Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HI Hostel options as well as accommodation at the University of British Columbia
(UBC). There are also a couple of respectable but low-cost guesthouse-style options in
the city. When traveling off-season, your budget will likely stretch to a bargain rate at a
midrange property.
Taxes & Fees
Be aware that there will be some significant additions to most quoted room rates. You'll
pay an extra 7% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) plus 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST)
above the advertised rate. Also, in common with other large cities in BC, Vancouver
charges an additional 2% Hotel Room Tax. On top of all this, some hotels also charge a
Destination Marketing Fee of around 1.5%. Parking fees don't help either: overnight
parking, especially at higher-end downtown hotels, can be expensive. You'll be charged
$43 at the Fairmont Pacific Rim and $39 at the Pan Pacific, for example. Keep in mind
that B&Bs usually include parking free of charge.
NEED TO KNOW
Price Ranges
Our listings use the following price guide based on a double room with private
bathroom.
$
less than $100
$$
$100 to $250
$$$
over $250
Online Booking Services
Lonely Planet
(
www.lonelyplanet.com/hotels
)
Tourism Vancouver
(
www.tourismvancouver.com
)
Hello BC
(
www.hellobc.com
)
BC Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers Guild
(
www.bcsbestbnbs.com
)
Tipping
Bellhops typically get tipped $2 to $5 for hailing you a cab at the front of the
hotel, and up to $5 for carrying your bags to your room. Housekeepers can be
tipped $2 to $5 per night of your stay, although this is entirely optional.
