See the best places to stay in Vancouver, including the best hotels for families, budget travelers, and more—everything you need to know about where to stay in Vancity.

Where to Stay in Vancouver: A Quick Look

Although Vancouver is a relatively compact city, it has some very unique neighborhoods. Where you stay in Vancouver can really impact your overall impression of the city, so let’s take a look at how these neighborhoods are alike and what makes them so special.

Downtown, Gas Town, and the West End are all within walking distance of one another. They also have access to public transport which makes it easy to branch out and see as much of the city as possible.

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Best Areas to Stay in Vancouver for First-Timers

If you’re going to Vancouver for the first time, it’s a good idea to stay somewhere central. This makes it much easier to explore more of the city. If you fall in love with a particular neighborhood, you can always stay here when you come back!

Why Stay in Downtown Vancouver

Full of shiny office buildings, international chain hotels, and transport links, Downtown Vancouver is the most convenient place to stay in the city. Booking a hotel here puts you right in the middle of all the action, and since there are hotels to suit a range of budgets, this is a great place for first-time visitors. From here, you can walk to Gastown, the West End, and Yaletown, and it’s easy to hop on the SkyTrain to get to the airport.

This area truly feels like an asphalt jungle, and most of the restaurants and bars here are frequented mostly by office workers. It’s where the largest concentration of high-end hotels is, making it one of the best places to stay in Vancouver for luxury and business travelers. This means that it can be pretty quiet in the evenings once the after-work crowd heads home for the night.

Top Hotel Picks in Downtown Vancouver

Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown

This mid-range hotel’s convenient location puts you right in the center of Vancouver. The rooms are spotlessly clean and the service is top-notch.

YMCA Hotel Vancouver

Offering spacious rooms, coin-operated laundry, and cooking facilities, this hotel provides a handy base in Downtown Vancouver for anyone who wants a few more of the creature comforts of home while on the road.

Paradox Vancouver

This upscale hotel features spacious rooms, stellar service, and fantastic views. It’s a bit pricier than many of the other hotels in Downtown Vancouver but the quality matches the hefty price tag.

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Best Areas to Stay in Vancouver for Foodies

Vancouver is famous for its booming culinary scene and foodies will have so many options to choose from that they may not even know where to begin! If you’re planning on eating your way through Vancouver, it’s important to pick a location which has oodles of options nearby so you can maximize your mealtimes!

Why Stay in Gastown?

Packed with cobblestone streets, charming buildings, and hip restaurants serving up delicious food, Gastown is THE place to stay in Vancouver for foodies and culture vultures. Gastown is located just east of the downtown area along the waterfront and the whole place feels very “industrial chic” with plenty of coffee shops and bars to choose from.

Top Hotel Picks in Gastown

Victorian Hotel

Conveniently located just a 5 minute walk from the Pacific Center Shopping Center, Victorian Hotels offer classic rooms and a sophisticated design in Gastown. They have rooms with two double beds which makes it great for friends or families traveling together.

Delta Hotels Vancouver Downtown Suites

This all-suite hotel offers enormous rooms and high end amenities aimed towards discerning travelers. Some rooms offer two queen beds and a sofa bed so you’ve got plenty of space to spread out and the service is exactly what you would expect for this price range.

The Cambie Hostel Gastown

With its shared rooms and common areas, The Cambie Hostel Gastown is perfect for foodies who would prefer to splurge on food rather than accommodation. The central location makes it easy to explore Gastown and Downtown Vancouver.

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Best Areas to Stay in Vancouver for Families

Traveling as a family can be extremely rewarding but it does come with its own unique challengings. You’ll likely want to have a little bit more space to spread out (and get out of one another’s hair!)

Why Stay in the West End?

Located on the edge of Downtown Vancouver, the West End stretches from Burrard to Stanley Park. The location feels a lot more residential than downtown or Gastown which may make it easier for kids (and your sanity!) to handle. It’s also more affordable to stay here than other neighborhoods thanks to the wider range of affordable accommodation and family-friendly restaurants.

The best thing about staying in the West End is how easy it is to get to Stanley Park. Featuring more than 400-hectares of West Coast rainforest, this is one of the most popular places to visit in Vancouver. The park is criss-crossed by hiking trails and fringed by gorgeous beaches and there are sweeping views along the Seawall. You can even rent a bike there if you’re tight on time and want to simply go for a zoom around the park.

Top Hotel Picks in West End, Vancouver

Sonder the Sunset

Featuring apartment-style accommodation options, this property offers self-check-in services and clean, spacious rooms. Rooms come equipped with a kitchen and tableware, making it perfect for families who want to eat at home before heading out on the town.

Best Western Plus Sands

Offering a filling breakfast and super comfortable beds, Best Western Plus Sands is a family-friendly hotel near Stanley Park. The staff are friendly and accommodating, and the large rooms provide plenty of space for luggage.

English Bay Hotel

Although they are starting to get a bit tired, the rooms at the English Bay Hotel are spacious and comfortable. This makes it a great choice for families and the location makes it ideal for people wanting to explore West End.

Best Places in Vancouver for a Budget Stay

No matter how you look at it, Vancouver is a very expensive city. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to find a budget-friendly room. You may just have to be willing to give up a few amenities in exchange for a place to lay your head for the night! Below are some of our favorite budget-friendly hotels in Vancouver.

Top Budget Hotel Picks in Vancouver

The Cambie Hostel Seymour

Located in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, this hostel provides both shared and private rooms at a budget-friendly price point. It’s right next to Waterfront Station which makes it easy to get anywhere in town and it boasts all of the standard facilities (laundry room, common room, etc) that you would expect from a hostel.

Travelodge Hotel by Wyndham Vancouver Airport

Although airport hotels have a reputation for being expensive, the Travelodge is surprisingly budget-friendly, making it a good choice for people flying in and out of the city who want to have a place to stay while they squeeze in some of the sights.

Hotel at the Waldorf

Offering easy access to downtown, Hotel at the Waldorf has a quirky decor and retro vibe. While it may not have some of the same amenities that hostels or upscale properties have, the rooms are clean and comfortable, perfect for people who just need a place to crash at the end of a long day exploring.