Vancouver/City Centre

The City Centre is the destination for most transit users, so it's not much of a stretch to say all roads, buses and trains lead here. Waterfront Station is the main hub (Cordova, at the foot of Granville St), with the Skytrain, Seabus and many bus routes terminating there. A large number of buses also pickup outside Burrard Station (corner of Burrard & Dunsmuir Sts).
Driving into and around downtown isn't usually a problem outside of rush hour, but it can be a nuisance (particularly parking), so your best bet is to leave your car outside of the city centre and use SkyTrain (from the east or south) or SeaBus (from the North Shore). If you drive, Georgia Street is the main street through the CBD. It continues on through Stanley Park and the West End and across the Lions Gate Bridge to the North Shore. Access from the south is by bridge over False Creek (the Burrard, Granville and Cambie bridges). All of them will lead downtown so just take the one closest to you.
Parking downtown is as you would expect for a city centre: expensive and, at times, hard to find. Expect to pay between $12-25/day for parking in a parkade. On-street parking meters are in effect from 9AM-10PM, 7 days a week. Many of the streets become no parking zones during rush hour.

By bicycle

There is also plenty of bike rental stores available in the area. Which serves as an easy access to the seawall and Stanley Park.

• Van City Bikes

  phone: +1 604-559-5450
  address: Waterfront Station, 601 W Cordova St #25
  High quality bike rentals at reasonable prices.

• Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art

  phone: +1 604-682-3455
  address: 639 Hornby St
  The Gallery showcases the permanent collection of acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid (1920–1998) and changing exhibitions of contemporary Northwest Coast Art. Gallery highlights include over 40 pieces of Bill Reid’s gold and silver jewelry, Reid’s bronze masterpiece Mythic Messengers, several of Reid’s works that were featured on the Canadian $20 bill and a full-scale totem pole, carved by James Hart of Haida Gwaii.

• Jack Poole Plaza

  address: Canada Place & Thurlow St
  Brick-paved plaza with good views of the North Shore mountains, Stanley Park and Coal Harbour. It is also the home of the Olympic Cauldron.

• Library Square & Vancouver Public Library

  phone: +1 604 331-3603
  address: 350 W Georgia St
  The modern and attractive central branch of the City of Vancouver's Public Library is located in an architecturally interesting building, designed by Moshe Safdie. Constructed as a 'square within a circle', this building is reminiscent of a modern Roman Colosseum. Its design was chosen in a public competition. There are large public spaces around the building and a nice atrium space in the lobby. Guest internet access is available at VPL and visitors can also obtain guest wireless privileges from the library. If you prefer not to obtain a guest login, there are a few terminals that allow access to selected resources (bus schedules, government pages, etc) without logging in.

• Robson Square

  address: 800 Block, Robson St
  Both an office building and public space designed by Vancouver architect Arthur Erikson, it houses the Provincial Courts and a satellite UBC campus. The building, which was built to represent a skyscraper on its side, is noted for its use of water and greenery and is mostly underground. The public space features a skating rink underneath Robson Street, which is the only outdoor rink in Vancouver.

• Vancouver Art Gallery

  phone: +1 604 662-4719
  address: 750 Hornby St
  You can see and learn a lot about Emily Carr in the permanent collection, but the rest of the gallery varies in quality depending on what they have been able to attract as special exhibits. Take advantage of admission by donation on Tuesday (5PM-9PM) and sample what is there before paying the full admission.

• Vancouver Lookout

  phone: +1 604 689-0421
  address: 555 W Hastings St
  Located on the top floor of the Harbour Centre, the Lookout offers a full 360-degree panoramic view of the city from 130m up. You'll see the downtown area, Stanley Park, the North Shore mountains and even the skyline of nearby Burnaby. The ticket is good for two trips during the day, so you can see it in the daytime and return for the sunset view.

Architecture

While Vancouver may not be famous for its architecture, the City Centre is home to some unique buildings both new and old.

• Canada Place

  address: 999 Canada Pl
  Built for Expo 86 as Canada's exhibit, today the building serves as a cruise ship terminal and convention centre, and is also the site of an IMAX theatre and the luxurious Pan Pacific Hotel. Walk around the unique sailed structure and take in views of the building itself, Coal Harbour, and the North Shore. It uses white colour with a roof of funky "sails" or "waves", which is a curved triangular shape, that has made it a modern gem.

