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31 Pender St W, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 1R3 Canada
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$210
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Traveler (137)
360
Panoramas (21)
Room & Suite (378)
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

About

#4 of 103 Specialty lodging in Vancouver
Location
3.9
Cleanliness
4.7
Service
4.7
Value
4.5
Travelers' Choice
This property has identified as Indigenous-owned.
Tripadvisor does not verify the accuracy of this information.
VNHS opened Skwachàys Lodge, the Urban Indigenous Fair-Trade Gallery, and the Artists in Residence Program in June of 2012. The former Pender Hotel was transformed from a three-and-a-half-story derelict SRO hotel to a unique Indigenous social enterprise that combines a boutique hotel with a street-level art gallery, that supports on-site housing and studio space for 24 Indigenous artists. VNHS identified the vulnerability of many urban Indigenous artists – artists in need of housing, artists who for various reasons are not able to properly represent and market themselves or their work. Often these artists are commercially exploited through a long established ‘street or underground’ market that takes advantage of their vulnerability. They try to live ‘off their work’ by selling on the street or in the bars or through the commercial dealer network that purchases original, gallery quality art for, at times, only five or ten cents on the dollar. By creating a live/work supportive complex with a built-in gallery and community production space, VNHS took a lead role in addressing the social and economic inequities that Indigenous artists can face. The Artists in Residence Program is a unique and life-changing housing program for practicing Indigenous artists. The program includes very affordable housing in clean, unfurnished bachelor suites, 24/7 access to shared artist workshops, and participation in programming opportunities for personal and professional development that help artists develop their craft and move into the next phase of their careers. A 3-year residency in the program is dependent on successful program participation and the achievement of self-defined career goals. Emerging, mid-career, and senior artists are welcome to apply. To date we have had over 110 Indigenous artists complete the program. The Lodge, the Urban Indigenous Fair-Trade Gallery and production space are operated as a self-sustaining social enterprise. Artists are paid a fair price for their work. The model follows the established practices found in the art world. Generally an artist receives between 30%-60% of the retail price depending on the artist’s reputation and the cost that is underwritten by the gallery (framing, marketing and promotional expenses.) In short, when a guest spends their overnight travel dollars at the Skwachàys Lodge there is a social impact – people are housed. When a guest, a member of the community or a company purchases authentic Indigenous art at the Fair Trade Gallery, there is a social impact – a simple purchase fights cultural misappropriation and ensures that Indigenous artists are paid fairly for their work. Cultural tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism sector and there is absolutely a place for our urban Indigenous artists to participate in this industry as a means of reclaiming their lives and independence.
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Property amenities
Paid private parking on-site
Parking garage
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Meeting rooms
Baggage storage
Gift shop
Complimentary tea
Non-smoking hotel
Shared lounge / TV area
Shops
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Room features
Blackout curtains
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Safe
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Walk-in shower
Telephone
Iron
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Microwave
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
Radio
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Green
Centrally Located
Languages Spoken
English

