Vancouver is deceptively sleepy, although it was thrust into the spotlight a couple years ago for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Major world sporting events aside, Vancouver has no shortage of shopping, art galleries, cultural museums, beaches and a cornucopia of international cuisine along with exquisite seafood. Enjoy kayaking out on English Bay, a day exploring the many trails of Stanley Park, or a foodie trip to Granville Island's bustling farmers market followed by a night at one of the island's many theaters; perhaps stand-up comedy tonight and tomorrow a drama by a new local playwright. Tuck into a delectable seafood dinner and a drink or two in Gastown, before retreating to a blissful night's sleep at one of our TravelSort's luxury and boutique hotels in Vancouver, all at members-only prices:
A Vancouver gem, the Rosewood offers some of the very finest accommodation and service in the city. Enjoy luxurious, newly renovated rooms appointed in sleek beige and black, with plush beds draped in Italian Rivolta Carmignani linens, Ohne bath amenities, spa-like bathrooms with heated floors, and an in-room Nespresso machine. Consult with the Les Clefs d'Or Concierge on dining or sightseeing recommendations, savor some of Vancouver's best market-driven cuisine at Hawksworthn Restaurant, and enjoy a refreshing dip in the indoor saltwater lap pool, or a soothing massage in the Rosewood Spa.
What's not to love about a stay at the Four Seasons Vancouver? It's one of the most reasonably priced Four Seasons properties, and despite its central location at the Pacific Centre Mall, close to Robson Street dining and shopping and a four block walk to the waterfront, it still manages to have a lovely indoor-outdoor pool and jacuzzi–perfect for soaking sore muscles if you've overdone it a bit with all the great outdoor sports and activities in Vancouver. Superior Rooms are moderate in size, at 329 square feet, but the luxurious signature Four Seasons bedding, L'Occitane bath amenities, and superb service from all levels of staff make up for it. This is also the best choice for families–kids receive their own welcome amenities, puzzles and games to borrow, child-size bathrobe, and lots of great tips from the concierge on kid-friendly activities in Vancouver. YEW Restaurant is nice, but not a standout given many other great Vancouver options.
A friendly and personal boutique hotel with Parisian charm, L'Hermitage has earned many fans with its convenient downtown location at Robson and Richards, close to dining and shopping on Robson, Yaletown, Gastown, and the Skytrain. Guests enjoy complimentary WiFi, the heated outdoor saltwater lap pool and jacuzzi, and complimentary bicycle loans. Standard “Petite Boutique” Rooms are good sized at 330 sq. ft., beds are luxurious, marble bathrooms offer a separate tub and shower, and a welcome perk includes in-room Nespresso machine. Valet parking, for those who have a car, is reasonable for the area at about $25 per day. The hotel is pet-friendly, but if you didn't bring your own four-legged furry friend, say hello to Hippo, the dog concierge.
Sleek and modern, the Loden Hotel is close to Stanley Park, Robson Street shopping, Yaletown, and great restaurants and nightlife options. Signature Rooms are spacious, at 400 square feet, and feature floor to ceiling windows that open for fresh air, a plush King bed, sitting area and marble bathroom with deep soaking tub and separate rainfall shower. Illuminated privacy signs are a nice touch; not sure why more hotels don't have these (although
Le Burgundy in Paris and Club Rooms in the
Intercontinental Boston are a couple we've recently stayed in that do). If you feel like exploring farther afield, complimentary Cruiser bikes are available to borrow, or turn heads if you head out in the stylish house car, a London cab. Fitness geeks will want to head to the BeFit Fitness Studio, where personal training and nutrionist services are available on request, for an additional fee. Don't miss the lively scene at Tableau Bar and Bistro, one of locals' favorites. Try classics such as steak frites and Marquis au chocolat. If we had to complain, it would be that WiFi is not free, and Nespresso machines only come with the suites (although you can request one, availability permitting, for Signature Rooms).
The Opus Vancouver is a funky and hip boutique hotel in a great Yaletown location, where you're spoiled for choice with all the dining and nightlife options. Wander down to the waterfront to nab a water taxi to Granville Island, with its colorful and lively farmers market, or go on your own adventure with a complimentary loan of a mountain bike from the hotel. Standard rooms aren't huge, but come in a variety of colors to suit your mood, with comfortable beds, L'Occitane amenities, and even an iPad 2. Enjoy a sweet treat of jellybeans with nightly turndown.
Getting to Vancouver
If you live in Washington state or the Pacific Northwest, chances are you'll just hop in your car and drive up. Air Canada operates nonstop flights from San Francisco, LA, San Diego, New York, Las Vegas, Honolulu, Kahului, and nearby Portland and Seattle, as well as a number of international cities. United offers nonstop flights from Chicago, Denver, Houston and San Francisco.
From the East Coast, one of the best award options is Cathay Pacific's flight from New York JFK to Vancouver YVR. Roundtrip in business class is 50,000 American AAdvantage miles, and first class (recommended!) is only 65,000 AA miles. That's easily covered by applying for the Citi AAdvantage Visa and AMEX–see our Best Travel Credit Cards page for details.
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The Best New York Hotels with Pools
Best Luxury Hotels in Washington, DC
Las Vegas Hotels with the Best Views
Best Luxury Hotels in Hong Kong
Best Luxury Hotels in Singapore
Best Luxury Hotels in Bangkok
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