• Christ Church Cathedral

  address: 690 Burrard St
  Vancouver's oldest surviving church was completed in 1889. Often in the shadow of its neighbour, the 23 story Cathedral Place, you should visit in the afternoon to see the sun shining through the stained glass windows.

• Marine Building

  address: 355 Burrard St
  This 22 story Art Deco office tower was completed in 1930. Because of the Great Depression, only four floors were occupied for the first several years. Note the attention to detail on both the exterior, and in the lobby.

• Hotel Vancouver

  address: 900 W Georgia St
  The third such hotel in this spot, the Hotel Vancouver was built over 11 years and completed in 1939. As with all Canadian Pacific hotels in Canada, the chateau-style is truly impressive. The hotel's first guests were King George and Queen Elizabeth. Bring binoculars for a close-up view of the building's many gargoyles.

• One Wall Centre

  address: 1088 Burrard St
  Voted the world's best new skyscraper in 2001 by Emporis.

• Telus Garden

  address: 510 W Georgia Street

• Vancouver Opera

  phone: +1 604 683-0222
  address: 835 Cambie St
  Offers world-class performances from some of the world's best composers.

• Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

  phone: +1 604 876-3434
  A great night out at reasonable prices. Students can purchase $10 tickets with the VSO Access Pass.

• Long Table Distillery Ltd.

  phone: +1 604 266-0177
  address: 1451 Hornby St.
  A craft distillery of vodkas, gins, and other spirits, many of which bubble in the back room. Free tastings are offered on a 14-foot recovered-tree "long table" in the front room. If your only experience of gin and vodka comes from uninspiring mass-market pap, you are in for a treat. The friendly staff love explaining the finer points of which aromatics go in which chamber of their gleaming, copper 300-litre still. On Friday evenings 4-6PM, they park a food truck out front and hold a gin and tonic happy hour. Follow the buzz at #TGIGNT on Twitter.

Events & Festivals

• 4:20On April 20th people congregate at the Vancouver Art Gallery to smoke marijuana and celebrate this unofficial holiday, a reflection of B.C.'s relaxed attitudes towards cannabis.

• Canada Day at Canada Place

  address: 999 Canada Pl
  A large, engaging, though somewhat corporate celebration of Canada's national holiday. The citizenship ceremony can be moving. There are usually several bands, fun activities for the kids, and exhibits of Canadian Forces and other bits of Canadiana.

• Canada Day Fireworks

  phone: +1 604 925-1912
  Restarting an old tradition, there is a fireworks display after dark on Canada Day. In 2008, this was a coordinated two-barge show, one barge off Canada Place and the other off West Vancouver.

• Vancouver Zombie WalkUsually either in the summer or near Halloween, anyone can choose to dress up and act as the living dead during this parade through Downtown. Although this has only been in Vancouver for about 2 years, thousands of people have already participated, and at least 500 people each year join in on this zombie walk. It is free, and mostly for plain fun, and is also an unofficial event. Each year, there is a set meeting spot. Everyone then walks throughout Downtown and up streets and parks all in one large group.

• Public Dreams Illuminares Lantern Festival

  address: Coal Harbour Seawall outside Canada Pl
  This popular annual festival, previously held at Trout Lake in East Van, is a feast for the eyes thanks to the procession of beautiful and remarkably creative handmade lanterns that light up the dark. Public Dreams holds lantern-making workshops in the weeks leading up to the festival so keep an eye on their website in early July for details.

Robson Street downtown is the main shopping district. The intersecting Burrard & Alberni street houses some of the most high-end shops in the region.

Stores

• H-Mart

  address: 590 Robson St
  Hidden on the second floor is a large grocery store featuring a wide range of high-quality, primarily Korean groceries. Part of a North American chain of Korean stores. The food court offers a number of good lunch choices, too.

• BCMP Bookstore

  phone: +1 604 682-1172
  address: 307 W Hastings St
  The BCMP "Bookstore" is arguably the centre of the marijuana subculture of Vancouver. It is the party headquarters for the provincial marijuana party as well as a store and lounge. Proceeds from the BCMP go towards the party and the legal battle against the extradition of the party leader who faces life in prison in the USA. The front half of the store is taken up by display shelves of bongs, pipes, rolling papers and pretty much anything you could imagine. The lounge costs $5 to go into but it has a very relaxing atmosphere and you're able to use the Volcano Vaporizers.

