We are drawn to Vancouver for many of the same reasons we appreciate other Pacific Northwest cities like Seattle and Portland.
To us, Vancouver feels like a blend of these two cities. It shares Seattle’s waterfront location and mountain backdrop, combined with the vibrant food and drink scene and walkability that make Portland special.
Before settling in Portland in 2022, we visited Vancouver several times for short 2-3 day trips, always during the winter. Since moving to Portland, we’ve returned to Vancouver multiple times in just the first year, with more visits planned.
These trips have given us a deeper understanding of the city and its unique character, especially beyond the downtown core.
In this guide, we’ll share our insights on the best areas to stay in Vancouver, British Columbia.
We’ll highlight six excellent neighborhoods that we believe are ideal bases for exploring the city, based on our frequent trips to Vancouver over the past few years.
For each neighborhood, we’ll provide an overview, discuss the pros and cons of staying there, point out highlights we enjoyed, and suggest standout accommodations.
Our goal is to equip you with the information needed to choose the perfect place to stay in Vancouver, based on your travel style, budget, and trip objectives.
Ready to dive in? Let’s explore the best Vancouver neighborhoods for your stay.
Alysha and Lupine enjoying the Vancouver scenery, showcasing the city's beauty and outdoor appeal, ideal for travelers seeking picturesque destinations.
Where to Stay in Vancouver, B.C.: The 6 Best Places to Stay
Our approach to choosing accommodation is to first select the neighborhood, and then find a great hotel, hostel, or apartment within that area.
Vancouver is a relatively compact city, especially when considering the neighborhoods most appealing to tourists. However, the area you choose significantly impacts your experience, as each has a distinct atmosphere.
For instance, if you prefer a bustling urban environment with a professional vibe, Downtown is your spot. If you’re after a more relaxed, residential feel, Kitsilano is ideal.
Your chosen neighborhood will heavily influence the overall feel of your Vancouver trip.
This guide is designed to provide you with the insights you need – based on our personal explorations of Vancouver – to determine the best area for your travel style and budget.
And, given that it’s Vancouver, it’s important to briefly discuss budget.
Let’s be clear – Vancouver is an EXPENSIVE city to visit and live in. While not quite as pricey as San Francisco, it’s comparable to Seattle or San Diego.
This is particularly true during the summer, when prices rise due to the city’s long, warm summer days.
You might be tempted to save money by staying further out from the city center and commuting in.
While understandable, we strongly advise considering spending a bit more to stay closer to Downtown, ESPECIALLY if your visit is short (2-3 days, for example).
Now, we know some of you are thinking, “Just tell me the best place to stay!”
So, here’s a quick summary if you’re short on time (though we recommend reading the full section for your chosen neighborhood for detailed tips and recommendations!).
Here’s a map to help visualize the neighborhoods we’ll discuss, along with key landmarks (yellow stars) to orient you within the city.
Downtown Vancouver: The Best Area to Stay for First-Timers in Vancouver (+ Short Trips)
A vibrant street scene in Downtown Vancouver, highlighting the urban energy and modern architecture of the city center, perfect for first-time visitors.
Having grown up in Seattle, I (Matt) have spent considerable time in Vancouver.
Before our recent trips with Alysha, I always stayed Downtown, right in the heart of the action.
This approach has clear advantages and disadvantages. Downtown is centrally located, offering easy access to most attractions by walking, bus, or SkyTrain, including the airport.
However, its central location means sharing sidewalks with business professionals and tourists, as Downtown isn’t primarily a residential area for locals.
Nevertheless, its central position and status as the city’s Financial District mean Downtown boasts the widest selection of hotels in Vancouver.
As mentioned, there are pros and cons.
Downtown is the ideal choice for your first visit AND short trips (24-48 hours). In these scenarios, being centrally located is crucial to maximize your time, and you’ll likely focus your exploration on the Downtown area, including Stanley Park and Gastown.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Downtown Vancouver
Here are the pros and cons of choosing Downtown Vancouver as your base:
Pros of Staying in Downtown Vancouver
- Abundant Accommodation Options: Downtown offers the highest concentration of hotels, with hundreds of choices within a compact area. You’ll find options for various budgets, not just luxury hotels.
- Central Location: As central as it gets, Downtown Vancouver allows you to easily walk to Gastown, Yaletown, West End, and even Granville Island.
- Excellent Transit Connections: With SkyTrain access and numerous bus routes, Downtown provides superb connectivity to the rest of Vancouver and easy airport transfers.
