Hotel BLU

This upscale, eco-conscious hotel distinguishes itself with its focus on sustainable practices as well as an array of tech-savvy amenities. The plastic bag and bottle-free zone has green roofs, electric-car charging stations, and utilizes in-room energy management systems, while guest rooms are equipped with plenty of nifty gadgets, including tablets and high-tech entertainment systems. Guests are greeted in a dramatic, high-ceilinged lobby with columns, textured silver wallpaper, shiny black tile, and hand-blown glass chandeliers. Angular sofas upholstered in plum and sage green are set in a windowed corner, while urns of lemon-infused ice water provide a nice refreshment. There is a breakfast room on the second floor as well as a privately owned restaurant on-site, Black Rice. The overall atmosphere is bustling and energetic, with both leisure tourists and business travelers milling about. The hotel's proximity to BC Place and the Rogers Arena also attracts many concert goers and sports fans.

The hotel is located in downtown Vancouver at the corner of Robson and Cambie streets, near many restaurants and shops. The hotel overlooks BC Place, a large stadium which is just down the block, and the Rogers Arena, which is a seven-minute walk away. Yaletown, a chic neighborhood for shopping and dining, is seven minutes away on foot. Other attractions in walking distance include Queen Elizabeth's Theatre (four minutes), Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (13 minutes), and Andy Livingston Park (13 minutes). Many sites can be reached in about five to 10 minutes by car, or 15 to 25 minutes via public transportation, including Science World at TELUS, the Vancouver Convention Center, Stanley Park, VanDusen Botanical Gardens, and the Vancouver Aquarium. The hotel also offers a free shuttle to area attractions. Vancouver International Airport is about a 20-minute drive or 40 minutes via public transportation.

Rooms and suites at the Hotel BLU are spacious, with stylish, contemporary decor and an array of modern comforts. Technological gadgetry and systems are plentiful, from the e-readers and Samsung Galaxy Tablets provided to each guest (tablets, in an aqua blue cover, match throws and pillows) to the climate control that fluctuates with the body temperature of guests. Guests can wirelessly stream content from their own devices to the in-room entertainment system. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, 40-inch flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, mini-fridges, microwaves, electronic safes, Bluetooth-enabled alarm clocks, and USB charging ports by the nightstands. Beds have pillow-top mattresses with large toffee leather headboards. Suites add sitting areas, some with sofa beds, plus some rooms have private terraces. The bathrooms are spacious with dark tile floors, brown wood vanities, and walk-in rainfall showers that are separated from the bedrooms by glass walls (with privacy shades), plus some have shower/tubs. Toiletries are the upscale Elemis brand.

Environmentally-conscious guests at the Hotel BLU will appreciate the property's green roofs, electric-car charging stations, clean energy systems, and ban on plastic bags and bottles. The hotel promotes clean energy by offering bikes free of charge, plus there's a free area shuttle. Breakfast is included with online bookings and served in an elegant breakfast room. There is also a sleek, privately owned, Japanese restaurant on-site, Black Rice, that includes a sushi bar. 

The hotel has an indoor pool, sauna, and a well-rounded fitness center with treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, and yoga mats. For business travelers, there's a small center with a computer, fax, printer, and seating area. The hotel offers two conference rooms, one of them with glass walls and city views. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and free laundry facilities are a nice touch. The 24-hour front desk, staffed with multilingual employees, provides concierge service and luggage storage. Self- and valet parking are available for a fee that some guests complain is too pricey. Dogs up to 50 pounds, allowed for a fee, receive a bowl, treats and a bed.