• New Amsterdam Café

  phone: +1 604 682-8955
  address: 301 Hastings St W
  The New Amsterdam Café, directly next door to the BCMP Bookstore, permits the smoking of marijuana. The Amsterdam offers a friendly environment to meet new people and to exercise some of the more unique freedoms that Vancouver offers. While it is not, however, generally permitted to buy or sell marijuana on or near the premises, it is not policed or enforced, so long as it in the spirit of sharing, within reason. They also sell a smaller number (but more impressive) selection of pipes, bongs, busters, rolling papers, and other marijuana-related items, including clothing. Of note are the array of specialist pipes, bongs, and busters, with the unusual titanium Space-Case also on sale.

• Roots

  phone: +1 604-683-4305
  address: 1001 Robson St
  Their fashionable designs with motifs of beavers, maple leaves, and canoes gave rise to what has been called "Roots nationalism", a kind of branded Canadian pride. There are several stores for this brand of clothing, bags and shoes in Vancouver, but if you're looking for a Canadian souvenir that is less obviously touristy, or are from the part of the world where the word "roots" with a picture of a beaver is a double entendre, this outlet store will probably be your best bet.

The different parts of the City Centre have diverse characteristics. The central business district has, as you would expect, a high number of coffee shops and lunch places, the West End has a wide variety of restaurants, Yaletown has a number of high-end restaurants and Chinatown has many Chinese restaurants. Some of the best Japanese food outside of Japan is in Vancouver and its Cantonese and Korean offerings are also reputable.

Budget

• Caffè Artigiano

  phone: +1 604-685-5333
  address: 1101 West Pender St
  Excellent coffee shop featuring "latte art," but it's still great. IntelligentsiA coffee available. Great espresso. This small chain has a total of four locations in this district, plus other locations in the Lower Mainland and Calgary.

• Cartems Donuterie

  phone: +1 778-708-0996
  address: 534 West Pender St
  They modestly claim the title of "best donuts in Vancouver". They certainly have some of the most interesting flavours. Try the "whiskey bacon" donut. Also coffee and tea, served with a friendly smile in a hip setting.

• European Breads

  phone: +1-604-569-0708
  address: 1262 Burrard St
  An organic crêpes café, which also sells various freshly-baked breads of organic wheat, rye, spelt, and other grains. Well set up for a light breakfast, lunch, or snack. Free wifi.

• Fritz Frie House

  phone: +1 604 684-0811
  address: 718 Davie St
  This restaurant boasts what is arguably the best poutine in town. The curds are imported from Quebec. The garlic lover's mayo is fantastic too. Cleverly located next to the local Fitness World. $5 for a medium. Open until the wee hours in the morning, frequented by nightclubbers. Regularly wins local awards for fries.

• Japadog

  address: 530 Robson St
  A Vancouver street food icon that now has its own shop. It's a twist on the traditional hot dog with your choice of pork, turkey or bratwurst smothered in Japanese flavours and toppings like seaweed, miso glaze, Japanese chilli and teriyaki sauce. There are also several Japadog carts around downtown, some with a kobe beef option. Look for the carts on Burrard St and in front of Waterfront Station.

• Mink, A Chocolate Café

  phone: +1 604 633-2451
  address: 863 W Hastings St
  The coffee is strong, the hot chocolate is rich and the chocolate is plentiful. Waffles and fruit parfaits. The chocolate fondue with pound cake and seasonal fruit for dipping is excellent (just make sure there's at least two of you to share!).

• Pita Wrap Café

  phone: +1 604 681-7634
  address: 565 Dunsmuir St
  The usual falafels, souvlakis, shawarmas and Greek plates, but very well executed.

• Tree's Organic Coffee & Roasting House

  phone: +1 604 684-5060
  address: 450 Granville St
  A coffeehouse featuring carefully selected, 100% certified organic, coffee. Justifiably proud of its reaaaally good cheesecake. This is the flagship of a small local chain; there are other locations in Yaletown, Gastown and Richmond.

• Vancouver Community College Cafeteria

  phone: +1 604 443-8479
  address: 250 W Pender St
  The cafeteria is run by the culinary arts program so you get gourmet food at cafeteria prices. Usually have a large seafood selection. Don't miss the Asian Food program which has a separate service area. As you would expect from students, the quality can vary. However, it is hard to complain when you get a fancy meal for less than $8.

Mid-range

• Art Gallery Café

  phone: +1 604 688-2233
  address: 750 Hornby St
  A convenient place for grabbing a glass of wine or a quick bite to eat before wandering through the Vancouver Art Gallery or doing other activities downtown. Cafeteria style with a mix of sandwiches, paninis and different hot dishes each day. There's also a large selection of tarts, squares and cakes to satisfy your sweet tooth. Large outdoor patio; great for watching the activity around Robson Square.

