One of the world’s most liveable cities, Vancouver, a thriving and very-easy-on-the-eye west coast seaport in British Columbia, is one of Canada’s most cherished urban areas.
A firm visitor’s favorite, Vancouver is blessed with vibrant cultural and culinary scenes, as well as plenty of options for outdoor activities framed by dramatic vistas. It also has quite the ever-growing hipster scene with trendy neighborhoods filled with yoga-loving residents, vegan restaurants, thrift stores, and microbreweries.
Want to eschew sterile chain hotels and make your stay even more interesting? From quirky boutiques to shiny modern high rises, here are the best cool and unique hotels in Vancouver, Canada (in no particular order)…
Fairmont Pacific Rim
This amazing glass tower hotel is located on the water’s edge and offers stunning views of the mountains behind.
The 5-star much-loved Fairmont Pacific Rim is a contemporary hotel that still manages to retain a cozy and friendly ambiance in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
Bedrooms at this hip Vancouver hotel are chock full of high-tech luxury including remote control room temperature, lighting, and drapes, as well as Stearns & Foster beds and oversized furnishings, while the marble bathrooms are bigger than average and offer vast soaker tubs and walk-in showers.
Upgrading to a suite gets you cool touches like a customizable vinyl collection and a record player. The Raw Bar serves sustainable sushi, while the Giovane café delivers hearty Italian fare. There is also a champagne bar – The Botanist – offering innovative cocktails and plenty of fizz.
Pros
Architectural Marvel
Instagram-worthy waterfront location
Rooftop Pool with spectacular views
Diverse culinary experience
Cons
Pricey room upgrades
Potentially crowded rooftop
Not for budget-friendly people
Paradox
This stylish downtown hotel offers a quiet place of your own in the heart of the city’s Golden Mile, close to Stanley Park and the hip Gastown neighborhood with exciting shops and restaurants.
The rooms are designed for comfort and convenience, with hardwood floors, oversized beds, leather and chrome headboards, 55″+ Samsung flatscreens, multilingual touchpads, and well-stocked minibars.
Floor-to-ceiling windows have views of the Vancouver skyline and each room has a workstation with USB outlets and ergonomic chairs. Some rooms and suites have balconies.
Mott 32 is considered one of the finest Chinese restaurants in the world and the Mansion Club is one of the stars of the city’s nightlife, popular with residents and travelers alike. There’s also the Karma Lounge which serves fresh local food that you can order via room service. Other on-site amenities include the state-of-the-art gym, the Xylia Natural Spa, and the swimming pool and jacuzzi.
Pros
Prime Downtown Location
Stellar Dining & Bar
Spa & Wellness Centre
Floor-to-ceiling windows with Vancouver skyline
Cons
Possible noise due to urban
Some rooms lack balconies
Not budget-friendly
Hotel Blu
Located in the heart of the Entertainment District, the 4-star exceptionally rated Hotel Blu Vancouver offers modern boutique-style accommodation with funky split-level lofts and plenty of designer touches.
Urban elegance aplenty can be found in the two-storey New York-style suites featuring high-level beds with living areas below, whilst bathrooms are sleek and sophisticated.
Many of the suites also have their own patio terraces overlooking the Vancouver city skyline, and all rooms come with iPad tablets and smart HDTVs. The cool and unique Vancouver hotel only offers one eatery, The Azure Lounge, which serves breakfasts every day, but visitors can easily step outside to find a wealth of bars and restaurants on nearby Robson Street and beyond.
Pros
Chic luxury blend
Central entertainment district location
Two-story New York-style suites
Private patio terraces
Cons
Dining options may be limited
Possible noise due to the vibrant district
Hotel Belmont MGallery
Funky futuristic decor and a naughty but nice party feel welcome you at the Belmont Vancouver MGallery.
The gorgeous boutique hotel in the heart of the Entertainment district is close to BC Place Stadium, Granville Island, the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre, the University of British Columbia, the Waterfront, and Gastown.
The bright rooms with modern decor and quirky artwork have large windows, luxury accents like wood detailing, designer pillows and padded headboards, and all the tech accessories you need.
