Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
nothing of its original luxurious appeal. It garners a five-diamond rating from the Americ-
an Automobile Association and is generally regarded as one of the world's top 100 hotels.
It's part of the landmark Canada Place (the top eight floors of the 13-story complex are
guest rooms), whose Teflon sails fly over busy, bustling sidewalks and a constant flow of
cruiseships.ThehotellobbyisupamassiveescalatorthatbeginsatthecityendofCanada
Place. Each of the 504 spacious rooms boasts stunning views, contemporary furnishings,
a luxurious marble bathroom, and in-room video checkout. Facilities include a pool, an
extra-charge health club, Five Sails Restaurant, and the summer-only Patio Terrace, from
where outstanding views extend across the water to Stanley Park.
The West End's Robson Street—with its sidewalk cafés, restaurants open until the wee
hours, and fashionable boutiques—provides a great alternative to staying right downtown.
Theaccommodationsalongthisstripareascentraltothebusinessdistrictasmanyofthose
in Downtown. Although you'll generally get a better value for your money and pay less
for parking in this part of the city, the rates quoted here aren't discounted as much (if at
all) on weekends, unlike the downtown business traveler-oriented hotels.
There are a few accommodations at the west end of downtown, close to Stanley Park
and English Bay, and a 25-minute walk along bustling Robson Street from downtown
proper.
$50-100
A hostel for grown-ups, the three-story
Buchan Hotel
(1906 Haro St., 604/685-5354 or
800/668-6654,
www.buchanhotel.com
, $86-154 s or d) is in a quiet residential area one
block from Stanley Park. It was built as an apartment hotel in 1926, and the atmosphere
todayisfriendly,especiallyintheevenings,whenguestsgatherinthemainlounge.Onthe
downside,the61guestroomsaresmallandsparselydecoratedandsomesharebathrooms.
$100-150
Built in the 1920s, the European-style
Barclay Hotel
(1348 Robson St., 604/688-8850,
www.barclayhotel.com
,$109-149sord)has80medium-sizeair-conditionedguestrooms,
asmalllounge,andanintimaterestaurant.Theroomsarestylishinaslightlyold-fashioned
way; each holds a comfortable bed, writing desk, couch, and older television. Outside of
summer, rates drop to a more reasonable $69-115.
