921 W. Pender Street, Vancouver, Canada | (888) 551-4925
Convenient location within walking distance of the waterfront, two cruise ship terminals, a convention center, and Stanley Park
Cozy lobby with fireplace
Clean rooms with coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and microwaves
On-site dining includes an Irish-themed restaurant and bar, and a restaurant for breakfast and lunch
Small business center with two desktop computer stations
Free Wi-Fi
Daily fees for parking and breakfast
Older hotel in need of a refresh
Rooms and bathrooms can be tiny
No fitness center
The Days Inn Vancouver Downtown is one of the best deals in Vancouver, especially for its ultra-convenient location in an upscale neighborhood near the cruise ship port, waterfront, and convention center. The hotel was originally built in 1918 and definitely shows its age with tiny rooms and dated decor, but rooms are clean and have modern amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. The hotel also has an Irish pub, a restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch, and a modest business center. If a fitness center is a "must have," check rates at the Best Western Plus Chateau Granville Hotel & Suites & Conference Center.
Scene
Seven-story, budget-friendly chain hotel that's close to the waterfront
The Days Inn Vancouver Downtown was originally built in 1918 but doesn't retain much of its historic charm. The dark-gray facade looks modern, and fits in with the urban and posh neighborhood. A black cow statue hangs over the entrance to the hotel's Irish pub. Indoors, the lobby looks more '70s than historic with low ceilings, gold elevator doors, and desert-colored floor tiles. The fireplace mantle is topped with a rack of brochures. Guests are mostly families and tourists, who are either spending a night near the cruise ship port or looking for a budget-friendly home base from which to explore Vancouver.
Location
Near Vancouver's waterfront and port area
The Days Inn Vancouver Downtown's location is its main selling point. It sits in an upscale neighborhood known for fancy condos, nice restaurants, and trendy shopping. The mostly underground Pacific Center Mall (the largest in Vancouver) is less than a 10-minute walk away. The cruise ship ports are about a 10-minute drive from the hotel. While the ports are within walking distance, a taxi is advised for guests carrying luggage. Nearby self-parking is available for a fee.
Rooms
Some have been renovated but others still need a refresh
There are 85 rooms and suites at the Days Inn Vancouver Downtown, and each varies from the next. With their hardwood floors, crisp white walls, and novelty throw pillows printed with cute sayings, renovated rooms look fresh. Not-so-fresh rooms have stained carpets, dated striped wallpaper, and generic-looking wood furniture. Some rooms have Keurig coffeemakers, and all include flat-screen TVs. Guests should consider upgrading to a suite, which comes with more square footage. Views from the front of the hotel are best but consist mostly of the street and skyscrapers. The least expensive rooms have tiny bathrooms. Shower/tub combos and single sinks are standard. Noise and cleanliness don't seem to be problems here.
Features
Irish pub, on-site restaurant and lounge, free Wi-Fi, and a business center
As with other hotels in the value category, there aren't tons of features at the Days Inn Vancouver Downtown, but the on-site Irish pub and restaurant is a fun and unexpected touch at an otherwise bland hotel. The pub hosts occasional live music, and has billiards tables and plenty of flat-screen TVs. It serves upscale bar food for brunch (weekends), lunch, and dinner. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and there's a business center with computers and work spaces for guests to use.