
- The Sutton Place Hotel – Another 5-star hotel in Vancouver’s Downtown core with the most lovely rooms and all the luxury facilities like an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a spa. This is the place to enjoy massage treatments and body wraps!
Mid-range (US$130 – US$240)
- The Burrard – The Burrard is a 3-star hotel with an on-site coffee shop, a business center (with free faxing and printing), and modern rooms with all the basic amenities. You can rent a Brodie cruiser bike here to explore the surroundings for free!
- Century Plaza Hotel – This all-suite Downtown Vancouver hotel has 2 on-site restaurants, a swimming pool, and small kitchenettes in rooms. They serve great breakfast and even have a hair salon on the premises!
Budget (up to US$130)
- YWCA Hotel Vancouver – No budget hotels in Downtown Vancouver meet my high-rating standards except for this one. YWCA is a 3-star hotel with simple rooms, a fitness center, and free cancellation up to 2 days before arrival!
- Amazing View Apartment – This affordable apartment is an excellent alternative to hotel stays. It has a kitchen, a hot tub, and a great location in the heart of the city!
2. West End – best neighborhood to stay in Vancouver on a budget
West End is located to the West of Downtown and is bordered by Stanley Park, the furthermost part of the Downtown Peninsula. It’s one of Vancouver’s coolest neighborhoods!
If you want to be in Downtown Vancouver but spend less on accommodation on average and still get an authentic glimpse of how the locals live, then you should base yourself in the West End!
The central attraction here is notably Stanley Park. You can go for a picnic, play tennis, explore the Totem poles (map), visit the Aquarium, or join a local walking tour to better get to know this 405-hectare green oasis!
Stanley Park is actually bigger than Central Park in New York! The best way to explore it is on a bike. You can rent one using the Mobi bike share program.
The West End is also a good place to enjoy cool beaches (Second Beach or English Bay Beach are just two examples) and soak up some sun during your stay in Vancouver.
While you’re in the West End, enjoy shopping on Denman Street (or just relax, sip some coffee, and people-watch) or stroll near the bay.
You’ll find plenty of LGBT-friendly places here as this area has a strong LGBT community that’s been thriving here for decades. The central LGBT scene is in Davie Village (area around Davie Street). Here, you’ll find bookstores, clubs, bars, and boutiques all catered to this community!
And if you run out of things to do, you can always catch a show at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
This area is more low-key and has more affordable accommodation options (on average, per category), so if you’re planning to save money, consider staying here.
Do note that this doesn’t mean plenty of budget hostels or hotels here. It’s just that you’ll spend less for a luxury option here than if you were staying in, say, Downtown proper.
Luxury (US$240 and up)
- West End Guest House – Be spoiled in this luxurious bed and breakfast, as this is one of the best places to stay in Vancouver! Having your base here means you won’t be far away from Stanley Park and other exciting sights!
- The Listel Hotel – If you are looking for a cool 4-star place to stay in the heart of the area, this one’s for you! It’s close to all the famous spots in the city, like Stanley Park, and offers very good service and exceptional breakfast!
- Carmana Hotel & Suites – A 4-star hotel just 5 minutes from Robson Street, featuring a full kitchen and a fitness center. The cruise terminal is also close by, making this a great hotel to stay pre-cruise!
Mid-range (US$120 – US$240)
- O Canada House B&B – This 3-star hotel has a central location, offers snacks at all times, and serves a superb breakfast. The Coal Harbor Marina is just a 5-minute drive, while the Vancouver Art Gallery and Stanley Park are within walking distance. The rooms are spacious and clean, too!
- Times Square Suites – This one’s another excellent choice for enjoying a comfortable stay in beautiful rooms. This is an aparthotel; staying here means you’ll have your own private suite with a private bathroom, a kitchen, and a balcony with a city view!
- Rosellen Suites at Stanley Park – The closest you can get to Stanley Park! This 3-star all-suite house is ideal for families traveling with pets, but it is also for couples! You can use their laundry facilities, too, making this a great option for extended stays.
