9 Glorious Vancouver Waterfront Hotels | A City Break by the Water

The Pan Pacific Vancouver is as close to the Vancouver Waterfront as you can get in a hotel. It’s on the same finger of land that juts out into Vancouver Harbour, which also houses Canada Place and the Port of Vancouver. You’ll get views of Vancouver Harbour at the Pan Pacific, making it the ultimate hotel for watching cruise ships dock, and seeing seaplanes land on the inner harbour.

When you get hungry, you’ll find plenty of dining options, with four restaurants on site. You can grab Pacific Northwest cuisine at either OCeans 999 or the Five Sails Restaurant, have a light bite or drinks at the Patio Terrace, or enjoy premium cocktails the Coal Harbour Bar.

After a long day, the outdoor, heated saltwater pool is a fantastic place to stretch tired muscles, or you could treat yourself at the award winning Spa Utopia. Rooms are bright, luxurious and modern, with large windows, a pillow menu and luxury toiletries.

The Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver is an elegant, comfortable hotel that caters perfectly to families. Rooms are modern and spacious, with plenty of space for kids to run around. The Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver has almost every amenity a visiting family would want, from a heated outdoor pool, to a spacious gym, to great dining at ARC Restaurant off the lobby.

Make sure you take time to visit the charming rooftop beehives, which are carefully tended by the hotel’s beekeeper. There’s also a lovely rooftop garden, which grows herbs and vegetables served in the in-house ARC Bar and ARC Restaurant. After a long day exploring downtown Vancouver, take the kids to the heated outdoor pool, enjoy a spa massage, or spend some time in the steam room or whirlpool.

Try to get an ocean-facing room. Kids and adults alike will enjoy watching cruise ships dock (including the Disney Wonder), and seeing seaplanes land just outside their window.

The 5-star Fairmont Pacific Rim is waterfront luxury and comfort at its best. This modern hotel is packed with high-end amenities. Take in the Waterfront’s harbour and views at the rooftop pool and fire pits, or get a good workout at the expansive 4,000-square-foot gym. The luxury Willow Stream Spa has nine treatment areas, including a lovely spa terrace, three lounges, and a private couples’ room with a Japanese Zen tub.

Looking for a bite to eat? The hotel’s Lobby Lounge and RawBar serves ocean-fresh sushi, handcrafted cocktails and live music. Giovane Cafe + Eatery specializes in Italian cuisine and top-notch coffee. If you’re looking for farm-to-table dining, stop by Botanist Restaurant, which offers meals inspired by organic farming and sustainable sourcing. There’s even 24-hour in-room dining on offer.

Most rooms have views over the harbour and mountains, and some have patios with fireplaces.

When you’re not enjoying the amenities, or gazing at the spectacular view, take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary two-hour bike rental for a leisurely ride along the oceanfront.

If you’re looking for an environmentally conscious hotel with a strong Asian influence, you couldn’t do better than the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel by APA. This urban-style hotel is zero waste, and even offers two Sun Country Highway electric vehicle stations.

In your room, you’ll be greeted by traditional welcoming origami cranes, and breath taking floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the harbour. After a day of exploring kick back on your plush bed and relax watching the 55-inch TV.

Feel like some pampering? Stop by the hotel’s Japanese-style Sanatio Spa for a massage or treat yourself to a manicure at the nail lounge. Follow that with a stop at the fitness centre, pool or hot tub. You’ll enjoy exceptional cuisine at the signature Prestons Restaurant + Lounge, with local and seasonal ingredients on the menu.

A Vancouver waterfront address doesn’t need to come with a big price tag. The Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront (not to be confused with the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle) gets consistent praise for friendly and helpful staff, clean rooms, comfortable beds with pillow-top mattresses, and free Wi-Fi. Every guest room has a view of the city or harbour.

There’s a spacious gym beside the hot tub and indoor pool, and you can arrange a complimentary bike rental at the front desk for exploring Vancouver’s Seawall. After your ride, enjoy sustainable seafood, steaks, and cocktails at the hotel’s P2B Bistro & Bar, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If you’re looking for upscale comfort, the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown delivers in spades. Rooms have plush bedding and flat-panel TVs, and feature large windows with city or harbour views. Concierge-level rooms offer free continental breakfast and hors d’oeuvres, while suites have separate living areas and wet bars.

Indulge with 24-hour room service or stop by the hotel’s popular Showcase Restaurant & Bar for a relaxed meal. For the fitness-minded, there’s a 52-foot indoor lap pool and gym on site, and even a personal trainer available.

The boutique Auberge Vancouver Hotel makes for a a cozy romantic getaway on the Vancouver Waterfront. Couples will love the hotel’s unique Turkish bath, romantic outdoor terrace and gourmet chocolates delivered daily to their door. There’s even a basic free breakfast, which includes croissants, fresh fruit, cereals and beverages.

Sporty couples will enjoy the hotel’s squash court, state-of-the-art fitness centre, or table tennis for a lighter workout. After a workout, lovers can indulge in a hot-stone massage or reflexology treatment at the Spa. Follow your couple’s massage with a dip in the indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, or enjoy the nearby sauna and steam room.

After an afternoon spent being pampered, head out into the town for a romantic meal. If you’re craving classic British fare and pints of cold beer, stop by the Lion’s Pub, which is attached to the hotel.

The Delta Hotels Vancouver Downtown Suites is conveniently located in Vancouver’s historic Gastown neighbourhood, which was Vancouver’s original town site. Today, Gastown is a vibrant and eclectic mix of fine boutiques and shops, cafes, fine dining and night-time entertainment, and it’s walking distance to the Vancouver Waterfront.

Spend the afternoon wandering Gastown’s quaint Victorian buildings, browsing souvenir stores and fashion boutiques, and viewing the Whistling Steam Clock. One of only a few in the world, the Whistling Steam Clock whistles and shoots steam every quarter hour.

Be sure to stop by the Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery, which houses artwork by Canada’s First Nations and Inuit peoples. While you’re in Gastown, dine at one of its many  restaurants, with a wide range of cuisine, including farm-to-table, cutting-edge cocktails, and molecular gastronomy.

After a long day seeing the sights, the  Delta Hotels Vancouver Downtown Suites all-suite hotel is the perfect place to relax your tired muscles. There’s plenty of room to unwind, with modern, roomy, and well-appointed suites. If you’re feeling more ambitious, there’s a 24-hour fitness centre, and helpful business services.

The Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver is exactly what you’d expect from a downtown Vancouver luxury hotel, with modern amenities and a fantastic location bordered by West Georgia and Howe Streets. The hotel is a few blocks away from the Vancouver Waterfront proper, but still less than a 10-minute walk to the Port of Vancouver and Canada Place. It’s also a quick walk to the Vancouver Art Gallery, where you can catch work by local artists like Emily Carr or touring exhibits. There’s some great shopping nearby with a mix of high-end fashion retailers, like Holt Renfrew and Nordstrom (both in Pacific Centre mall) and smaller retails between West Georgia to Smithe Streets.

The Four Seasons is just above the Pacific Centre shopping mall, making for easy access to shopping and services. When you’re done taking in the sights, relax at the heated indoor/outdoor pool and hot tub that leads to an outdoor rooftop patio. Follow that with ocean fresh seafood at YEW Seafood + bar downstairs. If you’re traveling with your pup, your four-legged pal can enjoy a selection of chef-prepared items off Yew’s special dog menu.