• Elbow Room

  phone: +1 604 685-3628
  address: 560 Davie St
  A restaurant that is famous for abusing its customersin a good way. Expect to line up to get in on weekends. Open for breakfast and lunch.

• India Gate

  phone: +1 604 684-4617
  address: 616 Robson Street
  Vividly-flavoured curry, vindaloo, tandoori, and vegetarian dishes, spiced to your preferred level, and served promptly in a comfortable dining room.

• The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Vancouver

  phone: +1 604 639-2055
  address: 609 Granville St
  A restaurant where culinary arts students make and serve the food. The menu aims for the high-end of Pacific Northwest cuisine, but prices are quite reasonable, reflecting that the staff are still in training.

• Italian Kitchen

  phone: +1 604 687-2858
  address: 1037 Alberni St
  Corporate sibling of Yaletown's Glowbal. Valet parking most hours the restaurant is open. Reservations recommended.

• Kalypso Restaurant & Ouzeria

  phone: +1 604 689-5550
  address: 1025 Robson St
  This restaurant has a very pleasant second-floor patio above busy Robson St, which is a treat on a warm day. Well-done Greek food with a respectable vegetarian selection.

• Kamei Royal

  phone: +1 604 687-8588
  address: 1030 W Georgia St
  This is the Japanese restaurant to which you can bring your homesick Japanese business partners. Excellently prepared, professional-grade sushi, rice dishes, kushiyaki, and cooked-at-the-table sukiyaki. An authentic Japanese atmosphere, from the irasshaimase greeting to the pretty pictures in the bilingual menus to the serene decor. Tucked above a Tiffany's store on the second floor, you look out over the crowds on Georgia and Burrard, or inside at the chefs in the glass-walled kitchen. Another branch is on W Broadway in Kits.

• Medina Café

  phone: +1 604 879-3114
  address: 780 Richards St
  Menu includes Moroccan-influenced dishes, fricasse (fried eggs with braised short ribs) and Belgian waffles with a choice of unusual sauces like milk chocolate lavender and white chocolate pistachio rosewater, plus many other breakfast and lunch concoctions. The new location now seats about 75 or so, but lineups and long waits are still normal, especially for brunch on weekends.

• Plus Alpha

  phone: +1 604 633-0355
  address: 1099 Richards St
  "Plus Alpha" is a Japanese term meaning "a little extra", and this compact fusion of polished Japanese with trendy Yaletown provides a little extra interest, a little extra style, a little extra fun. New interpretations of contemporary Japanese standards such as Pumpkin Croquette and "Pimp My Tofu". Lychee martinis in a futuristic glass. A good place to get a dinner with that "plus alpha".

• Shabusen Yakiniku House

  phone: +1 604 669-3883
  address: 202 - 755 Burrard St
  A Japanese and Korean BBQ House specializing in a large all-you-can-eat menu. Fun part of eating here is that you can order raw meat and cook it yourself on the grill installed at the table. There is another location in South Granville.

Splurge

• Coast

  phone: +1 604 685-5010
  address: 1054 Alberni St
  Fresh seafood from coastal regions throughout the world. Try the Chef' s Community Table, where the chef prepares the food for up to 14 diners right at the table.

• Hy's Encore

  phone: +1 604 683-7671
  address: 637 Hornby St
  The most amazing service in Vancouver. Classy steakhouse that has been serving Vancouver for some fifty years. Charcoal steaks are the house specialty, but the menu also includes local cuisine like Pacific Salmon and Ahi Tuna. The servers do an incredible job and the food is excellent.

• Joe Forte's Seafood & Chop House

  phone: +1 604 669-1940
  address: 777 Thurlow St
  Open daily for lunch and dinner; reservations strongly recommended. Usually mentioned amongst the top 5 restaurants in Vancouver, here you will find great food and great service. In the lavishly decorated open space, you may even catch a glimpse of a celebrity as you savour the oysters that are a specialty here.

• Miku

  phone: +1 604 568-3900
  address: 200 Granville St
  Japanese restaurant that specializes in aburi (seared on the outside while raw inside). There's also a small bar at the entrance.

• Yew Seafood + bar

  phone: +1 604 692-4737
  address: 791 West Georgia St
  A gleaming, gratifying dining experience, with a price to match. In addition to the seafood promised by the name, there is a pleasantly extensive vegetarian menu. The cocktails are creative, tasty, and also priced to match.

