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Although I’m a pro when it comes to cheap Vancouver accommodation, I thought I’d do a round-up of the best Vancouver accommodation to suit every budget.
Oh here we are, back in Vancouver again (I’m not mad about it). Today’s post is all about where to stay in Vancouver. From the Vancouver hostel where I spent too many nights to the Vancouver hotels where all the celebrities hang out, here are my top Vancouver accommodation recommendations. But like, don’t tell me if you spot a celebrity at one of these luxury hotels, okay? ;)
Budget Vancouver accommodation
Hostels
Let’s start with the place I’m most familiar with. Samesun Backpackers is where I stayed for three weeks when I first moved to Vancouver in 2013. I wouldn’t recommend staying in a hostel for that long, but the Samesun is a good spot. I was in a four-bed dorm room, which was a good size and there were large shared bathrooms. There’s free breakfast daily in the onsite bar, which can get loud at night. The hostel also has a large communal kitchen. Perhaps the best part about this Vancouver accommodation option is its location on Granville Street. It’s so convenient for walking around the entire downtown area.
Next is Hostelling International. I’ve stayed at many HI properties around the world. HI Vancouver Central is actually located directly opposite Samesun Backpackers on Granville Street. Although I haven’t stayed there, I can say the area is good and the rates are pretty similar to Samesun as well. HI also has two other properties in Vancouver: HI Downtown that’s closer to West End and HI at Jericho Beach.
When I worked at the Vancouver Christmas Market, many of my European coworkers were staying/living at the Cambie Hostel. I hadn’t heard good things about the hostel previously, but these guys and their lengthy stays proved me wrong. In Vancouver, the Cambie is also a popular bar that’s known for its cheap drinks and backpacker crowd. It’s located in Gastown, which as we know is my favourite Vancouver neighbourhood.
Beautiful Gastown
Airbnb
When I am travelling solo, Airbnb is usually more expensive in cities than staying in a hostel. However, in Vancouver there are quite a few reasonably priced options that are located in good neighbourhoods as well.
I stayed in this single room with private access for a week when I arrived back in Vancouver in 2016. At about $50AUD a night, it was about $10 more than a bed in a hostel dorm room. But that extra $10 gave me my own private space and a large room with a desk and Grouse Mountain views.
I also had my own mini fridge and microwave in the kitchen, and I could use their washer/dryer. It’s in a very convenient location for visitors as well. You can walk to the train station and the Real Canadian Superstore (it’s definitely a supersized store). I highly recommend this room and the hosts. They also have a bachelor suite, which is extremely budget-friendly. If travelling as a couple, this suite would be a bargain.
Remember to click this link to receive a discount on your first Airbnb stay
Couchsurfing
I couchsurfed on a few occasions in the US. It was both an easy way to save money and a great way to meet people. Some of the best times of my trip were spent with my couchsurfing hosts.
Hotels
When researching budget Vancouver accommodation, one option that instantly appears is Patricia Hotel. I don’t recommend staying here, as it’s located in the city’s least desirable neighbourhood and it won’t give you a good first impression of Vancouver. Instead, check out Comfort Inn. It’s located just off Granville Street and I’ve had family friends stay here who would happily return.
Mid-range Vancouver accommodation
I’d recommend checking out Airbnb first for mid-range accommodation in Vancouver. But hotel options include Best Western Plus Sands, which is a reputable worldwide hotel franchise. This property in particular is located in Vancouver’s historic West End neighbourhood and has solid reviews. I have also heard that The Burrard is a photographer’s dream, thanks to its colourful doors, retro fittings and turfed walkways.
Luxury Vancouver accommodation
Fairmont is the reigning king of luxury accommodation across Canada. Those Fairmont chateaus everywhere are no joke. In Vancouver’s downtown area, there are three Fairmont properties: Downtown, Pacific Rim and Waterfront. According to reviews on booking.com, Pacific Rim is the winner.
Another luxury hotel where I know many celebrities stay when touring or filming in Vancouver is Rosewood Hotel Georgia. It’s located in a beautiful building in downtown Vancouver, opposite the Vancouver Art Gallery. For some unknown reason I know that Jay Z and Beyonce have stayed here.
The Fairmont’s fancy downtown building is to the right
I hope this post on ALL the best Vancouver accommodation options helps you plan your stay in one of my favourite cities.
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For more Vancouver goodness
♥ If this isn’t enough (I get it), check out some of my other Vancouver posts, like the best free (and cheap) things to do, where to photograph the skyline, things to do at night, how to spend one day in Vancouver and day trip ideas.
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