Accommodation will always be one of your biggest travel expenses…but what if it wasn’t? What if you could reduce the cost of your accommodation to zero while still enjoying the comforts of home? That’s what house swaps promise. House swaps have been around for decades. It was the entire premise of the movie The Holiday (starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet). They became all the rage but then were soon eclipsed by sites like Airbnb. But as travel prices skyrocketed post-COVID, more and more people have turned back to house swaps as a means of saving money while they travel while still getting a local experience (but without the hassle of an Airbnb). House swaps are exactly what they sound like. You sign up, list your home, and then swap with someone else in another city. They stay in your place and you stay in their place. The biggest and most popular platform for swaps is HomeExchange . And, in this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know to get started with a house swa...
Vancouver is my favorite city in Canada. Close to both the mountains and the ocean, it’s easy to see why this city is consistently ranked as one of the most livable destinations in the world. It’s got it all.
I first visited in 2004 on a family trip and have returned a handful of times over the years, lured by the city’s amazing sushi, sprawling green space (don’t miss Stanley Park!), friends, the quality of life, and easy access to nearby hiking trails.
But, while the city is amazing and has a ton to see and do, it’s also large and spread out.There are a ton of different neighborhoods and hotels to choose from. Plus, it’s one of the most expensive cities in the country, so a lot of the hotels here are overpriced.
To help you get the best value (and have a great stay), here’s my list of the best hotels in Vancouver, based on my twenty years of visiting the city:
1. Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel
Located in upscale Yaletown, this three-star hotel is perfect for budget-minded travelers. The rooms here include kitchenettes that have microwaves, stovetops, and a fridge, allowing you to save some money by cooking (I love eating out in Vancouver, but all that sushi adds up!). The rooms aren’t very stylish (think dated carpets and bland walls), but the focus here is more on function over form.
On the plus side, there’s a continental breakfast offered each morning that includes fresh waffles (a nice money-saving perk). The rooms themselves are large too and boast lots of natural light. The beds are quite comfy and there’s a TV and desk in each room. The hotel also has an indoor pool, as well as a gym and a relaxing garden terrace. The only downside is that the free Wi-Fi is limited (one device per room). But, overall, I think it’s the best value hotel in the area and a great choice for budget travelers.
2. Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel
Located just two blocks from the waterfront, this four-star hotel offers incredible value for the location. There’s a heated outdoor pool for when the weather is nice, a hot tub, spa, and a fully equipped gym (something I appreciate more and more as I get older). There’s a bar and restaurant that focuses on fresh, local cuisine on-site too. What I really like here though is that you’re just a short walk to Stanley Park. It’s Vancouver’s largest park and is even bigger than Central Park in NYC!
Rooms include a large 55” flatscreen TV, coffee maker, desk, and really soft beds. The minimally designed rooms do look a bit dated (the carpets and colors aren’t very stylish in my opinion) but they’re large and airy, with lots of natural light thanks to the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. The bathrooms are bright too, and I really like that they have bidets as well as showers with decent pressure. Breakfast, while not included, has a lot of tasty a la carte options that run the gamut from healthy breakfast power bowls to hearty steak and eggs. It’s a nice upscale choice in a great location.
3. Fairmont Pacific Rim
This is a gorgeous five-star hotel. Boasting a beautiful rooftop pool with stunning views, nightly live music in the lounge, a spacious fitness center, opulent spa, and an award-winning cocktail bar, this hotel has a lot to offer. They have an amazing (but pricey) breakfast too if you feel like splurging on decadent dishes like crab and avocado benedict or brioche French toast. You can rent bikes (or e-bikes) from the concierge, who can also help you arrange childcare if needed. But what I really love, and what’s super unique, is that the hotel has a private library and bookstore with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lining the walls. It’s amazing.
As for the rooms, they’re stylish and large, with a contemporary design featuring light tones and soft wood accents. They also have big windows, a desk in case you need to work, and cushy beds with exquisite linens. The marble bathrooms are spacious and bright, and the showers have good pressure. This is the pinnacle of luxury, making it the perfect choice if you’re in need of some pampering. It’s the kind of hotel that feels like a vacation in and of itself.
4. Blue Horizon Hotel
This contemporary four-star hotel offers a lot of value. There’s an indoor pool, a small gym with the basics (including weights), a sauna, and steam room. There’s also an on-site restaurant where you can get a delicious breakfast. While it’s not included, there are lots of options for all diets.
The rooms are large, with a desk, Nespresso machine, flatscreen TV with Chromecast, minifridge, safe, electric kettle, and a super comfortable bed. The bathrooms aren’t huge, but the showers have good pressure (always a big plus for me) and they include bathrobes and slippers. What I really love though is that all rooms are corner rooms with private balconies, offering incredible views over the bay, mountains, or city. Stay here if you plan on eating out a lot or doing some shopping, as you have lots of options nearby.
5. Granville Island Hotel
This is the only hotel on Granville Island, one of the most popular areas of the city (the massive Public Market is here). A three-star property, it has everything you need for a relaxing and affordable stay. There’s a spa, sauna, and gym, and e-bikes are available for rent if you want to explore the area (I love biking around here in the summer).
The rooms here aren’t super stylish (think grey carpets and bare walls), but they are quite sizable and invite in lots of natural light. Rooms also have large beds, desks, flatscreen TVs, coffee/tea makers, complimentary toiletries, and a stocked minibar. The bathrooms aren’t huge, but everything is modern and clean, and the showers have good pressure. The breakfast, while not included, is delicious and has lots of options (eggs, French toast, fresh fruit, etc.).
While it’s super centrally located, the hotel still feels like a nice little retreat, with great views over the marina. If you want to stay in the heart of the action, you can’t go wrong with this hotel.
Vancouver is a massive city with a ton of hotels to choose from. Whether you want a budget-friendly option or to splash out on a luxurious stay, you can’t go wrong with any of the hotels above. Just pick the one that suits your needs and you’re sure to have a great stay in my favorite Canadian city!
Book Your Trip to Canada: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
If you prefer staying in hostels, this post lists all my favorites.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Safety Wing (best for everyone)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Need a Rental Car?
Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Canada?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Canada for even more planning tips!
Photo credits: 2- Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel, 3 – Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel, 4 – Fairmont Pacific Rim, 5 – Blue Horizon Hotel, 6 – Granville Island Hotel.
The post The 5 Best Hotels in Vancouver appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
https://ift.tt/1SHIfmA August 09, 2024 at 05:30PM
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