Choosing where to stay in Vancouver can be a daunting task. The city boasts a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions. Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations or budget-friendly options, a central location or a quiet retreat, Vancouver has something to offer for every type of traveler. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best neighborhoods and lodging options in Vancouver to help you plan your perfect stay in this beautiful Canadian city.
The Best Places to Stay in Vancouver
In a hurry and want to know where to stay in Vancouver right now? These are the best hotels and vacation rentals to suit every budget.
The Best Hotels in Vancouver
We decided to focus on the top 6 Vancouver neighborhoods that are all based around the downtown area. You can choose to look at North Vancouver, but you will have to fight traffic on the Lions Gate Bridge, or Richmond, where the Airport is located, but if you want to experience the best of Vancouver we recommend staying in the downtown Vancouver area.
1. Yaletown
Yaletown is the best place to stay in Vancouver for first timers
On the water, Yaletown offers a fantastic selection of boutique hotels perfect for couples looking for a luxurious and equally romantic getaway. Surrounded by dazzling fresh developments, Yaletown has shed a lot of its historical and industrial roots in favor of modern amenities, which has made it one of the most popular districts in Vancouver.
Best Hotels in Yaletown
- Luxury: Opus Hotel – We stayed here during our last trip to Vancouver and it was an excellent boutique hotel in the most central of locations minutes from downtown Vancouver and great restaurants and bars. TripAdvisor/Booking.com
- Mid-Range: The Burrard – Located in a great location in downtown Vancouver the Burrard is within walking distance to Granville Street, Davie Street, Robson Street TripAdvisor/Booking.com
- Budget: YWCA Hotel – I stayed at the YWCA on a short business trip to Vancouver years ago, and found it to be an excellent budget option in a great location. TripAdvisor/Booking
- VRBO: Yaletown 2 Bedroom – Located in downtown Vancouver, this renovated apartment is close to Yaletown, False Creek and Granville Island.
2. West End
West End is the best place to stay in Vancouver for Nightlife and LGBTQ
Between downtown Vancouver and the sprawling Stanley Park, the West End is one of the best areas to stay in Vancouver. The entertainment district has plenty of nightlife, shopping and Davie Village has a happening LGBTQ district. We should know, we used to live in the West End. With easy access to public transport via the Vancouver City Centre station and a solid bus network along Davie Street, travelers will have an easy time getting to other parts of the city.
Best Hotels in West End
- Luxury: The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver – We stayed at the Sutton Place before our Rocky Mountaineer train journey to Alberta. We had always wanted to stay here and it didn’t disappoint. With views of downtown Vancouver from our hotel room, we enjoyed a luxurious stay in one of the most glamorous Vancouver hotels. TripAdvisor/Booking.com
- Mid-Range: Blue Horizon Hotel is a boutique hotel in downtown Vancouver located on Robson Street. Robson Street is excellent for dining and shopping and its easy walking to Granville Street for nightlife in the entertainment district. TripAdvisor/Booking.com
- Mid- Range – Sandman Suites Vancouver on Davie Street in Davie Village had one of the best views in the entire city. Davie Street is our old haunt from when we lived in Vancouver and it was so much fun to stay here as a tourist. TripAdvisor/Booking.com
- Budget: HI Vancouver Downtown – You can never go wrong with the HI Hostel. This great budget-friendly downtown Vancouver location with dorm rooms and a shared bathrooms.
- VRBO: 1 Bedroom Apartment
3. Coal Harbour
Coal Harbour is the best place to stay in Vancouver for Luxury and Families
Running alongside the West End, on the Vancouver Harbour side of the city, Coal Harbour is renowned for its stunning mountain views. In combination with the Waterfront, this part of the city begins at Canada Place, where the cruise ships dock, and ends at the beginning of the beloved Stanley Park.
Best Hotels in Coal Harbour
- Luxury: The Loden Vancouver is a luxury boutique hotel offering onsight parking a restaurant and free use of bicycles. (one of the best ways to see Vancouver) TripAdvisor/Booking.com
- Mid-Range: Auberge Vancouver Hotel – Located just steps from the waterfront, his hotel has a swimming pool, and views of the mountains, city, and harbor. Booking.com/TripAdvisor
- Budget: Days Inn by Wyndham – A great budget-friendly option in downtown Vancouver and close to the city’s attractions including the Olympic Torch, Vancouver Convention Centre, Cruise Ship Terminal, American Consulate, Gastown, Railtown, Chinatown, shopping, and restaurants. TripAdvisor/Booking.com
- VRBO: Coal Harbour Apartment
4. Gastown & Chinatown
Gastown and Chinatown are the best places to stay in Vancouver for foodies
Vancouver’s historic neighborhood, the oldest in the city, is found beneath Coal Harbour and to the east of Yaletown. It is walking distance from downtown Vancouver. Gastown is teeming with original architecture, a thriving culinary scene, and a great range of bars and clubs that will see you through to the early hours.