Budget (up to US$120)
- HI Vancouver Downtown – If you’re on a very tight budget and looking for the best places to stay, search no more; this fantastic hostel is for you! Free coffee, free Wi-Fi, and clean rooms – these are just some of the advantages of staying here!
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
3. Gastown & Chinatown – nicest neighborhood in Vancouver for foodies
Even though Gastown and Chinatown are two different Vancouver neighborhoods, I combined them into a single recommendation as they’re small and near each other. Also, they are both attractive to the same traveler type – the foodie one!
Gastown is located east of the Waterfront district and it is a charming historic district of the city. Chinatown is just south of Gastown. They’re both just a 15-minute walk from Downtown’s Robson Square, so you’ll be near all the attractions.
Chinatown in Vancouver is the biggest Chinatown in Canada. Together with Gastown, it’s considered one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city.
Gastown and Chinatown are some of the city’s best spots for trying various cuisines and exploring amazing restaurants and wine bars lining the area’s cobblestone streets.
A visit to The Old Spaghetti Factory Italian restaurant is a MUST! Everything from interior to service to food (mamma mia!) is impeccable! Also, the night market in Chinatown is super fun!
For an ultimate shopping experience, head over to the International Village Shopping Center in Chinatown or stroll past the Water Street shops. You can also spend your time in the numerous Vancouver art galleries or boutique shops in Gastown.
Some other cool spots in these two neighborhoods include Vancouver Lookout (get your tickets here!), Victory Square and the well-known Gastown Vancouver Steam Clock. This clock dates from 1975, operates on steam, and whistles to tell time!
Just a short walk away, you’ll find Japantown or Railtown, a rapidly developing industrial area east of Gastown that is especially interesting to artists. This is also where the Vancouver Police Museum is located!
SAFETY NOTE: Avoid walking along the East Hastings Street that separates Chinatown and Gastown and extends further towards Downtown Eastside. It’s full of homeless people and certainly not a pleasant sight for those not used to it.
FUN FACT: Vancouver used to be called Gastown originally! Gassy was the nickname of a person who first moved to the settlement to open a small business. He was so talkative that the whole area got its name after him!
Luxury (US$240 and up)
- Delta Hotels by Mariott Vancouver – Enjoy luxurious suites in Gastown in this 4-star hotel. The windows are floor to ceiling, there’s a fitness center, a bar, and private parking. I love the views from the suites – Vancouver Downtown at a glance!
- Water View Condo – This fabulous condo for 6 people has the best views of Downtown, its private pool, 2 bedrooms, and a fitness center. Whether you’re attending a concert at Rogers Arena or want to walk to Chinatown, this place has a great location.
Mid-range (US$150 – US$240)
- Skwachàys Lodge – Here’s a great mid-range place to stay if you want to be close to the Steam Clock, Rogers Arena, and Vancouver Playhouse! One of the coolest things about this place is its on-site gift shop and an art gallery.
P.S. For other mid-range options, check out the Waterfront or Downtown section, as they are within easy walking distance of Gaston!
Budget (up to US$150)
NOTE: A few affordable hotels (+2 hostels – Cambie and Seymour) were available in this area, but their rating was way below my standards! I can only recommend you one 3-star hotel that I know you won’t regret:
- Victorian Hotel – This historic hotel has a name that doesn’t lie – it’s located in a historical Victorian house! Victorian Hotel offers simple but clean rooms, a great continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and everything else in between!
4. Yaletown – nicest part of Vancouver with an urban vibe
Yaletown is one of the trendiest areas in Vancouver and a great waterfront neighborhood if you’re interested in upscale accommodations, chic cafes, funky shops, and everything in between!
This district sits on the south shore of False Creek (while West End is to its North), and it’s super close to Granville Island.
There are plenty of green spaces around, with David Lam Park (map) and George Wainborn Park (map) being just two examples, tons of great restaurants serving international cuisine (including a lot of seafood!), and public transportation options such as the Skytrain station (4 stations connect there!), located just a short walk away.
