Vancouver Downtown Waterfront Hotels

Locations, descriptions and reviews of Vancouver Downtown Waterfront Hotels.

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By Darrin Robertson, VTT Editor - Updated: January 17, 2023

One of Vancouver's most famous attractions is the Pacific Ocean. That makes hotels in Vancouver near the water a first choice for many travellers to the city.

But where exactly are they, how are they different, and which one is the best for you?

Here's our review of downtown Vancouver oceanfront hotels...

The Best Vancouver Downtown Waterfront Hotels

Pan Pacific

The Pan Pacific is perhaps the most famous downtown Vancouver waterfront hotel. It's part of Canada Place, which includes the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Center, The Alaska cruise ship terminal and more.

You'll love the luxury accommodation here, and the views from many of the rooms of the Pan Pacific look straight out on to Burrard Inlet and the North Shore mountains. You can see ship traffic (including cruise ships), sea planes taking off, and the Lions Gate bridge.

The Pan Pacific is also very close to downtown Vancouver, the business district, and Gastown. Stanley Park is about a 5 minute drive away, easy by taxi or shuttle bus.

Distance to the Waterfront: Just a few steps out the front door.

Fairmont Waterfront Hotel

Another good choice for downtown Vancouver seaside accommodation is The Fairmont Waterfront. It's actually right across the street from the Pan Pacific, so it has the same great location to all the downtown attractions.

The water views are great, even from the outdoor pool. Other rooms have fine city views. There's full fitness center facilities and fine dining too. Underneath the Fairmont is Waterfront Center, a collection of retail shops, services and fast food outlets.

Overall, a great combination of great views, fine seaside lodging, and shopping.

Distance to the Waterfront: Across the street.

Westin Bayshore

The only downtown Vancouver waterfront hotel that is virtually next door to Stanley Park. This makes the Westin a great choice for visitors and outdoor enthusiasts.

Because of its seaside and parkside location, the Bayshore is not as close to the downtown business core as the Pan Pacific or Fairmont. But they have a complimentary shuttle, and the best shopping on Robson street is just a few short blocks away.

Distance to the Waterfront: Boats are docked right outside!

Sylvia Hotel

Skip across town to the West End, and you'll find the Sylvia Hotel, perched on the edge of English Bay. While other Vancouver downtown waterfront hotels aim directly at the business traveller, The Sylvia is perfect for more casual visitors looking for very affordable downtown vancouver seaside lodging.

You'll find this hotel's locale great for exploring English Bay and shopping. There's also lots of excellent restaurants and eateries in every price range just around the corner.

Distance to the Waterfront: About 100 feet from the front door.

The Meridian at 910 Beach

The Meridian is different from other Vancouver downtown waterfront hotels, and that's because of it's unique location. It's on Beach avenue, at the very south end of downtown Vancouver.

If you don't mind a short drive or taxi to downtown business or shops, staying at the Meridian has some exciting advantages. Trendy Yaletown is nearby with great eateries and entertainment, and the funky neighborhood of Kitsilano is just across the bridge.

But perhaps the best feature of the Meridian is that it's only a 5-minute ferry ride to Granville Island and the fantastic shops, galleries and public market there.

Distance to the Waterfront: About 1/2 block (easy walk).