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Vancouver's Boutique Hotels Have Distinct Personalities

January 27, 2025
TE
By Taryn Eyton
4 min read

Experience unique design and exclusive amenities at Vancouver's boutique hotels. Each has a distinct style and personality that reflects Vancouver's diverse neighbourhoods and cultures.

Carmana Hotel & Suites

The living area of a one bedroom suite at Carmana Hotel in Vancouver with a city view out the window.
All of the rooms at the Carmana are suites so you can relax in comfort. Photo: Carmana Hotel & Suites

Located on Alberni Street in downtown Vancouver, Carmana Hotel & Suites sits in the middle of Luxury Row, a high-end shopping district that includes international fashion brands like Balenciaga, Prada, Burberry and Tory Burch. If you work up an appetite shopping, some of Vancouver's best restaurants like Black + Blue and Hawksworth are also nearby.

At the Carmana, all rooms are suites with fully equipped kitchens, dining areas, and lounge areas to make you feel at home. And since they are nestled in the downtown core, city views are out every window. If you need anything, their concierge service is available 24 hours a day.

Skwachays Lodge

One of the rooms at Skwachays Lodge in Vancouver. The walls have birch tree wall paper and a large colourful painting of an Indigenous familya
Each of the rooms at Skwachays Lodge features the work of Indigenous artists. This is the Forest Spirits Room with art by Jerry Whitehead. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Skwachays Lodge/Craig Minielly at Aura Photographics

Connect with local Indigenous culture at Skwachays Lodge. This downtown hotel is owned and operated by the BC Indigenous Housing Society. Each of the 18 rooms is unique and features Indigenous art. The hotel is also a unique social enterprise: in addition to hotel rooms, the building also provides housing and studio space for Indigenous artists as part of their Artist in Residence Program. The hotel sits on the edge of Gastown, which is a great place to browse boutiques or eat at gastropubs.

The Burrard

The interior courtyard at The Burrard in Vancouver with brightly painted walls and palm trees.
The interior courtyard at the Burrard has nods to the hotel's retro style. Photo: Destination Vancouver

If you're looking for unique retro vibes with a modern twist, book a stay at The Burrard. The hotel first opened in 1956 during the grand era of automobile culture as the Burrard Motor Inn. Today it has retained its mid-century modern cool with pops of colour in the decor and palm trees thriving in the verdant central courtyard. The hotel includes lots of fun touches like a ping pong table, outdoor fire pit, little free library, and free bike rentals. Their central location downtown is an easy walk to shopping to the north or Sunset Beach to the south.

Versante Hotel

A hotel room at the Versante Hotel in Richmond with brightly coloured rugs and wallpaper.
The Versante Hotel is known for its bold decor. Photo: Destination BC/The Versante Hotel

The Versante Hotel in Richmond is not your average airport hotel. Yes, it's located less than 10 minutes from Vancouver International Airport. But the vibrant decor and spa-like bathrooms set this boutique luxury hotel apart from the rest. Each of their 100 rooms features bold colours, big windows and expansive bathrooms with soaking tubs. Relax before or after your flight in their rooftop pool or enjoy one of their on-site restaurants. Downtown Vancouver is just 20 minutes away via the nearby Canada Line Skytrain.

Granville Island Hotel

An aerial view of the Granville Island Hotel with False Creek and the Burrard Street Bridge.
The Granville Island Hotel sits at the south end of the bustling artisan community of Granville Island. Photo: Destination Vancouver.

Stay in the heart of a bustling artisan community at the Granville Island Hotel. Granville Island is a former industrial area turned community shopping destination. Browse the food stalls at the Public Market, wander through the narrow lanes to discover artist studios, or eat at one of the waterfront restaurants. Downtown Vancouver, Yaletown, and Olympic Village are also a quick boat ride away via the Aquabus or the False Creek Ferries. The hotel is on the quiet south side of the island and many of the rooms have incredible water views.

Sylvia Hotel

The ivy-covered exterior of the Sylvia Hotel in Vancouver.
The ivy-covered exterior of the Sylvia Hotel. Photo: Destination Vancouver

The historic Sylvia Hotel is located across the street from English Bay, steps from Stanley Park, and directly on the Seawall walking and biking path. Its location in the West End is great for escaping the hustle and bustle of the downtown core. Built in 1912, the hotel is a City of Vancouver heritage building. The Boston ivy crawling across the exterior of the hotel makes for a great photo op. The 120 rooms and suites have a heritage feel with modern touches. If you want an incredible view, book the Beach Avenue rooms which face English Bay.

Opus Hotel

The exterior of the Opus Hotel in Vancouver
The Opus Hotel has a brick exterior in a nod to its Yaletown location. Photo: Destination Vancouver

Use the stylish Opus Hotel as a base to explore the Yaletown neighbourhood. Historically this area was an industrial district with brick warehouses and loading docks. Today it is full of hip boutiques and restaurants as well as lots of modern glass towers overlooking False Creek and the Seawall walking and biking path. BC Place and Rogers Arena are a short walk away if you're attending a sports game or concert. Each of the rooms at Opus is decorated in vibrant colours and has luxe bathrooms with heated floors and deep tubs. Some rooms also have cozy fireplaces and balconies.

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