The essential highlights of this neighborhood include the Terry Fox Statue (a tribute to a popular athlete who lost his leg due to cancer), Vancouver Flea Market, BC Place Stadium, and Science World (TELUS World of Science).
You’ll also be very close to Granville Island (located on a sandbar beneath the Granville Street Bridge)! The area even has its own ferry port at the end of Davie Street!
Did you know that Vancouver is nicknamed Raincouver due to its rainy climate? Yup, the city, on average, sees rain 169 days a year! So make sure to bring that umbrella!
NOTE: If you’re traveling on a budget, better skip this area, as it’s more expensive than others.
And you think this is the place for you, here are the top-ranking hotels in Yaletown, Vancouver, to choose from:
Luxury (US$250 and up)
- Hotel BLU – This is one of the best upscale Vancouver hotels! The superb boutique hotel awaits with an incredible location close to David Lam Park, superb rooms, a swimming pool, a very good gym, and plenty of other excellent new facilities!
- Opus Hotel – Here’s another excellent choice if you want to be within walking distance of Granville Island, Robson Street, the Entertainment District, and the North Shore. It’s one of the top properties in the city, and it has a fabulous on-site restaurant and bar!
Mid-range (US$150 – US$250)
- Georgian Court Hotel – An excellent value for money in this 4-star boutique hotel with a fitness center, a hot tub, and a sauna! They have private parking, an on-site restaurant, and 37-inch flat TVs in rooms! The rooms are spacious and family-friendly, too.
- Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel – One of my favorite Vancouver hotels with lovely rooms, an indoor pool, non-smoking rooms, and an on-site restaurant. This hotel also has private parking, which is perfect for driving here!
- Hampton Inn & Suites – This 3-star hotel comes with excellent commodities like a gym, free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and laundry service. The interior is super nice, the rooms look cozy, and everyone seems to love the location! (just next to BC Place!)
Budget (up to US$150)
- YWCA Hotel Vancouver – If you’re traveling on a tight budget but still want to be in the heart of the neighborhood, not far away from Granville Island and Granville Street, I recommend this affordable hotel! It has clean and comfy rooms and some unbeatable prices.
5. Coal Harbour / Waterfront – where to stay in Vancouver pre-cruise
Coal Harbour (also simply called the “Vancouver Waterfront”) is my recommendation for where to stay in Vancouver before or after a cruise! It’s just next to the cruise terminal, with Downtown being a few minutes south!
Whether you’re headed on a cruise to Canada’s West Coast or to Alaska, if your starting point is from Canada Place Terminal, you may want to stay in the Waterfront district! Top-class hotels are located here, as well, and many of them cater to cruise travelers specifically.
During the day, this area located right near the West End is chill and laid-back (it is very close to the financial district of Vancouver). But during the night, the numerous bars, pubs, and clubs come to life, and they create the perfect atmosphere for those who want to enjoy a full night of fun and dancing until the morning!
Take a free shuttle bus from Canada Place to Grouse Mountain to enjoy its wild nature and attractions! Find more details here.
If you’re in for some fresh seafood, Cardero’s Restaurant is the perfect choice!
Some of the highlights of this area include the Vancouver Convention Center, the Marine Building (skyscraper), Harbour Green Park, and the Seawell Water Walk (a beautiful walking trail by the water from which you can see Deadman’s Island).
Deadman’s Island has a spooky history, as it used to be a “pest house” during the 1890 plague that struck the city. If you want to hear more about its shivering history, this tour is a must!
The area is well connected to the rest of the city (other than Downtown) since the Skytrain station is here!
FUN FACT: When people inside the city talk about Vancouver Island, they don’t mean the city itself but a giant island nearby. You can take a ferry and be there in less than 90 minutes!