With an irreverent charm, Gastown increasingly attracts a younger population, creating a wonderfully diverse community of professionals, students, and families. Gastown and Chinatown are both very walkable.
Best Hotels in Gastown & Chinatown
- Luxury: L’Hermitage Hotel is a four star luxury boutique hotel is a 15 minute walk from Chinatown at the corner of Robson and Richard’s Street. It’s within walking distance to the shopping and entertainment district. There’s a swimming pool, bar, lounge and outdoor patio. TripAdvisor/Booking.com
- Mid-Range: St. Regis Hotel is located on Seymour Street just 10 minutes from Gastown and 15 minutes walk from Chinatown. TripAdvisor/Booking.com
- Budget: Victorian Hotel is a beautiful renovated boutique hotel located in a Victorian Mansion in downtown Vancouver.
- VRBO: Condo in Heart of Gastown
5. Kitsilano
Kitsilano is one of the best places to stay in Vancouver for families
Out of the downtown hub, a great option for families is the neighborhood of Kitsilano. Known simply as Kits, visitors can expect a strong coffee culture and many family-friendly activities from parks to beaches and indoor fun. Along the main drag, West 4th Avenue you can peruse an abundance of boutique shops, cozy cafes, and bookstores before venturing further afield.
Best Hotels in Kitsilano
- Mid-Range: Suite Dreams B&B
- Mid-Range: Kitsilano Point B&B
- Mid-Range: Alma Beach Manor
- VRBO: Point Grey Estate
6. Mount Pleasant
Best Place to Stay in Vancouver on a budget and for a local vibe and
A part of East Side Vancouver, Mount Pleasant is another wonderful neighborhood outside of but close to the inner-city. With a youthful exuberance, the district is great for couples and young travelers who want to make the most of the attractions and fun to be had beyond downtown. There
Best Hotels in Mount Pleasant
- Mid-Range: Windsor Guest House – Located within a Victorian Manor is located next to city hall in a heritage district of Vancouver.
- Mid-Range: Douglas Guest House – Located within a historic Edwardian home this BnB has beautiful gardens, and set on tree lined streets overlooking downtown Vancouver
- Budget: Cambie Lodge Bed and Breakfast – This Bed and Breakfast is located close to Vancouver City Hall, VGH Hospital, shops, restaurants, and the Canada Line rapid transit that runs between Vancouver Airport and Downtown Vancouver.
- VRBO: Spacious Two Bedroom Apartment
Best Luxury Hotels in Vancouver
Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel is the best luxury hotel in Vancouver. This opulent five-star hotel is all about glamor. Located within the Coal Harbour neighborhood, feast on the amazing waterfront vistas and views of the North Shore mountains. With so much to see within easy walking distance, enjoy a great location in style. See prices and availability on Booking.com
From the minute you walk into this luxurious hotel, you’ll find a stunning art collection in the marble lobby. Later, venture into your ornate contemporary rooms with high-tech amenities including a virtual concierge.
Trade the indoor pool for a lavish rooftop swim before sitting down at one of the three on-site restaurants, including The Botanist, a renowned fine dining experience. Its Willow Stream Spa was named one of the top spas in the world by Conde Nast. See reviews on TripAdvisor and rates and availability on Booking.com
More Luxury Hotels in Vancouver:
- The Sutton Place Hotel – See reviews on TripAdvisor and rates and availability on Booking.com
- Opus Hotel – See reviews on TripAdvisor and rates and availability on Booking.com
- L’Hermitage Hotel – See reviews on TripAdvisor and rates and availability on Booking.com
Best Mid-Range Hotels in Vancouver
The Georgia Court Hotel is located in the heart of the city center, the Georgian Court Hotel is a boutique experience in every sense of the world. With a delectable on-site restaurant and free Wi-Fi, enjoy all the modern comforts while being just steps away from BC Place and a short walk to the bustling Robson Street.
The hotel comes with a well-equipped fitness center, along with a relaxing sauna and hotel tub to freshen up after a big day of walking around Vancouver.
Each room features a generous flat screen and a coffee machine. There are family rooms on offer, along with deluxe options for couples looking to spice up their vacation. See reviews on TripAdvisor and Rates and Availability on Booking.com
More Mid-Range Hotels in Vancouver:
- The Burrard – See reviews on TripAdvisor and rates and availability on Booking.com
- Blue Horizon Hotel – See reviews on TripAdvisor and rates and availability on Booking.com
- Auberge Vancouver Hotel – See reviews on TripAdvisor and rates and availability on Booking.com
The revitalized industrial neighborhood of Yaletown has become one of the hottest areas in Vancouver. With its easy access to a range of public transport, nearby attractions, and the envious food scene, those coming to Vancouver for the first time can’t go wrong by checking into a hotel within the neighborhood.
