Park Inn & Suites by Radisson

The Park Inn is a simple and functional hotel that offers a clean and modern place to stay for travelers who don't need tons of perks. The style throughout is corporate-chain in character -- with dark and light wood paneling alongside generic wall art -- and it's not exactly the kind of place you'd spend hours passing the time. However, for travelers who are in town for procedures at Vancouver General Hospital, or those who don't mind a relatively easy public transit commute into downtown, it can fit the bill. Spaces are clean and, despite some noise from traffic and the hospital, it's a pleasant option just outside the downtown core. 

The Park Inn is located directly beside Vancouver General Hospital, making it convenient for those in town for medical reasons. As an added bonus, the hotel is located on the Fairview Slopes and rooms located on the north side of the building benefit from uninterrupted views of the downtown skyline and the North Shore mountains. It's location directly on Broadway means that it has access to the best transit in the city, but also the traffic noise of the major thoroughfare. Buses can have visitors at Granville Island in 15 minutes and UBC in 35 minutes. If you're traveling to the airport or downtown, the hotel is a few blocks away from the Broadway/City Hall Canada Line station, which is your best option for traveling in the north-south direction. It will take you 35 minutes to reach the hotel from YVR and 15 minutes to reach City Centre Station in the heart of downtown.

Rooms are finished in dark wood paneling and patterned carpets that create a simple, modern look. They're furnished with one or two double beds, bedside tables with lamps, clocks, phones, desks, and flat-screen TVs. Additional items are stored in closets, such as irons and ironing boards, coffeemakers and kettles, and mini-fridges. Free Wi-Fi is available and rooms are air-conditioned. Every room at the Park Inn has a Juliet balcony, a feature that is significantly more enjoyable if you're staying in one of the rooms with a view of downtown and the mountains. However, these rooms are directly above Broadway and street noise can be a nuisance to guests. The rooms on the south side of the building are quieter and cheaper, but look onto an alley. Bathrooms include a decent amount of counter space as well as shower/tub combos.

The Park Inn offers just the basics, which isn't surprising given its three-pearl status. The restaurant is small and casual, suitable for families with children looking for a no-fuss meal. For other guests who aren't looking to go far but don't have children in tow, the hotel also owns and operates the adjacent Fairview Pub, which has live music performances and a full food and drink menu. Guests who are in Vancouver for extended stays will be happy to know that the hotel has coin-operated washers and dryers. The fitness area appears to be a converted guest room and is really only sufficient for a basic workout. There's also a function room that can fit up to 80 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Parking is available, but costs extra.