Now, here are the top hotels in Coal Harbour that you can choose from:
Luxury (US$250 and up)
- Loden Vancouver – This is easily one of the best Vancouver hotels! It’s located within walking distance of all the essential attractions in the center, like the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Vancouver Aquarium. It also features some superb rooms for all those of you looking for a high-end level while visiting Vancouver!
- Fairmont Pacific Rim – Here’s another luxurious place for your stay in Vancouver! This 5-star hotel has beautiful rooms and easy access to all the essential landmarks, and a ferry to North Vancouver is within walking distance.
- Pan Pacific Vancouver – Are you a cruise traveler? This 5-star hotel is located right on the ship terminal, has special rates for cruise travelers, and offers free luggage transfer to your stateroom – all you need to do is just go downstairs from your room to your cruise room, how cool is that?
Mid-range (US$140 – US$250)
- Auberge Vancouver Hotel – Make sure you book a room here if you want to be close to all the cool spots in the center of the city, including Canada Place and the Lookout. This one also has a lovely outdoor terrace, where you can relax and unwind!
- EXchange Hotel – Just 200 m from the Vancouver Center Mall, this 4-star hotel offers all the amenities you need for a pleasant stay, including excellent breakfast, room service, and a gym.
Budget (up to US$140)
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any good cheap hotels in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour. If you’re visiting Vancouver on a tight budget, I recommend checking out the budget section from my other area recommendations – for example, Yaletown.
6. Kitsilano – where to stay in Vancouver like a local
Want to enjoy a small beach community but stay away from Downtown Vancouver? Then the Kitsilano suburban district (or “Kits” as locals call it) is a perfect neighborhood for you!
Kitsilano is not as touristy, but it definitely is lively and has its fair share of good places to eat and things to do. It may lack high-rise buildings and that concrete jungle vibe of the Downtown, but you’ll find plenty of restaurants and shops along West 4th Ave and West Broadway Streets, as these are the heart and soul of the area.
The Vancouver Maritime Museum (ticket pass available here) and the Museum of Vancouver are also located in the area!
Kitsilano is home to Canada’s longest swimming pool! Located right by Kitsilano Beach, it’s 137.5 meters long!
By the way, the views from Kitsilano Beach are beautiful, and you’ll still be a short ride from Downtown Vancouver for more active sightseeing. On the beach, you can play soccer, basketball, or tennis or grab lunch in the beautiful Boathouse Restaurant.
Just next to Jericho Beach to the West of Kitsilano, you’ll find the oldest building in Vancouver, dating from 1857! It’s called the Old Hastings Mill Store and is now a local museum.
Note that this area is highly residential, so no hotels are available here. You can choose from a few beautiful apartments and feel like a local in Vancouver!
Luxury (US$230 and up)
- Historic Townhouse in Kitsilano – How about a luxury stay in Kitsilano’s Historic Townhouse? Enjoy great city views, get an entire home for yourself, and enjoy super-fast Wi-Fi suitable for remote work! The home is beautifully decorated around Christmas in case you’re visiting at this time!
- Rare Find in Kitsilano – A fabulous apartment with a balcony, 2 bedrooms, and a lovely white interior. Chill on the balcony and breathe fresh air before exploring Downtown sights! Easy access to the beach, ocean, and shopping, too.
Mid-range (US$130 – US$220)
- Beach Penthouse – Stay by the Kitsilano Beach (an 8-minute walk) in this 1200-square-foot home with 2 bedrooms, ideal for couples or business travelers. The place has an old charm with its wooden beams, a huge deck, and tranquil surroundings.
- 3BR Home for 6 – Get an entire home with 3 bedrooms and a beautiful garden all for yourself! They have a 24-hour front desk and free parking, too! You’ll be an easy 20-minute walk away from the beach and the restaurants, and the route to them is pretty walkable!
Budget (up to US$130)
- Private Hot Tub Penthouse – A cozy home for up to 6 guests with 2 bedrooms, only 3 minutes from Kitsilano Beach on a car. You’ll have 2 balconies at your disposal, as well as a hot tub and a sun deck. Every detail here is beautiful, including the floor-to-ceiling windows and a lush walkway.
