Waves Coffee. 263 Pacific Boulevard. etween Helmecken and Drake. 1-604-689-1299. ttp://www.wavescoffee.ca. aily 24 hours/day. A coffeehouse of the comfortable sofa variety. Features free wireless internet service and staying open all night. Part of a small local chain.
Kam's Place. 043 Davie Street. etween Thurlow and Burrard. 1-604-669-3389. on-Fri 11:00AM-2:30PM, 5:00PM-9:30PM; Sat-Sun 12:00N-2:30PM, 5:00PM-9:30PM. inner $9-15/person; lunch specials from $5.75. It calls itself a "Singaporean" restaurant, but the menu has a strong segment of Thai along with the Chinese and Malaysian. Generous portions mean you should share entrees or plan to take so home. Good vegetarian selection; the Spicy Lettuce Wrap ($7.95) is a particular treat. "Boo Boo's Special" lychee and coconut milk is delicious as a drink or a light dessert. Free delivery to downtown or West End after 5pm.
Plus Alpha. 099 Richards Street. ichards at Helmecken. 1-604-633-0355. ttp://www.plusalfa.com/. ue-Sat 5PM - 1AM; Sun 5PM - 12AM; Mon closed. inner $20/person. "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".
Okada Sushi. ________i. 88 Nelson Street #M101. t Hornby, on 3rd floor above courtyard. 1-604-899-3266. 1-604-899-3277. ttp://www.okadasushi.com/. unch Mon-Fri 11_F30AM ? 2:15PM; Dinner Mon?Sat 5PM?10PM. 20 and up/person for dinner. A fine sushi restaurant. Given the ambience and the Japanese heard among chefs, servers, and diners alike, you'll imagine yourself in Tokyo. An extensive list of specials, plus a range of sashimi, sushi, maki rolls, and small dishes. Sit at the 10-person counter for a dazzling view of the chefs in action.
'''Shabusen Yakiniku House''' 202 - 755 Burrard Street ''+1 604'' 669-3883 Daily lunch and dinner. 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 provided grill installed in the table. There is another location in South Granville.
Art Gallery Cafe. 50 Hornby Street. alt= address=750 Hornby Street directions= phone= url=http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/visit_the_gallery/gallery_cafe.html. 10-$20. A convenient place for grabbing a glass of wine or quick bite to eat before wandering through the Vancouver Art Gallery or doing other activities downtown. Cafeteria style. Large outdoor patio; great for watching the activity around Robson Square.
Splurge
'''Elixir''', 350 Davie Street ''+1'' 604-642-0557. M-Sa 6:30AM-2AM, Su 6:30AM-Midnight[http://www.elixirvancouver.ca/]. Charming French brasserie inside the stylish Opus Hotel. Chef Don Letendre's menu is authentic French country cuisine with a modern panache. Roasted sable fish, braise du jour, bacon wrapped petit tenderloin, roasted veal chop and warm sticky toffee pudding are but a few bistro highlights.
'''Hy's Encore''', 637 Hornby Street, (604) ''+1 604'' 683-7671. The most amazing service in Vancouver. This steak house is some fifty years old. Charcoal steaks are the house specialty, although the service is even better. The servers do an incredible job and the food is excellent.
'''Joe Forte's Seafood & Chop House''', 777 Thurlow St, (604) ''+1 604'' 669-1940. [http://www.joefortes.ca/] 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. With glamour comes a price; expect to spend about $70/person for a complete dinner.
'''Le Gavroche''', 1616 Alberni St, (604) ''+1 604'' 685-3924 [http://www.legavroche.com]. Open daily for dinner; reservations required. The romantic and intimate setting in an old Victorian house will heighten your senses and put you in the right mood for French cuisine with a West Coast twist. The beautiful view of the mountains is no less impressive than the great food and service you will get here. Be prepared to spend $70/person or more for a memorable experience.
'''Parkside''', 1906 Haro St, (604) ''+1 604'' 683-6912[http://www.parksiderestaurant.ca]. Open daily for Dinner; French with a touch of Pacific north-west. Some of the best food in Vancouver, in an intimate and pleasant setting. $50 and up including tax+tip.
Drink
Many of Vancouver's nightclubs are located in the Entertainment District along Granville Street from Robson to the Granville Street Bridge. To see a full list of clubs and what's going on, check the Vancouver section of Clubzone [http://www.clubzone.com/], Clubvibes [http://www.clubvibes.com/] or Granville Street [http://www.granvillestreet.com/].
Caprice Night Club and Lounge. 67 Granville Street. 04-681-2114. ttp://www.capricenightclub.com. One of the more exclusive clubs in Vancouver. Features R&B and hip-hop.
