1154 Gilford St, Vancouver, Canada | (888) 905-8267
Picturesque location across the street from English Bay and next to Stanley Park
Housed in a lovely designated historical building constructed in 1912
Spacious rooms and suites, some with kitchens and views of the bay
On-site restaurant and lounge serves three meals a day, indoors or on a quaint patio
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Pets allowed upon request
Large boardroom available for meetings
Desktop computer and printer for guests' use
Fees for parking and breakfast
Older building shows some wear
Some bathrooms are on the small side
Too far to walk to downtown Vancouver
No fitness facilities
The mid-range Sylvia Hotel is a nice choice for those looking for a comfy and homey hotel away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Vancouver. Built in 1912 as an apartment house, the ivy-covered hotel is a designated landmark that exudes loads of charm -- but guests should also some expect wear and tear. Rooms are renovated to include up-to-date technology such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. But some bathrooms are smallish, and the decor goes a bit heavy on clunky woods. The on-site restaurant gets rave reviews, as do the views of English Bay and the location next to Stanley Park.
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Scene
Charming, historic, and cozy
The folks at Sylvia Hotel claim that the ivy covering half their brick building was originally planted by a guest. Whether that's true or not, the green plant adds a charming touch to the brick exterior. Inside, the entrance is grand. Marble walls are decorated with metal crests, and the white ceiling has gold molded details. But the marble steps end in a standard and boring lobby. Though antique wooden furniture adds charm, industrial carpeting detracts from the effect. Sylvia's Restaurant and Bar has a fun outdoor patio with views of English Bay across the tree-lined street. Diners who sit inside can take in the view through bay windows.
Location
On Beach Avenue next to Stanley Park
Sylvia Hotel's location is more conducive to those who want to explore the Sea Wall on English Bay or Stanley Park than guests who want fast access to shopping malls, clubs, or the financial district -- which are about a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Its location on Beach Avenue is quiet and picturesque, with the beach across the street and the park next door. Denman Street is just a few minutes' walk away, and has some of the most popular restaurants in Vancouver. The neighborhood is lush and green without a lot of busy car traffic, but it bustles with cyclers and walkers.
Rooms
Clean and comfortable rooms, some with some bay views
There are 120 rooms and suites at Sylvia Hotel. Some have beautiful bay windows that overlook the water, while others have kitchenettes and two bedrooms. The decor is a little bland. Picture industrial carpeting, neutral walls, and heavy wooden furniture. Alarm clocks and telephones look straight out of the '90s, but coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs are modern touches. Bathrooms consist of shower/tub combinations and single sinks. Some of the bathrooms are cramped. Double-paned windows keep rooms quiet.
Features
Excellent restaurant and bar
Sylvia Hotel is a historic property, and there isn't room for many public features. The on-site restaurant gets high marks for coastal inspired food served three times a day, though there isn't a free breakfast option. Guests can eat indoors or out, depending on the weather. There's a full bar with a specialty cocktail menu; previous guests have raved about the blueberry martini. Business travelers should note the boardroom-style meeting room and desktop computer and printer available for guests' use. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Pets are allowed with previously established permission. On-site parking comes with a fee.
