Where to Stay When Visiting Vancouver (Updated 2024)

Published: 24/4/4 | April 4, 2024

Vancouver is my favorite city Canada. (This is also one of the my favorite city in the world. I like it. )

Spend a few days here and you’ll understand why it’s consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world.

Vancouver is Canada’s third largest city. As a traveler, you won’t be staying in a lot of places as you’ll want to be in a fairly central location, but Vancouver is still large enough that you can spend a lot of time commuting if you’re not careful.

To help you decide where to stay in Vancouver, I’ve created this detailed list. It includes a brief description of each area, why I love it, and my favorite accommodations in the neighborhood so you know exactly what to expect.

Here’s everything you need to know about accommodation in Vancouver:

Where to stay on your first visit to Vancouver: Yaletown

This upscale community just south of downtown is perfect for families, couples, and first-time visitors. There are six parks to visit when the weather is nice, and you’re right on the water, which means views of nearby Granville Island. It’s also one of the trendiest neighborhoods, with plenty of chic shops, cocktail bars, healthy restaurants, and maybe the odd celebrity if you look closely. There aren’t many hotels here, so it has a more residential feel than other parts of the city. The main football, hockey and rugby grounds are also located here.

Best places to stay in Yaletown:

• IF: Robson Suites Rosedale – Rooms at this 3-star hotel include kitchenettes with microwaves, stoves and refrigerators. The hotel also offers a continental breakfast including fresh waffles. The room, although dated, was large, well lit and the bed was very comfortable. Each room has a TV and desk, and the hotel also has an indoor pool. I think this is the best value hotel in the area.
• luxurious: vancouver works – This upscale five-star hotel has spacious, modern rooms with bright, vivid colors, Nespresso coffee machines, ultra-comfortable beds, desks and flat-screen TVs. The bathroom is large with heated floors, decent shower pressure and plush bathrobes. Downstairs there is a stylish cocktail bar and fitness centre.

Where to stay for foodies in Vancouver: Gastown and Chinatown

Gastown is one of Vancouver’s most iconic areas. With its Victorian architecture and cobbled streets, it’s one of the most photographed areas of town. It is also one of the oldest. There are also a lot of bars here, so if you want to experience the city’s nightlife, this is a good choice.

Because Gastown is not that big, it is often confused with Chinatown to the south. This lively area is the largest Chinatown in the country as immigrants from Asia historically arrived in Vancouver. When you come here, don’t miss Sun Yat-sen’s Chinese Classical Garden. So beautiful!

Best accommodation in Gastown and Chinatown:

• Budget: Cambie Inn – Gastown – Housed in a building dating from the late 1800s, this party hotel has a super-busy bar that attracts a huge crowd of locals. It can get pretty loud (bring earplugs!), but it makes making friends very easy. The dorm beds were comfortable and although there were no curtains or sockets, there were lockers. Breakfast, although not included, was excellent (your choice of eggs, bacon, hashbrowns and veggies).
• IF: Skavachais Guesthouse – This three-star boutique hotel has gorgeous Aboriginal art throughout the property (there’s even a gallery in the lobby). The rooms are spacious, colorful and feature unique art and decoration. Each room has a small kitchen (if you want to cook) as well as a table and a very comfortable bed. The included breakfast was delicious and varied.

Where to Stay in Vancouver Luxury: Coal Harbor

This waterfront area is located between Gastown and the West End and is one of the more upscale areas of town (no budget accommodation here). There are many luxury apartments here and it’s very relaxing during the day. It’s also close to the massive Stanley Park, where you’ll find beaches, seawall trails, forest trails, an aquarium, and more. There is also a nice trail along the waterfront (Seawall Waterway) where you can stroll and enjoy the views. If you’re taking a cruise from Vancouver, this is the best area to stay because it’s close to the harbor.

Best places to stay in Coal Harbor:

Vancouver Family Stay Locations: West End

The West End also borders Stanley Park and is a quiet area away from the hustle and bustle, limited to its main commercial streets. Here you’ll find some of the best beaches (especially English Bay and Sunset Beach) as well as the best outdoor activities in town. If you want to explore by bike, kayak or stand up paddleboard, this is the place for you. If you’re visiting in the summer, this is probably the best area to stay.

Best places to stay in West End:

• Budget: hello downtown vancouver – This hotel is located in a quiet part of the West End and has recently reopened after a refurbishment. The beds in the dorms had no curtains, but the mattresses were thick and very comfortable. The hotel also features a relaxing rooftop terrace with city views, a games room with pool, library, co-working space, fully equipped kitchen and TV room. It’s not a super busy hotel, but it’s still easy to meet people.
• IF: Blue Horizon Hotel – This modern 4-star hotel offers excellent value for money. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam room, as well as an on-site restaurant serving breakfast. The room was huge, had a desk, coffee/tea maker and flat screen TV, and the bed was super comfortable. The bathroom is not big, but the shower has good water pressure (a big plus for me).
• luxurious: Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver – This luxury five-star hotel has bright and spacious rooms with king-size beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, Nespresso coffee machines, desks and spacious bathrooms with premium showers and luxury bathrobes. The lobby is spacious and elegant; there is an outdoor pool, spa and gym where you can take private yoga and Pilates classes. This is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. If you want to be rich, live here!

Where to stay in Vancouver: Granville Island

Granville Island is one of Canada’s most popular destinations. Technically a peninsula located across False Creek from Yaletown, it’s home to the popular Public Market, a massive indoor market with restaurants, fresh produce, crafts, and more. There are also many galleries and a large amphitheater. It’s the perfect place to stroll, shop, eat and enjoy the summer weather. Be sure to grab a drink at Granville Island Brewing Co, one of the original cabin breweries in the province!

Best accommodation in Granville:

• IF: Granville Island Hotel – This is the only hotel on Granville Island. This is a 3-star hotel with everything you need for a relaxing and affordable stay. The hotel has a spa, sauna and gym, and you can rent bicycles if you want to explore the area. Stylish guest rooms feature large beds, desks, coffee/tea makers and plenty of light. The bathroom is not big but everything is modern and clean and the shower has good pressure. Breakfast was delicious and had lots of choices.

Vancouver It has it all: great food, tons of museums and galleries, and plenty of green space. With the ocean and mountains on your doorstep, this is a fun city to visit year-round. Just make sure to adhere to the community above. Do this and you’ll see the best that Vancouver has to offer, no matter your travel style or budget.