What is more romantic than a trellis twined around a window of a hotel window built in the
1800's? Add to it the intense autumn colours of red and yellow and you are not transported
back in time but feel at home and at peace with the world. Such is the setting of the Sylvia
Hotel this autumn. It has the best view of English Bay, bar and restaurant with the same
view and a good mixture of locals and travellers. Even when it is busy, it is still the most
relaxing place to stay. A bit disappointinng is that not a the suites have coffee makers, or
hair dryers. However, there are ample restaurants, and some of the best--the Boathouse
Cactus Club and Milestones nearby.And to top it off; it is low season. Treat yourself!

We hesitated long and hard before we made our reservation. We knew we wanted a bayside view but were unsure whether the extra cost would be worthwhile.
When we compared prices to the Best Western just a few blocks away, the difference would have bought the evening meal with the wine. But in the end we decided to pay the premium.
We are so glad that we did, at our arrival the receptionist was wonderful, superbly efficient and aslo upgraded us to a suite on the 2nd floor.
And then began 3 fabulous October days in a sunny and warm Vancouver. And the best part was always walking back across the bayside knowing we were staying in the beautiful building in front of of us.
The building is old, the corridors have seen many feet over the hundred years but to us it had more charm at every level than some enormous glass and stainless steel edifice on the other side of town. All the staff we met were truly excellent and we will return.

The Sylvia is a lovely hotel with great service and location. You are right at English Bay and walking distance to Stanley Park. You literally cross the street and you are at the bay. Close to all amenities. The rooms are clean and quiet and they have quite a variety of rooms. They also have a patio to eat/drink and people watch. I have stayed several times and are always pleased we chose this hotel and location. Would stay again.

The Sylvia Hotel is a 99-year-old building that was originally a luxurious apartment building on English Bay in Vancouver's West End. Now a very popular hotel, it sits just next to Vancouver's high rise jungle to the east and the world-famous Stanley Park starting just a couple of blocks west. The vine-covered eight-storey hotel has wonderful views of the bay, the beach, and the edge of the high rise condo/apartment district. It is a easy walk to Denman and Davie Streets with their unique shops, cafes, and street life, and not far from the upscale shopping and entertainment attractions of Robson Street.

We paid thirty dollars extra per night for a water view, and what we got was a large corner room with a city view as well. There were four large, double-hung windows which could be opened to let in the sounds of the city as well as fresh air. When closed, the room was extremely quiet. The bed was very comfortable, and there were ample chairs for relaxing in. The bathroom was very basic: sufficient, but if one expects spa-like facilities, one would be disappointed! The room was very clean, and housekeeping did a fine job of making up the room during our stay. One convenience I missed was an in-room coffee maker: a quick trip down to the restaurant for a $3.00 takeout, or a short and refreshing walk to a nearby Starbucks provided my caffeine fix!

We had eaten at Sylvia's Restaurant before, so we were more than ready to enjoy their excellent breakfasts and good service again. The view from the restaurant is great. A late-evening drink in the comfortable lounge was just the way to end a day in the city.

We would recommend the Sylvia for anyone who appreciates an historic building with a great staff in a wonderful city.