VANCOUVER - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 101

$100-150
Built in the 1920s, the European-style Barclay Hotel (1348 Robson St., 604/688-8850,
www.barclayhotel.com , $109-149 s or d) has 80 medium-size air-conditioned guest rooms,
a small lounge, and an intimate restaurant. The rooms are stylish in a slightly old-fashioned
way; each holds a comfortable bed, writing desk, couch, and older television.
The Greenbrier Hotel (1393 Robson St., 604/683-4558 or 888/355-5888,
www.greenbrierhotel.com , $149-189 s or d) looks a bit rough on the outside, but each of
the 33 units was refurbished for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, and each has a large liv-
ing area, flat-screen TV, and separate bedroom. Some rooms have a microwave and fridge,
while others have a full kitchen. Rates are reduced to under $100 October-April.
One block farther toward Stanley Park, the Riviera Hotel (1431 Robson St., 604/
685-1301 or 888/699-5222, www.rivieraonrobson.com , $128 s, $148 d, $198 one-bedroom
suites s or d) offers similar facilities, as well as harbor or city views from the upper floors.
All rooms are large, comfortably furnished, and have a kitchen and work desk.
Built at the turn of the 20th century, public areas of the West End Guest House (1362
Haro St., 604/681-2889 or 888/546-3327, www.westendguesthouse.com , $149-219 s or d
includes breakfast) are decorated with photographs of early Vancouver and the Klondike
gold rush taken by the original owners. The property has been lovingly refurbished in
Victorian-era colors and furnished with stylish antiques to retain its original charm. Each of
the seven guest rooms has a brass bed complete with cotton linens and a goose-down duvet,
an en suite bathroom, a television, and a telephone. Guests can relax either in the comfort-
able lounge or on the outdoor terrace and have the use of bikes.
Overlooking English Bay and the closest beach to downtown, the old-style funky M
Sylvia Hotel (1154 Gilford St., 604/681-9321 or 877/681-9321, www.sylviahotel.com ,
$149-229 s or d) is a local landmark sporting a brick and terra-cotta exterior covered with
Virginia creeper vine. Built in 1912 as an apartment building, the eight-story Sylvia was
the tallest building on this side of town until 1958. Today, it's popular with budget travel-
ers looking for something a little nicer than a hostel (although the less expensive rooms are
fairly small). The more expensive rooms feature fantastic views of English Bay, separate
bedrooms, and full kitchens.
$150-200
In the heart of bustling Robson Street is the 214-room Blue Horizon Hotel (1225 Robson
St., 604/688-1411 or 800/663-1333, www.bluehorizonhotel.com , $189-329 s or d). Facilit-
ies include an indoor lap pool, a fitness room, a sauna, and services for business travelers.