It’s easy to understand Vancouver’s appeal. Exuding casual West Coast cool, the city blends a striking, modern skyline with stunning natural features — snow-capped Coast Mountains to the north and bodies of water to the west and south. It’s the kind of place where outdoor enthusiasts can kayak, ski or bike, while culture seekers barely need to leave their hotels, where lobbies often double as galleries for area artists.
Whether you seek a hotel stepped in the city’s creative scene or a harbor-front property mere steps from the Seawall, you can trust this exclusive list to find a place to stay.
To discover the best hotels in Vancouver, Forbes Travel Guide’s incognito inspectors posed as ordinary guests and stayed multiple nights at each property. The inspectors tested hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, which accounts for 70% of a property’s rating. The remaining 30% comes from the quality and condition of the facilities. FTG does not require a business relationship from the properties it rates, and it does not earn a commission if you book one of the following hotels.
Five-Star Hotels in Vancouver
Fairmont Pacific Rim
Get unobstructed views of the mountains and harbor from the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Fairmont Pacific Rim. One block from the waterfront downtown, this deluxe glass tower mixes modern Asian and West Coast elements while offering an extensive art program, a newly renovated Five-Star spa and several stylish restaurants and lounges that attract both travelers and locals.
Botanist, the hotel’s restaurant celebrating sustainably sourced, local ingredients prepared with contemporary flair, has long generated buzz. Following the appointment of executive chef Amanda Healey this past summer, there’s even more reason to visit. See more.
Four-Star Hotels in Vancouver
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
The oldest of the four Fairmonts in metropolitan Vancouver, this castle-like property opened in 1939 to much fanfare, including a visit from King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
One of the grand Canadian Pacific Railway hotels built after the completion of Canada’s nationwide rail system, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver retains its stately historic ambiance, updated with the technology and amenities of a modern luxury property. In fact, the 87-year-old hotel unveiled a $55 million renovation in 2019 to its guest rooms and heritage suites, lobby and sleek Notch8 Restaurant and Bar. See more.
Paradox Vancouver
In a landmark twisting skyscraper designed by late Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, Paradox Vancouver aims to be more playful and contemporary than a classic luxury hotel. With a high-end Chinese restaurant, a comprehensive spa and even a lobby pool table, this downtown property towering above West Georgia Street wants you to get out of your stylishly designed room as much as possible.
There’s no shortage of dance spots to grab your attention during your stay. At Karma Lounge, DJs spin tunes most nights, while in Mansion Nightclub, weekend parties extend into the wee hours. Looking for quick dip? Mansion removes its dance floor during the day to reveal a swimming pool. You can also find a hot tub on the spacious terrace. See more.
Rosewood Hotel Georgia
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Rosewood Hotel Georgia offers its guests one of the best locations for exploring the city. An iconic hotel opened in 1927, it was once a playground for movie stars of the early 20th century. The chic address underwent an overhaul in 2024. It now boasts tastefully appointed rooms with upscale touches, such as Pratesi linens and heated bathroom floors, and revamped lobby areas with a fantastic contemporary art collection.
The superb staff, especially the concierges, will instantly make you feel at home, from arranging use of the hotel’s chauffeured Bentley or Mercedes to providing outstanding restaurant recommendations. See more.
Recommended Hotels in Vancouver
JW Marriott Parq Vancouver
JW Marriott Parq Vancouver anchors the city’s entertainment destination, Parq Vancouver. A stay at this property offers you unlimited access to the urban resort’s 72,000-square-foot casino, 17th-floor spa and eight fabulous food and drink outlets.
The lodging is ideal for corporate travelers with spacious work desks, an executive lounge and more than 60,000 square feet of meeting space (including Vancouver’s largest hotel ballroom), but it also woos vacationers with its proximity to the BC Place sports and concert arena and Yaletown’s waterfront, as well as its endless on-property entertainment. See more.
The St. Regis Hotel
Independent, Canadian-owned The St. Regis Hotel is a boutique beauty occupying a heritage building in the heart of Vancouver’s lively business district. It originally opened in 1913, and thanks to a vintage build, the hotel’s 65 rooms and suites each sport unique layouts.
The St. Regis’ common areas, such as the hallways and the comfortable business center on the main floor, showcase its expansive modern art collection. When you hunger for more than just art, pop into the hotel’s Gotham Steak House for drinks and sustenance, and you won’t be able to bypass Beaucoup Bakery’s tempting array of French pastries (like cardamom kouign-amanns and pistachio croissants) and creative treats blending East and West flavors (like cakes featuring chocolate and sesame or mango and yuzu). See more.
The Sutton Place Hotel
From a personal concierge to a wine merchant boutique, The Sutton Place Hotel seamlessly melds European elegance, classic charm and warm hospitality to create a spectacular stay in the heart of town. The hotel also has standout dining with the chic, European-bistro-style Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar and the English-club-like, wood-paneled Gerard Lounge.
This year also marks the hotel’s 40th anniversary, which is being celebrated in fittingly elegant style through a partnership with a fellow family-owned Vancouver business, Harling’s Jewellers. For a limited time, the Ruby Suite Experience gives guests the chance to stay in the Presidential Suite, enjoy a four-course chef’s tasting menu at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, spend time at the hotel’s spa and receive a beautiful ruby pendant and necklace. See more.