7. Mount Pleasant & Main Street – top area for a cool vibe
Mount Pleasant is part of Vancouver’s East Side, and it’s simply great for youngsters and hipsters looking to have fun and enjoy the best sights outside of Downtown Vancouver!
Main Street is the primary road in Mount Pleasant. It offers easy Vancouver airport access – it is closer to Downtown Vancouver.
There are also tons of awesome restaurants, cute coffee shops, and even art galleries, so you can never get bored! The area is home to numerous small businesses in town, too.
This is also considered one of the safest places to stay in Vancouver.
If you’re concerned that it will take too long to get to the City Center – don’t be! Many public transportation options will take you Downtown Vancouver, such as buses (in around 25 minutes).
If you feel this is the right place for you, here are the top safe places to stay in Vancouver, BC I can recommend. Note that there are no luxury options since this area is mostly residential.
Mid-range (US$120 – US$200)
- Windsor Guest House – This fantastic 4-star bed and breakfast awaits with a vegetarian breakfast, free Wi-Fi, clean rooms, and more.
- Cambie Lodge – This awesome budget-friendly hotel has excellent prices and beautiful rooms. You can also reach the center in 20 minutes by public transportation, which is a great advantage!
Budget (up to US$120)
- Sun House – This cozy homestay with beautiful furniture is the perfect option to save money on your stay! The bus stop is only 5 minutes away from the house, so you will be well connected to the rest of the city.
- Mike’s Luxury House – Here’s another excellent candidate if you’re looking for classic bright rooms with a quiet location close to the Vancouver Skytrain station that will help you get around the city and the Vancouver airport!
Other areas where to stay in Vancouver
Vancouver is a large city that caters to different types of travelers.
If you want even more ideas, I’ve got you covered with these interesting areas:
- Granville Entertainment District – Another sub district of Downtown Vancouver with lively nightlife, plenty of bars, restaurants, and TONS of neon lights! When you walk around Granville Street, you’ll have the impression you’re in Shanghai! A great place for partygoers, dancers, and those young at heart!
Rosewood Hotel Georgia ($$$), Best Western Premier ($$), St. Regis Hotel ($$) - North Vancouver – A great place to enjoy nature with plenty of hiking and skiing trails and waterfront in what used to be Vancouver’s industrial area. You can take the cable car to the Grouse Mountain for fabulous city views!
Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier ($$$), Holiday Inn & Suites ($$), Riverfront Bed and Breakfast ($). - Granville Island – A place to be for festivals, events, expositions, and all things fun! There’s only one hotel on the island, Grenville Island Hotel ($$), but plenty of hotels are available within walking distance in Yaletown (check that section above).
- University of British Columbia (UBC) – If you’re a student coming to UBC, you can stay right at the campus, which is kind of like its own town! You’ll find cafés, art galleries, museums, and nice walking trails.
West Coast Suites ($$), Gage Suites ($$) - Vancouver South – A nice, family-friendly area near the Vancouver airport, some 10 km from Downtown Vancouver. A bit further south, you’ll find the airport and very good hotels to stay in if you have an early or late flight.
Versante Hotel ($$$), Vancouver West Cozy Retreat ($$), Holiday Inn Express Airport ($$), Marpole Guest House ($) - Burnaby – If you’re coming on business or for shopping and want to stay in an urban area, Burnaby is 25 minutes away on a Skytrain ride from Downtown. The area has great shopping opportunities as this is where the Metrotown (the largest mall in the region) is located.
Hilton Vancouver Metrotown ($$$), Best Western Plus Burnaby ($$), Holiday Inn Express ($)
👑 Luxury price: | US$250 |
💵 Mid-range: | US$180 |
🛏️ Budget: | US$120 |
📍 Best area: | Downtown |
🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Fairmont Hotel Vancouver |
🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | The Burrard |
👛 Best budget hotel: | YWCA Hotel Vancouver |
BONUS 1: Best apartments in Vancouver
There are some travelers out there (read: me) who prefer a sense of comfort and coziness when traveling, compared to the ‘classic’ atmosphere found in hotels. For all those of you who feel like this, I can only recommend one thing: book an apartment instead of a hotel!