With names like the Living Room, the Den, the Basement, and the Kitchen, the lounges and restaurants invite you to make yourself at home, get a morning coffee or evening drink, watch your favorite sports team, play arcade games, and generally kick back and relax. The funky decor and bright colors will help you get the party started.
Pros
Nestles near city-wide attractions
Trendy Futuristic Decor and fabulous views
Instaworthy funky and quirky design
Diverse lounges and restaurants
Cons
High demand could lead to crowding
Design may only suit some guests
Versante
This new boutique hotel near the airport is full of Instagrammable details like the views of the Coastal Mountains and Fraser River from the terrace garden, unique artwork with koi fish, octopi, and phoenixes against a background of Asian-inspired florals, and freestanding soak tubs with stunning views.
Intriguing artwork by local artists and clean modern lines make for restful spaces. The luxurious rooms and suites have floor-to-ceiling windows that let in natural light to keep your inner clock synched and come with designer furniture, bathrooms with rainforest showers and heated floors, minibars, and many other amenities.
The hotel also has a year-round saltwater pool and jacuzzi and a 24-hour fitness room, and the Bruno restaurant serves up dishes made with fresh local ingredients from land and sea. The hotel offers free transfers to the airport and you can get the Skytrain to downtown Vancouver from Bridgeport Station.
Pros
Instagrammable terrace views
Local artwork and modern design
Complimentary city bikes
Luxurious upscale amenities
Cons
Airport transfer slots might be limited
Possible crowded jacuzzi
Dining options may be limited
The Burrard
Close to the vibrant bars and restaurants on Davies Street, this trendy hotel is a converted 1950s motor inn with plenty of retro touches.
The exceptionally rated Burrard Hotel offers good size bedrooms that have a strong sense of design, mid-century styling, and bright modern bathrooms.
The Burgoo in the lobby area is a cozy city restaurant that serves up comfort food inspired by flavors from all around the world including New Orleans–style jambalaya, whilst the Elysian Coffee House offers snacks and freshly brewed coffee from local suppliers.
The retro-cool Vancouver hotel also has a pretty, palm-tree filled courtyard with lounge chairs and seats set around a stylish central firepit.
Pros
Retro-chic ambience
Vibrant Davies Street location
Stylish mid-century design
Elysian Coffee House and eclectic dining
Cons
Fewer upscale features
Some rooms may be compact
Opus
At the heart of trendy Yaletown, the 4-star exceptionally rated Opus Hotel Vancouver offers upscale boutique accommodation that is popular with local fashionistas and international celebrities alike.
Surrounding by many of the city’s most popular bars, restaurants and clubs, this trendsetting Vancouver hotel really is at the heart of the action.
Bedrooms are bold with brightly painted walls, and dramatic, oversized artworks and plenty of contemporary furnishings, whilst bathrooms offer walk-in showers, heated floors and fluffy bathrobes.
La Pentola restaurant serves up great quality North Italian-style cuisine and the Opus Bar is popular with local workers and is always busy late into the evening.
Pros
Quality North Italian cuisine
Chic Yaletown location
Tongue-in-cheek art ambience
Upscale Boutique Accommodation
Cons
Limited parking availability
Possible late-night noise
The artistic decor might not suit all
EXchange Hotel
Invite yourself into the home of the original Vancouver stock exchange and be thrilled with its transformation into a luxury playhouse at the intersection between hospitality and culture.
An iconic building symbolic of wealth and success, the EXchange hotel is one of Vancouver’s most exciting restoration projects.
At the EXchange hotel, style, culture, and elegance are key features of their hotel experience, and you will be delighted to find each room outfitted with diligence to detail and the best luxury amenities.
The Exchange Hotel in Vancouver is a hub of culture, wealth and prosperity in the heart of the city.
Pros
Historic luxury transformation
Iconic cultural symbol
High-end luxurious rooms
Near Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre
Cons
Not a budget-friendly option
Limited space in elevators
Downtown noise may disturb
Loden
The timber and rain-patinated copper exterior of the 5-star exceptionally rated Loden Hotel sets it apart from other hotels across the city.
With a Pacific Northwest theme throughout, including Buddha statues on the patio and yoga mats in the bedrooms, The Loden is a trendy downtown hotel in Vancouver that attracts a hip and trendy clientele.
