I agree with you, keekeemoo. I had such high hopes for this B&B when I booked it. The glowing reviews and expensive price tag made me think it was something exceptional.
For the positive, the room we stayed in (The Peak Room) was nicely done with modern decor. The chilled split of champagne when we checked in was sweet, and the cookies and Toblerone bars were nice too. The breakfasts were also very tasty. The small porch was a nice place to relax and watch the cool neighborhood. Dennis' suggestions were somewhat helpful, although I wish we would have continued with our original plans that he talked us out of. Nice fridge and additional sink outside of the bathroom.
As for the negative, the worst part about our stay was that the room was hot in the afternoon and evening (since it's on the top floor and has not air conditioning) and especially that the bed was incredibly lumpy and mushy. There were plenty of windows to help cool the room once the sun went down, but then, we couldn't sleep because we could hear every neighbor yelling, car alarm honking, and crow squawking (continuously from 5am on). After the first 4am phone call, we notice that in the room literature, it said to be sure your phone ringer was turned off, but we couldn't figure out how as there were no labels on the buttons. There were a couple of other calls like that. One of the draws for me was the great claw footed tubs. As it turned out, ours was just a replica made out of acrylic or fiberglass. It was inconvenient to use, and I had a heck of a time trying to shave my legs. I finally tried to draw a bath but fought with the drain to keep in the water, then fought to let it out to shower. It was nice of the Barclay House to provide coffee, tea, and water, but the quality of each was not too impressive cosidering the price being paid to stay. They were each a mixed match lot of grocery store and warehouse brands. I realize that this is a turn of the century Victorian located downtown, but the patched painting and tiny lounging areas outside (very misleading from pics on web) are just not up to snuff for a luxury B&B. Also, I guess I should have know that attention to detail wasn't always there when I e-mailed beforehand to get recommendations on a good restaurant and then later asked if they could make reservations at a certain one. There was no response, and I had to call myself.
We've also stayed at many B&Bs, and the Barclay House has made me wonder if we're just not B&B types anymore. If looking for a modestly priced place to stay in Van, I'd recomment the Blue Horizon Hotel & wish we would have stayed there. All in all, the Barclay House was the most expensive place we stayed at during our week long trip but was the most disappointing. We were just plain exhausted when we left (and grumpy too, have you noticed?).

A perfect start for our honeymoon. The staff were warm and friendly, happy to do anything to make our stay better. The breakfast really was excellent, my favourite being the quesadillas. Free wi-fi came in very handy, as did the pocket-size cards with tour suggestions. Loved coming home to freshly baked cookies every evening. Really excellent place to stay, we've kept the Wedding Congratulations card we were given as a fond souvenir. The only little glitch was a mix-up with our deposit, but that was easily resolved. I definitely recommend it.

We stayed for 2 days at Mountain Suite, its cozy room and very quite with a little balcony on the side, it was beautiful, everything was properly taking care off, the staff was great, specially Dennis who helped us a lot with regards the directions.

He is so jolly, that made our stay specials, Whe we came back from Victoria, we stayed at Haidaway, WOW! it was amazing, we dont feel like going out anymore when we saw that room, i cant find the perfect words to discribe how beautiful it was. Then again, Dennis was there to give us informations where to go or not to go, he is so precise. Thanks Dennis.

I recommend this B&B to all the people in the world who wants for a change, instead of staying in laxurious hotels. This is the best B&B in Vancouver, and the Best host you can find. More power to you guys!

Jen

We stayed at Barclay House at the end of a 3 week trip across Canada by train, stopping off enroute several times, so in need of some relaxation before flying home to the UK. - and this is what we had.
J-J and his team were wonderful - they know how to make their guests feel at home. Thay knew exactly when to expect us (early arrivals); they ordered taxis ( arrived on time); when we said we would be catching an early ferry to Vancouver Island,they said they would provide a continental breakfast in our room(and it included yogourt and bilberries). Our room was peaceful with a very comfortable bed and a TV that worked. Breakfasts were delightful and filling - enough to carry you through to the afternoon.
We had visited Vancouver twice before so were not planning to do a lot of sightseeing. However the location of Barclay House meant that we walked everywhere and saw places with fresh eyes; Stanley Park,Chinatown and the classical Chinese garden,English Bay at sunset,Granville Island, Water St (but don't stay too long on Hastings St!!)