Vancouver is the perfect city for just about any traveler. Whether you’re interested in exploring the great outdoors, shopping through endless boutiques, or relaxing in a spa — you can do it all and more!
While deciding what to do is essential to trip planning, choosing where to stay might be the most important! With a range of options from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels, there’s something for every traveler and every budget in Vancouver.
If you can’t decide where to stay in Vancouver, this guide is for you! Read on to discover the best neighborhoods and hotels in Vancouver.
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Where to Stay in Vancouver by Neighborhood
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Check Out These Recommended Hotels!
Best Budget Spot in Vancouver: YWCA Hotel Vancouver
Best Mid-Range Spot in Vancouver: Skwachàys Lodge
Best Luxury Spot in Vancouver: Fairmont Pacific Rim
Downtown Vancouver: The Heart of the City.
Downtown Vancouver is the city’s bustling center, with plenty of attractions, restaurants, and shopping options. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want to be in the middle of the action. Some of the top hotels in the area include the Fairmont Pacific Rim and the Shangri-La Hotel (more on those later).
Kitsilano: Beaches and Boutiques.
Kitsilano, or “Kits” as it’s known to locals, is a trendy neighborhood on Vancouver’s west side. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, boutique shops, and lively nightlife. Visitors can also enjoy exploring the area’s many parks, including Kitsilano Beach Park and Vanier Park. One thing to note, there aren’t many hotel options in Kitsilano. If you decide you want to stay here, check VRBO for rentals.
Gastown: Historic Charm and Trendy Bars.
Gastown is a must-visit neighborhood for anyone looking for a mix of history and modern amenities. This area is known for its cobblestone streets, Victorian architecture, and trendy bars and restaurants. You’ll also want to explore the area’s many attractions, including the famous Steam Clock and the Vancouver Lookout. Some top places to stay in Gastown include the L’Hermitage Hotel and the Skwachàys Lodge.
Yaletown: Upscale Living and Dining.
If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, Yaletown is your neighborhood. This trendy area is known for its high-end restaurants, boutique shops, and luxurious accommodations. You’ll also want to enjoy the nearby seawall and False Creek and the many art galleries and museums in the area. Some top places to stay in Yaletown include the Opus Hotel and the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.
East Vancouver: Artsy and Eclectic Neighborhoods.
If you’re looking for a more eclectic and artsy vibe, East Vancouver is the place to be. This neighborhood is known for its vibrant street art, independent shops, and diverse food scene. You’ll also find many galleries and studios in the area and the famous Vancouver Mural Festival (in Mount Pleasant). Just like Kitsilano, there aren’t many hotels in East Vancouver or ones ideal for visitors. If you want to stay here, check out VRBO.
Where to Stay in Vancouver for Couples or Friends
Deciding where to stay in Vancouver as a couple comes down to what kind of experience you want. If you want to be close to all of the action, stay downtown, or for a more chic vibe, check out Yaletown! If you’re visiting in the summer and want to be close to the beach, look at Kitsilano (book early).
A few of the best places to stay throughout these neighborhoods include:
Budget Hotel Option
The Burrard
1100 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y7, Canada
This unique, renovated motor lodge is in the heart of downtown, in Vancouver’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ neighborhood, Davie Village. It’s within walking distance of tons of shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and more. The hotel also offers free bike rentals and has EV charging stations.
Mid-Range Hotel Option
The Listel
1300 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1C5, Canada
If you’re a couple that loves art, this hotel is for you! The Listel is known as Vancouver’s “art-full” hotel, as every room is enhanced with a variety of limited edition and original pieces of art. In addition to appreciating art, if you’re interested in shopping, The Listel is located right on Vancouver’s famous shopping street, Robson.
Luxury Hotel Option
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
900 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2W6, Canada
This iconic “castle in the city ” is right in the heart of downtown. The Fairmont is well known for its timeless luxury, and it recently underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation to ensure all guest accommodations are top-notch. When you want to relax, you don’t have to go far; just visit the onsite Absolute Spa for a deep tissue massage, exfoliating body scrub, or one of their signature soaks!
Where to Stay in Vancouver for Families
Vancouver offers a wide range of fun activities for families with kids of all ages! You’ll want to check out all of the exciting and educational exhibits at Science World, play games non-stop at the Kids Market on Granville Island, and get out and enjoy nature in Stanley Park. With a diverse lineup of activities peppered all over the city, it’s best to stay downtown (with one exception) and choose a hotel that will give you enough space (or a connecting room) and maybe a pool for some fun after-sightseeing!
Budget Hotel Option
YWCA Hotel Vancouver
733 Beatty Street, V6B 2M4 Vancouver, Canada
Want to show your kids the importance of giving back? Stay here! This non-profit hotel offers comfortable and budget-friendly rooms while supporting the local community and funding community programs for women, children, and families. The simple rooms are perfect when you only need a place to rest your head in between sightseeing.