Bedrooms are chic and contemporary and offer floor-to-ceiling windows with views out across the North Shore, muted interiors in shades of brown and charcoal and huge sumptuous beds, whilst bathrooms have deep soaker tubs and rainfall showers.
The Tableau bar is a hearty French bistro offering dishes created using sustainable ingredients sourced within British Columbia.
Pros
Award-winning ultra-chic upscale gem
Gourmet French bistro on-site
Exceptional timber and copper aesthetics
Pacific Northwest theme and chic clientele
Cons
Dining options could be limited
Some rooms may lack panoramic views
Skwachàys Lodge
With a Pacific Northwest look and feel, the exceptionally rated Skwachàys Lodge is heavy on the artistic heritage of the region.
With a 40-foot totem pole, striking carvings and a lobby gallery displaying Aboriginal art, this is not your ordinary downtown hostelry.
Each of the bedrooms at this creative Vancouver boutique hotel features unique and unusual themed artwork from well-known tribal artists and offers top-of-the-range comforts including high-quality linens and walk-in showers.
The lobby area houses a huge communal table where laid-back guests commune over coffee and porridge or gather to enjoy local craft beers and wines later in the day.
Pros
Indigenous artwork is showcased throughout
Unconventional-themed artwork in every suite
Embrace Pacific Northwest heritage
Downtown Vancouver accessibility
Cons
Few dining choices within the hotel
Has a very niche appeal
Limited fitness amenities
Moda
A trendy hotel with a European ambiance, The highly rated mid-range Moda Hotel is just a 2-minute walk from the Vogue Theatre’s Art Deco event space and a wealth of bars, restaurants, nightclubs and live-music venues.
Bedrooms are vibrant and modern and carry the funky Vancouver hotel’s red and black theme throughout, whilst bathrooms are bright and airy.
The hip hotel also has a chic and very popular Italian restaurant called the Cibo Trattoria that uses locally-sourced fresh and organic ingredients to create authentic, rustic Italian cuisine, alongside an extensive wine list.
Guests and locals flock there to enjoy great food in comfortable, laid-back surroundings.
Pros
Authentic
rustic Italian cuisine
Highly anticipated venues nearby
Modern bedrooms with upscale amenities
Trendy European Ambiance
Cons
Limited parking availability
It may get slightly noisy
L’Hermitage
A fantastically flamboyant Vancouver hotel set in a stunning downtown location, the 4-star exceptionally rated L’Hermitage Hotel combines suspended sculptures with period features and contemporary touches.
Guests can sip cocktails on the patio, or swim in the saltwater pool in this unique urban oasis.
Bedrooms are eclectic and cool with electric fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows and fabulous Art Deco touches, whilst bathrooms are swathed in Italian marble and offer separate deep soaker tubs and showers.
The L’Orangerie offers light bites and meals all day long, as well as lavish afternoon teas and an extensive bar menu that can be enjoyed on the outdoor sun patio.
Pros
Prime location in downtown Vancouver
Suspended sculptures and Art Deco touches
Saltwater pool
electric fireplaces
patio
Luxurious Italian Marble Bathrooms
Cons
Downtown location might have urban noise
Occasional crowded pool
Distinctive decor is not for minimalists
AC by Marriott Waterfront
Vancouver’s waterfront is the soul of the city and what better way to experience it than at the new AC Hotel by Marriott, with spectacular views over the river and proximity to all the excitement, shopping, wine tasting and dining in the area.
European design and sleek modern lines define the interiors with comfort and style. The spacious well designed rooms have plenty of handy outlets for all your devices plus reading lamps.
Start your day at the breakfast bar at AC Kitchen with the signature fresh sliced prosciutto and pastries, and relax in the evenings with tapas and cocktails at the AC Lounge with the Vancouver Waterfront as the backdrop.
Pros
Chic European-style interiors
Spacious
tech-friendly rooms
Prime waterfront location
Signature freshly sliced prosciutto and pastries
Cons
Potential noise due to the central location
AC Lounge can get busy
O Canada House Bed & Breakfast
Only minutes away from some of the city’s best-loved attractions and endless dining adventures, the O Canada House Bed & Breakfast is a wonderfully unique historic hotel located on Barclay Street in downtown Vancouver.
