Last Updated on September 16, 2024 by Katrina

Photo credit: Westin Bayshore Vancouver

Vancouver’s laid-back West End neighborhood is a sweet spot for anyone looking for a base in the city. Outside your hotel door, you’ll have walkable access to both Stanley Park and Coal Harbor. While this area doesn’t have a many hotels as downtown, there is a fun range of lodging options for every budget. Here are five excellent hotels in Vancouver’s West End.  

The Westin Bayshore Vancouver (1601 Bayshore Dr; 604-682-3377) West End

This 499-room Westin overlooking Coal Harbor and Stanley Park combines vacation-worthy scenery with the amenities that include a great spa. “The Westin Bayshore happens to have one of the city’s most spectacular locations,” says Travel+Leisure. “Watch seaplanes coming in for landing with the mountains in the background from a water-view suite.” Online, reviewers love the free bike rentals. “We went out on the first day and the next morning,“ says one Google reviewer. “We cruised around the park, took some great photos and then returned to soak our bones in the indoor hot tub.”   >> Book this hotel for less

Shangri-La Vancouver (1128 West Georgia St.; 604-689-1120) West End

On the edge of the West End, this 119-room branch of the Asian brand is an attention-getter. It’s located in Vancouver’s tallest building, and has a restaurant helmed by the Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. “This is a luxury hotel for those who don’t need to broadcast their wealth,” says Condé Nast Traveler. “There’s nothing grandiose, but rooms are large, and the sheer size of the suites makes you feel like you’re hanging out in someone’s home.” Travelers regularly give it raves for being quiet, with attentive service. “Our room was immaculate, with a nice large balcony and super comfortable bed,” says a Trip Advisor user. “And we appreciated the little touches, like power drapes and toiletries.”    >> Book this hotel for less

The Sylvia Hotel (1154 Gilford St.; 877-681-9321) West End

Located in a 1912 apartment building overlooking English Bay, this 120-room hotel has plenty of throwback charm. Frommers says that the Sylvia “is beloved by locals and many guests. Others are less impressed by its unpretentious, even plain, decor.” Stay in the older high-rise section for personality, and in the newer low-rise wing for more modern ambience and bigger bathrooms. Some online reviewers love the less-than-trendy atmosphere—along with brunch or pub fare at the restaurant of the same name. “A beautiful older hotel with a lot of history and beautiful fixtures,” says a Google reviewer. “Also VERY reasonable—cannot beat the location (right across from the beach) and the views from the room!”     >> Book this hotel for less

The Listel Hotel (1300 Robson St.; 604-684-8461) West End

This 129-room boutique hotel is walking distance from Stanley Park, art galleries and theaters and has its own art collection. Fodor’s calls it “an eco-and-artist-friendly hotel experience unlike any other in the Vancouver area,” with many “interesting pieces that create an ambiance that feels more like a museum or gallery than a hotel lobby.” On Tripadvisor, users are most impressed by the service and little amenities. “I couldn’t believe they had a chilled and sparkling water dispenser on every floor,” says one. “We were close to all shops, restaurants, spas and more! Best of all, the front desk staff was helpful for providing travel advice for places to visit and eat.”     >> Book this hotel for less

West End Guest House (1362 Haro St.; 604-681-2889) West End

This seven-room B&B set in a 1906 home is a nice reminder of the West End neighborhood’s personality before high-rises arrived in the 1950s and ’60s. “Expect old Victrolas and damask armchairs, swagged draperies and bow windows,” says Frommers. “Breakfast is a feast, and there’s sherry and iced tea to sip in the garden on a sunny afternoon.” It’s also about a 15-minute walk to the convention center. One Google reviewer calls it an “absolute treasure. Small, cozy, clean, full of character. Hosts were super responsive to questions I had and breakfast request. Parking out back was a real bonus.”     >> Book this hotel for less

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