Cons of Staying in Downtown Vancouver
- Lacks Charm: Downtown is a concrete-dominated environment. While there are green spaces like Robson Square, the overall feel is very urban and less charming than other neighborhoods.
- Dining and Drinks Elsewhere: The restaurants and bars in Downtown primarily cater to business clientele, lacking the diversity and interest found in areas like Main/Cambie or Kitsilano. Plan to explore other neighborhoods for more unique culinary experiences.
Find your perfect Downtown Vancouver hotel here
The Best Places to Stay in Downtown Vancouver
Downtown Vancouver offers a wide range of accommodation options across different budgets.
Here are a few standout hotels, though familiar hotel chains also have locations here.
The Burrard: Hip and Affordable Downtown Option
The Burrard, a trendy hotel in a renovated motor inn, is a great central and budget-friendly choice on the southwest edge of Downtown.
Located two blocks from Robson Square and a short walk to Sunset Beach and Stanley Park’s entrance, it’s ideally positioned.
The hotel’s layout, with rooms surrounding a leafy courtyard, reflects its motor inn origins. The courtyard offers pleasant outdoor spaces, perfect for Vancouver summers.
Rooms are compact with modern décor and Nespresso machines. Choose from king, queen, or two queen beds. Interior courtyard-facing rooms are quieter than street-facing rooms.
Pet-friendly rooms and secure onsite parking (extra fee) are available.
The Loden: Stylish Boutique Hotel in a Prime Location
The Loden Hotel sits at the intersection of West End, Coal Harbour, and Downtown, offering a more upscale experience than The Burrard. It elevates comfort, style, and amenities with a nice gym and free three-hour bike rentals.
Room choices include king or two double beds, with tiered options based on views: Stanley Park/water views, corner rooms, or standard views. View upgrades come at a premium. Second-floor rooms feature garden terraces, a lovely summer perk.
Pet-friendly with no size/weight restrictions, The Loden charges a $50 pet fee per pet, per stay (max two pets, no unattended pets).
Gastown: Hip, Historic Charm with Excellent Food & Drink
Cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture in Gastown Vancouver, capturing the neighborhood's historic charm and vibrant atmosphere, appealing to visitors seeking unique experiences.
After several Downtown stays, we shifted to Gastown, just east of Downtown along the waterfront.
Gastown offers a distinct vibe from Downtown’s concrete jungle, with cobblestone streets and an industrial feel, especially eastward towards Railtown.
Like Downtown, Gastown has pros and cons and might not suit everyone, particularly families with children.
On the positive side, Gastown is charming and boasts excellent dining and drinking options, including three of our favorite Vancouver coffee shops within a couple of blocks.
It’s also walkable to Downtown, Yaletown, and the waterfront, including the water taxi to North Vancouver.
However, Gastown has challenges, notably visible homelessness, which might be unsettling for some visitors.
Having lived in Seattle, San Francisco, and Portland, we are familiar with the housing and mental health crises affecting West Coast cities, and Vancouver is similar.
Visible homelessness and occasional public drug use exist in Gastown.
East of Carrall Street, the situation intensifies rapidly. We experienced this firsthand walking from Chinatown to Railtown via E Hastings St at Main St.
Whether staying in Gastown or not, avoid walking east of Carrall Street on E. Hastings if possible. North or south of E Hastings by a block or two, conditions improve somewhat.
For example, walking from Ask for Luigi through Gastown on Alexander St (~3 blocks north of E Hastings) was completely fine.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Gastown
Here are the pros and cons of staying in Gastown:
Pros of Staying in Gastown
- Superb Food and Drink Scene: Gastown excels in food and drinks, from our favorite coffee shops and restaurants to the city’s best beer/cider bar.
- Central and Walkable: Gastown’s central location allows walking to most places. Buses are readily available for further destinations.
- Easy Airport Access: The Canada Line from Waterfront Station (Gastown’s western edge) provides direct airport access, avoiding traffic and transfers.
Cons of Staying in Gastown
- Proximity to Downtown Eastside: The stretch of E Hastings St east of Carrall is concerning, even for experienced city dwellers. Avoid walking east from Gastown, especially at night, and families should consider other neighborhoods.
