Coming to town for Pride (July 30 to Aug. 5), but dont have a hotel yet? Or perhaps you already live in Vancouver and want to treat yourself to a staycation close to the action?
In either case, WE has selected five hotels (and a few hotel lounges see sidebar) that might make your stay more enjoyable.
They range from the historic to the hip to the happening, and cover a few price points as well. Weve dug up some Pride Packages and noted the pet-friendly among our selections. There are also a few hotels not mentioned below which are also official Pride partners, including Sandman Inn, Quality Inn and Holiday Inn.
The Burrard (1100 Burrard St.)
More than just applying a fresh coat of paint, The Burrard has had a complete makeover from its days as he Burrard Motor Inn. Now, the classic three-level inn has a hip, retro L.A. vibe complete with a West Hollywood-style (palm trees!) patio/courtyard. Rooms offer wireless Internet, iPod dock and HD flat-screen TVs. The Burrard doesnt have a gym, but it supplies guests with passes to the downtown Steve Nash Fitness Centre and free bikes. An official Partner with Pride, the Burrard will host meet-and-greets on the patio during the parade weekend. (Rooms start at $149)
The Sylvia Hotel (1154 Gilford St.)
With the Sylvia, its not luxury youre paying for by the night, but history. The grand old dame of Vancouver hotels, the Stanley Park landmark has hosted Errol Flynn and Howard Hughes, opened the citys first cocktail bar and has even been commemorated in song by one of the citys most gifted tunesmiths (for his 90s pop band Zumpano, the New Pornographers Carl Newman wrote a titular ode to the 1912-built hotel). The ivy-draped eight-storey building is also pet-friendly (fun fact: a stray cat named Mr. Got-to-Go made his home at the hotel and inspired two childrens books). Frommers Review describes room layouts as quirky and recommends the units on higher floors facing English Bay. (Rates from $139)
Opus Hotel (322 Davie St)
Like the Sylvia, the Opus is also known. for famous guests, though most (if not all) are still breathing. REM gave a shout-out to the hotel and staff at the bands 2003 Thunderbird Stadium show; Entourages Adrian Grenier was recently spotted in the hotels elevator. With names like those, its no wonder the Davie Street hotel has a reputation as a late-night hot-spot. The pet-friendly Opus also has complimentary mountain bikes, a fitness centre and five virtual lifestyle concierges to help with your daily (and nightly) activities selection (for fun, lifestyle concierge Billy, whose profile describes him as enlightened rockstar, recommends Wreck Beach). For Pride, the Opus offers a package that includes complimentary wireless, valet parking and continental breakfast, a welcome beverage and 20 per cent off at the bar and restaurant. (Rates from $319)
The Loden Hotel (1177 Melville St.)
If its good enough for the Real Housewives of Vancouver, its good enough for us! The unofficial hotel of the reality TV series (the RHOV PR machine hosted a press day in the penthouse suite prior to launch of the show), the Loden is a Coal Harbour-hugging boutique establishment with floor-to-ceiling windows, deep-soaking tubs in marble bathrooms and many more luxuries that will please the demanding traveler. For fitness buffs, the Loden offers a fully-equipped fitness studio and spa, as well as what its website calls a dedicated yoga channel. And, after doing the downward dog, you can zip down to the Tableau Bar Bistro for a nice little reward. Nor is it just yogis and filthy rich Real Housewives the hotel caters to the establishment also welcomes Vancouver Pride visitors with its Friends of Dorothy package, which includes a complimentary in-room Red Bull and vodka, rainbow beads and suntan lotion. (Rates from $319)
Rosewood Hotel Georgia (801 W. Georgia St.)
More famous folks (Elvis Presley, Nat King Cole and Katharine Hepburn, along with British royalty) have stayed at the historic hotel, built in 1927. It has since been renovated it reopened last year and now boasts a spa, a patio lounge and Chef David Hawksworth, who oversees the kitchen at Hawksworth Restaurant. As if all that isnt enough, the luxury boutique hotel also features a saltwater lap pool and fitness centre. The Rosewood doesnt have a Pride package as such, but offers specials such as A Girls Night Out (cocktails at the hotels patio lounge, shared dessert plate, spa sessions) and A Spa Escape for Two. (Rates from if were reading this right $395).
Uva Wine Bar (Moda Hotel, 900 Seymour)
Uva doesnt just offer wine, it also mixes some of downtowns tastiest original cocktails. Drink: the Highline, head bartender Evelyn Chicks variation on a Manhattan.
Bacchus Piano Lounge (Wedgewood Hotel, 845 Hornby)
One of the classiest watering holes in town, Bacchus is decidedly old-school in its decor - leather wingback chairs, dark wood, red velvet banquettes and old money in its atmosphere. Drink: Scotch. Or a Martini.
Lobby Lounge and Terrace (Fairmont Pacific Rim, 1038 Canada Place)
Cozy yet very James Bond you can easily imagine a scene in a 007 movie taking place here - the Pacific Rims lobby lounge offers bar snacks, a fireplace, and live entertainment. Drink: the Sniper (rum, chartreuse, apricot).
Reflections (Rosewood Hotel Georgia, 801 W. Georgia St)
Cabanas, a blazing fire pit, and local cuisine along with cocktails give this scenic (and seasonal) roof-top bar its fizz. Drink: the Hotel Georgia (gin, egg white, nutmeg and orange blossom water).
Xi Shi Lounge (Shangri-La Hotel, 1128 W. Georgia St)
One of Vancouvers ritziest hotels brings an Asian twist including servers in Mandarin gowns - to the classic hotel bar. Live music in the evenings and the possibility of rubbing with the stars (U2 and Tom Cruise have both stayed at the Shangri-La) give the Xi Shi a leg up on the competition. Drink: the Iron Lotus (vodka, elderflower, ginger and sparkling wine)
