The Burrard | A Mid-Century Modern Stay in Vancouver

Walking by The Burrard, you’d have no idea about its secret green courtyard hidden inside. But there is something special about it if you look a little closer.

There’s something surreal about sitting by a fireplace surrounded by palm trees smack in the middle of downtown Vancouver. Yet there I was, just a couple of blocks over from the clubs and bars of bustling Granville Street, enjoying a few minutes to myself in just such a place.

Walking by The Burrard, you’d have no idea about its secret green courtyard hidden inside. Rather simple in appearance, the four-story building is easy to miss among the many hotel and apartment towers around the city. But there is something special about it if you look a little closer.

Originally built in 1956 as the “Burrard Motor Inn”, the property is rich in history. However, its present and future are just as exciting. When new owners took over in 2010, the Motor Inn was transformed into a modern hotel, with one important catch: the mid-century style and feel were retained, giving the accommodation a unique twist to stand out from their competition.

Fuel up at Elysian and burgoo

Connecting to the hotel lobby is Elysian, a local coffee roaster offering baked goods and, of course, coffee. As a big cappuccino fan, I can confirm this is the place to be to start your day right. If you’re looking for a little snack with your coffee, don’t miss out on the delicious chocolate chip cookies.

For lunch and dinner, check out burgoo, a bistro-style restaurant serving comfort food right next door. Its old-world, countryside style fits right in with The Burrard’s throwback feel.

If you’re looking for something a bit fancier or simply want to explore Vancouver’s food culture, walking a few steps down any of the surrounding streets will do the trick – thanks to its central downtown location, The Burrard is surrounded by excellent dining options.

Images courtesy of Martin Tessler