Find your ideal Gastown accommodation here
The Best Places to Stay in Gastown
Gastown offers fewer accommodation options than Downtown. Here are three main choices:
Delta Hotels by Marriott Vancouver Downtown Suites: Solid Option on Gastown Border
Delta Hotels by Marriott Vancouver Downtown Suites, while technically on the Downtown-Gastown border, is included in Gastown due to its proximity to the Steam Clock (two blocks).
This luxury suite hotel offers rooms with separate bedrooms and sitting areas. Room configurations include one queen, one king, and two queens. North-facing, high-floor rooms offer water views, while others have city views.
Suites may include “urban kitchens” with microwaves and mini-fridges. A small fitness center is available.
Pet-friendly (two pets up to 50lbs/23kg, $55 CAD pet fee per stay). Onsite parking is $43 CAD per day.
If you have a car, Downtown might not be the best choice.
Skwachàys Lodge: Unique Boutique Hotel Featuring Indigenous Art
Skwachàys Lodge in Gastown is a unique boutique hotel and social enterprise supporting local Indigenous communities. It provides a platform for Indigenous artists to showcase and sell their art and offers housing. An onsite art gallery displays their work.
Each of the 18 rooms is unique, featuring Indigenous art based on a theme. Room layouts vary, with king, queen, or two double beds.
Two “suite” rooms offer more space, mini-fridges, and microwaves.
Limited onsite parking is available first-come, first-served ($30 CAD/night). Public transit is recommended in this area. Secure valuables if parking.
No pets are allowed.
Victorian Hotel: Affordable Central Vancouver Option
The Victorian Hotel, bordering Gastown and Downtown, is near Gastown highlights like Nemesis Coffee and Revolver Coffee, and the Vancouver Art Gallery (five to six blocks).
Rooms blend the historic building’s structure with modern boutique hotel décor, featuring exposed brick and bright white walls/sheets.
The Victorian Hotel offers “Euro-style” rooms with shared, single-occupancy bathrooms, providing excellent value in Vancouver. Eight such rooms per floor share three single-occupancy, lockable bathrooms.
Standard hotel rooms with ensuite bathrooms are also available.
No pets allowed. Limited, non-reservable onsite parking is $20 CAD/night.
Note: No elevator, so consider mobility needs.
The West End: Relaxed, Affordable, and Next to Stanley Park
Scenic view of Stanley Park from the West End, Vancouver, showing the lush greenery and waterfront location, ideal for nature-loving travelers.
Vancouver’s West End covers the western peninsula from Burrard to Stanley Park, its crown jewel jutting into the water.
Part of the Downtown core, the West End is close to key attractions for your Vancouver itinerary.
Among Downtown-adjacent neighborhoods, the West End is the least “concrete jungle”-like. It’s quieter, more residential, and generally more affordable than Downtown, Gastown, and Yaletown.
It trades hip industrial lofts (Gastown), luxury high-rises (Yaletown), and business bustle (Downtown) for older apartment buildings, relaxed restaurants/bars, and water views.
Davie and Robson Streets, running from Downtown to Stanley Park, are the main thoroughfares for hotels, dining, and drinks.
Stanley Park access is a major West End perk. Biking or walking the seawall perimeter is the best way to explore the park.
Mobi, Vancouver’s bike share, has stations throughout the West End and Stanley Park. Bike rentals are also available at shops near the West End’s northern edge (here on Google Maps).
The Stanley Park Seawall in Vancouver, showcasing the scenic path along the water's edge, perfect for biking, walking, and enjoying panoramic views.
Pros and Cons of Staying in the West End
Here are the pros and cons of staying in Vancouver’s West End:
Pros of Staying in the West End
- More Affordable: West End hotels are generally more affordable than comparable options in Downtown and Yaletown, offering better value within the Downtown core.
- Stanley Park Access: The West End’s proximity to Stanley Park is a major draw, ideal for morning or evening park visits for relaxation and nature.
Cons of Staying in the West End
- Less Convenient Airport Transit: West End lacks a SkyTrain station, requiring transfers or pricier transport from the airport. Less of an issue for drivers or train travelers.
- Less Exciting Food and Drink Scene: While decent dining options exist, the West End’s food and drink scene is less vibrant and developed compared to Yaletown or other neighborhoods, with a more homey, less upscale feel. Good Asian food options are available near Stanley Park.
Find your perfect West End accommodation here
The Best Places to Stay in Vancouver’s West End
Here are some recommended West End accommodations:
Sonder at Revival: Modern Apartments Near Stanley Park
Sonder at Revival, a Sonder property, offers modern apartments two blocks from Stanley Park.