'''The Cellar/Doolins''', 654 Nelson Street, (604) 605-4343. Doolins is a very popular Irish pub with a night club called the Cellar below.
'''Commodore Ballroom''', 870 Granville St, (604) 683-9413. 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.
'''Opus Bar''', 350 Davie Street, +1 604-642-0557 [http://www.opusbar.ca/]. Painfully _ehip_f bar/lounge inside the much-hyped Opus Hotel in Yaletown. Beyond the fashionable clientele and contemporary decor there_fs tapas, cocktails and an extensive list of imported and domestic wines and spirits. Signature small plates include 'O' Dim Sum, merguez corn dog and shish kebob, and Yuzu-spiced garlic wings.
The Railway Club. 79 Dunsmuir Street. unsmuir & Seymour. 04-681-1625. ttp://www.therailwayclub.com. More bar than dance club, it also features live small independent music performers.
The Roxy. 32 Granville Street. 04-331-7999. ttp://www.roxyvan.com. 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.
Richard's on Richard's. 036 Richards St. 04-687-6794. ttp://www.richardsonrichards.com. Another long-time Vancouver club and one of the best spots to catch up and coming bands.
Samba Brazilian Steakhouse. 122 Alberni Street. 1-604-696-9888. ttp://www.sambasteakhouse.com. 1:30AM to 11PM. A Brazilian steakhouse featuring nightly live Latin music, Brazil's signature cocktail the "Caipirinha", and a Brazilian dance show in the lounge.
Wine Tastings In Gastown. ditor_abv@telus.net. 04 230 3682. aried. 30 - $100. Long time Vancouver wine consultant Stephen Bonner hosts great wine tastings for small groups 6-10 in his loft in historic Gastown. Varied themes and prices but the BC wine and cheese tastings are a big hit with visiting foodies.
Sleep
Downtown Vancouver is home to Canada's finest hotels, a list that keeps growing. Vancouver will be the first city in North America to have a hotel from Asia's prestigious five star Shangri-la chain when the 61 story tower is completed in 2008. Downtown is the most densely populated part of Canada and as a result real estate is very expensive and thus so are most hotel rates.
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.
American Backpackers Hostel. 47 West Pender St.. 1 604-688-0112. ttp://www.ameribackpackers.com. orm bed $10, Single $20, Double $35/night. 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 - Gastown''' 300 Cambie Street (at Cordova Street), ''+1 604'' 684-6466, toll free ''+1 877'' 395-5335, [http://www.thecambie.com/v2/gastown].
'''Cambie Hostel - Seymour''', 515 Seymour Street (between West Pender and Dunsmuir), ''+1'' 604-684-7757, toll free ''+1'' 866-623-8496, [http://www.thecambie.com/v2/seymour].
'''C&N Backpackers Hostel''', 927 Main Street, ''+1'' 604-682-2441, toll free ''+1'' 888-434-6060, [http://www.cnnbackpackers.com/vancouver/index.html].
''' C&N Central Station Hostel''', 1038 Main Street, ''+1'' 604-681-9118 [http://www.cnnbackpackers.com/vancouver/index.html].
Columbia Hotel. 03 Columbia St. 1 604-683-3757. ttp://www.columbiahotel.ca. 39 and up. Hostel accommodations in an old historical building in the middle of Gastown.
Grand Trunk. 5 Powell St. 04-681-8968. thostel@telus.net. ttp://www3.telus.net/gthostel/. AM-11PM . ingle bed (shared room) $15, Single room $30. Convenient central downtown location with bus stop in front of door, close to Sky Train, Sea Bus terminal, bus and train station, shopping, night life, and attractions.
'''HI-Vancouver Central''', 1025 Granville St, (604) 685-5335 [http://www.hihostels.ca/hostels/BC/BCRegion/VancouverCentral/Hostels/index.html].
'''HI Vancouver (Downtown)''', 1114 Burnaby St, ''+1 604'' 684-4565 [http://www.hihostels.ca]. Hostelling International's first downtown Vancouver location. $20-$28 for a bed in a 4-person room.
Pender Lodge. 31 East Pender St. 04-681-8968. thostel@telus.net. ttp://www3.telus.net/gthostel/. AM-11PM . ingle room $30. Run by the people who own Grand Trunk. It is also in a great location and the building itself was recently renovated.
'''SameSun Vancouver''', 1018 Granville St, (604) 682-8226 [http://www.samesun.com/vancouver_hostel.html]. Where the party animals rest their weary heads, the SameSun Vancouver embodies the lively atmosphere of the street it is located in. Recently renovated, the hostel features modern amenities decorated by bright splashes of colours on the wall.