The central location and the range of hotels on offer help to mitigate any worries you may have before you get your bearings. Find yourself within walking distance of the happening Robson Street and live sport at Rogers Arena and BC Place.
Best Budget Hotel in Vancouver: Victorian Hotel
The historic Victorian Hotel is on the cusp of the Gastown District. Much like the neighborhood itself, the hotel is a wonderful example of period charm with enchanting ornate designs and antiquities.
The Victorian Hotel was built before the turn of the 20th century. Just like it did back in 1898, the building offers guests lovely high ceilings, lavish hardwood floors, and intricate moldings. It’s all rather impressive considering it’s the best budget option out of the Vancouver hotels we have listed.
Each guest room is as vibrant as the historic design would suggest and comes with free WiFi. Guests will enjoy a brief five-minute walk to the local SkyTrain station on Granville Street and a fifteen-minute jaunt to all the fun on Robson Street. But with Gastown and Chinatown right around the corner, you’ll be busy for a while before you head anywhere else.
Best Place to Stay in Vancouver for Nightlife
There are two places in Vancouver that are renowned for their nightlife scene. One of them is the city’s West End. When you aren’t enjoying the scenery in Stanley Park or lazing by the beach, you’ll be roaming Robson and Denman street trading cafes for shops. At night, these same streets provide a vibrant nightlife experience with a number of pubs, clubs, and cocktail bars.
The heart of Vancouver’s nightlife and an area that didn’t end up on our list is the Granville Entertainment District. At night, the Granville Street thoroughfare is the most energetic part of the city. Here the nightlife steals the show and runs into the early hours.
Devoid of cars as a pedestrian zone, a combination of blocks brings together some of the best nightclubs and late-night eats found anywhere in Vancouver. Read more about the outdoors in Vancouver at 14 Best Hikes in Vancouver to Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Where to Stay in Vancouver for Families
Kitsilano remains one of the best areas to stay in Vancouver for families. The laid-back atmosphere away from the downtown noise allows plenty of time to relax and spend time as one. The nearby beaches will welcome you with open arms, so too the local parks. You’ll find plenty of shopping along West 4th Avenue, along with coffee shops and casual dining among local families.
If you want to stay within Vancouver’s downtown core, then consider the Waterfront and Coal Harbour. Busy during the day, it is a quieter experience at night. The entire crew will love wandering along the Sea Wall path with views of the North Shore Mountains. While the bustling Waterfront Station will connect you with far-off adventures.
Best Neighborhood in Vancouver for Shopping
Both Mount Pleasant and Gastown provide ample shopping for visitors. Along Main Street, you’ll have an array of vintage shops and modern brands. For those looking for something unique and out of the box, then this is the place to go.
Gastown offers easy access to major inner-city malls, including the CF Pacific Center and the International Village Shopping Center. The district is also known for its number of eclectic thrift stores.
Best Place to Stay in Vancouver for Sightseeing
The West End and Yaletown are the perfect locations for those who want to do a lot of sightseeing. Within the heart of the transport network, you’ll be able to get around the entire city without having to hail a cab.
Downtown Vancouver is reasonably packed, so there’ll also be plenty of opportunities to get about on foot and make your way to many of the best things to do in Vancouver.
Our Money Saving Tips for Vancouver
The best way to save money when traveling around Vancouver is to ditch the car rental and cabs in favor of public transport.
Beginning at the airport, you can get into the city much cheaper by taking the Canada Line. This will stop at Mount Pleasant, Yaletown, Gastown, and close to Coal Harbour.
Throughout your stay buy a Compass Card Day Pass that costs around $8usd. This will provide you with unlimited use of the SkyTrain and buses, among other forms of transport.
Most parts of the city also have budget accommodation options, but cheap eats can be found all over the city.
Getting Around Vancouver
If you’re arriving via plane, after touching down at Vancouver International Airport, take the 25 minute trip to downtown on the Canada Line. Tickets cost $7usd one way. From there, the best way to get around town is on a bus, SkyTrain, or the AquaBus if you want to head across the water to such places as Granville Island.
The lack of a highway system within the downtown area, along with notoriously bad traffic, means it’s likely best to avoid hiring a car to reach downtown. However, with many amazing destinations around the city, from Richmond to Grouse Mountain, a car will be handy if you want to explore outside of metro Vancouver.
Vancouver British Columbia – The Wrap Up
With a mountainous backdrop, the spectacular skyline of Vancouver is one that has to be seen with your own two eyes. Split by False Creek, Vancouver, British Columbia, is a hub of enchanting attractions, from galleries to urban parks and an understated nightlife.
Those visiting Vancouver will have their work cut for them to tick off all the things on the already-packed itinerary. This is why it certainly pays to stay close to all the things that you want to do. Whether that be enjoying the amazing nature in and out of the city, or kicking back at the coffee shops on Davie Street.
Ready to venture beyond the city? Get out of Vancouver with our guide to the ultimate British Columbia Road Trip.