Many of Vancouver's nightclubs are located in the Entertainment District along Granville Street from Robson to the Granville Street Bridge.

• Commodore Ballroom

  phone: +1 604-683-9413
  address: 870 Granville St
  This is a large venue frequent location for live concerts. Has a large famous 'sprung' dance floor. Capacity is 900 people. On most nights, tickets are required to get in.

• The Railway Stage & Beer Cafe

  phone: +1 604-564-1430
  address: 579 Dunsmuir St
  Popular bar that frequently features live music. The crowd is a mix of ages, although probably more 30+. It's not a big place, so it gets packed easily. There are more tables at the other end of the long bar if you want to sit down and talk.

• The Roxy

  phone: +1 604-331-7999
  address: 932 Granville St
  Long-time Vancouver club which features top 40 rock. The house band, Dr. Strangelove, covers some of the best of the recent 'classic rock' and dance music.

The city centre has a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveller's budget and style, but it's definitely tilted towards the higher end. Independent, boutique and chain hotels are all there so shop around and you will probably find something that suits your needs. The most expensive hotels tend to be in the main business district — between Georgia and the waterfront — with the priciest overlooking the harbour and mountains. Cheaper options tend to be more to the edge of the city centre, closer to False Creek and Yaletown. Hostels are located near the nightspots: along Granville Street or near Gastown.
Prices noted below are generally for the summer season when rates are most expensive.

Budget

If you are planning to stay in a hostel downtown, it is probably better to ensure it is located west of Main Street and caters mainly to backpackers (tourists on a budget). Staying downtown keeps much of the frequently visited spots in walking distance. If you were planning to find a cheap (significantly less than $90) hotel downtown, you should know that it is likely to be located in the "East Side", infamous for its prostitution and drug problems.

• Ambassador Hotel

  phone: +1 604 687-8293
  address: 1212 Granville St
  A boutique-style hotel with single, twin, double and queen rooms. Washrooms are shared (per floor) but are private upon entry.

• American Backpackers Hostel

  phone: +1 604 688-0112
  address: 347 W Pender St
  The rooms are average but the dorms are to be considered by only the poorest of travelers. There are benefits like free beer on summer Saturdays. Book on their website and get a $5 discount on the first night. Minimum age 17, maximum age 35.

• Cambie Hostel - Downtown

  phone: +1 604-684-7757
  address: 515 Seymour St

• HI-Vancouver Central

  phone: +1 604 685-5335
  address: 1025 Granville St
  Free wireless internet, free breakfast, lockers, and luggage storage.

• SameSun Vancouver

  phone: +1 604 682-8226
  address: 1018 Granville St
  Recently renovated with modern amenities and decorated by bright splashes of colours on the wall.

Mid-range

• Best Western Downtown Vancouver

  phone: +1 604 669-9888
  address: 718 Drake St
  Mix of rooms with single queen, single king, two double beds or two queen beds. Includes a complimentary shuttle service to some downtown destinations and a bike rental service. A limited number of kitchenettes are available for an extra $10-20.

• The Burrard

  phone: +1 604 681-2331
  address: 1100 Burrard St
  Old motor inn remodeled to go for the funky factor. Some of the rooms are small and its age still shows in spots, but there's lots of character, free wifi, new beds and mini-fridges and espresso machines in each room.

• Days Inn Vancouver Downtown

  phone: +1 604 681-4335
  address: 921 W Pender St
  It's an old building so some of the rooms are small and noisy. Otherwise, a typical Days Inn - clean, simple rooms, but not many extras. Free wireless Internet available.

• Kingston Hotel

  phone: +1 604 684-9024
  address: 757 Richards St
  Single rooms have a 3/4 double bed and shared washroom facilities. Twin and double rooms have their own washrooms. Comes with a free continental breakfast.

• L'Hermitage

  phone: +1 778 327-4100
  address: 788 Richards St
  Boutique-style hotel in a condo tower. Room options range from "Boutique" rooms that have a queen or king-size bed to one and two bedroom suites for extended stays. Amenities include a fitness room, heated outdoor saltwater pool and complementary wifi.

• Ramada Vancouver Hotel

  phone: +1 604 685-1111
  address: 1221 Granville St
  Accommodation includes full hot breakfast, adjacent fitness center, business center, guest laundry/dry cleaning service, 24hr concierge, complimentary wifi and baggage storage. The hotel is pet friendly and also has an on-site bar and lounge. Some rooms have kitchenettes.