Mid-Range Hotel Option
Grandville Island Hotel
1253 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada
This waterfront boutique hotel isn’t technically downtown; it’s downtown adjacent to the fun Granville Island. This is a terrific place for families and kids to check out and is within easy reach of everything you’ll want to do in the city. The hotel also offers suites for families that need a little extra space.
Luxury Hotel Option
Shangri-La Vancouver
1128 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6E 0A8, Canada
This sleek and stylish hotel is steps from all the terrific shops on Robson Street and within easy walking distance of Stanley Park. You’ll also love their outdoor pool and breathtaking city views — it’s one of the tallest buildings in Vancouver!
Where to Stay in Vancouver Without a Car
So, you probably expect that I will say that you must stay in downtown Vancouver if you don’t have a car; while that’s a great option, it’s not 100% necessary. If you don’t plan to rent a car in Vancouver (it’s not essential), you just need to choose a hotel that is close to transit or the main sights you want to see. I’ve stayed in East Vancouver and Downtown Vancouver without a car and had no problems getting around. One note, I wouldn’t stay in North Vancouver without a car. Taking transit into downtown from North Vancouver can at times take up to an hour (one-way).
Budget Hotel Option
YWCA Hotel Vancouver
733 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2M4, Canada
I love hotels that are community-oriented, which is why I am recommending this hotel twice in this guide! Your stay helps fund much-needed programming that supports women, children, and families in the local area. On top of that, staying here puts you within walking distance to China Town, Gas Town, Yale Town — just about everywhere in downtown Vancouver! When you want to venture further, you can easily, as there are multiple bus stops near the hotel.
Mid-Range Hotel Option
Skwachàys Lodge
31 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1R3, Canada
Another hotel that’s looking to make an impact in the Vancouver community! The Skwachàys Lodge is a unique Indigenous social enterprise that supports urban Indigenous artists. Your stay helps fund affordable artist housing, workshops, and personal/professional development programming. In addition to doing good, you’re right in the heart of Chinatown, which puts you within easy reach of all of Vancouver’s must-see spots. You can hop on the bus if you’re not interested in walking. Multiple stops are nearby — you can be in Kitsilano in less than 30 minutes!
Luxury Hotel Option
Fairmont Pacific Rim
1038 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0B9, Canada
For stunning mountain and harbor views in an absolutely luxurious setting, there is no better place to stay in Vancouver than here! The beautiful environment influences the sleek property and is enhanced with art and fashion. You’ll want to spend a day relaxing in their five-star spa or rooftop pool and finish with a drink at the award-winning Botanist Bar. The hotel is situated in the vibrant Coal Harbour neighborhood, offering convenient access to Stanley Park, the Vancouver Convention Centre, and the waterfront.
Where to Stay in Vancouver: Map
If you’re a visual person, like me, using this map is an easy way to choose the best place to stay! You can see all of my recommended hotels and more throughout Vancouver.
FAQs: Visiting Vancouver
Here are some answers to a few frequently asked questions about Vancouver. They might be helpful with your trip planning!
Are Three Days Enough in Vancouver?
Well, that depends! If you only plan to explore the city center, three days are enough in Vancouver. If you want to go hiking on Grouse Mountain (Vancouver’s closest mountain) or take a day trip from Vancouver, then three days won’t be enough time.
Ideally, I suggest 4-5 days, so you have sufficient time to explore the city, have some downtime, and then take a day to explore some beautiful surrounding areas. If you’re visiting in the summer, there are a ton of opportunities for hiking and kayaking. If you’re visiting in the winter, the area turns into a winter wonderland for skiing, snowshoeing, and much more.
What are Places I Should Avoid in Vancouver?
Honestly, I don’t think there are any areas in Vancouver that you need to avoid totally. Some areas may make you feel uncomfortable due to a high level of poverty and drug use, but these aren’t issues you wouldn’t find in other cities.
The area of Main and Hasting Streets has been home to Vancouver’s homeless tent encampments. This area tends to be the most shocking to visitors, especially those unfamiliar with Vancouver’s social issues.
What is The Best Month to Visit Vancouver?
The best months to visit Vancouver are June, July, and August. During the summer months, you’ll enjoy longer days to explore the city, go hiking, relax on the beach, or hop in a boat!
If you want to save a little money but still enjoy mild weather, plan to visit Vancouver in May or September.
Further Reading For Your Vancouver Adventure
If you need more help planning your Vancouver getaway, you’ve come to the right place! Check out these other Vancouver guides and articles along with some help for another amazing Canadian city, Toronto!
The Best Vegan Guide to Vancouver: Restaurants, Shops, & More
11 Scenic Day Trips from Vancouver Your Can’t Miss
The Best Vegan Ice Cream & Dessert Spots in Vancouver
Vancouver Vegan Bakery Guide: The Best Sweet Spots
Where to Go for Vegan Breakfast in Vancouver
How to Spend Two Days in Vancouver from a Local
Complete Toronto Vegan Guide: Where to Eat, Shop, & Explore
Mouthwatering Vegan Bakeries & Sweet Shops in Toronto
The Best Spots for Vegan & Gluten-Free Food in Toronto
Why You Might Want to Visit Halifax, Nova Scotia