Being first built in 1897, here Ewing Buchan would put to paper one of the first English versions of Canada’s National Anthem in 1908.
Preserved to its natural glory, this historic house with a lavish interior this location has been rightfully awarded a Heritage Award of Honour for its memorable impression on the city.
Pros
A rich heritage and historical significance
Distinctive historic-styled architecture
Tasty daily breakfast
Centrally located to nearby attractions
Cons
Vintage Plumbing System
Fewer modern conveniences
Room size may be compact
The Listel Hotel
The 4-star exceptionally rated Listel Hotel is an art-inspired hotel with original modern and indigenous artworks displayed in the bedrooms and communal areas.
Designed for the eco-conscious traveler, The contemporary Vancouver accommodation is ‘zero waste’ boutique hotel that offers refillable carafes from the water stations, recycled toilet paper, and solar panels on the roof. Bedrooms are plush with quality linens and high-end furnishings, while the bathrooms are sleek and modern.
The stylishly quirky Vancouver hotel is centrally located between the beautiful Stanley Park and English Bay and the heart of the city high-end shopping districts.
The Forage restaurant serves up high-class cuisine, while the Timber gastro is a fun and buzzing gastropub with a huge local following.
Pros
Original modern and indigenous artworks
Zero waste and eco-friendly focus
High-class dining and buzzing gastropub
High-class cuisine at Forage restaurant
Cons
Possible absence of extensive facilities
May not suit traditional preferences
West End Guest House
A quaint little guest house on the outskirts of downtown Vancouver, the 4-star much-loved West End Guest House offers cozy and genteel accommodation for visitors to this beautiful city. Built in 1906, the current owners have refurbished the building to reflect its important heritage.
Each of the 7 bedrooms have been uniquely styled and named, and range from the lush garden level Parisian Suite through to the cosy attic rooms called the Pair and the Spare.
All of the rooms feature plenty of original features and traditional furnishings as well as ensuite bathrooms with modern facilities.
The guest house offers gourmet breakfast in the lobby area, as well as a rather wonderful “Sherry hour” that gives guests an opportunity to get together and mingle.
The elegant and unique Vancouver abode also offers bicycles for guests who want to get out and explore the area.
Pros
Experience historic allure with chic decor
Complimentary bicycles for guests
Gourmet Breakfast and “Sherry hour” socialising
Each room boasts a distinct character and style
Cons
Attic rooms are cosy
Limited room count
Modest facilities compared to larger hotels
St. Regis
The 100-year-old exterior of the building belies the thoroughly modern interior of this very-up-to-date hotel. With stylish bedrooms, dotted with modern art, the 4-star exceptionally rated St.Regis Hotel is a sleek and elegant place to stay.
Bathrooms come with walk-in showers or big modern tubs, as well as big windows that let in plenty of natural light.
The St Regis Bar and Grill is a tavern that serves up huge burgers and imaginative salads. The American-style sister restaurant Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar offers a varied menu and an extensive cocktail menu.
Locally known as Hollywood North, the bars at St. Regis are often frequented by celebrities and film crews visiting the city.
Pros
Vintage charm meets modern luxury
Spa-like Bathrooms with natural light
Culinary delights at St. Regis Bar and Grill
Frequented by celebs and film crews
Cons
Frequented by celebs and film crews
Occasional celebrity crowds
Victorian Hotel
This quirky Vancouver hotel is right on top of some of the city’s very best bars and restaurants and is housed within a converted former Victorian guesthouse. Bedrooms offer a heady mix of antique furnishings and cool modern decor and benefit from original hardwood floors, chandelier lighting, and beautiful bay windows. There are 6 shared bathrooms available in the Victorian Hotel, although some of the rooms do have their own en-suite facilities if you choose to upgrade. Breakfast is served in the hotel’s casual restaurant with an open kitchen, that offers classic European dishes and Continental breakfasts.
Pros
Charming Victorian ambiance
Fusion of antique and modern decor
Prime location near dining and bars
Quaint on-site restaurant
Cons
Potential noise from nearby establishments
Limited fitness amenities
Limited privacy due to shared bathrooms
Barclay House Bed and Breakfast
Offering refined boutique Vancouver accommodation in a building that dates back as far as 1904, the Barclay House Bed and Breakfast is close to the famous Robson Street and all of the fabulous shopping and dining that can be enjoyed there.
