Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
stories. Each room has a telephone, and the private rooms have televisions. Communal fa-
cilities 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 ex-
pensive rooms share a bathroom.
The three-story Kingston Hotel (757 Richards St., 604/684-9024 or 888/713-3304,
www.kingstonhotelvancouver.com , $80-125 s, $90-155 d) is over 100 years old and has
been extensively renovated. Most of the 55 rooms share bathrooms, but have their own sink
with running water. Amenities include a sauna, laundry, TV rental, and TV lounge with a
collection of old-time movies. The adjacent parkade is handy if you have a vehicle. Room
rates include a light breakfast.
The location of the 1914 Budget Inn Patricia Hotel (403 E. Hastings St., 604/
255-4301, www.patriciahotel.ca , $70-125 s or d) isn't the best—it's separated from down-
town by infamous East Hastings Street—but the price is right, parking is free, and down-
stairs is a popular pub with in-house brewery and decent food. Rooms are available in a
variety of configurations; the smallest rooms share bathrooms, while larger rooms come
with basic bathrooms and queen beds.
$100-150
In this price range, you remain in the domain of older hotels—some good, some bad.
Of these, the M Victorian Hotel (514 Homer St., 604/681-6369 or 877/681-6369,
www.victorianhotel.ca , $109-189 s or d) is one of the best choices. Guest rooms have only
basic amenities, but they are comfortably furnished and light on the wallet. The central loc-
ation and complimentary breakfast make them an even better value. Built as a guesthouse
in 1898, the Victorian has rooms decorated in a regal color scheme, which complements the
polished hardwood floors. Rooms that share bathrooms are the least expensive, while those
with en suite bathrooms have lovely bay windows. Rates drop by around 20 percent outside
of summer.
Spending $100-150 per night will also get you a room in one of the older downtown mo-
tels, most of which are southwest toward Granville Island. A colorful paint job and bright
fabrics can do a lot to reinvent an old hotel, and you won't find a better example than the
centrally located 110-room M Howard Johnson Hotel Downtown (1176 Granville St.,
604/688-8701 or 888/654-6336, www.hojovancouver.com , $149-229 s or d). Winter rates
are discounted to $79-149 and breakfast is included. Year-round, rates include a morning
paper and passes to a nearby fitness facility. The only downsides are thin walls and the need
to make advance reservations (it's usually the least expensive Vancouver property listed in
travel agent databases, so it books up quickly in summer).
Search WWH ::




Custom Search