Heading to British Columbia? Here’s a trio of boutique hotels worth checking into in Vancouver, one of Canada’s most cosmopolitan and ethnically diverse cities.
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, Vancouver stands as a vibrant metropolis renowned for its stunning natural scenery, diverse culture, and plethora of outdoor activities. Visitors to this Canadian gem find themselves captivated by its unique blend of urban sophistication and untamed wilderness. Vancouver’s lush green spaces, including Stanley Park, offer a serene escape within the city limits, while nearby Grouse Mountain beckons adventure seekers with its hiking trails and winter sports opportunities. The city’s coastal location also provides ample chances for whale watching, kayaking, and sailing along the picturesque coastline.
Culturally, Vancouver boasts a rich tapestry of ethnic influences, reflected in its eclectic dining scene and thriving arts community. From the bustling streets of Chinatown to the trendy boutiques of Gastown, there’s always something new to discover around every corner. Now that we’ve caught your interest, here’s where to stay.
The Loden Hotel
Vancouver’s buzzing waterfront is reflected in the façade of this 15-storey hotel, which is crafted from glass, stone, and copper. Rooms are intended to feel like home and are decked out in caramels and corals, with marble bathrooms featuring soaking tubs and rainforest showers. Park Vista rooms offer views of the North Shore Mountains, Stanley Park, and the North Shore Marina, while guests staying in Garden Terrace rooms have access to a private step-out patio.
The extensive pillow menu – there’s lavender for a restful sleep and breathable, hypoallergenic bamboo – will help you drift off in bliss, but before you get your head down, check out the infrared sauna and spa suite, which offers Swedish massages and acupuncture facials among other treatments.
The Douglas, Autograph Collection
Paying homage to the original Douglas firs that laid the foundation for Vancouver’s thriving economy, The Douglas coolly references its namesake tree in the design: the reception desk, for example, is a hollowed-out, illuminated fir trunk that’s enveloped in glass, while wooden doors and headboards also riff on the hotel name.
Accommodation includes three suites – ultra-contemporary enclave Apartment 108; the Loft, which showcases bold artworks, and The Eden, which features a circular sofa as its centrepiece. Reserve a table at The Victor for locally sourced seafood like Nova Scotia lobster or a Canadian Prime Cowboy Ribeye, then head up to rooftop lounge D/6 and enjoy the incredible views as you sip one of the bar’s eight signature cocktails, which include the Sierra Madre (Fandango mezcal, Aperol, blood orange and rosemary).
Opus Vancouver
OPUS Vancouver features rooms and suites decked out in pops of bright colour – think California Lilac and Hermès Orange – in one of the city’s hippest neighbourhoods, Yaletown, where sidewalk cafes, waterfront parks and quirky boutiques await. Jump on one of the hotel’s complimentary e-bikes (there are dedicated bike lanes right outside the property) and ride around the seawall to Stanley Park.
Rooms feature a spa bathroom with heated floors and Herman Miller chairs, while suites have full living rooms and wrap-around balconies. For eats, get stuck into a 36-hour fermented sourdough pizza at Capo (fiery takes include Hot Hot Hot with salsiccia, chili, red pepper, and ricotta), then pull up a chair at Spritz for zero-waste cocktails including the Gavi Sangria (white wine, Esquimalt kina blanc, peach and guava).