The bedrooms are homely and welcoming with stylish decor, custom-made furnishings, and bold chandeliers, whilst bathrooms are beautiful with claw-foot bathtubs and period features. Continental breakfasts are served in the chic rustic bistro-style eatery, and guests have full use of the lounge or communal games room.
Pros
Rustic chic breakfast experience
Stylish custom furnishings
Charming historic ambiance
Homely stylish decor
Cons
Dining options may be limited
Limited onsite fitness amenities
Some modern facilities missing
Sonder at Revival
A contemporary all-suite aparthotel set in the center of the city of Vancouver, Sonder at Revival is a well-sought-after location close to Sunset Beach, English Bay, and Robson Street. Impeccable minimalist-style rooms with multiple attractions in close proximity.
An excellent choice for the avid sightseer, families, or longer stays with luxury contemporary style rooms to rest your head after a day adventuring through the city. A stone’s throw away from Prospect Point Lighthouse, coal harbor, and Christ Church Cathedral and only six miles from Vancouver International Airport, Sonder at Revival is the perfect launchpad for your city adventures.
Pros
Prime city center location
Proximity to English Bay Beach
Luxurious contemporary room design
Ideal for sightseers and families
Cons
Urban locations might have noise
Ideal for sightseers and families only
Comparing the Most Extraordinary Hotels in Vancouver
The table compares the Top 20 Cool and Unique Hotels located in Vancouver.
Hotel Name | Location | Price Range (per night) | Fitness Facilities | Distane to Attractions(km) | Nearby Restaurants |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fairmont Pacific Rim | 1038 Canada Place Way | $640-$1994 | Yes | 0.1 | 10 |
Paradox | 1161 West Georgia Street | $636-$1040 | Yes | 0.4 | 8 |
Hotel Blu | 177 Robson Street | $711-$827 | Yes | 0.7 | 7 |
Hotel Belmont MGallery | 654 Nelson Street | $363-$520 | No | 0.5 | 12 |
Versante | 8451 Bridgeport Road | $474-$7679 | Yes | 1.1 | 9 |
The Burrard | 1100 Burrard Street | $476-$582 | No | 0.6 | 8 |
Opus | 322 Davie Street | $596-$1000 | Yes | 0.9 | 9 |
EXchange Hotel | 475 Howe Street | $547-$1370 | Yes | 0.4 | 7 |
Loden | 1177 Melville Street | $538-$800 | Yes | 0.5 | 8 |
Skwachàys Lodge | 31 West Pender | $375-$436 | Yes | 0.2 | 6 |
Moda | 900 Seymour Street | $372-$458 | No | 0.4 | 7 |
L’Hermitage | 788 Richards Street | $461-$523 | Yes | 0.4 | 8 |
AC by Marriott Waterfront | 333 West Columbia Way | $299-$365 | No | 0.1 | 4 |
O Canada House Bed & Breakfast | 1114 Barclay Street, West End, | $410 (booking.com) | No | 0.5 | 3 |
The Listel Hotel | 1300 Robson Street, West End | $500-$620 | Yes | 0.2 | 6 |
West End Guest House | 1362 Haro Street, West End, | $463 (booking.com) | No | 0.1 | 5 |
St.Regis | 602 Dunsmuir Street | $478-$625 | No | 0.3 | 8 |
Victorian Hotel | 514 Homer Street | $385-$420 | No | 0.2 | 8 |
Barclay House Bed and Breakfast | 1351 Barclay Street, West End, | $433-$494 | Yes | 0.1 | 7 |
Sonder at Revival | 1771 Comox Street, West End | $1001-$1580 | No | 0.4 | 7 |
Becky Moore – Owner, writer and photographer
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my ex Athens street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Borneo, Finland, Greece, Berlin, Laos, California and the surreal and beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
I’ve been quoted in Forbes, National Geographic, The Times, Yahoo Travel, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Thrillist, British Airways Magazine, Entrepreneur, express.co.uk, Wanderlust, Telegraph Travel, Daily Mail and metro.co.uk. Find me on Linkedin or Facebook.
Wow..I loved the view of the hotels in Vancouver…It looks breathtaking…I am still in awe!!!