Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites
(1763 Comox St., 604/688-7711 or 800/716-6199,
www.coasthotels.com
, from $255 s or d) is part of a Pacific Northwest hotel chain
renownedforprovidinggoodvalueandupscaleaccommodations.Acoupleofblocksfrom
English Bay and surrounded by good dining choices, this full-service hotel comes with
267 rooms on 35 levels. As a former apartment tower, its rooms are spacious; all have bal-
conies, in-room coffee, free local calls, and free Internet access, and most have kitchens.
Amenities include a fitness center, an indoor pool, room service, a bistro (open daily at
6:30am), and a lounge. (If you're traveling extensively in British Columbia, consider the
CoastHotelsfrequenttraveler program—it'sfreetojoinandoffersavariety ofdiscounts.)
$50-100
Dating to the mid-1990s, the
YWCA
(733 Beatty St., 604/895-5830 or 800/663-1424,
www.ywcahotel.com
, $73-90 s, $90-145 d) is popular with those who don't want to spend
a fortune on accommodations but don't like the “backpacker scene” at regular hostels.
It's a few blocks from Vancouver's business core, but the modern facilities and choice of
nearby restaurants more than compensate for the walk. More than 150 rooms are spread
over 11 stories. Each room has a telephone, and the private rooms have televisions. Com-
munal facilities include two kitchens, three lounges, and two laundries. Guests also have
use of the nearby YWCA Health and Wellness Centre, which houses a pool and gym. The
least expensive rooms share a bathroom.
$200-300
Granville Island Hotel
(1253 Johnston St., 604/683-7373 or 800/663-1840,
www.granvilleislandhotel.com
,$275sord)enjoysafabulouslocation ontheislandofthe
same name immediately south of downtown. The island is home to attractions, theaters,
art galleries, interesting shops, restaurants, bars, and Vancouver's best public market, but
downtown is only a short bus or ferry ride away. The hotel is designed to attract a young,
hip clientele. Contemporary and elegant, the rooms are spacious and furnished with Persi-
an rugs, marble-floored bathrooms, and modern necessities. Most also have water views.
Other facilities include a fitness center, rooftop hot tub, sauna, and kayak rentals from the
onsite marina. There's also an in-house brewery and excellent restaurant specializing in
West Coast cuisine.