Mid-range
'''Bosman's Hotel''', 1060 Howe St, +1 604 682-3171, toll free +1 888 267-6267 [http://www.bosmanshotel.com/]. Two blocks from Robson Street's shopping and one block from Granville's nighlife, Bosman's Hotel is a very good deal for downtown Vancouver. Outside pool patio, and on-site bar. Price range from $69-$89.
Buchan Hotel. 906 Haro Street. -800-668-6654 (toll-free) or +1 604-685-5354. ail@buchanhotel.com. ttp://buchanhotel.com. 80-$140, with cheaper rates mid-Oct to March. B&B style hotel in a West End residential area. Some rooms have private baths while others have shared facilities. No parking available if you have a car.
Burrard Inn. 100 Burrard Street. 1 604-681-2331. ttp://www.burrardinn.com. 75-$130. Recently renovated hotel. Some rooms have kitchenettes. Guest parking is $13/night.
Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites. 763 Comox Street. -800-663-1144 (toll-free) or +1 604-688-7711. ttp://www.coasthotels.com/home/sites/vancouvercoastplaza. 250+ (high season); $140+ (low season). Mix of rooms ranging from standard to premium suites good for long term stays. Guests have access to the nearby Denman Fitness Club and the hotel is located close to shops, restaurants and attractions like Stanley Park and English Bay.
Comfort Inn Downtown. 54 Nelson St. -888-605-5333 (toll-free) or +1 604-605-4333. ttp://www.comfortinndowntown.com. he smallest room in winter will cost you $89. A reasonably-priced, well-situated hotel with some decent package deals as well.
Granville Grand Hotel. 212 Granville Street. 1 604-687-8293. ttp://www.granvillegrand.com. PM. 1AM. 49-$90. 9 16. 23 7. A boutique-style hotel that offers clean and comfortable accommodation. Washrooms are shared but private upon entry.
Hampton Inn & Suites. 11 Robson Street. 1 604-602-1008. 1 604-602-1008. ttp://www.hamptoninnvancouver.com. rom $129. Near BC Place stadium.
Kingston Hotel. 57 Richards Street. -888-713-3304 (toll-free) or +1 604-684-9024. ttp://kingstonhotelvancouver.com. 55-$170. Single, twin and double rooms with shared washrooms. The continental breakfast is free.
The Listel Hotel. 300 Robson Street. -800-663-5491 (toll-free) or +1 604-684-8461. oreinfo@thelistelhotel.com. ttp://www.thelistelhotel.com. 150 and up. Boutique hotel with an arts twist -- a number of the rooms and floors have been decorated by local museums or artists.
Modern Accommodations. 83 Beach Crescent, Vancouver, BC. arkwest@modernaccommodations.com. ttp://www.modernaccommodations.com/. pm. 1am. 129 CAD and Up. Modern Waterfront Furnished Apartment for short term vacation rental and Business travel in Vancouver Yaletown and False Creek North.
The Metropolitan. 45 Howe Street. 1 604-687-1122?. ttp://metropolitan.com. Luxury hotel featuring marble washrooms and soaker tubs.
The Sylvia Hotel. 154 Gilford St. ilford & Beach Ave, on English Bay. 1 604-681-9321. ttp://www.sylviahotel.com. 115-$200 (May - mid-Oct), cheaper rates available in low season. Hotel in a heritage building across the street from English Bay Beach. Mixture of standard rooms and suites, some rooms have a kitchen.
Times Square Suites. 00-1821 Robson St.. ake the #5 or #6 to Denman and Robson. 1 604-684-2223. ttp://www.timessquaresuites.com. PM. 120 and up. Apartment-style suites with a full kitchen, DVD, washer/dryer and fireplace. A little pricey, but for the location (literally two blocks from Lost Lagoon, and two blocks to shopping on Robson Street) its worth it.
Victorian Hotel. 14 Homer Street. -877-681-6369 (toll-free) or +1 604-681-6369. ttp://victorian-hotel.com. rices range from $79-139 in the summer. A historic hotel that has recently been renovated. Close walk to most attractions, but note that it is near a rough area of town. Some rooms have shared bathrooms.
YWCA Hotel. 33 Beatty Street. -800-663-1424 (toll-free) or +1 604-895-5830,. ttp://www.ywcahotel.com. rices range from $64-155 in the summer.. A modern hotel (12 years old) with a range of room sizes and prices. Close walk to most attractions and near BC Place Stadium. All rooms are private but some have shared bathrooms.
Splurge
'''Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver''', 1128 West Georgia Street, 1 (604) 689-1120 [http://www.shangri-la.com/vancouver]. A downtown luxury hotel located in the tallest building in Vancouver with 119 guest rooms, executive suites and space for meetings and events. The hotel also offers MARKET by Jean-Georges, Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Canadian debut, and access to the Chi spa.