Sonder blends hotel and Airbnb elements, providing private apartments with hotel-like management (virtual check-in, limited onsite staff).
While lacking a traditional front desk for recommendations, Sonder at Revival offers well-equipped apartments with kitchens, ideal for a comfortable Vancouver base.
West End Guest House: Charming Victorian Bed & Breakfast
The West End Guest House is a highly-rated bed and breakfast in a historic 1906 Victorian home.
Located in a quieter West End area, it’s equidistant (12-15 minutes walk) to Downtown and Stanley Park’s edge.
Adult-oriented, it’s ideal for couples and solo travelers (single king or queen beds).
Includes hot breakfast daily, evening refreshments, and free off-street parking.
Unique rooms in a historic building offer king or queen beds. Common areas provide extra space.
No pets allowed. Parking included.
Carmana Hotel & Suites: Modern Suites Near Downtown
Carmana Hotel & Suites, a mid-range aparthotel, borders Downtown and the West End, close to Downtown, Gastown, and a 10-minute walk to Vancouver City Centre SkyTrain station for airport access.
While technically in the West End, it has a more urban Downtown feel with a metallic high-rise exterior and modern interiors.
Suites (one and two-bedroom) include full kitchens and floor-to-ceiling windows with city views. Onsite fitness center and laundry are available.
No pets allowed. Onsite parking with 6’ height limit ($38/day).
Times Square Suites Hotel: Best Location near Stanley Park
Times Square Suites Hotel, a low-key suite hotel, is ideally located two blocks from Stanley Park and one block from bike rentals on Denman Street.
While not the most modern, it’s homey, comfortable, and features full kitchens in every unit, suitable for longer stays and those needing to cook their own meals.
Suites range from studios to two-bedrooms, each uniquely laid out.
Pet-friendly suites are available ONLY DURING LOW SEASON (OCTOBER-APRIL) with a $45 pet fee per stay. Parking available (6’4” height limit, $25/day).
Yaletown: Upscale and Modern Waterfront Neighborhood
Yaletown is known for upscale fitness studios (like Barry’s Bootcamp) and modern high-rise apartments.
Located in Downtown’s southeast corner along False Creek (Granville Island inlet), Yaletown centers around B.C. Place stadium, hosting concerts and sports events.
Yaletown is a dense concrete environment, but features well-integrated green spaces, especially along the waterfront walking path.
Modern architecture and waterfront views in Yaletown Vancouver, showcasing the upscale and stylish atmosphere of the neighborhood, appealing to sophisticated travelers.
Yaletown offers easy access to Downtown, Gastown, and Main/Cambie areas (via Cambie Street Bridge).
Water taxis (False Creek Ferries) connect Yaletown to Granville Island and Kitsilano, providing scenic transportation.
Yaletown is expensive, with luxury-focused hotels offering less value compared to areas like the West End. Budget travelers should consider other neighborhoods.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Yaletown
Here are the pros and cons of staying in Yaletown:
Pros of Staying in Yaletown
- Walkable: Yaletown allows walking to Gastown, Downtown, and Granville Island.
- Good Food and Drink Options: Yaletown streets, especially towards B.C. Place, are filled with excellent restaurants and bars.
- Easy Transportation: Yaletown is walkable to SkyTrain, has bus connections, and ferry access to Granville Island, Kitsilano, and Stanley Park. Easy airport and city-wide access.
Cons of Staying in Yaletown
- Lacks Charm: While nicer than Downtown, Yaletown lacks the everyday charm of neighborhoods like Kitsilano or the West End, dominated by glass high-rises rather than a community feel.
- Expensive: Yaletown is pricey, with hotels skewed towards the luxury end.
Find your perfect Yaletown hotel here
The Best Places to Stay in Yaletown
Here are some notable Yaletown hotels:
Hotel BLU: Solid Mid-Range Hotel on Robson Street
Hotel BLU is a mid-range hotel on Robson Street, near B.C. Place.
Value for its great location is a key feature. Rooms are standard hotel style (king or two queens), some with balconies, and suites (some split-level) with seating areas (microwaves/mini-fridges only, no full kitchens).
Amenities include a full-size indoor pool and jacuzzi, plus a small fitness center.
Pet-friendly (balcony rooms required, $30/day cleaning fee, not ideal for dogs). Onsite parking is $30/day.
