Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
VICTORIAN HOTEL
HOTEL
$$
( 877-681-6369, 604-681-6369;
www.victorianhotel.ca
; 514 Homer St; r incl breakfast $159, with
shared bathroom incl breakfast $99; ; Granville)
The high-ceilinged rooms at this
popular Euro-style, heritage-building hotel combine glossy hardwood floors, a sprink-
ling of antiques, an occasional bay window and plenty of historical charm. The best
rooms are in the renovated extension, where raindrop showers, marble bathroom floors
and flatscreen TVs add a slice of luxe. Rates include continental breakfast, and rooms
are provided with fans in summer.
Go for room 203: a spacious corner room with views and a cool mod chair. The
Victorian has friendly staff and an excellent location just steps from the downtown ac-
tion.
BURRARD HOTEL
HOTEL
$$
( 800-663-0366, 604-681-2331;
www.theburrard.com
; 1100 Burrard St; d $150; ;
22)
A long-overdue makeover is finally capitalizing on the Burrard's kitsch-cool 1950s
motel credentials, which for years had relied solely on its retro neon sign and nothing
else. Now the rooms have been spruced up with mod flourishes and contemporary
amenities such as Nespresso coffee machines and flatscreens. Not everything has
changed, though: the hidden interior courtyard of Florida-style palm trees is
tres
cool.
When the new owners took over, they also added some enticing freebies: loaner
bikes, North American phone calls and access to a nearby gym. There's also a handy
late-opening cafe in the building.
L'HERMITAGE HOTEL
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
$$
( 888-855-1050, 778-327-4100;
www.lhermitagevancouver.com
;
788 Richards St; r $220;
; Vancouver City Centre)
This classy, well-located property is divided
between longer-stay suites that attract visiting movie-industry types and guests just
dropping in for the night. Whichever you are, you'll find a contemporary, designer feel
combined with artsy flourishes in the rooms - some of which offer full kitchens. A
library-style common lounge has a secret garden terrace, and there's an adjoining
Jacuzzi and lap pool.
Free loaner bikes are available on request if you fancy exploring the city's ever-ex-
panding network of urban bicycle lanes.