Location

100Great for walkers
Grade: 100 out of 100
172Restaurantswithin 0.3 miles
78Attractionswithin 0.3 miles
566Reviews5Q+A100Room tips
Traveler rating
  • 363
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  • 28
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  • 10
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Popular mentions
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Most Recent
Emilie L wrote a review Jan 2023
1 contribution
Our stay was perfect in every way. The staff, room, breakfast - all exceeded expectations. More businesses should operate with heart and soul like Skwachays. We will definitely be back and have recommended it to our friends.
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from Lakshmi McCall, General Manager at Skwachàys Lodge
Responded 4 weeks ago
The team at Skwachays Lodge is exceptional in all ways and I am so happy that you enjoyed your stay. Thank you for choosing Skwachàys as your stay directly supports our ingenious artist-in-residence program and we look forward to welcoming you again.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
paixful wrote a review Nov 2022
Lethbridge, Canada463 contributions235 helpful votes
We stopped by on our way to Chinatown. We visited the gift shop and learned all about this hotel. I think we will definitely stay here in the future as it is a social enterprise that is doing great things for Indigenous artists. The gift shop has a lot of wonderful items and open to anyone.
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Date of stay: November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from Lakshmi McCall, General Manager at Skwachàys Lodge
Responded Nov 29, 2022
Thank you for taking the time to visit our gallery, as money spent at the gallery directly supports our ingenious artist-in-residence program. We look forward to welcoming you to our lodge on your next visit.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jonathan wrote a review Nov 2022
Hervey Bay, Australia1 contribution
This hotel is so central to everything in Vancouver. Each room is designed by a different First Nations artist and the cost of your stay contributes to the work of employing artists in residence. The rooms are beautiful. The people are lovely. The position is first rate. I thoroughly recommend this hotel to all travellers keen to support First Nations peoples and who want a divine experience of Vancouver. I’m coming back!
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip: Nothing to avoid. Spend some time and money in the gallery.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from Lakshmi McCall, General Manager at Skwachàys Lodge
Responded Nov 10, 2022
It appears that you really enjoyed your hotel stay and our location and thank you for choosing Skwachàys as your stay directly supports our ingenious artist-in-residence program. We appreciate you taking the time to review your stay at Skwachays Lodge and look forward to your next visit.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hansNetherlands wrote a review Oct 2022
Berkel en Rodenrijs, The Netherlands319 contributions191 helpful votes
Well, this is a place we would recommend. Rooms are nice and the place has a warm atmosphere. The only thing you should know that is not located in the best part of town. I mean, be aware of a lot of sketchy people, especially at night. We were fine and it did not bother us but i think it is important to know. Otherwise you are a hop and a skip from Chinatown or Gas Town which is really nice. The shop is well stocked too and the personnel could not be more friendly!!!
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Date of stay: August 2022
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from Lakshmi McCall, General Manager at Skwachàys Lodge
Responded Oct 9, 2022
The team at Skwachays Lodge is exceptional in all ways and I am so happy that you enjoyed your stay. Hotel is in a diverse and thriving neighborhood that can have challenges, just like many large cities, but so close to Rogers Arena, BC Place, Chinatown, Gastown, and the Stadium/Chinatown Skytrain station all of which make it an ideal location. Thank you for choosing Skwachàys as your stay directly supports our ingenious artist-in-residence program;p we hope to see you again in the future.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ade S wrote a review Sep 2022
1 contribution
I had a really unfortunate stay at Skwachays Lodge. The rooms are lovely and the art gallery is awesome. Sadly, that's where my praise ends. The night manager was super pushy and overly familiar, the price for the room seemed really high given the lack of food or other offerings, and the neighborhood is definitely not great. Just want to flag that especially if you are traveling solo.
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Date of stay: September 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from Lakshmi McCall, General Manager at Skwachàys Lodge
Responded Sep 27, 2022
Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and we will continue to improve the guest experience. Skwachàys is in a diverse and thriving neighborhood that can have challenges, just like many large cities, but so close to Rogers Arena, BC Place, Chinatown, Gastown and the Stadium/Chinatown Skytrain station all of which make it an ideal location. Thank you for choosing Skwachàys as your stay directly supports our ingenious artist-in-residence program.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pamela W wrote a review Sep 2022
Chicago, Illinois31 contributions9 helpful votes
+1
We didn't spend much time in our room since there was so much to see in the City of Vancouver but the room was quiet and comfortable. The art work in the room was lovely with a light backed mural above the bed. We even had our own terrace although we never really got the time to use it. The only drawback is the neighborhood a block away which caused us to be very aware of our surroundings walking back at night.
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Date of stay: August 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Share
Response from Lakshmi McCall, General Manager at Skwachàys Lodge