Georgian Court Hotel: Good Value Near B.C. Place
The Georgian Court Hotel, near B.C. Place, markets itself as luxury but offers a blend of mid-range and luxury amenities (hot tub, infrared sauna) at more accessible prices than true luxury hotels.
Rooms are spacious with configurations including king and two queens, plus penthouses and suites.
Pet-friendly ($20/day pet fee, max $100/week). Onsite parking is $30/day.
Kitsilano: Our Favorite Vancouver Neighborhood
Kitsilano is our favorite Vancouver neighborhood, a blend of beach community and residential suburb, contrasting with the Downtown area.
However, hotel options are non-existent, and strict Airbnb regulations limit choices.
Kitsilano Pool overlooking the ocean and city skyline in Vancouver, capturing the outdoor lifestyle and scenic beauty of Kitsilano, appealing to active and scenery-seeking travelers.
Despite limited lodging, Kitsilano draws us back after previous Downtown-centric trips.
It features favorite restaurants, bars, and an exceptional tea shop, especially along West 4th Ave between Burrard and Steven streets.
Kitsilano boasts a string of beaches westward with skyline and mountain views. Staying here offers easy sunset beach access.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Kitsilano
Here are the pros and cons of staying in Kitsilano:
Pros of Staying in Kitsilano
- Charming Atmosphere: Kitsilano offers charm with trees, locals and tourists, beaches, and skyline views, even in winter.
- Great Shopping/Dining/Drinking: W 4th Avenue and W Broadway offer excellent dining and shopping, rivaling Main/Cambie in Mount Pleasant.
- Quieter and Residential: Kitsilano is more laid-back and residential compared to Downtown Vancouver, with fewer skyscrapers and more homes/smaller buildings.
- Beach Proximity: Easy access to Kitsilano’s beaches and westward stretches towards UBC.
Cons of Staying in Kitsilano
- No Hotels: Kitsilano lacks hotels, making Airbnb the primary option, with limited legal choices due to regulations.
- Less Downtown Accessibility: Downtown access is less direct than other neighborhoods. Buses (W 4th Ave) take 15-20 minutes Downtown, and a water taxi goes to Sunset Beach/Stanley Park. No SkyTrain.
Find vacation rentals in Kitsilano here
The Best Places to Stay in Kitsilano
Kitsilano has no hotels, a major drawback.
Legally compliant Airbnbs are limited to principal residences, severely restricting options.
Focus your vacation rental search in eastern Kitsilano near the beach for easier city access.
Mount Pleasant: Close Second Favorite Residential Area
Like Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, south of Yaletown across False Creek, appeals to us as a more residential area with commercial strips.
It transitions from industrial breweries to residential streets with bars, restaurants, and shops along Main and Cambie Streets.
Mount Pleasant is appealing – home to many favorite Vancouver restaurants – but also faces limited accommodation options like Kitsilano.
However, guesthouses here offer a good base for exploring Vancouver, with access to Downtown (walk, bus, SkyTrain) and walkable to Main and Cambie streets.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Mount Pleasant
Here are the pros and cons of staying in Mount Pleasant:
Pros of Staying in Mount Pleasant
- Charming Residential Vibe: Mount Pleasant offers tree-lined streets and historic homes, making it a desirable residential area.
- Main and Cambie Streets: These parallel streets are highlights, featuring excellent dining, drinks (beer, coffee, tea), and unique shops.
Cons of Staying in Mount Pleasant
- Limited Accommodation: Similar to Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant has few accommodation options, mainly guesthouses and limited Airbnbs.
Find vacation rentals in Mount Pleasant here
The Best Places to Stay in Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant’s main drawback is limited accommodation.
This scarcity benefits residents but restricts tourist options beyond concrete jungles.
Limited non-Airbnb options are guesthouses run by the same group, offering rooms in historic homes (Victorians, Four Squares) with breakfast and parking included.
They offer charming guesthouse experiences.
Where NOT to Stay in Vancouver
Here are areas to avoid staying in Vancouver:
Chinatown / East of Gastown
As mentioned, the Downtown Eastside, especially E Hastings St east of Carrall, is not recommended.
Even for city lovers, this area is unpleasant. Avoid staying here (limited options anyway).
Chinatown itself is worth visiting but not ideal as a base due to limited accommodation.
North Vancouver
North Vancouver is great for exploration, with waterfront, trails, and breweries.
However, it’s a poor choice for accommodation, especially for short trips, due to long bus/ferry commutes to Downtown Vancouver, Granville Island, and Kitsilano attractions.