'''Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel''' (''downtown, steps from Coal harbour'') [https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yvrdt-vancouver-marriott-pinnacle-downtown-hotel/] 1128 West Hastings Street, Phone: 1-604-684-1128, Toll-free: 1-800-207-4150. The Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel is steps away from Coal harbour and cruise ship terminal and offers a weddings and meetings hotel in downtown Vancouver featuring facilities that include fitness centre, indoor lap pool and whirlpool. Rates from $159 CAD/night.
'''Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside''' (''newly renovated guestrooms on the waterfront in downtown Vancouver'') [https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yvrrd-renaissance-vancouver-hotel-harbourside/] 1133 West Hastings Street, Phone: 1-604-689-9211, Toll-free: 1-800-905-8582. The Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside is located on the waterfront in downtown Vancouver within walking distance of the Alaska Cruise Ship Terminal and Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, Historic Gastown and Stanley Park. Rates from $159 CAD/night.
'''Crowne Plaza Hotel''', 801 W. Georgia St, +1 604 682-5566 [http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/home/]. All you would expect from a great hotel, including its wonderful location across from the Vancouver Art Gallery. From $300 although it can be as low as low as $110 for advance purchases and off-season.
'''Fairmont Hotel Vancouver''', 900 W. Georgia St, +1 604 684-3131 [http://www.fairmont.com/hotelvancouver]. Vancouver's grand old hotel. Beautifully decorated and a firmly established part of Vancouver's history. From $250-$400.
'''The Fairmont Waterfront''', 900 Canada Place Way, +1 604 691-1999 [http://www.fairmont.com/waterfront/]. The Fairmont Waterfront has a stunning view wherever there's a window. This 5-star hotel is located right across from Canada Place.From $300-$500.
Four Seasons Vancouver. 91 West Georgia St. 1 604-689-9333. 1 604-684-4555. ttp://www.fourseasons.com/vancouver/. 270 and up. Classy luxury hotel in the heart of Vancouver, decorated in classic style but with modern amenites. It features a pool, gym and the excellent restaurant and bar "YEW".
Hotel Le Soleil. 67 Hornby St. -877-632-3030 (toll-free) or +1 604-632-3000. ttp://www.hotellesoleil.com. 215-$270 in summer. A 119-room deluxe intimate luxury downtown Vancouver hotel with stylish sophistication and old world elegance. Located in the financial, shopping and business districts. Rated "One of the Top 100 Hotels in the World" - by Resorts & Great Hotels Magazine.
LuxuryYaletown. 067 Marinaside Crescent. 1-801-953-5483. ttp://LuxuryYaletown.com. Extremely luxuriously outfitted, 3 bedroom 3 bathroom 2 story luxury waterfront townhouse for vacation rental. In the heart of trendy Yaletown, directly on the marina. Website has lots of photos and details, but no mention of price. If you have to ask, you can't afford it.
Opus Hotel. 22 Davie Street. 1 604-642-6787. ttp://www.opushotel.com. 300 and up. Stylish and swanky boutique hotel in Yaletown that has made it to Conde Nast's gold list four years running. Reviewers like the modern decor and friendly staff but don't recommend it for families.
'''Pan Pacific''', 300-999 Canada Place, +1 604 662-8111 [http://vancouver.panpacific.com]. A harbor 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. $300-$500.
Pacific Pallisades. 277 Robson Street. 1 604-688-0461?. ttp://www.pacificpalisadeshotel.com. PM. oon. 245 and up in summer. Valet parking $26/night. Cozy hotel with contemporary styling and warm colours. Amenities include indoor pool, fitness center, free wifi, organic choices in the minibar and evening wine tasting at the gallery next door.
Sutton Place Hotel. 45 Burrard St. -866-378-8866? (toll-free) or +1 604-682-5511. ttp://www.vancouver.suttonplace.com. 320-$500 standard rate in peak season. 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.
'''Terminal City Tower''', 837 Hastings Street, [http://www.tctowerhotel.com/]. 60 room full service luxury boutique club hotel in downtown Vancouver BC offering lodging accommodations near tourist attractions, convention centre and cruise ship terminal.
Wedgewood Hotel and Spa. 45 Hornby Street. -800-663-0666 (toll-free) or +1 604-689-7777. ttp://www.wedgewoodhotel.com. 300-$425 for a room/suite in peak season. 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 center and business center for internet access (no wifi in rooms).
Westin Bayshore Resort & Marina. 601 Bayshore Dr. 1 604-682-3377. ttp://westinbayshore.com. Luxury downtown resort next to the Stanley Park with 510 rooms and stunning views of Coal Harbour and mountains.