• Quality Hotel - Inn at False Creek

  phone: +1 604 682-0229
  address: 1335 Howe St
  Has the trendy boutique look and feel with brick walls in the rooms accompanied by modern finishings. Rooms are mixed with two double beds, a single queen or a single king. There are also some extended stay rooms with a kitchenette. Wifi is complementary and there is a seasonal outdoor pool.

• Victorian Hotel

  phone: +1 604 681-6369
  address: 514 Homer St
  One of Vancouver's first guest houses, the hotel retains a lot of its original woodwork and Victorian-era details. Economy rooms have one or two beds and a sink, with a shared bathroom. Luxury rooms have one to three beds and full bathroom. There is complementary continental breakfast and wifi; secure parking is available for a fee.

• Best Western Plus Chateau Granville

  phone: +1 604 669-7070
  address: 1100 Granville St
  Rooms and suites with tea/coffee maker, microwave, and refrigerator. Exterior of building is unattractive, but rooms are pleasant. Surrounding area still in the process of being gentrified.

Splurge

• Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

  phone: +1 604 684-3131
  address: 900 W Georgia St
  Vancouver's grand old hotel. Beautifully decorated and a firmly established part of Vancouver's history. The lounge is noted for its traditional afternoon tea.

• The Fairmont Waterfront

  phone: +1 604 691-1999
  address: 900 Canada Place Way
  A 5-star hotel with a stunning view wherever there's a window. Across from Canada Place.

• Four Seasons Vancouver

  phone: +1 604 689-9333
  address: 791 W Georgia St
  Luxury hotel decorated in classic style but with modern amenities. Pool, gym and the excellent restaurant and bar "YEW".

• Hotel Le Soleil

  phone: +1 604 632-3000
  address: 567 Hornby St
  Suites and guestrooms with luxury touches like marble bathrooms and unique artwork and decor from local artisans and the Old World. Rated "One of the Top 100 Hotels in the World" - by Resorts & Great Hotels Magazine.

• Loden Hotel

  phone: +1 604 669-5060
  address: 1177 Melville St
  Has the modern look and feel with earthy tones, deep soaker tubs and a yoga studio. There's also a 24 hour fitness center and free bike rentals. The floor to ceiling windows provide good harbour or city views (depending on which way your room faces).

• Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel

  phone: +1 604 684-1128
  address: 1128 W Hastings St
  A good weddings and meetings hotel steps away from the harbour and cruise ship terminal. Fitness centre, indoor lap pool and whirlpool.

• The Metropolitan

  phone: +1 604 687-1122
  address: 645 Howe St
  Luxury hotel featuring marble washrooms and soaker tubs.

• Pan Pacific

  phone: +1 604 662-8111
  address: 300-999 Canada Pl
  A harbour location just steps away from Stanley Park. If you are staying here, consider paying extra for a view of the coast mountains. At these prices, it would be a shame to miss out on the view.

• Rosewood Hotel Georgia

  phone: +1 604 682-5566
  address: 801 W Georgia St
  A historic Vancouver hotel where the rich and the royal have stayed in the past. Those guests have moved on but the hotel retains a mix of elegant rooms and suites. Amenities include a fitness center and indoor saltwater pool.

• Shangri-La Hotel

  phone: +1 604 689-1120
  address: 1128 W Georgia St
  A luxury hotel located in the tallest building in Vancouver with 119 guest rooms, executive suites and space for meetings and events. Rooms include marble bathrooms, PVRs and floor to ceiling windows to take in the marvelous view. Other amenities include a 24 hour health club, outdoor pool and access to the Chi spa. The hotel also offers MARKET by Jean-Georges, Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Canadian debut.

• Sutton Place Hotel

  phone: +1 604 682-5511
  address: 845 Burrard St
  Classic-styled luxury hotel with spa, gym, concierge and the usual room amenities. Reviewers like the ambiance, the friendly staff and the location, but find the WiFi signal weak and thought some of the furnishings looked a bit dated.

• Wedgewood Hotel and Spa

  phone: +1 604 689-7777
  address: 845 Hornby St
  European-style boutique hotel listed on Conde Nast's gold list. The decor isn't modern but reviewers like the elegance and class of the hotel and found the rooms well appointed and comfortable. Amenities include a spa and fitness centre and business centre for internet access (no wifi in rooms).