An apartment is a great choice if your goal is to save some money on accommodation, and it’s perfect for bigger groups that want to stick together during their vacation.
That being said, below, I have selected the best apartments in Vancouver for you, all grouped by price range for your convenience:
Luxury (US$180 and up)
- Level Vancouver Yaletown – Enjoy luxury and style in this fabulous apartment with a convenient location, a fully equipped kitchen, and the best city views! You can even enjoy the on-site outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center!
- Delta Hotel Downtown Suites – This hotel with urban suites is the perfect combination of hotel + apartment worlds! Have a studio all equipped for independent stay, but grab breakfast in the hotel when you feel lazy! There’s also a nice gym you can check out!
- Penthouses of Beach Ave – These apartments are just 300 m from Sunset Beach and have everything you need for a memorable upscale stay! Free parking, a gym, and a private beach area are only some of the perks of staying here!
Mid-range (US$100 – US$180)
- Gastown Downtown Apartment – A central place for 4 guests, including a swimming pool, garden, fully equipped kitchen, spa, and wellness center. The rooms have a big TV and hot tubs – perfect for relaxation on a rainy day!
- Vancouver South Apartment – This cozy and clean apartment is a perfect getaway from the concrete jungle vibes of Downtown.
Budget (up to US$120)
- Traveler Escape Downtown Apartment – A bright, colorful apartment with a full kitchen. The place is near a Skytrain station, sleeps 4, and is conveniently located near restaurants and bars of Chinatown, the area I recommend for foodies!
- Apartment with a View (Downtown) – This centrally-located apartment for 3 guests has the most stunning views and is equipped with all the basic amenities for a comfortable and affordable home-away-from-home stay.
- Modern Comfort at UBC – A cozy place for 3 guests at the University of British Columbia campus with free private parking. Enjoy a balcony and compact rooms, all of which were recently built.
BONUS 2: Best hotels near Vancouver International Airport
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located in Richmond, British Columbia, and it’s around 15 km from Downtown Vancouver. This means a 20-minute car ride away.
Staying close to the Vancouver airport is a great choice if you have a very early or late flight. You’ll get rid of some extra commute time and get more hours of sleep! I bet that sounds nice!
Below, you can find the 3 top hotels where to stay in Vancouver near the airport that you can choose from (one for each type of budget):
- Luxury: Fairmont Vancouver Airport In-Terminal Hotel – A fabulous 5-star property located right INSIDE the airport, so you cannot get closer than this! Enjoy mountain views, an indoor swimming pool, a spa, and spacious rooms!
- Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express – This hotel offers 3-star service and is just 4.2 km away from the Vancouver airport. A great bang for your buck with a free airport shuttle, cozy rooms, and a complimentary breakfast.
- Budget: Panda Pod Hotel – Most people stay here after their late arrival to Vancouver, so I totally recommend it for you, too! It’s a modern, affordable, and clean capsule hotel perfect for one-night stays!
BONUS 3: Where to stay in Vancouver with a car
One of the best things about renting a car is the freedom it gives you to travel to any place in and out of the city. But one thing not many people think about when hiring a car is where to park their cars.
Vancouver is a city that offers a superb transportation system and is a relatively good cycling city, but public car parking is not something you are able to find easily.
That’s why I added this section where you can find hotels with parking areas! This way, you can enjoy only the good side of having a car rental at your disposal!
None of the good-rated hotels in Downtown Vancouver have free parking, though, so you’ll have to pay for it additionally.
Here are 3 amazing hotels with private parking in Vancouver, one for each budget:
- Luxury: JW Marriott Parq – One of the best luxury hotels and an incredible option that offers 3 on-site daily parking options: $42 for self-parking, $47 for valet parking, and hourly parking on the street meter. They also have 33 electric car charging stations.