Responded Sep 27, 2022
Skwachàys is in a diverse and thriving neighborhood that can have challenges, just like many large cities, but so close to Rogers Arena, BC Place, Chinatown, Gastown and the Stadium/Chinatown Skytrain station all of which make it an ideal location. Thank you for choosing Skwachàys as your stay directly supports our ingenious artist-in-residence program and we hope to see you again in the future.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Harlan S wrote a review Aug 2022
4 contributions
A beautiful and artistic hotel. Staff is wonderful, and the area is convenient to Gastown and the Downtown Area. The hotel is dedicated to the arts of culture of Native Canadians of British Columbia. Very Inspiring.
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Date of stay: August 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
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Response from Lakshmi McCall, General Manager at Skwachàys Lodge
Responded Aug 30, 2022
Thank you for choosing Skwachàys as your stay directly supports our ingenious artist-in-residence program. It appears that you really enjoyed your hotel stay and our location. We really appreciate your feedback and hope that you'll come back soon.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jochen Fromm wrote a review Aug 2022
Berlin, Germany15 contributions3 helpful votes
At first we were a bit shocked because the surrounding area is not the best, but the city is aware of the problem and working on solutions. The hotel itself has a beautiful design and very friendly staff which was able to resolve all problems in no time. Radhika, Rick and their colleague went above and beyond expectations. Thank you for a great time!
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Be aware that the surrounding area (Gastown & Chinatown) is not the best
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
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Response from Lakshmi McCall, General Manager at Skwachàys Lodge
Responded Aug 30, 2022
The team at Skwachays Lodge is exceptional in all ways and I am so happy that you enjoyed your stay. It appears that you really enjoyed your hotel stay and our location and thank you for supporting our ingenious artist-in-residence program by choosing to stay at Skwachays . We really appreciate your feedback and hope that you'll come back soon.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PirateRipley wrote a review Jul 2022
Calgary, Canada11 contributions10 helpful votes
Beautiful rooms and great service. The bed was hands down the best hotel bed I’ve slept on. This place is definitely maintained and run with love. They keep the building nicely locked down so you feel 100% safe during your visit. You’re a couple blocks from East Hastings, but West Pender is not as bad and I felt totally secure by myself here. Great if you are going to a show or game, close to transit. The hosts always have good nearby food diggestions too. This is my new go to spot for Vancouver trips!!
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Share
Response from Lakshmi McCall, General Manager at Skwachàys Lodge
Responded Aug 30, 2022
Thank you for choosing Skwachàys as your stay directly supports our ingenious artist-in-residence program. It appears that you really enjoyed your hotel stay and our location. We really appreciate your feedback and hope that you'll come back soon.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Travel Guy wrote a review Jun 2022
Washington DC, District of Columbia114 contributions162 helpful votes
I assume not very many people know of this unique small hotel, the cab driver from the airport had no clue of the name or where it was & he was a local, but we found the place by it's address. Note, cab from airport was $40.00 CAD kind of expensive. Check in was quick, the nice guy explained all about the hotel & all was taken in. My room on the 6th floor (601) was large with a king size bed but was in a loft type which ment going up a flight of stairs after walking into the room which was a chore with luggage. The room & bathroom were fine, bathrobes were in the closet. The place was very clean & I had no issues with anything. Now, the hotel is not in the best of location in Vancouver (lots of homeless) but I felt safe walking at night, there is a Tim Horton's right by for breakfast which due to COVID the hotel no longer offers.
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Date of stay: June 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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PRICE RANGE
$161 - $357 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
CanadaBritish ColumbiaVancouverCentral / Downtown
NUMBER OF ROOMS
18
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SKWACHAYS LODGE - Updated 2023 Prices & Reviews (Vancouver, British Columbia)

Frequently Asked Questions about Skwachàys Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Skwachàys Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Find and Seek (0.04 miles), Steam Clock (0.3 miles), and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (0.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Skwachàys Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, meeting rooms, and reduced mobility rooms.
Which room amenities are available at Skwachàys Lodge?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Skwachàys Lodge?
Guests can enjoy complimentary tea and free instant coffee during their stay.
Is parking available at Skwachàys Lodge?
Yes, a parking garage, paid private parking on-site, and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Skwachàys Lodge?
Conveniently located restaurants include Purebread, Jam Cafe YVR, and Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie.
Is Skwachàys Lodge located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.5 miles away from the center of Vancouver.
Are there any historical sites close to Skwachàys Lodge?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Yaletown (0.9 miles), Engine 374 Pavilion (0.9 miles), and Gaoler's Mews (0.2 miles).
Is Skwachàys Lodge accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.