Last week while I was in Vancouver, I had the opportunity to stay at the Burrard Hotel, arguably Vancouver’s most wildly authentic downtown accommodation.
The converted 1956 motor hotel is the perfect city basecamp for those who truly want to experience Vancouver like a local. The retro hotel exudes character from every inch and with amazing freebies like free WiFi and Nespresso coffee machines in each of their 72 rooms, it’s easily my top choice for accommodation in Vancity!
One night at The Burrard will set you back about $170 which is an amazing price when you look at other downtown hotels that usually cost upwards of $300 per night.
The bright colors and retro atmosphere set The Burrard apart from the crowd. The rooms are incredibly spacious and offer everything that a working traveler needs including a comfy desk chair and an arsenal of coffee – plus upon check in there were some delicious sweet treats waiting for me!
If you decide to drive in Vancouver parking is available for an extra charge. However, to really experience the city like a local I say forgo the car and hop on Vancouver’s transit system. Or, even better, the Burrard offers free bike rentals to guests who want to ride through the city and free umbrellas for walking on those rainy Vancouver days.
I was thoroughly impressed with the hotel’s sustainability initiatives; asking guests to refrain from asking for clean sheets every day and offering bathroom amenities without harmful single use packaging.
Right next door is a local coffee shop Elysian, serving up perfectly pulled espresso and coffee as well as fresh-baked snacks in a warm woody interior. The hotel also has its own little restaurant on the main level where guests can grab a quick bite to eat before heading out for the day. Due to its perfect central downtown location, everything is within walking distance. Just a short ten-minute walk down Burrard street will put you at Robson, Vancouver’s largest shopping street, and if you keep walking down another ten minutes you’ll hit Canada Place and the Vancouver Convention Centre. Along the way, you’ll pass dozens of local food options including the Cactus Club, Forage, and De Dutch – some of my absolute favourites in Vancouver!
The Burrard also provides guests with a detailed city guide upon check in that outlines some of the best local places to check out during your stay.
The Burrard has officially become my favourite accommodation option in downtown Vancouver thanks to its wallet-friendly price tag, proximity to restaurants and shopping, and their uniquely designed rooms. Be sure to check them out on your next visit to Vancouver!