- Mid-range: Hotel BLU – An eco-friendly hotel that offers charging and free parking for electric vehicles and paid parking for normal cars at $30 per day plus taxes.
- Budget: YWCA Hotel – If you are looking for budget accommodation with private parking available, this is the option for you! This hotel offers secured parking on-site that costs $20 per day.
FAQs about where to stay in Vancouver
🍁 What is the best area to stay in Vancouver?
The best neighborhood to stay in Vancouver is Downtown, specifically Yaletown! This area has many activities and is full of restaurants and shops! I recommend staying at The Burrard.
🚶♀️ What is the best area to stay in Vancouver without a car?
The best area to stay in Vancouver without a car is Gastown & Chinatown since this neighborhood is super well connected through public transportation. Victorian Hotel and Rosewood Hotel Georgia are great hotel options close to the Skytrain station.
💑 What is the best place to stay in Vancouver for couples?
The best neighborhood to stay in Vancouver for couples is the Coal Harbour / Waterfront area, where you will find many restaurants and bars to enjoy an evening with your partner. I can suggest a stay at the Loden Vancouver!
💤 Where to stay in Vancouver for one night?
The best place to stay in Vancouver for one night is Main Street & Mount Pleasant or near the airport. Mike’s Luxury House is a great option on Main Street, and Holiday Inn Express is the perfect hotel near the Vancouver airport.
⛲ What is a nice part of Vancouver?
Downtown Peninsula, notably Stanley Park, are all super nice and offer plenty of sightseeing, shopping, and active vacation opportunities.
💸 Why is Vancouver so expensive to stay in?
Vancouver is the most expensive city to stay in Canada due to the real estate crisis. There is a large demand for new homes and buildings, but there’s also a limited supply. This makes hotels and other lodgings more expensive.
🚶 Is Vancouver a walkable city?
Vancouver is a very walkable city, especially Downtown. You can walk to most attractions, shops, and restaurants, and sidewalks are clearly marked everywhere. Vancouver is actually ranked as the No. 1 most-walkable city in Canada!
⚠️ What are some areas to avoid in Vancouver?
Overall, Vancouver is a safe city. However, some parts, like E Hasting Street in Downtown, have plenty of homeless people and you may want to avoid walking here alone at night. Also, be careful in Downtown Eastside and Chinatown at night.
🚘 Do you need a car in Vancouver?
It depends. If you stay in Downtown Vancouver, you don’t need a car as the area has a pretty good transportation system. But for staying outside of Downtown or for visiting nearby attractions, you’ll definitely want to rent a car.
Conclusion
Yay, you have reached the end of my complete guide on where to stay in Vancouver! I’m so excited you decided to visit this wonderful city at the foot of the North Shore Mountains!
In this post, I have discussed the 7 best neighborhoods in Vancouver, together with my hand-picked hotels for each of them.
I hope you found your dream stay thanks to one of my recommendations! But if you could still use more ideas, these are my favorite hotels in Vancouver:
- L’Hermitage Hotel – Private pool, spacious rooms, fabulous décor, and central location – could this hotel be any better?
- O Canada House B&B – I simply love all the amenities this B&B has, plus the great location near Burrard Street
Now, the important next step for you is to book your stay ASAP! Travelers flock to Vancouver from all over, and those rooms sell out fast!
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions; I’ll gladly help!
And if you need more travel inspiration for Canada, you can find all our posts about this awesome country here.
Happy travels,
Darija
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Arriving in Vancouver for one night before departing on The Canadian. Where should we stay? Arriving by air and will need to make our way to the train station the next day.
Hello Christine,
My suggestion is to stay in Yaletown as its the place for first timers, it has everything to offer from awesome accommodation to chic cafes along Skytrain station so commuting will be easy for you.
I am not sure about your budget so here are all the price ranges for hotels I can recommend – Opus (luxury), Hotel BLU (midrange) and Red Rose apt (budget)